Event Details

Dispelling the Myths:  Employment of Individuals with DisAbilities

*HRCI Credit has been applied for this program.

Please RSVP to:  reservations@midhudsonhr.org by Monday, October 8th.

In honor of Disability Employment Awareness Month, the MHHRA Diversity Committee is proud to present a panel discussion: Dispelling the Myths:  Employment of Individuals with DisAbilities.

Panelists from three different organizations who specialize in employment of people with disabilities will help to dispel myths about the purported difficulty and cost to employ individuals with disabilities.  They will share strategies to source individuals with disabilities, how to accommodate their needs, and place them with appropriate supports in the workplace.  They will also share information about the services their respective organizations can provide to your workplace.  For example, job coaching, supported employment, and disability awareness/inclusion programs.

Panel Members

Helen Edelstein, Director of Vocational Transition Center, Gateway Community Industries

Helen is the Director of Vocational Transition Center at Gateway Community Industries.  She has been employed as a Rehabilitation Counselor and Program Administrator at Gateway Community Industries for over 25 years.  She developed and implemented an array of rehabilitation, treatment and support services designed to assist individuals with disabilities in choosing, acquiring, using and maintaining the skills and supports necessary to achieve success and satisfaction in their lives.  Helen has a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and has a Master’s Degree in Education.  She has also completed post graduate training in psychiatric rehabilitation from Boston University’s Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. 

Jessica Fish, Manager of Dutchess County Vocational Transition Center, Gateway Community Industries

Jessica is the Manager of Dutchess County Vocational Transition Center at Gateway Community Industries.  She has been with Gateway since 2008, originally as an Employment Specialist and was recently promoted to Manager of the Vocational Transition Center.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling.

Alfred Sindone, Integrated Employment Specialist
NYSED ACCES/VR (Formerly VESID)

Alfred is an Integrated Employment Specialist with NYSED ACCESS/VR. He has been with NYSED ACCES/VR since 1975 as a Vocational Rehab Counselor, Integrated Employment Specialist and Unit Supervisor. Alfred has a Master’s Degree in Education from Ohio University.

Elisa L. Pisanelli-Sherman, Program Developer, Integrated Employment Services, Abilities First, Inc

Elisa is a Program Developer in the Integrated Employment Services division of Abilities First, Inc.  She works with individuals with a wide range of disabilities and helps them to find gainful employment by first assessing and measuring their abilities, and then helping them to market their skills and experience. Once placed, she supports these individuals in the workplace by helping them to overcome any vocational barriers to being successful employed.  Elisa is completing credit hours as a Community Mental Health Assistant at Dutchess Community College.

A big thanks to our October sponsor!!!

New Horizons Resources, Inc. (NHR) is a not-for-profit agency accredited by The Council on Quality and Leadership that provides services to children and adults who have developmental disabilities and live in the Hudson Valley region of New York State.

NHR was founded in 1974 by a group of parents seeking alternatives to institutionalized care for their sons and daughters. In 1981, the agency opened its first residences for adults with developmental disabilities. The agency’s founders wanted to create services that would provide a home and the reasonable assurance of lifetime care. They also wanted to give people with disabilities opportunities to build friendships and establish relationships in their communities.

Today, NHR offers services to 450 people who have disabilities where they need them most: in their homes, at their work sites, or in community-based residential programs.

The goal at New Horizons is to provide individuals who have developmental disabilities with opportunities and environments where they learn the skills and develop the confidence needed to live their lives as independently and as happily as possible. Learn more about NHR by visiting its website at: http://www.nhrny.org/