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Dear Staff,
This month we are celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and in this edition of the Limelight, we have spotlights on adults we support throughout the agency, along with a sibling of an adult supported who serves on the ACLD Board of Directors. In addition, we are also celebrating Women's History Month and have a very special spotlight on one of the longest-tenured employees in the history of our agency.
ACLD has been named a finalist for the 11th Annual Imagine Awards, and we are in the running for the Fan Favorite Award. Please take a moment to vote for ACLD for this award and help us win the $3,000 donation. CLICK HERE TO VOTE! Remember: Voting is open daily, so you can place a vote for ACLD every day for the entire month of March.
On March 15th, we encourage all ACLD employees to participate in Team Spirit Day by coming to work wearing your favorite sports team gear! That day we will also be collecting donations of new sports equipment to be donated to ACLD's Children's Services and the Great South Bay YMCA. Please donate pre-school age appropriate items only. If interested in making a donation, please contact Poonam Rampal at 516-822-0028 x 194 or at rampalp@acld.org.
In this edition of The Limelight, you will also see photos from a self-care night in Children's Services, read important information about the Master's Program available to staff through Stony Brook University, and other news and highlights from across the agency.
Sincerely,
Rob, Gerard, Anne Marie and Kim
Robert Ciatto, President / CEO
Gerard DiMuro, Vice President of Administration
Anne Marie Sime, Vice President of Adult Services
Kim Leonard, Chief Financial Officer
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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month | |
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1987 and has since grown into a national movement. This month is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made in our society, acknowledge steps that need to be taken, and to share stories about the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. In recognition of this month, we are sharing spotlights from different programs throughout the agency | |
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Meet Samantha Edwards, a Sorter in our RewearAble program. Samantha started working in RewearAble over seven years ago, and has established herself as an extremely reliable, dedicated and consistent hard worker.
"Working at RewearAble makes me feel good, and makes me feel more confident and productive." says Samantha. "I’m happy to earn my own paycheck, and I like to treat myself by going shopping and going on vacation."
Marco Noboa, Lead Sorter at RewearAble raves about Samantha saying “Samantha is awesome. She is so knowledgeable, and is able to help her co-workers and tell them what to do and how to do it ... she could run the business herself.”
Amazing job Samantha! Keep it up!
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"Most people have no idea what it's like to go through life with a disability, and that's what raising awareness is all about," says Rebecca Kooper.
Rebecca is a sister of a resident in our Wildwood community residence and has been serving as a Member of the ACLD Board of Directors for the last seven years. "We have to help people understand what people with disabilities go through, and to have compassion for those whose abilities are different from theirs"
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Rebecca and her brother Billy | |
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From being active in her brother Billy's care for the last 30+ years, Rebecca has had a front-row seat to the incredible work that the ACLD direct support staff perform every day. "The staff at my brother's house are like in-laws," says Rebecca. "He has been living in Wildwood for 10 years, and I could go on forever about them. They are just fabulous people".
As a board member, Rebecca sits on several committees including the Quality Services Committee and also serves as the Co-Chair of the Community Trust. "I love ACLD. I've been involved as a sibling for decades, and I'm so happy to be on the board. It has allowed me to do so much more, for so many people with disabilities."
Thank you Rebecca for your service and everything you do!
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Raising Awareness Themselves | |
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The ACLD Program Without Walls (PWW) has the mission of being out in the community every day, giving the men and women in the program the opportunity to raise awareness about their own abilities everywhere they go.
They are dedicated to various volunteer work, such as the delivery of donations to food pantries, shopping for seniors, and helping out at their local Savers store where they assist in organizing stock on the shelves.
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Antonella Bechini, Assistant Director of Day and Community Services says "I'm so proud of the work PWW does in the community, and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight what they are all capable of."
PWW also helps out other ACLD programs each year, including delivering the Giving Tree gifts to community residences and Children's Services, and delivering the annual Direct Support Professional Week gift in September.
Thank you to everyone in PWW for being amazing self-advocates. All of your work helps raise awareness!
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Women's History Month
Children's Services Spotlight
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One of the longest-tenured employees in the history of ACLD is Karen Britton, Speech Therapy Supervisor for Children's Services, with over 39 years of service to the agency.
Karen, who is originally from Wyoming, moved to New York after graduating with her Master's of Science in Speech Pathology from the University of Wyoming in 1982. Here she worked at a clinic in Jackson Heights, Queens to fulfill her requirement of a 1 year Clinical Fellowship, which was the first time she worked with people with disabilities.
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In 1984, she began her career at ACLD in the former day services program in Albertson. There she worked mostly with adults who had come from Willowbrook and other institutions, some of whom were now living in ACLD homes. After nine years in Albertson, she transferred to the Development Department, where she handled major projects such as grant writing for the creation of the Bethpage campus that we have today. | |
Karen and her two children | |
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Her next move after Development was to the newly created ACLD clinic as the Clinical Coordinator for Rehab Services, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. In that role, she not only worked in the clinic, but also provided services in some of the ACLD residences, as well as the Hauppauge Day program when it opened up.
Finally, Karen made her way over to Children's Services over 25 years ago to provide services to children in the Early Intervention Program. For the last two years, Karen has now been the Speech Therapy Supervisor for Children's Services, and is just one year shy of being a 40-year veteran of ACLD! Not surprisingly, Karen is also a recipient of the ACLD Lifetime Achievement Award, which believe it or not, was given to her 20 years ago at this point.
"I've stayed at ACLD all these years because there have always been opportunities for growth and to take on new challenges," says Karen. "They always look to hire people internally, and they invest the time to train people and set them up for success". In a career filled with so many experiences, Karen reflects saying, "I always tell people - I have never once regretted my degree or entering into this field. Some people are just meant to help others, and I know that this is what I'm supposed to be doing."
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Karen Britton (3rd from left) receiving the Employee of the Quarter Award in June of 2021 | |
Black History Month wrap up | |
In case you missed it, in February's Limelight we shared reflections from our staff on "What Black History Month Means to Me". Please see below for other highlights from the month. | |
On Friday February 17th, the day habilitation program in Bethpage organized a day to wear t-shirts honoring Black history. | |
Last month, the Kramer Learning Center, and The Alan and Ellen Spiegel Children's Center created beautiful bulletin boards throughout the schools for teaching about Black history. | |
After attending a rally in Albany last month to urge our lawmakers to increase their investment into the I/DD sector, we stopped for lunch with some of our residential staff and adults we support. Thank you to everyone who joined us and for helping to make our voices heard! | |
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On February 21st, ACLD Director of Development and Community Relations Aimee Keegan, was featured on LI News Radio on 103.9 FM. Aimee, who also holds the position of ACLD Foundation Director, was a guest on a new show titled “The Big Picture”, hosted by non-profit strategist Karen Signoracci.
Click here to listen to Aimee's episode (Note: This is a Google Drive link that needs to be opened off of the ACLD network/Wifi)
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Last month our Children's Services staff had a Self-Care night hosted by Senior Psychologist, Jane O’Brien and Creative Arts Therapist, Ashley Grief-Pirnak.
Employees from both schools were invited to attend this evening as a stress relief from the Children’s Services Annual Review that was taking place. Everyone had the opportunity to create their own calming herbal tea mixtures, as well as clay pendants/sculptures that have stress-relieving essential oils.
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Congratulations to Lauren Duany, the daughter of Laida Duany, Administrator for Bethpage Day Services, on being accepted into Northeastern University for Mechanical Engineering for the Fall Semester of 2023. She joins her older brother Nicholas who is a freshman at Adelphi University pursuing his degree in Marketing.
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Master's Program at Stony Brook | |
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Message from the Human Resources Department:
ACLD is proud to announce another educational opportunity with Stony Brook University for Summer 2023. Employees will have the opportunity to enroll in a Master’s program in the area of Liberal Studies. Click here for information about the program.
If you are interested, you must meet the criteria below:
- Employees budgeted to work (30+ hours per week) who have successfully completed their orientation period are eligible for this program.
- Employee must be active and remain in a scheduled position for 30 hours or more in order to participate for the entirety of the program.
- Must not have received a verbal warning in the past three (3) months.
- Must not have received a written warning in the past six (6) months.
- Must not have received a final warning within the past one (1) year.
**Any employees who no longer meet the criteria, will no longer be eligible for the Master’s Cohort program.
The application deadline is April 14, 2023!
ACLD must review and approve your eligibility for the Master’s Cohort Program. If interested in the program, please contact Poonam Rampal at 516-822-0028 ext.194 or email at rampalp@acld.org.
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ACLD is offering a Defensive Driving course on March 31st from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at the 807 administrative building in Bethpage. Due to the limited space available, this course is only open to employees who are required to drive for ACLD.
If you are interested, Click here to register. Any employee who registers should check with a supervisor for approval.
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Employee Referral Program | |
Don't forget about the EMPLOYEE REFERRAL PROGRAM! You can now earn up to $6,750 when you refer people to work at ACLD. See the flyer below for details. | |
Help the people we support find employment | |
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Do you know of a job opening in your area that would be a good fit for the men and women we support who are seeking employment in the community?
If so, please send an email to the Vocational Services department at Millerl@acld.org
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Discounts for ACLD Employees | |
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Did you know that by being an employee of ACLD, you can take advantage of exclusive discounts at different businesses such as Splish Splash, Verizon, P.C. Richard, Six Flags and a lot more?
You can also register as an ACLD employee on PlumBenefits.com to get even more discounts on vacations, entertainment, online shopping and other services. Use company code ac0825520 to register.
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Don't forget to give a SHOUT OUT to recognize someone at your location for something special they did for you, your department or a person we support. | |
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The Organizational Care Committee is always looking for new ideas and suggestions from all of YOU to continue to make ACLD one of the best places to work, and for children and adults to receive supports and services.
Now it is easier than ever before to share your bright ideas. Just click here and your Bright Ideas will be sent directly to the Organizational Care Committee. A representative from the committee will respond to you promptly, and if your idea is implemented, you will earn a $25.00 gift card!
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Anniversary Milestones - March 2023 | |
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5 years
Mark Valentino Maintenance Aide, Bethpage 857
Carmen Pumo Sorter, RewearABLE
Shawn Kirpaul Program and Community Coordinator, Levittown Strive & Day
Lilia Harrison Building Services Supervisor, Bethpage 857
Sara Beutnagel Direct Support Professional, Autumn
Aliyah Clinton Residential Assistant Manager, Wildwood
10 years
Kathleen Mott-Mangialardi Teacher Assistant, Spiegel Center
Janet Bruce Direct Support Professional, Bethpage 857
Susan Vo Accounts Receivable Bookkeeper, Bethpage 807
15 years
Megan Smith Medical Scheduler, Bethpage 807
Amy Capobianco Vocational Coordinator, Bethpage 857
20 years
Corine Morris Recreation Lead Group Counselor, Bethpage 807
Chris Kyei Residential Manager, Bohemia-Washington Ave
25 years
Lynne Schnell Team Coordinator, Bridges Day Hab - Glen Cove
30 years
Helene Mizrachi Day Habilitation Specialist, Bridges Day Hab - Westbury
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Welcome February New Hires! | |
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Rose B Belizaire Direct Support Professional, Johnson Ave
Mileiris Calcano Teacher Aide, Kramer Learning Center
Tiffany Foster Direct Support Professional, Straightpath
Beatriz Garcia Direct Support Professional, Sejon
Danielle M Garcia Curriculum Coordinator, Kramer Learning Center
Dawne A Gray Teacher Aide, Kramer Learning Center
Kayla S Haggerty Teacher Aide, Kramer Learning Center
Iyanah T Holder Direct Support Professional, Nesconset
Peter C Hutzel Information Systems Specialist, Bethpage 807
Jean R Jaboin Direct Support Professional, Calvert Avenue
Rose Stefka I Jean Louis Direct Support Professional, Eastover Drive
Cory R Leff Maintenance Aide, Bethpage 837
Tiffany Lett-Harper Maintenance Aide, Bethpage 857
Pierre Yondy Luxama Direct Support Professional, Yorktown
Christina M Mancuso Direct Support Professional, Louis Kossuth
Ronaldinho R Marcellus Direct Support Professional, Bethpage 857
Keilani L Mims Direct Support Professional, Louis Kossuth
Jaydan Narcisse Direct Support Professional, Johnson Ave
Assterlyn M Pierratos Teacher Aide, Spiegel Center
Blondine Pierre Charles Direct Support Professional, Bethpage 857
William Sannuto Accountant, Bethpage 807
Ayanna S Saulter Direct Support Professional, Autumn
Joanne St-Val Direct Support Professional, Ontario
Arleyana N Stevens Direct Support Professional, Nesconset
Hachebine Sylvestre-Toussaint Day Habilitation Specialist, Bethpage 837
Wilson Tibere Direct Support Professional, Yorktown
Rose W Valenti Direct Support Professional, Bethpage 857
Shakira E White Day Habilitation Specialist, Bethpage 837
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Submit YOUR stories for the Limelight | |
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Each month we include stories in this newsletter about YOU and all of the incredible staff here at ACLD!
BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP to find out about these stories. Please send us anything to include such as:
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A story about how you or someone else went above and beyond to help the people we support, organized any fun or educational activity, or did anything to further our mission in any way
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Information on any staff member or team who you would like to see spotlighted for their exceptional work.
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Information or news useful for staff across the agency. Anything important or fun.
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Proud moments for you or your family (Personal or professional milestones, awards, weddings, educational degrees or works in the community)
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Employee Engagement day photos of you and your team.
- Or anything else you can think of!
AND - if you submit a story that is also appropriate for Social Media, we can post it on our pages too!
DON'T be shy about submitting stories - we need new ones every month!
DON'T worry about writing it perfectly. Just give as much information as you have.
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The Limelight is produced by the Development and Community Relations Department.
For questions, comments or suggestions, please email the Editor, Jonathan Dolan at dolanj2@acld.org
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Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc.
807 South Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage, NY 11714
516.822.0028 ~ www.acld.org
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