Dear Staff,

ACLD is participating in the “Best Places to Work on Long Island” program created by Long Island Business Review (www.libn.com) and Best Companies Group. The program is designed to recognize outstanding places of employment in Long Island. As a part of the program’s process, a random sample of employees will be receiving an online survey in your email inboxes on August 12. Please note the survey is optional but we ask you to consider taking 10-15 minutes to complete the survey. Please watch for the survey coming from Surveys@BestCompaniesGroup.com with the subject, “Best Places to Work on Long Island - Employee Survey.” Please do not forward your invitation on to other employees as each invitation contains unique access information that you can only use once.
 
If you accidentally delete your survey email, you will receive reminders on August 17, August 22 & August 26. A third-party agency will administer the survey and tabulate your confidential ratings. Please follow the instructions and submit your completed survey no later than August 26. Again, the survey is optional, not mandatory. Your honest feedback is extremely valuable to this process. Thank you, in advance, for participating in the “Best Places to Work on Long Island” survey. 

ACLD is launching a Candle Business to create jobs for people with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and we need your help creating a great name for it! The grand prize winner of this contest receives a $100 Amazon Gift Card. Click here to read contest rules and to submit entries.

In this edition of The Limelight, you will read about some very exciting news for an employee who is supported through our Vocational Services, a highlight of our recent Team Service Award winners, stories of summer fun in our programs, and other news 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
Congratulations to ACLD Clerk in Administrative Services, Emily Krebs, who is supported through ACLD’s Vocational Department, on being voted in as the newest member of the ACLD Board of Directors!

Last month at ACLD we celebrated the 32nd Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and below Emily shares with us how the ADA has made her life better.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has helped me by giving me the freedom to live my life with a disability and to have the same experiences as someone who is not living with a disability. This act has helped me to accept who I am, even if other people choose not to accept me. I think it is important for people to not discriminate against people who have a disability because they did not choose if for themselves. They had no control over it”.

- Emily Krebs, Clerk in Administrative Services and Member of the ACLD Board of Directors

**The ADA was signed on July 26th 1990. This important civil rights law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.**
Team Service Award Winners!
Joanne Sepe, a resident in our SLF Apartment Program (Site 3) nominated her amazing staff members, Joseph Bianco, Manager and Siobhan Callahan, DSP for a Team Service Award for their incredible efforts in assisting her during her recent surgery.

After her surgery, Joanne attended a rehabilitation facility. Both Joe and Siobhan visited Joanne every day. Joanne states, “I know Joe doesn’t work the weekends but he still visited me to check in on me to see how I was doing”. As per Joanne, “Siobhan does not work Fridays, yet she visited me too”. Siobhan also assisted Joanne with making the necessary follow-up doctor’s appointments which can be very overwhelming.
Joanne continues, “These two staff members went out of their way, and truly above and beyond, to be there for me and I can’t thank them enough for caring about my well-being. Their efforts to support me were outstanding. I am so appreciative to both of them and want very much to present them with this recognition award myself”.

The photos here are of Joanne personally delivering the Team Service Awards and the Certificates of Appreciation to Joe and Siobhan herself.

Congratulations to this amazing team and thank you for exemplifying our mission!

Do you have a team you would like to nominate for a Team Service Award? Click Here to submit a nomination!
Children's Services Spotlight
Meet Heather Lyon, Special Educator at The Alan and Ellen Spiegel Children’s Center. Heather originally began her career at the Kramer Learning Center as a Student Teacher for one semester in 1998, and was then hired as a Teacher after the semester was over.
 
After 10 years at Kramer, Heather left ACLD for about 5 years to spend time raising her three sons, but then returned to teaching at Kramer with us again over 7 years ago. This past year Heather came over to Spiegel to teach the first 8:1:2 ratio class in the school, which will be followed by three additional classes of that ratio this coming year. Every year Children's Services has a summer BBQ, and in last month's Limelight we highlighted how Heather's husband and sons came to Spiegel with her in June to throw the BBQ for the staff.
Heather recalls how Children’s Services has grown and changed since 1998, and over the years, she has taught various classes such as Universal Pre K, the Head Start Program and self-contained classes.
 
“It’s about the little things that we see and the goals that we work on with the children. Someone else might not see these goals as achievements, but we see them here”, says Heather. “We are so involved with their families and their everyday needs. We know that every goal accomplished, whether it’s them learning to wash their hands, make eye contact, or getting their own back pack, is huge and can have a big impact on the child and their families’ lives!”
 
When asked about what it’s like working with her fellow staff, Heather says “, Everyone at both preschools is amazing and we all work really well together. We truly are like a family in how we look out for each other - and we are literally raising children together”, she chuckled.

Earlier this week, Heather’s class had their Moving Up/Graduation ceremony at Spiegel attended by the student’s families. See below for a picture from the ceremony.
Nurses Corner
The Yorktown IRA is ACLD's 24 hour nursing residence which has been providing care to 12 of ACLD's more medically fragile and medically compromised adults, and the Nursing Team at the home has demonstrated tremendous strength, dedication and tenderness to all of our people supported.

Recently the nurses just provided care to two gentleman who were at the end of their life. These gentlemen who passed away did so peacefully, with dignity and the courage to face their final journey, all due to the nurses' tireless work, compassion and dedication. 
Along with providing exceptional hands on care, the team also continued to communicate with families, hospice and physicians, all in an effort to provide comfort and peace to the people we support. With the implementation of a new procedure to preserve skin integrity, the nursing Team collaborated with the Residential Team and implemented a "Turning and Positioning clock" so that all people who are unable to turn and position themselves would be repositioned appropriately in an effort to prevent skin breakdown. This has shown positive benefits on all of our people including our two gentleman that passed away.
With the continued challenges of the nursing shortage, everyone has pitched in and assisted in covering open shifts. Gwen Seymour-Pickney, RN Supervisor of Yorktown and Sadina Fischer, RN Supervisor for Day Program, along with all of the Yorktown nurses DiVeika Glenn, Eloise Ward, Lia Alexis and Sveltlana Platt have been working days, evenings, overnights and weekend shifts to provide continuous and consistent nursing coverage for the residence.

Please join us in giving a huge thank you to these amazing women for all they do!
Management Learning Academy
Congratulations to our staff who completed the ACLD Management Learning Academy last month: Ed Morant, Assistant Manager -Thomaston IRA, Barbara Robinson, Assistant Manager - Syosset IRA, Shaleah Stewart, Assistant Manager - SLF Site 3, Lisa Morse, Manager - Ontario IRA and Veronica Johnson, Manager - Westwind IRA.

This academy focuses on foundational communication and leadership skills needed for individual, team and organizational success. Whether you are a new Residential Manager/Assistant Manager or a Day Program Administrator, building these skills will help you supervise team members and work collaboratively across the organization.
Some of the topics covered were: Determining your unique communication style, Active Listening Techniques, How managers create culture, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Assessment of your own unique Management style, Coaching and Developing your team, and Time Management.

In addition, there was a Human Resources “Boot Camp” where Human Resources and Payroll staff members introduced themselves to the attendees and answered any questions they had.
ACLD is committed to building a strong future for all of our staff, and professional development programs like these help our emerging leaders continue to grow. To learn more about ACLD’s Management Learning Academy, please contact Sharon Geiselmann at geiselmanns@acld.org or call 822-0028 ext. 240.
Green Thumbs at Bethpage Day Hab
This year’s gardens at our Bethpage Day Habilitation program are flourishing due to the tender loving care of the adults at the program and our wonderful staff.
 
String beans, cucumbers, peppers and a variety of types of tomatoes are being harvested a few times a week, and all of the vegetables are growing very well this season under the green thumb leadership of Lead Day Habilitation Specialist Annette Foster, Office Manager Mona Cassells and the assistance from the people supported in Room 16.
 
Room 16 has been able to prepare and enjoy eating the harvested vegetables, and due to the abundance of the harvest, the room decided to hold a raffle of bags of the veggies for others to enjoy! In addition to the delicious vegetables, the flower gardens in the atriums of the building are also blooming beautifully thanks to the diligent watering by Room 3 under the supervision of Lead Day Habilitation Specialist Angie Ho.
Summer Smoothies
ACLD Nutritionists are out and about providing healthy summer recipes for our community residences, like these “Healthy Choice Smoothies” that Nutritionist Minerva Kim shared with the men and women at our Syosset IRA.
 
Minerva encourages everyone to take advantage of the variety of fresh fruits available and to turn them into healthy smoothies. It’s an easy recipe to follow: You can use berries, bananas and mangos too… for a little extra surprise!
 
  • 1 banana (the “riper”- the sweeter)
  • 1 cup strawberries/blueberries
  • 1/2 cup mangoes/pineapples
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt

* Yields 2 servings. Tip: Use frozen fruit for a colder smoothie
Staff family involvement at Children's Services
Last month the Kramer Learning Center had two family members of staff come to volunteer their time and engage with the children.
 
The first was Theone Rinaude, the sister of Special Educator Carla Alfieri and an AP Chemistry teacher at Jericho High School. Theone showed each of the students in Carla’s class how to create their very own “Volcano”, and the children were enthralled with the experiment.
 
Next, Freddy Geiger, the husband of BSS staff member Katherine Geiger, came in his professional pirate attire to read a story about pirates to the students in Rooms 13 and 14. Freddy is an official pirate crew member of Thee Leviathan 504. All of the children received pirate hats and were pirates for the day!
Historical Summer Fun
In June, our Sejon community residence enjoyed a fun day at Islip Grange Park where the men and women we support and staff toured the grounds of the restoration village and learned about the historic buildings and landmarks on the property. Shout out to Manager Kayla Boughey and her staff for planning this fun day.
Children's Services Graduations
Congratulations to the young minds who graduated this week and last week at Kramer Learning Center and The Alan and Ellen Spiegel Children's Center!

The incredible staff at both schools did another amazing job at helping our students grow this year, and capped off the year with beautiful ceremonies for the students and families to enjoy. Great job everyone! Stay tuned on the ACLD social media accounts next week for a video with more photos from the ceremonies.
Milestones
Congratulations to Jeanette Debonis, Receptionist at the Oasis Day Habilitation Program in Hauppauge on her performances in Ballroom Dancing this past weekend at the Empire Dance Championship in Jersey City. Jeanette placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in all of her heats, and placed 2nd in the Championship/Scholarship Round.
Jane O’ Brien, Children’s Services PSY/SW Supervisor, is currently pursuing a certificate degree in Horticultural Therapy from the New York Botanical Garden. This program focuses on bringing people and the natural environment together for healing purposes; teaching students to design, implement, and operate programs for individuals and groups in a wide variety of healthcare settings, schools, human services programs, and penal systems.

Certificate students must complete 189 total course hours (181 required + 8 site visit hours), plus a 100-hour internship. Coursework includes classes for all populations such as older adults, youths with disabilities, physical rehab, and behavior health as well as numerous plant science courses and ADA garden design.
This summer Jane is working on her internship hours, 1 day-a-week, at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, in their J-Step Program (Job Security Through Equine Partnership). J-Step is a vocational and work study program that promotes marketable job skills and fosters independence. The participants at J-Step maintain the garden and other outdoor spaces throughout the 8-acre facility, as well as caring for their individual garden beds. Materials are harvested from the gardens for future holiday fairs and special events. Caring for the garden provides the opportunity for the adults to foster a positive work ethic, as well as interpersonal communication and social skills.
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.
Safety Corner
Help the people we support find employment
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.
Discounts for ACLD Employees
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.
Anniversary Milestones - August 2022
5 years
Thaivanne Desroches Direct Support Professional, Bethpage 857
Samantha Hall Scheduling Coordinator, Bethpage 857
John Hohenberger Maintenance Aide, Bethpage 837
Choscov Jean Direct Support Professional, Bethpage 857
Terrence Milbauer Maintenance Aide, Bethpage 857
Emoni Washington Direct Support Professional, Blake Ave
Oyindamola Yeku Direct Support Professional, Lynbrook
15 years
Carla Alfieri Special Educator Kramer Learning Center
Catherine Ferrera Special Educator Kramer Learning Center
20 years
Annette La Rosa Special Educator, Spiegel Children's Center
Hareann McGeary Direct Support Professional, Oceanside
Welcome ACLD New Hires - July 2022
Caitlin G Ackerly Respite Counselor, Bethpage 807
Carrie J Barajas Direct Support Professional, Oakdale
James Beauvil Residential Assistant Manager, Dix Hills
Henry N Becker IT Support Assistant, Bethpage 837
Rhonda Beckles Direct Support Professional, Calvert Avenue
Paulette J Calender Day Habilitation Specialist, BLUE Deer Park
Soncerie A Cornegy Day Habilitation Specialist, Hauppauge
Marie Elize Direct Support Professional, Eastover Drive
Sweeney Fenelus Registered Nurse, Bethpage 857
Herby Formantin Direct Support Professional, Lynbrook
Amari Haywood Direct Support Professional, Alice Court
Conrado C Hernandez Direct Support Professional, Bethpage 857
Aaliyah M Inman Direct Support Professional, Calvert Avenue
Nicole Jones Day Habilitation Specialist, BLUE Deer Park
Alyssa L Korovich Respite Counselor, Bethpage 807
Meredith K Krug Direct Support Professional, Autumn
Lexus T Lancaster Direct Support Professional, Dix Hills
Josh Leopold Day Habilitation Specialist, Bethpage 837
Mohammed M Mir Direct Support Professional, Healy
Katelynn A Mulligan Respite Counselor, Bethpage 807
Sheila Rogers Day Habilitation Specialist, BLUE Deer Park
Avery B Spell Day Habilitation Specialist, PWW Commack
Jamila A Stevens Payroll Assistant, Bethpage 807
William E Thomas Direct Support Professional, Nichols Road
Tahjaray A Tillman Direct Support Professional, Westwind Dr
Nicholas J Wollweber Day Habilitation Specialist, Bridges Levittown
Shout Out Board
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.
Bright Idea Box
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 ideeas. 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!
Submit YOUR stories for the "Limelight"
Each month we include stories in this newsletter about YOU and all of the amazing staff here at ACLD!

BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP to find out about these stories. Please send us anything to include such as:

  • 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

  • Information on any staff member or team who you would like to see spotlighted for their exceptional work.

  • Information or news useful for staff across the agency. Anything important or fun.

  • Proud moments for you or your family (Personal or professional milestones, awards, weddings, educational degrees or works in the community)

  • Employee Engagement day photos of you and your team.

  • Or anything else you can think of!

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.
"the limelight" is an initiative of the
Communications Committee
and is produced by the
Development and Community Relations Department.

Jonathan Dolan, Editor. For questions, comments or suggestions, please email dolanj2@acld.org 
Thank you to all who have submitted information
and photos. Keep them coming!
We welcome your comments and suggestions.