Abilities!

News

20th Annual Graduation Ceremony for People with Disabilities

May 3, 2006

Albertson, NY — On May 3, 2006 Abilities, Inc., which provides skills training for people with disabilities to compete and obtain meaningful employment, hosted its Annual Consumer Graduation Ceremony. The event recognized and honored individuals who have successfully completed training in one of the Abilities, Inc. training programs during the past year and are now gainfully employed or actively seeking employment.

“Although our graduates are adults of varying ages, cultures, backgrounds and having many different types of disabilities, they share one common goal—to become self sufficient and productive members of society. The skills they have received through the Abilities, Inc. programs will enable them to compete for a variety of jobs in our local labor market” stated Edmund Cortez, President and CEO, Abilities!.

Abilities, Inc. distinguished graduate (center) Indra Fowler Phillips is joined by Ann McDermott-Kave, Director, OSI Pharmaceutical Foundation (left) and Karen Colicci, HR Generalist, Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (right) at the 2006 Annual Consumer Graduation Ceremony.

Indra Fowler-Philips had her leg amputated over ten years ago due to a bout with cancer. Today she graduated from Abilities, Inc.’s Laboratory Assistant Training Program and is gainfully employed by Quest Diagnostics. In her address to the graduating class she stated, “Being a black woman with a disability has always made me feel that I had so much to overcome. But I know I’m not alone and being successful is possible. When you actually get to where you want to be, after all the hard work, it’s double the joy.” In speaking of her employment experiences she went on to say “My co-workers at Quest are also people of many backgrounds and many of the other people have disabilities too. It’s wonderful for me to know that if you have skills, everyone can get a job. Your disability doesn’t have to stop you from doing something wonderful with yourself.”

Numerous elected officials and business representatives, along with friends and family of our graduates, were on hand to celebrate their individual accomplishments. Dr. Edward Placke, Assistant Commissioner, Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) will provide the keynote address.

Abilities, Inc. (an affiliate of Abilities!)
For almost 50 years, Abilities, Inc. has trained people with disabilities in the skills needed to perform at industry standards to meet current workforce demands. Abilities, Inc. evaluates, trains and serves over 6,000 individuals and places approximately 1,500 into competitive jobs each year. Its track record is unsurpassed in the excellence of our training programs and the success of our participants in finding jobs.

Abilities, Inc. staff works with individuals to develop and focus on their unique abilities that can be applied to the career of their choice. Courses are designed to increase the independence and marketability of individuals with disabilities. While addressing different skills development, all of the courses are designed to increase the number of individuals with disabilities who secure competitive employment.

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