Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities recently held its 33rd annual Employment Recognition Breakfast at The Heritage in Bethpage, where several people with disabilities, as well as employers that support their employment, were honored with different awards. Nearly 150 people attended the event, representing many of the more than 100 Long Island companies that partner with ACLD’s Vocational Program.
Among this year’s honorees was West Hempstead resident Meaghan Keating, who won the Vocational Achievement Award, which recognizes people with disabilities for their professional accomplishments. Keating works as a health and beauty associate at Target in Westbury.
ACLD, a leading Long Island-based nonprofit agency that supports people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, hosts its annual breakfast to honor employees with special needs who have made notable achievements on the job and to salute businesses that are committed to hiring people with disabilities while encouraging other businesses to hire individuals with disabilities.
“Work is not just a job for the people we support,” said Jeanie Shelton-Clyne, ACLD’s assistant director of vocational services. “For most, this is a dream come true.”
ACLD Board of Trustees President Joe Ortego added, “ACLD is dedicated to helping people with special needs gain meaningful and sustainable employment. We have a dedicated workforce who give their all and have a deep desire to be active participants within the community. The people we serve thrive when given that chance.”