President's Communication
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We at CEO have given a great deal of thought and effort toward the opportunity to expand the variety of occupational domains our students and adults have access to. If the employment rate for individuals with disabilities is significantly less than non-disabled individuals, the varied career opportunities may be limited.
To address this need, CEO has constructed a network of relationships with associations in the fields of manufacturing, marina owners, the hospitality industry, the transportation industry, the construction industry and other high paying opportunities for our students and clients. As stated in our last newsletter CEO has developed our Business Advisory Council (BAC) and currently have 17 members who are now part of a unique network of businesses working to improve the career needs of individuals with disabilities.
Developing relationships with trade associations, the Business Advisory Council and School Business Partnerships are a part of the grand plan to make CEO the place for individuals with ALL abilities to find not only a job, but a well-paying career. It is our commitment to excellence and creativity to reach those opportunities. That is the hallmark of where CEO is and wants to expand in the future. We believe these associations, industries and businesses are better served with a diverse workforce that is committed to demonstrating their skills and viability in the workforce. CEO is committed to the quality of services and part of that commitment is the expansion of opportunities.
Nicholas A. Villani, President
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Evolutional Change in Employment Supports
Vocational Engagement Model
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I attended Nicholas Villani’s training “Evolutional Change in Employment Supports: Vocational Engagement Model” recently and it far exceeded my expectations. I’ve attended many trainings and conferences, but this was by far the most impactful and informative in recent memory. I came out with tools, resources and ideas that I’m eager to implement within my program to change the way we engage people with disabilities looking for employment. The Vocational Engagement Model is designed for job placement services, but can easily be adapted for the supported employment, pre-vocational and transition worlds. A win all around! Nicholas was knowledgeable, engaging and entertaining. Definitely worth the time out of a busy schedule.
Sonya Durrum
SEMP Coordinator, Saratoga Bridges
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Business Advisory Council
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BAC Members
Integrative Healing Wellness, Sundaes, Hounds Town Port Jeff, SoInste Yoga, Intelligent Fitness, Maryhaven Center of Hope, Digital Oncesource Consulting Solutions, Chic-Fil-A, PSEGLI, Jarret Acevedo Plumbing & Heating, Michele Leosch Health Consultant, CGAA/GWN Securities, Sysco Long Island, US Army, ASRC Federal, National Recruiting Group and
Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
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The Business Advisory Council (BAC) for Career and Employment Options is the evolution of developing business relationships for the students and adults that CEO serves. The format and requirements of the BAC members makes participation and involvement simple, easy and productive.
The primary purpose for the BAC is to link and provide resources to business to further their community participation and develop a strategic position in community involvement and expanding their workforce to individuals of all level abilities, individuals with disabilities included.
BAC format :
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Three meetings per year:
One meeting being a general attendance and award meeting.
Two meetings will be virtual
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Website will have special entry code for BAC members.
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BAC members can utilize the blog and other resources such as information regarding tax credits, incentives for hiring youth and youth with disabilities.
If you are a business that would like to participate, please contact Joelle Kronberg at 631-234-6064
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Success Story
CEO Student Helps Save an Endangered Turtle
by: JoAnn Delucia
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Michael Wineberger, a student at Southold High School, and I intern at the Riverhead Foundation. Part of Michael's intern is to speak with the public about the four types of turtles found on Long Island. He also speaks about the care and rehabilitation of the turtles that have brought back to the Riverhead Foundation. An additional job is to search the beaches and see if any turtles have been washed up. Since it is very cold out, they are cold stunned. They have not been able to migrate to warmer waters and can die if not found in time.
On Wednesday, December 12th, Michael and I walked up and down Kenneys Beach in Southold. Towards the end of the walk, we noticed a large object at the break of the waves. Upon walking closer, we saw that it was a Loggerhead Turtle. I pulled it onto the sand and flipped it over. Michael helped me carry the 50 pound, three feet turtle to a safer area. We called the hotline number and answered some questions. Personnel from Foundation came to the beach as well as channel 7 ABC news!! The turtle was alive and taken back to the Foundation for treatment and care. Today, the turtle is eating and very active. He will be released into the waters in the Spring.
Michael was a hero at school! He was written up on Instagram and interviewed for the school newspaper!! Thanks to CEO for the opportunity to have these students reach out and be part of their community, Michael is now a celebrity.
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School Business Partnerships
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Brentwood
Meet The Professionals Day
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Kick-Off School Business Partnership Meeting
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Brentwood, NY; February 13th, 2019
At the meeting, students and businesses worked together at round tables to improve student's interviewing skills, setting goals such as shadow days, internships and worksite tours to ensure the schools create a continuous relationships with the businesses. Our first
Brentwood
Meet The Professonals Day
was a great success!
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hank you to:
Kim Fauci, Director of Special Services
April Seneus, Department Head of Special Education
Rhonda Young, Assistant to the Director of Special Services
Dashana Dulin, Assistant Principal of Brentwood High School
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Winter School-to-Community
Shoreham Wading River Meeting
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Shoreham, NY; January 10th, 2019
Over 50 individuals, including local community representatives, educators, and students joined together at the
Winter Shoreham-Wading River School-to-Community Meeting
. Through small table discussions, each group students practiced their interview skills, came up with ideas and next steps to connect with the community businesses. We were happy to report that goals were met from out last meeting!
Breakfast Sponsor: Bagel Lady
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hank you to:
Dr. Amy Meyer, Director of the STEM
Charles Althoff – Director of Student Services
Frank Pugliese – Principal of SWR High School
Edward Storck - Capstone Teacher
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Congrats to our CEO Clients and Students on their New Jobs!
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Congratulations!
Elizabeth B. and
Stephanie B., seniors at
Miller Place High School, were placed at the new
ShopRite location in Port Jefferson Station in early January with the assistance of their career consultant, Nick Ceballo. The twins will be graduating in a few months and attending Suffolk County Community College with their new part-time jobs as a Produce associate and Frozen foods associate. We are so proud of their accomplishments and wish them all the success with their future endeavors!
Michael K. has started a new part-time job at the
Mattituck Cinemas. He works selling movie tickets to the public and when it is slow, he helps empty garbage, sweep the floor and tidy up the theaters. Michael said he enjoys his new job and boss, especially he enjoys making money.
Carlos C. works at
Michaelangelos Pizzeria in Southold. Carlos said he enjoys learning how to make pizzas and since he is good at math, he can work as a cashier and make change. He also said he enjoys working inside for a change. Carlos said, "I'm not afraid to work hard, it's hard work that will help me stay employed and stand out."
Megan K. just started to work at
8 Hands Farm in Cutchogue. She feeds the chickens,,pigs and goats. She collects the chicken eggs from the nesting beds. Megan said she enjoys working with the animals and she is a hard worker. Megan said, "I am strong and will do almost any job I can to work with the animals. If I don't know something, I will ask. I don't mind getting my hands dirty either."
Anastasia P. recently secured employment at
Active Café as a barista. She will also help making sure the Café is stocked and cleaned. They are lucky to have her!
Donald R. has started a new job at
PrimeSource, one of the largest purveyors of fastners in the world. Donald was hired to be as a Merchandising Specialist. They are the first line of customer service, and maintains an important partnership between our customers and vendors.
Brian T. recently secured employment at
Network Capital Services as an administrative assistant. Brian will be help with scheduling appointments, answering phones, inputting data, and filing. Brian'sexperience will make him a great success.
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Ann's Corner
Senior Consultant
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FREE RESOURCES TO SUPPLEMENT OUR CURRICULUM: AUTISM SPEAKS
To help supplement our curriculum you may want to check out Autism Speaks.The website offers several comprehensive guides and tool kits available for free download.
Transition Tool Kit
- This will help guide your student on their journey from adolescence to adulthood.
Community-Based Skills Assessment-
The CSA helps parents and professionals assess the current skill levels and abilities of students with autism beginning at age 12.
Advocacy Tool Kit-
Learn how to teach your student self-advocacy and be your students best advocate.
Post-secondary Educational Opportunities Guide- Help explore the various opportunities available after high school.
Employment Tool Ki
t- The transition process should focus on preparing for employment.This kit has a ton of great resources and covers many topics!
Housing & Residential Supports Tool Kit- It is never too early to start think about options and funding available for housing and residential supports
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Exploring Assistive Technology
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Assistive Technology Evaluations and Consultations for students, teachers and parents are in full swing this school year. CEO and its Assistive Technology Professional Brian Levine, is currently providing Assistive Technology Evaluations and Consultations in Smithtown, Miller Place, North Babylon, Middle Country and New York City. Brian Levine has conducted Assistive Technology Evaluations for students ranging from elementary school to high school age. The Assistive Technology Evaluations provided by CEO are utilized by school districts to determine the need for devices (Ipads, Laptops), applications and software that can enhance the capacity of a student to acquire the curriculum. Recommended applications and software may include: touch screen applications for word prediction, text-to-speech, planning and graphic organizing. Consultations are utilized to train the student, teacher and parent on how to effectively utilize the software and applications appropriately. If you’re interested in setting up an Assistive Technology Evaluation or Consultation for a student in your district, please contact the Director of Program Services Lori Rosado, at 631-234-6064 x102.
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Above and Beyond-
Employees of the Quarter
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Congratulations to
Ann Forte
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This quarter’s Above and Beyond award goes to CEO Senior Consultant, Ann Forte. Ann has been a consultant with CEO for over 10 years. She brings a plethora of experience and resources to the classroom and has been an invaluable asset to the CEO administration team, her current district, and the entire staff for many years. However, this quarter especially, Ann has worked tirelessly to mentor new consultants and provide continuous support to more seasoned consultants on what it takes to run a stellar World of Work Program, all while meeting the demands of a highly individualized and intensive program within her current district.
Ann is an exemplary special educator, always going the extra mile to differentiate her program elements to meet the unique needs of her students. She is often called on to consult with staff facing challenging behavioral and curriculum based situations in their programs. Despite having a wealth of knowledge, Ann continues to explore new techniques, resources, and options to implement with her students, all of which she generously shares with her fellow staff and administration. A great deal of the resources on our “resource tree” were contributions from Ann. You can further explore Ann’s ideas and tools under “Ann’s Corner” in our monthly newsletter. If you haven’t had the opportunity to work with Ann, please do set aside time to attend one of her individual or group trainings.
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Renee Kordecki is a Career Consultant at Career and Employment Options. Renee’s career path began when she was accepted into the conservatory program at SUNY Fredonia. She auditioned and competed with hundreds of students and only 22 were accepted. Renee received a scholarship from Longwood High School to attend. Later, she received a Talent Scholarship and attained a BFA from Adelphi. Renee also holds a Recruiting Certification from Patrice and Associates, where she job coached, built resumes, held mock interviews and found job placements for her clients in the restaurant industry. Renee has worked closely with Finks Country Farm in Wading River, running educational field trips and tours for several years to students with varying abilities. In addition, Renee is an actor, singer, director, writer and a free lance acting coach. Currently, she runs a few classes out of Preventative Therapeutic Play Center located in Westhampton. She has directed, performed and wrote numerous plays all over Long Island. She has worked with students of all abilities at Gateway Playhouse, Great Neck Art Center, Broadway Bound Acting Academy and East End Kids Academy. She was a pre-school lead teacher, music teacher and drama teacher for over 10 years at East End Kids Academy in Manorville. Renee is a PTA and SEPTA member and a proud mother of 3. Renee has a true passion for helping others to be the best they can be. One of her favorite quotes that inspires her daily is “No day but today” from the Broadway Musical, Rent.
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Dawn Brodsky was a school counselor for over 10 years in a high school in the New York City Department of Education. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Hofstra University and her M.S. in School Counseling from Long Island University/C.W. Post. She will be working as a Career Consultant at CEO and is excited to join the team!
She has nearly two decades of counseling experience. Prior to working as a school counselor, Dawn was a volunteer crisis hotline counselor at the Long Island Crisis Center for about a year. After that, she received a position at Project Excel of the Huntington Youth Bureau as a Youth Enrichment Counselor where she implemented academic, employment and life skills programs to youth.
She believes that it is imperative to be an advocate and the biggest cheerleader to the students she serves. She feels that in order to become an advocate, the counselor/student relationship should always be based on mutual respect, trust and caring. Her ultimate goal is to help today’s youth evolve and to develop personal, social and academic competencies that will enable them to excel in their school, community, job and amongst their peers.
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Postsecondary Programs More Inclusive, Report Finds
by Michelle Diament | February 26, 2019
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With an increasing number of colleges offering programs for those with intellectual disabilities, a new report suggests that the programs are becoming more inclusive and leading to better employment outcomes.
For the first time, students attending post-secondary programs spent more than half of their time in inclusive college classes during the 2017-2018 academic year. And among those who exited programs that year, 44 percent had paid employment within 90 days, up 4 percent over the previous year.
The findings come from a produced by the Think College National Coordinating Center at the University of Massachusetts Boston that offers a look at how post-secondary programs across the country are performing. It’s based on data from 48 post-secondary programs that received funding from the U.S. Department of Education.
The programs examined served 843 students during the 2017-2018 academic year at two- and four-year colleges from coast to coast. Nearly all of the students had intellectual disability, autism or both and most had already completed high school, though about 1 in 5 were dually enrolled while still receiving special education services from their local school district. The cost to attend post-secondary programs ranged from free to $65,206 per year.
Students with disabilities increasingly had the opportunity to live on campus, the report found, with 38 percent of programs offering housing. And, there was a 114 percent rise in the number of students receiving federal Pell Grants to help cover the cost of attending.
Follow-up data was collected from 155 students who exited post-secondary programs during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 academic years. One year after leaving the programs, 65 percent said they had paid employment and 91 percent indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their social life. However, the report found that more than two-thirds still lived with family.
“These are very positive figures,” Meg Grigal, co-director of Think College and an author of the report, told Disability Scoop. “There are few other programs that have demonstrated such strong outcomes in a relatively brief period of time. But yes, of course there is more to be done.”
Currently there are 265 pos-tsecondary programs at colleges and universities for students with intellectual disabilities and Grigal said that pales in comparison to over 7,000 higher education choices for those without disabilities.
“We need to continue to invest in creating the expectation for students that college is possible,” Grigal said.
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| Career & Employment Options | 631-234-6064 | 631-234-6081 | www.ceoincworks.com
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