The Town of Hempstead recently unveiled a ‘History Happens Here’ marker in remembrance of the original site of Abilities, Incorporated — now part of The Viscardi Center in Albertson.
Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, the center has been providing work opportunities for people with disabilities since it first opened its doors 64 years ago.
John Kemp, The Viscardi Center president and chief executive officer, was joined by Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino, Councilman Ed Ambrosino, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad, and Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin at 59 Hempstead Gardens Drive in West Hempstead, where Abilities, Inc. operated from 1952 to 1957, before moving to its current location in Albertson, according to a press release from The Viscardi Center.
“It wasn’t that long ago that people with disabilities were discriminated against in schools, at the workplace, and in other segments of society,” Santino said. “But in 1952, the late Dr. Viscardi, opened Abilities, Inc. right here in West Hempstead — the organization provided people with physical challenges with jobs, education, and a sense of pride.”
Viscardi, who himself wore prosthetic legs, has sought to give the disability community purpose through full-time employment and a steady paycheck.
“64 years ago, this site became a model for the world when Viscardi founded and operated one of the first U.S. businesses to be staffed primarily by people with disabilities,” Kemp said. “Viscardi demonstrated that disabled veterans from World War II and the Korean War had the skills and abilities to be successful, productive employees.”
The organization started as a shop where people with disabilities could work as subcontractors for major companies, including Grumman Aircraft, General Electric, IBM, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Today, as part of The Viscardi Center, it continues to offer work readiness services, job placement, and school-to-work transition programs and services.
1st Viscardi site enshrined
