Windsor Dermatology Partners with Eden Autism Services to Provide Job Opportunities

EAST WINDSOR, N.J. – Jan. 19, 2016 – A new community partnership between Windsor Dermatology and Eden Autism Services of Princeton Junction has opened doors to employment for individuals with autism.

Kevin Valluzzo, 25, and Andrew Asch, 24, began working at the dermatology practice at the end of October, after

Eden, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of those with autism, added Windsor Dermatology as a partner for its community integrated employment program. The goal of the program is for Eden clients to build their own relationships and social networks, while providing great service.

That goal aligns perfectly with Windsor Dermatology’s mission to make a positive impact on the community in which its employees work and live.

“Too often the focus is put on the disability and we want to help change that perception. These young men walked into our office and immediately felt like part of our office family,” said Dr. Jerry Bagel, medical director and founder of Windsor Dermatology. “We want to be part of the solution.”

Besides working with Eden, Windsor Dermatology is also involved in a host of other community projects, including skin cancer screenings at local hospitals and businesses, volunteer lectures in local schools, Toys for Tots and fundraising for breast cancer, heart disease and psoriasis.

“Kevin and Andrew work at Windsor Dermatology 10 hours each week, helping with a variety of tasks such as folding and mailing patient statements, assembling sample bags for upcoming events and helping to label and send out marketing materials,” said Sunny Holman, practice manager of Windsor Dermatology.

“Kevin is serious, focused and fast. He’s super smart and loves having his picture taken,” Holman said. “Andrew is more outspoken in his expressions and he loves to shake your hand. I think they’re both very comfortable here and having them here makes everyone feel proud. They bring us joy.”

“Everything Eden does is employment focused,” said Muhammad Siddiqu, manager of employment services at Eden. “We look to places like Windsor Dermatology that will not only employ our clients, but welcome them into the office community and help break down barriers that lie within the world of individuals with disabilities.”

Siddiqu said the clients have thrived since joining Windsor Dermatology. Part of that has been due to having a consistent work schedule.

“Kevin and Andrew haven’t stopped communicating with their parents about how much they enjoy their new job as they begin the journey towards independence,” Siddiqu said. “Individuals with autism tend to prefer things to be routine, regimented and predictable so they have some foresight of what their day entails.”

About 125 Eden clients participate in the employment-focused model, with about 80 percent of individuals in employment programs working at a variety of local employers.

Clients in Eden’s job program are supported by a community employment specialist, Siddiqu explained.

“Our goal is to set them up for success,” Siddiqu said. “Our motto for employment is as our individuals take steps forward in their journey to independence, we begin to fade out as they grow socially and vocationally within the fabric of that work environment. So, we don’t leave the picture, but our support may take a different role.”

As Windsor Dermatology continues to grow its medical practice, it also seeks to continually become more involved in activities of the local community.

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About Windsor Dermatology

Located in East Windsor, Windsor Dermatology has been providing patients throughout New Jersey with comprehensive medical dermatologic care for common skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer, for 30 years. The practice delivers unmatched patient care, accepts most insurance plans and commits to seeing any patient with an emergency within 24 hours. Through its Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey (PTCCNJ), the practice offers psoriasis patients cutting-edge care and treatment. Windsor Dermatology participates in a growing number of high-quality clinical trials to help advance medical dermatology research and treatment. For more information, visit www.windsordermatology.com or call (609) 443-4500.