County Executive Highlights Disability Employment Month

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced today that the county is participating in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

“With Suffolk County serving as home to more than 283,000 residents with disabilities, we continually strive to make all county services easily and readily accessible,” County Executive Bellone said.

The U.S. Department of Labor is using the theme “My Disability is One Part of Who I Am” to raise the profile of efforts on behalf of disabled Americans.

NDEAM is a nationwide campaign that targets disability employment issues and honors the many diverse contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. County Executive Bellone has assigned the county Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs to assist the disabled in their job search, help secure a business license, and offer specific services every day.

At the county Employment Center, a Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) team is specifically trained in disability issues, working exclusively with the disabled population. DEI team members are available by appointment at the Hauppauge One-Stop and the New York State One-Stop in Patchogue.

The Center features various levels of assistive technology, maintaining a Sorenson video relay system and featuring NYS Verizon TTY relay service line 711, enabling the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired to communicate with people using a standard voice telephone.

Disability accommodations, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request, and the Center features automatic wide doors, ramps, accessible restrooms, and special computer stations with scanners, copy enlargers and assistive software.

Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and interested in working full or part time, may meet with these counselors to lay out a plan for success. Call 631-853-6634 or 631-853-6539 to schedule an appointment. Visitors without an appointment may also be accommodated. See Disability Employment Initiative for more.

The county Office for People with Disabilities also advocates for disabled county residents, developing programs leading to self-sufficiency, and providing information and referrals to specialized services not available through other County departments, and ensures County government compliance with federal mandates under the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act.

Contact Director Frank Krotschinsky at 631-853-8333 for more information.