NEW YORK STATE INDUSTRIES FOR THE DISABLED, INC. Est. 1975
At Spectrum Designs, I’m surrounded by co-workers who prove that brilliance doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from standing out. Receiving NYSID’s Trailblazer Award isn’t just about me. It’s about every autistic person who was told to tone it down, every neurodiverse creator who was told that an idea was just too weird, and every employer who thought eye contact mattered more than creativity.
~ Kelli Fisher
In celebration of 50 years of transformative employment, NYSID honored Kelli Fisher, Social Media & Marketing Specialist at NYSID Member Agency Spectrum Designs, with the 2025 Trailblazer Award, recognizing her as a symbol of the future of workplace inclusion.
Overcoming misconceptions held by previous employers, Kelli advanced to a full-time career as the social media voice for individuals on the spectrum. She manages Spectrum’s worldwide social media presence and produces engaging videos and other content, helping to generate millions of dollars in sales of custom apparel and other products.
Kelli’s success is a powerful reminder that when individuals on the spectrum are seen, supported, and believed in, they don’t just succeed – they soar.
Dear Member Agencies, Corporate Partners and Supporters:
It is our privilege to reflect on a year that was both historic and transformative for NYSID.
For five decades, NYSID has worked with unwavering purpose on behalf of individuals with disabilities, creating pathways to meaningful employment and empowering people to live with dignity, independence, and opportunity. Every milestone we reached illustrates the dedication of our Member Agencies, Corporate Partners, staff, and stakeholders, as well as the trust and talent of the individuals who bring NYSID contracts to life each day.
In 2025, NYSID supported 6,489 jobs statewide, an increase of 75 positions over the previous year. Of these, 4,833 were employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, generating $87.9 million in wages and nearly $400 million in economic impact across New York State. These outcomes represent far more than numbers – they reflect lives strengthened, communities enriched, and futures made possible through inclusive, competitive employment.
While we celebrate these achievements, we remain keenly aware that individuals with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to employment, housing, and justice. This reality makes NYSID’s mission more urgent than ever. Together with our partners, we will continue to expand opportunity, modernize systems, and advocate for policies that remove barriers and unlock potential.
The next NYSID chapter will be defined by innovation, advocacy, and growth. Guided by our mission and anchored by our shared values, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive through competitive, integrated employment.
Thank you for being part of NYSID’s journey. We move forward with confidence and intention, inspired by what we have achieved together and energized by the impact still to come.
Patrick Bardsley Chair
NYSID’S MISSION:
Advancing employment and other opportunities for individuals with disabilities and qualified veterans.
Maureen E. O’Brien President & CEO
Empowering Business Growth & Employment Opportunities
NYSID’s 50-year mission of securing life-changing employment for individuals of diverse abilities delivered measurable economic and social impact across New York State this past year.
Workers with disabilities met quotas and deadlines in data entry, records management, and document destruction jobs. They customized uniforms and apparel for numerous industries. They cleaned offices, transportation centers, and health care spaces.
The Preferred Source procurement model directly fuels purposeful employment and competitive wages, including new 2025 business:
• Job placements on temporary staffing contracts at the NYS Department of Health, NYS Division of Human Rights, and NYS Office of General Services, a service line which has doubled over the past five years
• Newly created custodial jobs at secure juvenile detention facilities through an expanded relationship between The NYC Administration for Children’s Services and AHRC New York City
• A new partnership for textile recycling services with the NYC Department of Sanitation, providing a vital solution for the City’s landfill crisis
The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter Utica/Oneida County
Diem Nguyen
NYSID is grateful to its collaborative partners in furthering Governor Hochul’s Employment First agenda and focusing on why integrated workplaces matter.
~ Maureen E. O’Brien, President & CEO
Expanding Procurement
THAT POWERS EMPLOYMENT
HIGHLIGHTS
PAYMENT
Armando Torres
The Arc Erie County New York Buffalo/Erie County
Advancing Mission Through United Advocacy
NYSID is grateful to its collaborative partners in furthering Governor Hochul’s Employment First agenda and focusing on why integrated workplaces matter.
NYSID joined forces with The New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation, The Arc New York, CP State, and other leading disabilityfocused organizations to champion increased wages for our state’s workforce of direct care professionals.
Pictured: Maureen O’Brien; Damarise Mann, Living Resources; Patricia Fahy, New York State Senate
NYSID urged lawmakers to support Governor Hochul’s budget proposal to remove the “sunset clause” in the 2022 Preferred Source Modernization Law and stood in solidarity at the annual DREAM symposium sponsored by the Office of the Chief Disability Officer.
NYSID’S statewide and national advocacy efforts were recognized by ANCOR, a leading national organization dedicated to strengthening community-based disability services. Its 2025 Community Builder Award acknowledged NYSID initiatives in driving policy changes that make employment more equitable.
Pictured: Brenda Rotolo, New York State Education Department; Maureen O’Brien;
Towler, AHRC New York City.
Steve
Pictured: Michael Seereiter, New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation and Alicia McGrath, Center for Family Support and NYSID Board Member, who accepted on behalf of NYSID.
Nationally, NYSID amplified its voice as a member of the CEO Commission for Disability Employment, collaborating with executives from major corporations at the CEO’s Summit & Hill Day, helping to shape the future of disability employment policies.
• Able Employment Flexibility Act (H.R. 4644/S.2459)
• Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (H.R. 4771/S.2438)
NYSID was honored with The Arc New York’s Employer Recognition Award for its leadership in expanding employment opportunities across the state, helping individuals with disabilities secure paychecks and independence. The Arc Lexington, which nominated NYSID for the award, hosted a celebration that brought together key stakeholders from across the disability community.
Pictured: Shaloni Winston, The Arc Lexington; John McDonald, New York State Assembly; Patricia Fahy, New York State Senate; Kim Hill, Chief Disability Officer; Damian Burke and Jordan Sprague, Transitions; Maureen O’Brien; Angelo Santabarbara, New York State Assembly; Erik Geizer, The Arc New York; Dylan Goomansingh, NYSID.
Elevating Workforce Potential
NYSID encourages innovation that empowers individuals with disabilities to thrive at work. These strategic initiatives directly boost meaningful, long-term employment opportunities.
During Fiscal Year 2025, NYSID awarded more than $58,000 in Matching Grants to three Member Agencies, empowering them to adopt innovative technologies that significantly boost production efficiency and capacity.
The Arc Otsego purchased a new transport van and updated production equipment for its Creekside Industries integrated production center. Heather Worden benefits from both: she commutes to work in the van, while the new equipment boosts her work output. “Working here helps us, and making these products helps people who need them,” she said.
The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence purchased a more advanced flatbed printer used by workers like Robert Palmer in its affirmative business. “I love working on the printers, and now I want to become a graphic designer so I can print my own art,” Robert said.
Maryhaven Center of Hope invested in a new highcapacity scanner for its Integrated Business Center (IBC), significantly enhancing document preparation, scanning, indexing, and quality control. Joshua Papello, a key member of the IBC team, said, “The scanner is very userfriendly, and it helps us get more work done efficiently.”
Lauren Takores, The Daily Star
The annual CREATE (Cultivating Resources for Employment with Assistive TEchnology) competition continues to drive innovation by pairing New York State engineering students with Member Agencies to solve actual workplace challenges.
The 2025 student teams and their Member Agency partners showcased their CREATE innovations to New York State legislators, business leaders, NYSID Members and staff, and individuals with disabilities in April. These demonstrations highlighted not only the technical ingenuity of the students but also the meaningful impact that practical, purpose-built technologies can have on inclusive employment.
CREATE 2025:
• 10 participating Member Agencies/ 8 academic partners
• 14 projects
• $30,000 in prizes awarded
Baer, Commissioner, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities learns how a new state-of-the-art ink mixer enhances safety, cleanliness, and efficiency for individuals on the production floor at
was
NYSID’s Training & Information Program (TIP) continutes to inspire positive change by presenting courses to strengthen individual and organizational performance. Each course delivers cost-free, high-quality training that helps our Membership keep current on Preferred Source procedures, legal requirements, disability industry trends, and professional development strategies.
TIP 2025:
• 11 topics
• 226 attendees
• 36 participating Members/Partners
I attended NYSID’s TIP class on ‘How to Invoice for Your Agency’s Services.’ The presenters provided clear, accessible information on using the portal, which is very useful in uploading invoices from Jawonio’s Cleaning Department.
~ Milanee Cariaga, Billing Specialist, Jawonio
Willow
Spectrum Designs. The new technology
created by college engineers from New York Institute of Technology.
1975-1979
Years of Employment Impact – 1975-2025
• New York State Finance Law establishes that products created by community rehabilitation programs employing individuals with disabilities may be sold to state and local government customers without competitive bidding.
• New York State Industries for the Handicapped, Inc. (NYSIH) begins administering 20 contracts on behalf of five Member Agencies out of its NYC headquarters, including office products and hospital clothing.
• State Finance Law soon amended to add services to NYSIH offerings.
• First NYSIH janitorial contract commences for a local DDSO by Delaware County Arc.
1980-1989
• More than 100 contracts in place; sales at $4.1 million.
• 31 Member Agencies work on 48 contracts providing jobs for individuals with disabilities.
• Janitorial services begin for the Buffalo Courthouse through The Arc Erie County NY; service continues through 2025.
• Workforces complete half a million employment hours.
1990-1996
• NYSIH becomes New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID).
• 74 Member Agencies work on 500 contracts, more than double since 1980.
• NYSID’s first mission statement: To provide New Yorkers with disabilities vocational training and employment leading to personal independence, as well as individual and community economic benefit.
• Workforces complete more than 2 million employment hours.
1999-2000 25 Years of NYSID
• More than 100% growth in sales, contracts and jobs achieved in three years.
• Workforces complete more than 3 million employment hours.
2001-2003
• Document imaging, drug test kits, and temporary office services added to offerings.
• Training & Information Program (TIP) begins offering effective business strategies, Preferred Source procedural guidance, and leadership training to NYSID membership at no cost.
• Matching Grants Program offers commodity-producing Member Agencies financial assistance up to $25,000 for facility improvements, technology updates, shop floor control measures, and more.
2004-2006
• Outstanding Performance Awards Program launched to acknowledge accomplishments of NYSID Preferred Source workers.
• NYSID’s first central warehouse established to improve customer deliveries.
2007-2009
• NYSID Member Agency workforces earn $37 million in wages.
• Headquarters relocated to current location at 11 Columbia Circle Drive.
2010-2012
• New logo introduced to convey business purpose of delivering customer solutions.
2018-2019
• Workforces earn $47 million in wages.
• “Superstorm Sandy” ravages New York City; work crews from eight NYSID Member Agencies and Corporate Partners back disaster relief efforts for City agency customers.
2013-2014
• Workforces complete more than 4 million employment hours; earn more than $55 million in wages.
• CREATE assistive technology program begins connecting college engineers with Member Agencies to design adaptive technologies for workplaces.
• NYSID business more than doubles over the past 10 years: 1,950 contracts, $194 million in sales, 289 new contracts.
2015-2017 40 Years of NYSID
• Federal “Employment First” initiative takes momentum.
• New tagline: Purchasing that Powers Employment.
• Average hourly wage on NYSID contracts reaches $15.00 per hour.
• More than 100 individuals with disabilities begin cleaning 65 NYC Fire Department emergency medical and fire battalion sites.
• NYSID restructuring focuses on improved business strategies, strengthened relationships with State Education Department and Office of General Services, and robust advocacy to move the employment needle forward.
• NYSID mission becomes Advancing employment and other opportunities for individuals with disabilities and qualified veterans.
• Mail fulfillment definition modernized to reflect technology, enhance jobs.
• Rockefeller Institute of Government report shows NYSID contracts generate $368.9 million in NYS economic output and generate $8.8 million in workforce tax revenue.
• NYSID looks at providing opportunities for disabled employment in the private sector.
2020-2021
• COVID-19 pandemic shuts down nonessential business, but NYSID and its Members continue providing janitorial and other services as well as products to essential government entities.
• Second Rockefeller Institute of Government report finds that New York’s disability service providers produced $14.3 billion in economic output and nearly 200,000 full-time jobs. NYSID alone generates $407.3 million in economic impact.
• Interest-free Revolving Loan Fund launched to assist Member Agencies in business diversification.
• NYSID engages a third-party legistics partner for warehousing and distribution.
2022-2023
• Preferred Source Modernization legislation passes: Labor ratio set at 50%, embracing competitive integrated employment and Employment First principles. Dated language including “severely” disabled and “workshop” is modernized.
• Third Rockefeller Institute study analyzes the role the benefits cliff plays in employment decisions of people with disabilities, suggesting the need for a reworking of both state and federal policies.
• NYSID Member Agency workforces earn $80 million in wages.
2024-2025 50 Years of NYSID
• Gov. Hochul signs Executive Order 40 committing NYS as an Employment First state.
• Legislation to include the previously incarcerated in Preferred Source passes both houses, awaits governor approval.
• NYSID wins Times Union Top Workplaces Award for the third time.
• The Arc New York bestows NYSID with “Employer of the Year” award, in recognition of its partnership with Arc Lexington’s Transitions hiring program.
• NYSID business reaches new milestones: 3,531 contracts, 487 new contracts, $321 million in sales to government and private sector customers.
• $88 million in wages earned by individuals with disabilities and qualified veterans.
Expanding Our Employment Impact
NYSID’s 2025 Member Agency Employment Report is based on Quarterly Employment Report data as supplied by Member Agencies and Corporate Partners for the period of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
Harold Burroughs Mountain Lake Services Mineville/Essex County
22nd Annual Outstanding Performance Awards Program
NYSID’s 50-year mission of providing rewarding employment is reinforced each year by this people-centered recognition program. Since its launch in 2004, more than 1,100 individuals have been honored as Outstanding Performers.
NYSID congratulates the Class of 2025, and spotlights these two individuals who received the program’s highest award at the Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation in October 2025.
Brian Malone
Mail Processing Clerk
Center for Disability Services, Albany
Brian joined the Center’s mail fulfillment affirmative business after a long-term job suddenly ended in 2020. Overcoming the disappointment of being laid off, he easily adapted to the mail operation’s bustling pace, increasing his skills and hours along the way. Brian’s reliability and positive attitude set standards to respect and emulate. While most people look forward to eventual retirement, Brian is happiest when he is working and connecting with others.
I like everything about working here.
Heather Worden Production Worker
The Arc Otsego, Oneonta
Heather is a pace-setter in The Arc’s Creekside Industries production operation. Three years ago, she set a goal to move from the agency’s vocational training program to the production line for NYSID incontinence products. Today, Heather delivers high value throughout the process and earns competitive integrated wages. In the first half of 2025, she almost doubled her earnings, demonstrating that hard work with the right attitude pays off.
Getting this NYSID award makes me feel good inside because I’m a productive worker who likes to help others.
NYSID’s awards program has introduced a new “Class of Outstanding Performers” each year since 2004. Member Agencies and Corporate Partners in good standing are encouraged to recognize one individual per year.
2025 Outstanding Performers
Elijah Barton The Corporate Source
Laura Berg Image Integrator, LLC
Daniel Blasdell Suburban Adult Services, Inc.
Shawn Brown Rochester Rehabilitation Center
Byron Burke Lifetime Assistance
Colleen Burke Maryhaven Center of Hope
Harold Burroughs Mountain Lake Services
David Butler Northeast Career Planning at Unity House
Tren Carroll Arc Herkimer
Autumn Dashnau Second Chance Opportunities
Stephanie Davis The Resource Center
Matthew Dawson SecureScan
Justin Drew AHRC New York City
Kelli Fisher Spectrum Designs
Curtis Gainey CDS Monarch
David Gardner The Arc Allegany-Steuben
Roy Gibson Arc of Onondaga
Christopher Gorman KBS, LLC
Atiyyah Grant Jawonio
Jeremy Hotaling Liberty Arc
Jeffrey Jean-Pierre AHRC Nassau
Tyasia Jewell Peak Performers
Cameron Killian The Arc of Madison Cortland
George Kithcart Gateway Hudson Valley
Brian Malone Center for Disability Services
Edward Mazurowski Janitronics
James Mertz Warren, Washington & Albany Counties ARC
James Morales The Arc Chemung-Schuyler
Mark Natalzia People Inc.
Diem Nguyen The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter
Jorge Ortiz Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany
Robert Palmer The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence
Vicki Parmelee Human Technologies
Anthony Redner Green Facility Solution
Richard Schreffler JM Murray
Eric Shell Mozaic
Amanda Stedman The Arc GLOW
Tim Steves The Arc Wayne
Armando Torres The Arc Erie County New York
Elliot Torres Fedcap Rehabilitation Services
Clive Tucker WellLife Network
Delos White Rehabilitation Support Services
Katelyn Wieczerza eBizDocs
Peter Wood The Arc Ontario
Heather Worden The Arc Otsego
Recognizing Tradition & Innovation in Employment
The 2025 Member Agency of the Year awards honor disability support organizations that helped launch NYSID in 1975 and celebrate the incredible contributions of their Employees of the Year.
MEMBER AGENCY OF THE YEAR: Fedcap Rehabilitation Services
Fedcap’s employment programs provide $6 million in wages to more than 200 individuals annually, in job choices that include janitorial, digital printing, document management, and more. Fedcap’s government partnerships are among NYSID’s most important and enduring relationships.
It’s truly been an honor for Fedcap to be a valued partner with NYSID for the purpose of employing people with disabilities and other employment barriers. We look forward to continuing to flourish together and serve our missions to their utmost impact.
~ Steve Coons, President, Fedcap Rehabilitation Services
Mei Chen, Fedcap’s Employee of the Year, is a leader in the document management operation, where up to 90% of her colleagues have disclosed disabilities. Her versatility allows her to contribute to every project at Fedcap’s integrated document management worksite enabling her to rise to project manager.
Fedcap helps me by communicating with me as a deaf person in a variety of ways, so I can be successful and independent.
NYSID has built strong relationships with Corporate Partners in business services and essential Preferred Source products since 1994, further diversifying jobs for individuals with disabilities.
CORPORATE PARTNER OF THE YEAR: Morcon Tissue
A family-owned, community-minded paper converting manufacturer, Morcon embraced NYSID’s mission of inclusive employment when NYSID’s previous manufacturing partner ceased providing Preferred Source tissue and towel products. Today, five individuals from Member Agency CWI in Queensbury earn competitive wages while contributing to Morcon’s supply chain by providing quality control, packing products for shipment, and much more.
Mei Chen, NYSID Employee of the Year; Maureen O’Brien; Steve Coons, Fedcap President
MEMBER AGENCY OF THE YEAR: Mozaic
Mozaic has held numerous janitorial and groundskeeping contracts over NYSID’s 50-year history. It also operates Finger Lakes Textiles, a state-of-the-art sewing business employing an integrated workforce of 30 individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities alongside other community members. Its customers range from key federal military clients to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
We were one of the founding agencies that partnered with NYSID when it was established 50 years ago. Our mission to provide jobs and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers continues to drive us forward into NYSID’s next 50 years.
~ Allen Connely, President & CEO, Mozaic
Eric Shell, Mozaic’s Employee of the Year, is a production mainstay who consistently performs high-quality work. On a typical day, he sews 500-600 hats and also produces mesh bags for correctional facilities.
I take pride in what I do. My Mozaic job lets me contribute to society in my own little way.
Providing quality products and making a difference are hallmarks of Morcon’s value proposition. We are proud to foster inclusivity and purpose in collaboration with, providing wages and supporting independence to CWI workers.
~ Jason Saunders, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Morcon Tissue
Alexander Ashley, Morcon’s Employee of the Year, exemplifies the impact of an integrated workplace. Previously dismissed by other employers, Alex has found belonging and growth working on the Morcon production team. While humble about his accomplishments, he has earned high praise for his dedication, skills, and work ethic.
Founding NYSID Member Agency 1975
Allen Connely, Mozaic President & CEO; Eric Shell, NYSID Employee of the Year
Financial Statements
ASSETS
Byron Burke Lifetime Assistance Rochester/Monroe County
2024-25
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Patrick Bardsley, Chair
Spectrum Designs
Stephanie Turco, First Vice Chair
Gateway Hudson Valley
G. Allen Connely, Second Vice Chair Mozaic
Gregory Sorrentino, Secretary Center for Disability Services
Randi Rios-Castro, Treasurer Jawonio
Maureen O’Brien
NYSID President & CEO
Stanfort Perry, Past Chair
AHRC Nassau
BOARD MEMBERS
David Calhoun
The Arc Wayne
Timothy Giarrusso
Human Technologies
Anne McCaffrey
People Inc.
Michael Miller
Northeast Shared Services
Lynn Pietroski
The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence
Dr. Chris Rosa
The Viscardi Center
Steve Towler
AHRC New York City
Shaloni Winston
Arc Lexington
Paul Zuber
Business Council of New York State
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Maureen E. O’Brien President & Chief Executive Officer
