Suffolk Workforce Training Center For People With Autism To Open

WEST BABYLON, NY — A partnership that will help people with autism find more career opportunities was announced Wednesday by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone in West Babylon. The Suffolk County Department of Labor (DOL) is set to team up with the Winters Center for Autism for the project.

The training experiences will provide a boost for those with autism to find work in industries such as hospitality, manufacturing and agriculture on Long Island.

Bellone called the partnership "groundbreaking" and said it will address an issue that is critical in not only Suffolk but the United States. He dubbed April as "Autism Action Month" as opposed to "Autism Awareness Month," adding that the mentality needs to be had throughout the year.

"People on the autism spectrum are incredible, incredible people who can do things that sometimes surprise or shock us," Bellone said. "They are incredible, special people. They just need everyone around them to be supportive of them and work with them so they can reach their full potential and they can be out in the community working. That is so important that we are, as a society, are working together to give employment opportunities for everyone in our society."

As of Wednesday, 9 out of 10 adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed, said Christine Ponzio, the executive director of Winters Center for Autism.

"Through this partnership, we are going to transform opportunities for adults with autism," Ponzio said.

Those who are on the spectrum or a family member were encouraged by Ponzio to check out the Winters Center for Autism website and fill out an application of interest. Employers on Long Island wanting to participate can also head to the website and become an employer partner, Ponzio said.

The Winters Center for Autism has launched a needs assessment survey for local families and people to support the development and implementation of the new programs.

The new training experiences will be held on-site at the Winters Center for Autism and will offer participants with autism ages 21 and over the chance to learn the vocational, social and independent living skills important for employment success, according to officials. The DOL will work with graduates of the program to secure internships and job placements through the One-Stop Employment Center.

Michele Winters, founder of the Winters Center for Autism; Patrick Winters, president of the board of directors of Winters Center for Autism; and Sean Landeta, a former NFL punter with the New York Giants, were also at the news conference.