Idea spearheaded by Philipstown legislator

By Holly Crocco

When Marian Heinzinger told Putnam County lawmakers during a forum last year that businesses should be applauded for hiring people with disabilities, Barbara Scuccimarra, who represents Philipstown, took note.

“We thought that recognizing businesses who hire people with disabilities would tell other people with disabilities, and the rest of the public, to go there and support those establishments,” Scuccimarra said.

Heinzinger, whose adult son Kevin has Down syndrome, described how his job at Spins Bowl in Carmel benefits not only him but other employees and everyone who patronizes that business.

“It’s turned out to be a terrific association,” said Heinzinger. “They like him; he likes it.”

Further, she said, promoting the fact that the bowling alley has given someone with a disability an opportunity to earn a living attracts customers.

“Let them be known as the place that hired Kevin,” she said. “We should not only recognize people for hiring somebody with special needs, but recognize them for thinking outside the box, and honoring people. It’s a reflection on the establishment.”

After hearing Kevin’s story, Scuccimarra reached out to the Putnam chapter of The Arc of New York, a nonprofit that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She and Executive Director Susan Limongello came up with a plan.

Scuccimarra contacted a friend who is a graphic designer, Jen Giachinta of Cold Spring, who created a We Hire People with Disabilities logo. The logo was printed on stickers by Grey Printing of Cold Spring, with Scuccimarra paying for them out of her pocket. She presented the stickers to The Arc of Putnam last week.

Barbara Scuccimarra and Susan Limongello display the logo design and decals for businesses that hire people with disabilities. (Photo by H. Crocco)

Limongello said close to 50 businesses hire people who are receiving services through The Arc of Putnam. “To recognize them is a wonderful thing,” she said. “It’s also recognizing that people with disabilities are being accepted in Putnam County.”

Legislator Ginny Nacerino (R-Patterson) praised the project, saying she worked at a high school where many students with disabilities were “phased out” at age 21, and that being able to find a job is important for everyone’s self-worth and self-confidence.

“It’s important to the families, too, because they want their children to be able to go beyond their own home environment, especially as they get older,” she said.

Any business that hires employees with disabilities may request a decal by contacting The Arc of Putnam at 845-278-7272 or [email protected].

Behind The Story

Type: News

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Crocco is a freelance journalist who contributes coverage of the Putnam County legislature. Location: Carmel. Languages: English. Area of expertise: Putnam County politics