Mangano Partners With F.R.E.E. To Host Long Island’s First Job Fair For Adults With Autism And Disabilities

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg today joined members of the Family Residences and Essential Enterprises Inc. (F.R.E.E.) at their facility in Old Bethpage for Long Island’s first job fair for residents with autism and disabilities, where hundreds of differently abled job seekers from both Nassau and Suffolk Counties connected with dozens of Long Island businesses at the F.R.E.E. “Talent Connection Job Expo.” F.R.E.E. has reported a 90 percent unemployment rate for the over 3,000 adults on Long Island with autism and special needs.

“Today’s job fair for adults with autism and disabilities is the result of months of hard work on behalf of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the dedicated staff at Family Residences, and many local volunteers,” said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano. “We are asking employers to please consider either hiring or having these talented individuals volunteer and make a difference in people’s lives.”

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month which recognizes the contributions of Americans with disabilities to both our workforce and society. During the month of October we pay tribute to the accomplishments of these individuals and recognize the value they bring to employment. People who are differently abled offer unlimited talent to employers and have an extreme level of loyalty.

In addition, to honoring F.R.E.E. for all of their efforts, Winthrop University Hospital was honored as a “Star Employer.”