Award Accepted For ACLD

Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD), a leading Long Island based not-for-profiagency devoted to supporting the pursuit of an enviable life for children and adults with autism, learning and other developmental disabilities, received the 2017 Long Island Imagine Award for Innovation at an awards reception held at Crest Hollow Country Club on May 2.

Samantha Sheehy from Levittown, the first person to be hired as a telemarketer and receptionist at RewearAble, accepted the award on behalf of ACLD along with ACLD's Executive Director, Robert C. Goldsmith. Sheehy was featured in the nomination and is a big part of why ACLD was chosen to receive the Innovation Award.

"Earning my own living was something I always imagined happening," said Sheehy. "Being in a wheelchair and having a disability doesn't mean I don't have dreams of working. It doesn't mean I don't want to earn a living, live independently or go on a vacation. Before working at RewearAble, I never had a job. I tried to get a job for two years, but because of my disability it was difficult, but it didn't stop me."

The Innovation award, sponsored by Empire National Bank, is presented to a nonprofit that has been innovative in adopting new platforms that have led to a significant increase in the organization's ability to meet its mission. In addition to the award, ACLD received a $5,000 grant to support RewearAble, a green program created by ACLD to provide sustainable employment for people with developmental disabilities by collecting used and unwanted clothing, fabrics and accessories.