According to Howard Katzman, who works in the Corona VESID office in Queens, the organization started over 75 years ago, just after World War I, and was designed to help people with orthopedic problems. Since that time, it has grown to include people with all sorts of physical disabilities, as well as people with mental, emotional, or learning disabilities that interfere with their ability to work. VESID also aids people who suffer from substance abuse problems.
"We help people who have a disability - a disability that serves as a barrier to employment," said Katzman.
Katzman explained that when an individual first contacts VESID, a thorough assessment is done to determine what their limitations - and capabilities - are. IN many cases, VESID counselors then tailor a job training program meant to lead to meaningful employment.
"People are not always aware of what they are capable of doing," he added. "We want to make sure that the job training leads to job placement."
VESID's role doesn't stop with a hiring, however. As John Nardozzi, district manager for the Corona office, explained, VESID often sends counselors to the job site to make sure new employees are successful. from
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