Monthly Archives: October 2022

Throughout the 2022 legislative session, Senator John W. Mannion and Assemblymember Chris Burdick led a movement to advance greater employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through an updated Preferred Source Law. Both legislators chair disability committees in the NYS Legislature.

Senator Mannion and Assemblymember Burdick were named NYSID's 2022 Legislative Champions for sponsoring the unanimous bills that led to Governor Hochul's signing of the modernized legislation.

Senator Mannion received the award in his District Office.

Assemblymember Burdick received his award at the October 19th Annual Meeting, where the following video was played before an enthusiastic crowd. 

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In addition to the newly announced New York State Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month, October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which emphasizes the contributions of people with disabilities throughout America's diverse workforce. 

It’s fitting then that NYSID’s 2022 Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation was held on Wednesday, October 19, showcasing how employment positively impacts the lives of individuals with disabilities.

We are grateful to these individuals, and our Member Agencies, Corporate Partners, customers, supporters, and strategic partners, for the impact of their Unity, Purpose and Change toward a more inclusive New York than ever before.

“I’m proud of the 6,185 jobs created on 3,211 NYSID contracts: 4,642 (or 71%) were competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” said President & CEO Maureen O’Brien.

Please enjoy these videos highlighting our 2022 honore

While the Preferred Source Program has worked to offer individuals with disabilities as many employment opportunities as possible, its governing law needed to be updated after 50 years. 

NYSID is proud to share that on October 4 Governor Hochul signed Preferred Source legislation updating disability employment ratios and contracting thresholds. Thanks to these modernization efforts, we look forward to expanding meaningful jobs for individuals with disabilities who look to the program for success.

On behalf of those individuals and all of NYSID’s partners in the campaign to improve the Preferred Source Law for a new era, thank you Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation into law. With the support of Governor Hochul, our legislative champions, and the state’s first Chief Disability Officer Kim Hill, NYSID will better be able to put more New Yorkers with disabilities to work in various employment environments.

#NDEAM

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