F.R.E.E. Holds Job Fair for Disabled

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises Inc. (F.R.E.E.) held its first Long Island job fair for residents with autism and disabilities Thursday.

Hundreds of job seekers from Nassau and Suffolk counties with disabilities met with dozens of Long Island businesses at the F.R.E.E. “Talent Connection Job Expo.” Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and New York State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg were on hand for the event, held at F.R.E.E.'s Old Bethpage headquarters.

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,” Mangano said.  “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 the workforce and society.