6th Annual All Ability Jobs Fair To Take Place Friday: Suffolk County

WEST BABYLON, NY — Suffolk County is helping those with disabilities in the month of October.

In recognition of Disability Employment Month, the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs and the Suffolk County Workforce Development Board, will be hosting the 6th Annual All Ability Jobs Fair on Friday, Oct. 13.

It will take place at the Winter Center for Autism in West Babylon, located at 92 Mahan Street, West Babylon from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

"This job fair goes beyond just connecting jobseekers with employment opportunities; it embodies our unwavering dedication to cultivating a community that celebrates differences and values all contributions," said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. "By promoting 'Employment for All,' we are creating a future where all differently abled individuals have every opportunity to succeed and thrive in their careers."

This year marks the first time this event will be held since the pandemic and will provide attendees with ample opportunity to engage with potential employers, learn about available positions, and network within a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

Healthcare, retail, manufacturing, customer service, administrative, and information technology companies are scheduled to attend, including Bren-Tronics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Well Life Clean Corp, Northwell Health, Suffolk County Department of Civil Service and more; with additional organizations signing up each day.

According its website, the center aims to enhance the lives of adults with autism through job creation, training, and placement to address "the excessive unemployment rate among people" with autism.

"Although there are many programs that provide excellent services for children and teens, there is a huge gap in the number of services and opportunities for adults with autism," the website said.

The facility includes vocational and life skills teaching areas, a high-tech conference and education meeting room, and recreational spaces for health and wellness activists.

It also features local businesses such as Nelly's Empanadas, Music Academy for Special Learners, Mike’s Custom Kuts, Winters Community Connections and Winters Bros. Gym.

According to the foundation, the unemployment rate for individuals exceeds 90 percent a press release said.

"Jobs can give people a sense of fulfillment and purpose," a press release said. "Identifying businesses in Long Island who want to be a part of making a difference is the key to changing the landscape of unemployment for adults with autism."

According to its website, native Long Islanders Joe and Michele Winters created the foundation after their son, Sean, was diagnosed with autism in 1996.

Joe Winters passed away in 2021.

To learn more about the Winters Center for Autism and employment resources for adults with autism, click here.

Advance registration is recommended but not required for the event. To register, click here. For more information about the event, click here.