Transition Students From Bellmore-Merrick Experience Day Habilitation, Employment Pathways, and Inclusive Learning Through Hands-On Experiences 

Preparing for life after high school, transition students and families from Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District recently visited Wheatley Farms & Arts Center to explore opportunities for learning, employment, and greater independence.

The visit to Wheatley Farms offered a firsthand look at how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities pursue their personal interests and connect with their communities through experiences in nature and the arts.

One of the tour guides was Zahava Kugler, who has been building skills through Day Services at WFAC for over two years. Zahava presented on some of the crops grown at the farm and how she enjoys using her favorite ingredients. 

“By the greenhouse they have eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes,” Zahava said. “I like cooking with the fresh mint. I put tomato sauce on it, and I put it together with the pasta.” 

Students visited the sensory garden and sampled fresh lettuce, chives, and chocolate mint while learning how food is grown from seed to harvest.  

“We don’t go to the grocery store. We go into our garden and pick our vegetables,” Kimberly Nistal, Farm Education Manager, explained. 

Students also observed growing crops, including strawberries, that will be ready for harvest later in the season, and learned how the farm’s organic practices support both people and animals. Vegetables grown on site are used in cooking activities and even shared with the farm’s animals, reinforcing the full-circle learning experience. 

The tour introduced students to opportunities for creativity, leadership, and community engagement through art projects and special events—building skills that support independence and self-confidence.

Following the tour, students took part in a planting activity, creating their own planters with colorful flowers to bring home and providing a hands-on reminder of what they learned during their visit. 

While students explored the farm, parents learned about services that support people at every stage of their journey and connected with program leaders, including Jerri Walker, Director of Wheatley Farms and Arts Center; Nicky Faranda, Director of Employment Services and Social Enterprises; Savita Sharma, Director of Camp Loyaltown; Carmela Melendez, Assistant Director of Central Enrollment; Patrick Sherrard, Assistant Director of Day Habilitation Services; and Samantha Rodonis, CQL Certified POM Interviewer and Trainer. 

Families learned how Day Habilitation Services emphasize skill-building, community participation, and individualized supports through flexible staffing ratios, transportation, and access to specialized supports such as nursing and behavioral services. Parents also explored employment pathways available through AHRC Nassau. Guided by New York State’s “Employment First” approach, services are designed to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment based on their interests and goals.  

For those preparing to enter the workforce, community-based Pre-Vocational Services focus on developing essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and following directions through real-world experiences, while more advanced services support people in securing and maintaining competitive employment. 

By the end of the visit, students and families left with a deeper understanding of the opportunities available through Wheatley Farms & Arts Center and available services – from Day Services and Employment Services to lifelong learning.