October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the skills people with disabilities bring to the workforce and the impact they have on their workplaces and communities.
This month, we’re proud to recognize AHRC Nassau community members Sherron McCarter, Edward Richardson, Gloria Waller, and Vladimir Noel. All four have been contributing to their respective workplaces for years, benefiting from Supported Employment Services (SEMP), a program designed to help people with I/DD find and maintain meaningful work.
Sherron McCarter
Sherron McCarter has worked on the Wheatley Farms commercial cleaning team since 2023. On October 5, Sherron received a STAR Award at the Talent Connection Job Expo, which recognizes people succeeding in integrated workplaces. AHRC Nassau co-presented the expo with FREE, ACLD, and Life’s WORC.
“It’s nice to be acknowledged for doing a good job,” Sherron said.
Sherron enjoys his work because it keeps him active and able to earn money to buy the things he wants. “I save for emergencies, that’s exactly why I save. Also, I am saving for that new Neon MacBook,” Sherron said. “I want to have it almost like a tablet. I see people with laptops and I said that’s cool; I want a laptop too.”
Sherron is known for being hardworking and reliable. He works on weekdays and likes to take the weekends off to relax. He works at AHRC Nassau’s Freeport Center three days a week and the remaining two days, he works at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Massapequa. Sherron takes Able-Ride, a door-to-door shared-ride service for people with disabilities, to work and is often called on to cover shifts at Nassau DMV locations when others are unavailable.
Gloria Waller
Gloria Waller is part of the commercial catering team at Wheatley Farms. She previously worked in commercial cleaning and is enjoying this new role much more. “I love working in the kitchen,” Gloria said. “It’s a learning experience. It helps you learn how to cook on your own.”
As a prep cook Gloria helps the catering team prepare for events with dozens of guests. She’s an integral part of the team, she’s careful, meticulous, and always ready with a joke for her coworkers. Gloria lives in a supported apartment, takes public transportation or Able-Ride to work five days a week.
Gloria’s work experience has expanded her independence and ability to care for herself. She cooks more often and recently started baking cakes and cookies.
Vladimir Noel
Vladimir Noel is a part of the Wheatley Farms commercial cleaning team. He has been a part of the team since the fall of 2024. His favorite part of the job is, “cleaning the houses,” he also works in AHRC Nassau day service locations where he’s able to see many familiar faces. Vladimir lives at home and manages his money independently. “I save it. When I need it, I that it out of the bank.” He uses his money for snacks and lunches, otherwise he saves for special occasions. “I want to go on a cruise next year,” Vladimir said. He’s open to any cruise but would prefer a Caribbean cruise where he could visit the Bahamas.
Sherron, Edward, Gloria and Vladimir bring real talent and value to their workplaces every day. Their coworkers count on them, and working has opened doors in their own lives, to travel and savings goals to new skills at home. This NDEAM we are proud to celebrate them.