For Sherron McCarter and Tim Lettal, the annual Talent Connection Job Expo on October 5 was an opportunity to celebrate achievements and pursue career goals.
Held at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the expo brought together hundreds of job seekers, employers, and community partners to celebrate the importance of inclusive employment and connect people with disabilities to new opportunities.
Sherron, who receives Supported Employment Services through AHRC Nassau and works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Massapequa, marched into the event holding an AHRC Nassau flag high as part of the opening program. Sherron was among the honorees recognized with a STAR Award for achievements in the workplace.
“I was very happy to be recognized,” said Sherron. “I started working a small, few hours and have moved up to working five days a week both at Freeport and the DMV, making more money.”
For Tim, who is supported by AHRC’s Freeport Day Services, the expo offered an opportunity to put his culinary training to work. He received his culinary arts certificate from Nassau BOCES and is actively looking for roles in food service.
“I looked for places that were hiring basically,” said Tim. “There was one that was close to my home. It’s a senior living home, so I would be working in the kitchen making meals for the senior citizens.”
Tim was encouraged, making the connection with the senior living facility and will be actively working with his Day Services staff to complete the application and follow up for an interview.
Preparing for New Opportunities
Tim and people supported by Freeport Day Services began preparing for the expo a week earlier. Together with Katelyn Coyne, Assistant Manager, they practiced introductions and questions for prospective employers.
At the expo, they put that preparation into practice, speaking with hiring representatives, asking questions, and exploring employment opportunities. As the people introduced themselves and asked questions, Katelyn was there to offer support and encouragement.
“It was a good experience for them,” said Katelyn Coyne. “I thought it was beneficial and they got a lot out of it.”
The expo offered a welcoming, accessible environment where job seekers connected directly with employers, learned about available positions, and received support throughout the process.
Celebrating Inclusive Employment
The event also recognized the accomplishments of people thriving in integrated workplaces through its annual STAR Awards.
OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer delivered the keynote and was joined by community leaders, including Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Doreen Nobile of ACCES-VR, and Master of Ceremonies Jaimie Stuart of News 12 to recognize the event and the STAR Awards.
The Talent Expo was presented by FREE, ACLD, AHRC Nassau, and Life’s WORC — in partnership with ACCES-VR, the New York State Department of Labor, and the Town of Oyster Bay.
AHRC Nassau’s Talent Acquisition Team, Central Enrollment, Employment Services, and Wheatley Farms also hosted tables alongside community partners, sharing resources and information about available services.
The expo highlighted the value of inclusive hiring and the importance of creating opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute their talents, build careers, and achieve their employment goals.