Local employee recognized during NYS Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month

New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID) selected Kelli Fisher, marketing and development specialist at Spectrum Designs, as this year’s Trailblazer Award recipient during NYSID’s recent Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation and 50th anniversary celebration. 

The event recognizes New Yorkers with disabilities who are performing outstanding work and excelling in the workplace, as well as organizations that support employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Fisher, a Plainview resident who is on the autism spectrum, leads social media campaigns for Port Washington-based Spectrum Designs that garner considerable attention, earning her an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” After first working in Spectrum’s baking program, Fisher then moved into its apparel social enterprise, where she was promoted to social media specialist.

NYSID is a facilitating agency of the Preferred Source Program, which works to create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and qualified veterans by fulfilling government purchasing needs for goods and services. It also provides those products and services to private sector and nonprofit entities, including Albany Medical Center, the United Way, Care Design, and others.

In addition to New York State Disability Rights and Employment Awareness Month, October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which emphasizes the contributions of people with disabilities in America’s diverse workforce.