New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID) presented its Member Agency, Lifetime Assistance, with a check in the amount of $20,000, which matches the organization’s own investment of $20,000. The funds are designated to support Lifetime Assistance in enhancing wages for their employees with disabilities working in Classified Scanning & Shredding, a social enterprise serving state and local government agencies, private sector businesses, and other customers. Representatives from Lifetime Assistance, NYSID, and others were hand for this announcement. Kevin, an employee of Lifetime, shared his perspective on the importance of employment and what his job at Lifetime Assistance means to him.

“We are excited to work with Lifetime Assistance and Classified Scanning & Shredding on a plan that will help enhance their employees’ economic independence, financial stability and improve motivation and engagement at work. We strongly believe that individuals with disabilities deserve fair compensation for their work and support initiatives that promote this goal.,” said Maureen O’Brien, president and CEO of NYSID. “This also helps the local, regional, and state economies to thrive. It’s simply a win-win situation for everyone.”

“We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with NYSID and for their continued support with this matching grant to enhance wages for people with disabilities. Our team is made up of dedicated individuals who give their best every day, and we deeply appreciate their hard work and commitment,” said Bryan O’Donovan, president and CEO of Lifetime Assistance.

NYSID and Lifetime Assistance are also working on a project with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), sponsored by NYSID’s CREATE (Cultivating Resources for Employment with Assistive TEchnology) program. RIT engineering students are developing a staple remover device that can be used by Lifetime Assistance employees with disabilities to make their jobs more accessible. The invention will be showcased at a state-wide competition on April 9 in Albany, NY.

New York State Senator Pamela Helming (54th District) said: “Classified scanning and shredding offered by employees at Lifetime Assistance is a critical service that many local businesses have grown to trust and depend on. A wage increase for these dedicated employees will increase both their financial security and overall wellbeing. Thank you to both Lifetime Assistance and NYSID for their continued commitment to wage enhancements for employees with disabilities.”