A Laughter in the Lonely Night

This is the story of wonderful people we have known. Many lives have been changed since Abilities, Inc. was founded in 1952/ From its humble beginnings in a Long Island garage, Abilities, Inc. has grown into an internationally renowned program that supports thousands of people with disabilities each year, and the Henry Viscardi School has become the fulfillment of a life-long dream.Under its new name, the National Center for Disability Services continues to fulfill Dr. Viscardi's original vision for people with disabilities. Here, children with disabilities can learn and grow in a school environment that teaches its students basic academic skills as it nurtures their need for love and independence. Each year, hundreds of adults with disabilities gain the dignity and self-sufficiency that comes from getting their first jobs. Employers learn how to recruit and hire people with disabilities, as we explore and develop new technologies and strategies for enhancing the education and employment of people with disabilities.Dr. Henry Viscardi Jr. envisioned that his program would become a pilot program, a model for all the world to copy, in recognizing and enhancing the participation and contributions of people with disabilities in our lives. As we enter the new millennium, "Hank" has succeeded in making this vision a reality.