YAPHANK – Last week, Maryhaven Center of Hope and New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) marked a major step in expanding opportunities for people with disabilities, announcing a combined $22,000 investment to purchase a high-capacity document scanner that will help create and grow job opportunities for employees with disabilities.
Maryhaven Center of Hope is a nonprofit human services organization in Yaphank that supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other special needs. The organization invested $11,000 toward the equipment purchase, and New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) matched that contribution to further support the initiative.
New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) operates as a nonprofit membership organization focused on creating job pathways for people with disabilities and for qualified Veterans. Working with a statewide network of more than 140 nonprofit service agencies and private-sector partners, the organization helps connect thousands of individuals to employment each year. During fiscal year 2025, participants in those programs earned a combined $87.2 million.
The new scanner is expected to create meaningful opportunities for employees by introducing a range of responsibilities, including document preparation, scanning, indexing, and quality control. Many of these tasks can be tailored to different ability levels, giving participants the chance to develop technical skills and build confidence while working with modern equipment.
Staff say the technology helps foster independence and a sense of accomplishment, while also demonstrating that individuals with disabilities can successfully carry out essential workplace functions. The scanner’s user-friendly design, adjustable settings, and automation features can also help minimize physical strain, making the work more accessible for those with mobility or dexterity challenges. By broadening its service capabilities, Maryhaven may also be able to take on additional business, supporting more consistent employment opportunities for the people it serves.
“This new scanner will allow us to better support employees with disabilities in their jobs. We aim to empower everyone with disabilities, and this new piece of technology will help our employees perform at their best and help us grow. We appreciate NYSID for providing this matching grant,” said Amanda Dondero, Director of Integrated Business Center Services at Maryhaven.
Maureen O’Brien, president and CEO of New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID), spoke to The Messenger about how learning to use the technology can build confidence and independence among employees. She shared a firsthand example of its impact, saying, “Individuals with disabilities want to work independently just like individuals without disabilities work. I watched a neurodiverse employee utilize the scanner, and he was quite pleased with the outcome.”
“Creating opportunities for employees with disabilities is one of the wonderful ways Maryhaven supports these gifted individuals. This new technology will give them access to these essential jobs, fostering inclusion for all,” said Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow) in a statement.
With collaborative efforts from NYSID and Maryhaven, they are on the road to making a difference. By adding new technology and expanding the types of services they can offer, Maryhaven and NYSID are continuing to build pathways toward meaningful, stable work for the individuals they serve, while reinforcing the value of inclusion in today’s workforce.
