One of the '40

For the first time in its 12-year history of spotlighting high achievers in its “40 Under 40” Awards, Long Island Business News has chosen a person with disabilities as one of its winners.

Michael Brennan, 26, a 2004 graduate of South Side High School who has Down syndrome, was among those chosen by the publication to receive the prestigious award. Brennan is a well-spoken special needs advocate for FREE (Family Residences and Essential Enterprises) and for the National Foundation for Human Potential and a proud member of the FREE Players, a theater troupe. FREE is a not-for-profit agency that manages group homes and day services for more than 3,000 people in Nassau and Suffolk.

Brennan, whose mother lives in Rockville Centre, received the award, along with 39 other recipients, on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

"I was honored to receive the award," said Brennan. “It was a great thing because I was able to speak about my theater program. I’ve worked very hard as an advocate to help other people with disabilities overcome their challenges.”

In addition to his theater work with the FREE Players, the importance of Brennan’s consumer advocacy for individuals with special needs is quite clear and is the driving force behind his motivation to reach high and achieve more. It is Brennan’s goal to help bridge the gap in the integration and acceptance of individuals of all abilities. As an intern with FREE’s Development Department, he attends gala dinners, outside networking events and speaks when requested.

"I'm still making a difference in our lives, just in the bigger picture," Brennan said, when asked about his internship.

Brennan also gives guided tours of the Theater Day Habilitation program to visitors. On a typical tour, Brennan will point out the room where he has practiced tap, ballet and expressive dance, where French is taught and where playbills for shows such as "Guys and Dolls" are printed. Brennan suggested that the FREE Players staff offer a new class, "The Broadway Dance Theater Experience," which opened up a new world for its attendees.

The Theater Day Habilitation and prevocational program in Old Bethpage focuses on skills development related to the theater arts, including socialization, communica tion, singing, music and dance. The FREE Players work toward three main stage productions a year and also perform small productions in schools and at community events.

"Michael's accomplishments spotlight how nurturing the talent of those with special needs leads to independence, self-confidence and becoming part of the larger community," said Robert S. Budd, FREE’s CEO.

"Michael is a role model and inspiration to those around him," said Marlene McDonnell, of LIBN. "He does not see his own limitations. He is really a professional in every sense of the word."