Resident recognized for achievements at work

Steven Azarian, of Valley Stream, was honored at a breakfast ceremony in Farmingdale on Dec. 2 for his performance as an employee at Shred It, a paper shredding company in Westbury. The annual event is organized by Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities to recognize exemplary local employees with disabilities.

“Meaningful work creates an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to have another dimension of purpose and satisfaction in their lives,” said Rich Breuninger, first vice president of the ACLD board of trustees. “ACLD continues to be committed to pursuing the dream of employment with the people we support.”

More than 150 people representing over 100 Long Island companies that partner with ACLD’s vocational programs attended the event. The nonprofit agency was founded in 1957 to provide opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives. ACLD employs more than 1,100 people and operates 77 different program sites, including group homes and apartment programs, across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The goal of the event is to honor achievements made by individuals with special needs and to recognize businesses that have committed to hiring individuals with disabilities, the organization said.