During a joint celebration commemorating National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the National Center for Disability Services (NCDS) officially changed its name to Abilities!, a re-adoption of the organization's original moniker from 1952.

Abilities! CEO and President Edmund L. Cortez explained the reason behind the name change. "The decision to re-adopt the name that our founder, Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. gave us more than 50 years ago is a decision to return to a name that reflects our core values," he said. "Whether in our school or our employment programs, our primary goal is to teach everyone to recognize and appreciate the abilities of the people we serve."

As for the timing of the name change, October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes the talents, skills, and dedication of workers with disabilities who are a vital part of the workforce. Training people with disabilities for working lives and equal treatment in all aspects of societal life is a major goal of Abilities!

Also in attendance at the ceremony was Joan McGovern of JP Morgan Chase, a longtime supporter of Abilities!; Arthur Moore, representing Sprint, another corporate supporter of Abilities!; and New York Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, whose son was treated at the facility.

"People with disabilities have the right to work and the right to equal wages and benefits," said Rep. McCarthy. "For 50 years Abilities! has helped disabled people reach their potential and created thousands of diverse workplaces in the process," said Representative McCarthy. "I am proud to be a part of this new era of this great organization and I look forward to continue my efforts in directing federal funds to Abilities!"

During the ceremony, Abilities! also announced their receipt of $3.75 million in funding in the form of Projects with Industry (PWI) grants from the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Education.

New York Congressman Gary Ackerman, another supporter of Abilities!, was unable to attend, but said, "I'm happy I was able to be of assistance in obtaining this funding which will help Abilities! to continue to do the impressive work that they do." Abilities, Inc. is the only organization in the country that has secured funding in all PWI grants competitions since they were initiated in 1969.