Shown in the photo, left to right, are Lia Phelan, TRI transition to work coordinator; Dr. Pamela Allen, pupil personnel services department; Susan Feig, Queens Center for Progress, NYSRA Representative; Gail O'Donovan, Hempstead High School special education teacher and Dr. Elfrida Bonner, pupil personnel services department. Hempstead School District was honored by the New York State Rehabilitation Association (NYSRA) with a 2006 School/Community Partnership Recognition Award for partnering with The Rehabilitation Institute (TRI) to provide transition services for students with disabilities. This award recognizes school districts that demonstrate understanding to meet the needs of students with disabilities through transition planning, documented community partnership and building a school culture of acceptance of "school to work" goals and the provision of transition services.

Gail O'Donovan, a Massapequa resident and special education teacher from Hempstead High School, was recognized by NYSRA for her efforts in this successful partnership with TRI developed with the support and leadership of Reginald Stroughn, Hempstead High School principal. "Gail's dedication to her students in providing linkages for vocational training to students preparing to enter the workforce has been instrumental in their success," said Lisa Thorsen, TRI Administrator.

TRI, with offices in Garden City and Carle Place, partners with the Hempstead School District and other Long Island districts to prepare students with differing abilities to transition from the school environment to the job market. TRI offers training in a number of areas including retail, inventory management, graphic design, bookkeeping and accounting, food service, building maintenance and office technology. TRI is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing occupational skills, training, supported work, and job placement for individuals with disabilities and/or mental illness who live on Long Island.