News Summary
The Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment (AVRE) has reached the final four in the ‘Coolest Thing Made in New York’ contest. This initiative highlights the quality products made by individuals with visual impairments, emphasizing their potential in the workforce. AVRE produces high-quality copy paper, advocating for employment opportunities in a field where 75-80% of visually impaired individuals face challenges. Public voting runs until August 24, leading to the final showcase on September 18.
Binghamton, N.Y. – The second annual “Coolest Thing Made in New York” contest has progressed to its final four businesses, with notable inclusion of The Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment (AVRE) from Binghamton. AVRE is recognized for producing high-quality copy paper made by individuals with visual impairments, an initiative aimed at providing them with fair job opportunities in a challenging employment landscape.
Currently, 75-80% of individuals with visual impairments face significant barriers to employment. AVRE works to combat this alarming statistic by creating a supportive and productive environment where visually impaired individuals can thrive. The organization champions the message that their employees are more than capable of excelling in a typical workplace setting. With a commitment to quality, AVRE’s copy paper is produced to standards comparable to major name-brand paper products, reinforcing the idea that individuals with visual impairments can provide substantial contributions to the workforce.
The voting for the current round is set to continue until Sunday, August 24. Following this phase, the finalists will be narrowed down to the final two businesses. These two will then have the opportunity to showcase their products at The Business Council’s Annual Meeting at the prestigious Sagamore Resort. The ultimate winner will be announced on September 18, highlighting the best of what New York has to offer in manufacturing and innovation.
AVRE’s production manager, Luigi DiRusso, highlighted that hiring practices for those with visual impairments can often be overshadowed by discomfort or misconceptions about their capabilities. He believes employers may be hesitant to offer positions to visually impaired individuals, not recognizing their potential for productivity and excellence in various roles. AVRE seeks to dispel these myths by demonstrating the high standards achieved by its employees, showcasing their ability to match or even exceed the performance of their sighted counterparts.
The “Coolest Thing Made in New York” contest celebrates the creativity and excellence within the state’s manufacturing sector, giving businesses like AVRE an important platform to raise awareness about the capabilities of visually impaired individuals. Public participation is encouraged, as individuals can vote for their favorite business at madeinny.org, helping to elevate awareness of the challenges faced by workers with disabilities while also supporting talented individuals and innovative products in New York.
This initiative not only brings recognition to AVRE but also illuminates the broader issue of employment for people with visual impairments. The contest stands as a reminder of the importance of inclusion and the need for equal employment opportunities across all sectors. Through participatory efforts and recognition showcases like this, the potential of individuals with disabilities can be spotlighted, leading to positive change in workplace diversity and equality.
As the voting deadline approaches, the anticipation builds around which business will ultimately be declared the “Coolest Thing Made in New York.” For those interested in supporting a vision for inclusivity and quality, casting a vote for AVRE could make a significant impact, shining a light on the remarkable efforts of individuals working to redefine their roles in the business community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
2025 Coolest Thing Made in New York Contest Finalists Announced
Additional Resources
- Binghamton Homepage
- Democrat and Chronicle
- My Twin Tiers
- WBNG News
- Democrat and Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Employment of People with Disabilities
- Google Search: Disabilities in the Workplace
- Google Scholar: Employment Challenges Visual Impairments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disability
- Google News: Employment for Disabled Individuals
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
