Developmentally disabled recycle computer parts

Michael Magarie's work used to be humdrum, he said. He unpacked boxes and stuffed envelopes with promotional materials.

Now, Magarie said, his job is exciting. He takes apart used computers and other information technology-type equipment so that pieces can be recycled or the equipment can be used again.

"I love it now," the 55-year-old West Hempstead man said. "You don't know what you're going to get into every day."

Magarie is one of eight developmentally disabled adults engaged in a new, unique program at the AHRC Nassau in Freeport. The organization has contracted with Nextend Llc., a Rosemont, Ill.-based company, to disassemble used IT equipment for possible recycling or reuse.

The AHRC adults are paid minimum wage, now $7.25 an hour. Mary McNamara, director of community resources for AHRC, said the organization hopes to expand the program eventually to include about 30 adults. The program started in January.

Another company, CB Richard Ellis, the real estate brokerage, has met with AHRC and has introduced the program to its real estate managers in the region, who may participate, said Paul Allegretti, the brokerage's senior managing director.

"We want to move this along as a business," McNamara said.

Karleen Haines, the director of the project, said the program is aimed at providing developmentally disabled adults with meaningful jobs.

"The economy is bad," Haines noted. "No one is hiring. For people with such disabilities" to find jobs "is just about impossible at this time."

Nextend chief executive Mark Wilkins explained that his company receives used IT equipment from companies and government agencies and its job is to see to it the equipment is recycled or reused. Nextend works with recyclers and others, but AHRC Nassau is the first organization of its kind to ink a deal with the company.

Wilkins said he had done consulting work in the past for AHRC and knew the organization was looking for work for its people. Wilkins and AHRC staffers worked for months to arrange the deal.

AHRC employees make sure the computer software is completely erased before any items are shipped out for recycling. AHRC has 14 "hub sites" at shopping centers in Nassau where tech equipment can be dropped off.

"There are so few times when you can do something that makes good business sense, good sense altogether and creates jobs," Wilkins said.

"I'm learning everything," Magarie said with a grin.

At a glance

What:

AHRC Nassau, a nonprofit.

How big is it:

It's the state's largest provider of services for the developmentally disabled, serving more than 3,000 people daily

What's new:

AHRC Nassau has begun a program with Rosemont, Ill.- based Nextend Llc that allows eight developmentally disabled adults to take apart computers and other information-technology equipment so that it can be recycled or the parts reused

What's ahead:

the organization hopes to expand the program to include about 30 people, and more companies signing up to provide IT equipment.