Nonprofits: Abilities CEO Cortez retiring

Edmund Cortez is retiring after 16 years as chief executive of Abilities Inc., the Albertson-based organization that has helped train people with disabilities for manufacturing and technology jobs for more than half a century, according to one of the group's board members.

Mike Pascucci, an Abilities board member and a former board chairman, said, "It's a high-energy job. He [Cortez] wants to move on."

Cortez did not return repeated telephone calls or respond to e-mails.

Pascucci said that Cortez was selected by his predecessor, Edwin W. Martin. He said he hoped Cortez helps select his own predecessor.

Abilities, formerly known as the National Center for Disability Services, got its start 58 years ago. Cortez, who has been Abilities' chief executive since 1994, told his staff a few weeks ago that he plans to retire, possibly by summer.

Under Cortez' leadership, Abilities established the Nathaniel H. Kornreich Technology Center, which promotes the participation and independence of children and adults with disabilities in school, at work, at home and in the community. Also under Cortez, Abilities established the Smeal Learning Center, a technology training center.

In 1997, Smeal's Industry-Labor Council became the National Business & Disability Council, which helps disabled people integrate into the workforce.

Abilities was started in 1952 by Henry Viscardi Jr., who was born with short, deformed legs. He went on to become a leading advocate for the rights of the disabled and was an adviser to presidents from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter. Viscardi died in 2004 at age 91.