Spectrum Designs, a custom apparel and promotional products company dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum, welcomed Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Council Member Mariann Dalimonte to its Port Washington headquarters for a special recognition ceremony honoring employee Kelli Fisher, the first-ever recipient of New York State Industries for the Disabled’s (NYSID) Trailblazer Award.
Fisher, a Marketing & Development Specialist at Spectrum Designs and a Plainview resident, was selected by NYSID during its Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation and 50th Anniversary celebration held in October. Though NYSID has honored outstanding workers with disabilities for decades, this year marked the debut of the Trailblazer Award—created specifically to recognize Fisher’s impact, leadership, and role in shaping what lies ahead for NYSID’s next 50 years.
“Kelli stood out in a way that deserved special recognition,” said NYSID Director of Marketing & Communications Jennifer Lawrence. “The Trailblazer Award recognizes what lies ahead for our community, and Kelli truly exemplifies that spirit.”
Local Leaders Celebrate Kelli’s Achievement
Supervisor DeSena presented Fisher with a proclamation on behalf of the Nassau County Executive, praising her professionalism, advocacy, and growing influence.
“I want to especially say congratulations to Kelli,” said Supervisor Jennifer DeSena. “I’ve seen your great work, online, in your promotions, in your commercials, and you hold yourself out so well. You’ve been incredibly well trained, and you are a true believer in all abilities. Thank you for everything you’re doing.”
Council Member Dalimonte also presented a Town of North Hempstead proclamation, emphasizing the impact Fisher has had not only within Spectrum Designs, but across Port Washington.
“You have spotlighted a lot that people didn’t know about Spectrum,” said Council Member Mariann Dalimonte. “And by spotlighting Spectrum, you’ve made people aware from all over. Thank you, you’ve put Port Washington on the map.”
Kelli’s Journey
Fisher, who is on the autism spectrum, has overcome significant barriers on her path to employment. Before joining Spectrum Designs, she faced repeated misconceptions about her abilities—including being dismissed during interviews simply for not making eye contact—an experience that reflects the broader challenges facing the nearly 85% of autistic adults who struggle to find meaningful work in the U.S. Despite these obstacles, Fisher persevered. She began her journey at Spectrum in its baking program, then transitioned into the apparel enterprise, where her determination, creativity, and growing expertise in digital communication led to multiple promotions.
Today, she serves as Marketing & Development Specialist, leading social media campaigns that have garnered millions of views, gone viral, and even earned her an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Her award-winning work has not only propelled Spectrum’s national visibility but has become a powerful example of the very mission at the heart of Spectrum Designs: to shatter outdated misconceptions about neurodiverse talent and showcase the extraordinary capabilities of individuals on the autism spectrum.
“Being recognized for something I love doing means so much to me,” said Kelli Fisher. “I’m proud my work is making a positive impact and helping people see what individuals on the spectrum are capable of. I’m grateful to NYSID, to our local leaders for celebrating with me today, and to everyone at Spectrum who believed in me from the start.”
Spectrum Designs Celebrates Its Own Trailblazer
Spectrum Designs, where nearly 70% of employees are on the Autism Spectrum, continues to break barriers in disability employment, earning national recognition for its inclusive workforce, innovative operations, and award-winning marketing campaigns.
“This award could not be more fitting,” said Patrick Bardsley, Co-Founder & CEO of Spectrum Designs. “Kelli is a trailblazer in every sense, professionally, creatively, and personally. Her work has amplified our mission, inspired millions, and shown the world the power of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace. We are immensely proud to celebrate her today and grateful to NYSID, Supervisor DeSena and Council Member Dalimonte for recognizing her extraordinary achievement.”
About NYSID’s 50th Anniversary & Trailblazer Award
NYSID is a facilitating agency of the New York State Preferred Source Program, which creates employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and qualified veterans by meeting government purchasing needs for goods and services. NYSID’s Annual Meeting recognizes New Yorkers with disabilities who excel in their roles, as well as organizations advancing disability employment.
The inaugural Trailblazer Award was created this year , its 50th anniversary , as a symbol of NYSID’s commitment to the future. Fisher is its first-ever recipient.
About Spectrum Designs
Spectrum Designs is a custom apparel and promotional products business with a social mission , to create meaningful and inclusive employment and vocational training opportunities for people in a neurodiverse world. Nearly 70% of its workforce is on the Autism Spectrum, and as a nonprofit, 100% of sales from every order go toward expanding and advancing its inclusive culture and employment model. With locations in Port Washington and Pleasantville, NY, Spectrum provides high-quality screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment printing, and more, serving clients ranging from local businesses to global brands like Google, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.
