About | The Unique & Able Project

WHAT WE DO

The Unique & Able Project provides people with disabilities a platform on which to tell their story, to inspire others in the community, and, ultimately, to put into the public realm narratives that rewrite perceptions of the disabled. Our goals are to:

To curate stories of disabled people overcoming adversity
To tell their experience using digital storytelling
To challenge people’s misconceptions
To disseminate these stories in social media
To house an archive of profiles on a website

To include individuals with disabilities in our work

MEET OUR BOARD

ABOUT US

OUR MISSION
To change perceptions of people with disabilities and atypical people through storytelling.

OUR VISION
As change makers, we envision a world in which people with disabilities and atypical people are seen and accepted for their unique abilities and whose contributions to society are valued and included.

THE NEED
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 4 adults in the United States (61 million) have a disability that impacts major life activities. (CDC Morbidity & Mortality Report, 2018-8-17). Yet, people with disabilities go largely unseen in the media and within public institutions. This lack of visibility causes the perpetuation of stereotypes. Moreover, it denies people with disabilities opportunities to define themselves to the world and claim their place as important members of society.

MEET OUR BOARD

Patrice LoCicero, CEO and President, is the founder of Unique & Able. She has more than 25 years of experience as an educator in the New York City public schools as a teacher and a literacy coach. She ran the Humanities Department at Isaac Newton Middle School in East Harlem for more than six years, where she implemented Common Core Curriculum and pushed best teaching practice. She has been committed to bringing her love of literacy to children by teaching, leading after-school programs, and writing grants to bring in enrichment to her classroom and the school community. She holds a Master’s in Fine Arts from the City College of New York and a Master’s in TESOL from Hunter College. As a a teacher and a parent to a person with disabilities, Patrice understands that each person brings a wealth of talent and abilities, and we all have a right to thrive in this world.

Vincenzo Pascale, Vice President and Director of Development, earned a Ph. D in Comparative Literature and Critical Theory at The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He has taught at Fordham University, Hofstra University, and Rutgers University. Currently, he is teaching at Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus). Since 2001, Vincenzo has represented the NGO Migrants at the United Nations with a focus on Global Migrations, SDG Sustainable Development Goals, and People with Disabilities. He is also a freelance journalist, publishing articles in important Italian presses such as Il Corriere della Sera, La Stampa, Il Foglio and on the monthly Il Messaggero di Sant’Antonio. He published two books: Lo sguardo e la storia (2006) and Il secolo delle navi (2019). He is an avid runner and has run in more than 20 marathons and hundreds of road races. Vincenzo is a parent to a person with disabilities and believes in promoting their rights and access to a full life.

Terrie LoCicero, Board Member, Secretary, has more than 30 years of healthcare marketing and public relations experience. She has worked for major healthcare organizations in the past, such as NYU Medical Center in New York City as head of Media Relations. She has expertise in public relations, working for a hospital marketing magazine and freelance writing on major health issues. Additionally, she has advocated for the rights of elderly patients and the rights of people with disabilities. She understands that one must adapt quickly to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. From media relations to marketing strategies, Terrie understands how to navigate systems. She has also lived in Arizona since 1990.

Linda Steuerwald, Board Member, Treasurer, is the owner of LJS Communications, a full service public relations and communications agency established in 1989. She offers a proven track record in innovating and implementing successful marketing, public relations, fundraising, and advertising programs. Public/community service includes pro bono executive director of the Jamie P. Fox Memorial Fund (current); member of the New Jersey Transgender Equality Task Force (current); founding board trustee of New Jersey’s first Gilda’s Club; board member of The Center for Hope and Healing; president of Midland Park Public Education Foundation; and board member of Midland Park High School Performing Arts Parents.

Fredi Schoenfeld-Carver, Board Member, is the founder of Carson’s Stage door (CSD). Developing CSD fulfills Fredi's personal and professional leading aspiration to offer public school students enrolled in underfunded schools a unique after school opportunity in theatre arts. This program offers students mentors and a place, a chance to grow socially and emotionally, and to explore their creative and intellectual potential. Fredi earned a Master’s degree in English Education from Columbia University Teachers College in 2001. She taught English and theater arts for 15 years in New York City. In addition to teaching, Fredi was an instructor at Teachers College Columbia University.