NYS Justice Center Honors Helen Keller National Center Staff with Code of Conduct Award
State agency charged with protecting 1 million New Yorkers spotlights local care worker
Image description: Laura Rocchio, center, holds her 2025 Code of Conduct Award alongside colleagues and Justice Center representatives. From left to right: Jessica Pidgeon (Chief of Staff, NYS Justice Center), Maria Lisi-Murray (Acting Executive Director, NYS Justice Center), Laura Rocchio (Director of Direct Services, Helen Keller National Center), Dr. Sue Ruzenski (CEO, Helen Keller Services), Chris Woodfill (Executive Director, New York State Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Office), and John Filek (Executive Director, Helen Keller National Center).
The New York State Justice Center is pleased to announce that Laura Rocchio, Director of Direct Services at Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), has been selected as a recipient of the Justice Center’s Code of Conduct Award for 2025.
For more than four decades, Laura has worked tirelessly to advocate for people who are DeafBlind and individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD). A true pioneer in her field, Laura has led several initiatives focused on fostering daily living and employment skills and identifying ways to help service recipients grow independently. Most notably, Laura helped lead the establishment of Destiny Home with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities – a nation-leading group home model in Port Washington designed specifically for DeafBlind with IDD that promotes the independence and self-determination of all residents.
“Laura is such an inspiration. Her work is measured not just in professional accomplishments, but in the countless lives made better through her leadership and vision,” said Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray. “Laura, I have no doubt you’ve left an indelible mark on the people you’ve served and the colleagues you’ve worked alongside. It’s a true honor to present you with this year’s Code of Conduct Award.”
Those honored with a Code of Conduct Award truly embody the Justice Center’s founding principles and standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to ensure people enrolled in programs under Justice Center jurisdiction receive support in a manner that prioritizes their dignity, safety, and rights.
To capitalize on Laura’s extensive knowledge and expand the footprint of HKNC nationwide, she created and implemented the DeafBlind Immersion Experience (DBIE). The DBIE takes place on the campus of HKNC headquarters in Sands Point, NY. However, it is also flexible and can be conducted in the individual’s home community, in addition to offering customized consultative services across the country. This adaptability ensures that participants receive tailored support regardless of their location.
“All of us at Helen Keller Services extend our sincere congratulations to Laura Rocchio for being selected for the Code of Conduct Award by the NYS Justice Center. Laura has dedicated her career of more than 40 years to supporting individuals who are DeafBlind and individuals with intellectual disabilities, ensuring they live self-determined lives representative of their preferences, abilities and aspirations,” said Sue Ruzenski, EdD, Chief Executive Officer, Helen Keller Services. “Laura has been a trailblazer, establishing innovative person-centered services for decades. Her advocacy and leadership have made a remarkable difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals and families. Laura is truly ‘one of a kind,’ a treasure to Helen Keller Services. Her impact and dedication continue to inspire all those who work alongside her and benefit from her care.”
Awards are compiled by the NYS Justice Center each year. Winners are selected by the Justice Center’s Advisory Council – a group that provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations. The council consists of service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members, and advocates.
The Justice Center received more than 200 nominations for this year’s program. Six winners were selected from a dozen finalists. Each submission highlighted the dedicated members of our State’s human services workforce.
For more information on this year’s awards, please click here.
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About the Justice Center
The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) was established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The agency was created to restore public trust in the institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations by protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs. Through investigation, education, and action, the Justice Center creates a safer environment for more than 1,000,000 individuals receiving services across six State Agencies.
