State Senator Carl Marcellino announced last month that the 1999 Woman of Distinction for his 5th Senate District is Syosset resident Roni Horowitz, the co-founder and executive director of SteppingStone Day School, a school for young children of all disabilities.

Through its annual Women of Distinction program, conceptualized last year by Senator Joseph Bruno, the New York State Senate honors exemplary women across the state who have done something to improve society or assist people. Horowitz was among the honored - one woman is selected for each district - at a reception in Albany on Tuesday, May 25.

"I [am] very excited, thrilled and honored," said Horowitz.

To receive this honor, winners must first be nominated for their accomplishments, and then be selected from among the nominees. Horowitz said that she does not know who submitted her nomination, but Marcellino did tell why it was the winning one.

"Roni's work with children with disabilities, I think, is the key element here. I'm a former schoolteacher, so this stuff is near and dear to my heart," said Marcellino, explaining what separated Horowitz from the other candidates.

"Mrs. Horowitz has spent a lifetime improving the lives of children with disabilities. She is a dedicated mother and wife whose intelligence and compassion have made our community a better place to live. I am proud to call her a Woman of Distinction," he said.

Witnessing first-hand the need for stronger programs to help disabled children adapt to society and prepare for future education, Horowitz created SteppingStone in 1983 along with partner and co-founder Suzanne Martin. The goals of the school, located in Kew Gardens, Queens, are very much the same as the acclaimed Variety Preschooler's Workshop in Syosset.

"It's a not-for-profit program for young children with disabilities from birth through 5 years old," explained Horowitz. "We provide...educational services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy and a strong family service department.," she continued.

There is also a preschool setting where kids can attend class from two to five days a week, so that they can be familiar with such surroundings when they go to public school. According to Horowitz, a substantial percentage of children attending SteppingStone are able to go on to public schools.

Although the program focuses on the child, its intent is also to help the parents in coping with their child's disability. "Especially in the early years, it's a very family-oriented program," said Horowitz.

When she was in her final year of graduate study, after having graduated from Hofstra University with a master of arts degree in speech and language pathology, Horowitz worked at a Queens school for children with disabilities as part of an internship. After completing her internship, she was offered a full-time position at the school.

It was in this environment that Horowitz began to recognize the problems associated with teaching disabled children, and the struggles a family experiences in dealing with the disability. It is also where she met Suzanne Martin, who is now a 16-year business partner.

In 1983, SteppingStone had an enrollment of 40 children and a staff of 12. The numbers have grown tremendously, and now almost 300 school employees tend to a total of 600 children.

"It is with great honor that I recognize the achievements of Roni Horowitz," said Marcellino. "Her devotion to her profession is an inspiration. She has improved the quality of life for countless young children and their families."