Each year, NYSID sponsors the Joslin Awards Program, which celebrates exceptional job performance and personal growth by individuals with disabilities employed on New York State Preferred Source contracts.
The program was established in 2004 to honor the memory of William B. Joslin, former Chief Executive Officer of Human Technologies Corporation and NYSID Board Member, who lived a life of championing employment opportunities for New Yorkers with disabilities.
Our nominee for this year was Trevor Pumilio, who has worked in Environmental Services at many of our most demanding sites, and now works at the McPike Addiction Treatment Center. Trevor was nominated by his supervisor Randy Barber, and received a check from NYSID for $500 at his awards lunch at Human Technologies’ offices. He will again be recognized in front of the entire company at our Annual Holiday Awards Luncheon in December at the Radisson Hotel.
Read his inspirational story below.
Trevor is no stranger to the janitorial field. He started work right after high school, and has been in the trade for 13 years. Trevor was originally hired by Human Technologies in 2008 as a temporary employee to clean at Herkimer Community College. In that job, he showed his dedication to learning and excelling at his work.
Due to his disability, Trevor needs time and repetition to learn each task. He overcame this challenge by working with a job coach and taking the time
necessary to clearly understand each task. In this job, his confidence flourished and he applied for and was hired as a full-time employee. He has since maintained eight years of employment at Human Technologies.
Currently, Trevor is a custodian at McPike OASAS Addiction Treatment Center. One of the things he likes about his job is that it keeps him busy. “Without a job, I would sit home and be bored,” he said. Trevor also likes the appreciation he receives from his supervisor and the patients at McPike. Recognition for the work he does is really important to him.
Trevor’s motivation shows not only at work, but also in his desire to help communities in need. In 2014, he traveled to Peru and volunteered for two weeks at a preschool. In 2015, he spent four weeks in Costa Rica as a volunteer for an animal rescue center. Both were at his own expense. Through work, Trevor is able to fund his desire to travel, camp, fish, and attend concerts.
Trevor would like others to know that people with disabilities are very capable. “I can do good work and I know other people can do good work, too,” he said. “Just as good as anyone else, if not better.” As a valued employee at Human Technologies, Trevor has proven this to be true.
