Austin Air Systems recognized at the 2024 NYSID Annual Meeting
Local Partnership Celebrates Multiple Awards During National Disability Employment & Awareness Month
The Arc Erie County New York, Austin Air Systems & NYSID bring inclusion into the workplace with great success
Williamsville, NY, October 24, 2024 – October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrating the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. On October 23, 2024, The New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID), held their 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation in Schenectady, NY sharing business highlights, recognition of honorees, and the kick-off to their 50th anniversary. The Arc Erie County New York, a WNY based human services agency supporting people with developmental disabilities, is a Member Agency with NYSID and is proud to announce that two people supported by The Arc Erie County were recognized at this year’s event along with local corporate partner Austin Air Systems.
In April 2023, Austin Air Systems partnered with The Arc Erie County and NYSID in an effort to make an inclusive work environment. Since that time, Austin Air Systems has hired 6 Arc participants to work in their manufacturing facility completing assembly work and spot welding in air purification systems. The Arc Erie County provides each person with a job coach to ensure they are successful within their job.
Austin Air Systems was awarded the 2024 NYSID Corporate Partner of the Year. Austin Air Systems is an example amongst the Buffalo community of an employer who is supporting and accommodating to employees with disabilities. Austin Air Systems consistently demonstrates an understanding of the unique needs that people with disabilities have in the workplace while also understanding how rewarding a truly integrated workplace can be for all employees. Austin Air Systems ensures their working environment is not only productive but welcoming to all. All Arc participants are considered Austin Air family and are included in all company events.
As the Corporate Partner of the Year, Austin Air Systems nominated a current employee for the Employee of the Year award. Hector Brito, an employee of Austin Air Systems who is also supported by The Arc Erie County, was awarded NYSID Employee of the Year. Hector has been employed full time at Austin Air Systems since April 2023. He works on the production line assembling air filtration systems but can also be seen throughout the facility spot welding or packaging.
Phyllis Feaster, also supported by The Arc Erie County, is a NYSID Joslin Award recipient for her Outstanding Performance in 2024 for her work on NYSID janitorial contacts. Phyllis began working on NYSID Corporate Partner contracts in 2017 and stated that being nominated for this award makes her feel “proud” and that she “has accomplished a lot with The Arc.”
The Arc Erie County’s Chief Executive Officer, Douglas DiGesare states, “The relationship that we have with NYSID is profoundly beneficial. Corporate Partners such as Austin Air Systems provide a unique opportunity which increases independence for the people we support. Both Hector and Phyllis have shown great dedication to their work and we are excited to celebrate this achievement with them.