Worker of the Month

NOMINATION
William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award
John Ross

The ReHabilitation Center/Cattaraugus County ARC nominates John Ross for the 2006 William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award. As an employee of Subcon Industries, John demonstrates many of the characteristics valued by an employer: dependability, respect for others, a positive attitude and solid work performance. Since 1990 John has been employed at Subcon as a key member of the work force that manufactures our NYSID Stamp Pad Products, including a pocket model Fingerprint pad. John is a core member of this manufacturing team and his contribution is critical to production.

John is diagnosed with neurological impairment due to an accident as a child. He has limited mobility and minimal use of his right side. This has not stopped him from being a productive and long-term member of our workforce. His supervisor reports that “John can do more with one arm than many people can do with two!” The stamp pad production involves 13 tasks, and after 15 years of employment, John is able to perform the majority of these tasks including assembling cases, affixing labels, gluing foam inserts, and inserting pre-inked pads into cases. He is a proficient worker with excellent attention to quality, a strong work ethic and, an enthusiastic and friendly manner. His productivity is excellent and staff rely on him for his ability to do many parts of this important contract. Co-workers enjoy working with him because he is always smiling and encouraging to them; staff appreciate his dedication and 100% quality standard. John is a role model to many individuals in the work place.

During his 15 years of employment, John has developed his work skills as well as his personal independence. He has become a strong advocate for himself and others and has learned to use effective communication and outside consultations to address issues of personal concern. John has not allowed himself to accept the status quo when he feels it violates his rights or dignity as a person.

John is a sociable and outgoing individual who is active in community organizations. Music is an important aspect of his life and he is a performer with the local Barber Shoppers and frequently attends music concerts. He enjoys travel and has taken trips with local groups to the Outer Banks and the Caribbean. He has been an AVON representative for many years. Personal enrichment is an important part of his life.

John has grown both professionally and personally during his 15 years at Subcon as a key member of the stamp pad production team. He embodies the winning combination of workplace success, community involvement, and personal growth that exemplifies the success of NYSID’s mission to create jobs for people with disabilities.