This National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), AHRC Nassau will be profiling men and women with disabilities, making a difference in the workplace and demonstrating the power of a diverse and talented workforce.

Congratulations to Margaret Baylis for being recognized as a William B. Joslin Outstanding Performer representing the employment impact of contracts from the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID).

Margaret serves as a porter assistant at the Department of Labor in Hicksville and says, “I don’t just like my job. I love my job.” Even with her N95 mask on, Margaret’s beaming smile can be felt in the tremendous pride she feels.

Margaret first began work at the Department of Labor in Hicksville during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked about the prospective job, she didn’t hesitate. Margaret was eager to have more hours and proud of being chosen to work “solo.”

Margaret understood the importance of staying focused while cleaning high-touch surfaces during the pandemic and continues to do so. Now, with more people in the building, Margaret is always friendly and polite, and has learned to knock before entering a room.

Skills learned on the job also include maneuvering a commercial Rubbermaid cart in and out of the small elevator and many doors at the department, as well as the supplies needed for the cart and whom to ask to restock.

At the beginning of Margaret’s career at the Department of Labor, she was escorted to the lower level by a job coach to put the cart away.  Now, Margaret independently pushes the correct button on the elevator, returns the cart to its proper location, and meets the job coach on the first floor to leave for the day.

When asked about her dream job, Margaret says, “Exactly what I’m doing.”

Supported by AHRC Nassau Employment Services, Baylis was presented with a $500 check, flowers and lunch from Wheatley Farms for her outstanding service.