A man who found work with TRC has received a state-wide honor.

Ron Privitera of Ashville has been recognized by a state agency for accomplishments he has achieved at work and in his personal life.

Ron was one of 46 people to receive a 2007 Outstanding Performer Award from NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled), which provides jobs for people with developmental disabilities through state contracts awarded to community rehabilitation programs.

Ron Privitera, left, receives his NYSID Outstanding Performer Award from Michael Volk, the director of The Resource Center’s Supported Employment Program.

When he came to The Resource Center two years ago after graduating from high school, Ron’s work experience consisted of mowing lawns and helping his sister clean a hotel. He was referred to TRC by VESID (New York State Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities). Through TRC and NYSID, Ron obtained a job cleaning the rest area on Interstate 86 near Bemus Point. Not only has Ron become an excellent cleaner, he has made friends with all who work with him.

Before obtaining this job, Ron was quiet and not very outgoing; as a result of working at the rest area and meeting people from all over the world, he has become much more social. Ron serves as an unofficial advocate for co-workers who may be having problems, urging them to talk to a supervisor and offering to accompany them if needed.

His goals include moving into his own apartment and becoming more independent. Ron’s job at the rest area is one of the bricks in the foundation of his growing independence, and he recently achieved a milestone by acquiring his driver’s license and buying a car with his work earnings.

For being named an Outstanding Performer, Ron received $250 and a certificate from NYSID as well as a 2007 Disability Awareness Award from The Resource Center. TRC’s Employment Services Program, which helped Ron acquire the job at the rest area and worked with him to make sure his employment would be successful, held a small celebration recently for Ron and his family.
Ron Privitera poses with his family in front of a display of photographs showing Privitera at work. From left are his mother, Sandy; his father, Ron Sr.; and his sister, Nikki Paduano.

“I am so proud of my son for all the obstacles he’s overcome and the achievements he’s realized,” said Ron’s father, Ron Sr. “He’s become more than just a man, but a very warm and wonderful individual.”

“I want to thank VESID and The Resource Center for all the support they’ve given, not only to Ron, but to our family,” said his mother, Sandy. “They helped Ron through the transition from high school to the job world.”

Ron’s sister, Nikki Paduano, said it was an honor working with him when they cleaned the hotel, and that back then she figured he would be successful once he entered the job market.

“I’m very proud but not surprised, because you have a very strong work ethic,” she told her brother.

Ron is proud of his accomplishments and is quick to acknowledge those who have assisted him.

“I want to thank The Resource Center and VESID and the family for their support,” he said, holding his award tightly. “I see this as a bookmark in life that I can always look back on and remember what I’ve achieved so far.”

Outside of work, Ron makes digital videos, a hobby he started while in school. (You can check out his work on YouTube under his handle, videolegacy2005.) He hopes to take media classes at Jamestown Community College so he can hone his craft and, perhaps, someday become a director or a producer.

Ron Privitera cleans a bathroom at the rest area on Interstate 86 in Bemus Point.

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TRC’s Employment Services Program supports individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. Thanks to more than 300 people with disabilities are able to know the pride and satisfaction that come from earning real wages for performing meaningful work. If you would like to support TRC’s mission, please click here