For the last 30 years, Artie Jeffries has worked as an elevator operator at Access Self Storage in Long Island City.
With support from AHRC New York City, an organization that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), Artie has thrived on the job and is a valuable member of the Access team.
“It’s my reliability,” Artie says proudly, adding he always wanted to run an elevator. “Whenever they need me, they know I’ll come to work, even on my days off. They depend on me.”
Artie, who turns 56 on Oct. 30, lives in Jamaica, N.Y., with his cousins.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed in October, celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and their value to employers. People with I/DD are traditionally unemployed or underemployed. AHRC NYC, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year, has the largest employment training program in New York State and is among the largest in the nation.
With Support from AHRC NYC, Artie’s Thriving at Access Self-Storage
AHRC NYC’s Employment Business Services assisted Artie in finding a job. Over the years, the organization has provided him with job coaches, who have helped him. Carlos Pino has been supporting Artie on the job for four years.
Job coaches play a key role in helping people with disabilities retain employment. They assist the person in getting oriented to a work site, learning essential skills, providing emotional support, and much more. Job coaches set up employees with disabilities for success.
“Carlos has helped me a lot,” Artie says. “He motivates and inspires me. Whenever I have problems, I go to him, and he tries to help He’s a very good job coach.”
In the beginning, adjusting to a new job coach wasn’t easy for Artie. “He wasn’t sure he could trust me to help him,” Carlos says. “As we developed a relationship, he learned he could rely on me to support him.”
Only an estimated 18% of people with I/DD are employed across the U.S. Soraya Gomez, Senior Store Manager at Access Self Storage, knows that people with disabilities are ready and willing to work. They are an untapped resource for employers.
“He is dependable, charismatic, friendly, and an integral part of the Access family,” Soraya says, adding she has worked 24 years with Artie. “He has gotten more confident in his position and has mastered his duties.”
She also understands the importance of Artie having a job coach.
“Carlos takes a huge interest in what goes on with Artie in both his personal and professional life,” Soraya says. “He gives him helpful advice. Artie feels comfortable discussing any concerns he may have with Carlos.”
Tsering Dorjee, AHRC NYC’s Borough Director for Queens Employment Business Services, recalls working with Arte when he started as a job coach in 2011. “He was among one of the first people assigned to my caseload,” Tsering says. “All the customers loved him. He was respectful and very passionate about his job.”
Steve Towler, AHRC NYC’s Vice President for Programs and Business Development, recalls Artie seeking assistance in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining a job. He joined AHRC NYC’s Supported Employment program after high school. Staff supported Artie in a variety of jobs, before his current one.
“We were able to help him find this life-changing employment opportunity,” Towler said. “I remember visiting his work site years ago and being so impressed with how highly motivated he was to always do his very best. All of his at AHRC NYC are proud of Artie and his accomplishments.”
Access Self Storage is hosting a party in November to recognize Artie and his 30th anniversary with the company. “To know him is to love him, so please join us in celebrating Artie’s 30 years as a beloved and valued member of the Access family,” Soraya writes in the evite.
“They treat him like family,” Carlos says.
“I never thought I’d be here this long,” says Artie. “Even after 20 years, I was hoping to make it another 10 years. Well, here I am. It’s really amazing. They recognize that I do a good job.”
Artie is grateful to Access for the opportunity to work.
“Thank you for believing in me and trusting me,” he says. “I try to do the best I can to make the company better.”
