Press release<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Batavia Downs Gaming has been selected one of four statewide recipients of The Arc New York 2021 Employer of the Year Award, acknowledging the value of employing people with disabilities in their place of business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arc of Genesee Orleans Director of Development Shelley Falitico explains, Batavia Downs has been a longtime friend of the agency, hosting Arc Night at the Races and Arc\u2019s annual awards banquet. In addition, through a partnership with Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, an onsite training on \u2018The Benefits of Hiring a Person with a Disability\u2019 was held at the Arc Walnut Street location. Several employees from Batavia Downs HR Department were in attendance and were excited to begin collaborating with Arc\u2019s Vocational Services team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Arc Director of Vocational Services, Melissa Cotter, \u201cOur first request of The Downs was to allow us work with Community PreVoc participants at Batavia Downs to assess their skills,\u201d Melissa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA true partnership for employment and opportunities for people we serve was definitely developing,\u201d Cotter said. \u201cUnfortunately, COVID hit and Batavia Downs shut down along with some of our day services and the rest of the globe,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Batavia Downs reopened, Arc of Genesee Orleans picked up where it left off and had a perfect candidate \u2013 Caleb Miller, for an Environmental Services Technician position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caleb\u2019s Mom, Debbie Miller, shared in a letter supporting the award nomination, \u201cMy son is 20 years old with a diagnosis of Autism. When COVID hit and shut the world down, Caleb could no longer attend college. He was attending Genesee Community College for graphic arts, but on-line classes did not work for him. Although he did try to find a job, Caleb also knew working directly with the public would not be easy for him. Enter Arc of Genesee Orleans and Batavia Downs,\u201d Debbie said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Naturally, as a mother, Debbie Miller said she had fears of how the job was going to work out, but is thankful that Batavia Downs for took a chance on her son and supported him as he landed his first job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBatavia Downs has now hired Caleb directly \u2013 he is on their payroll now. And he is continuing to do well. His schedule is set, he knows the busy days of the casino and the slower days. He knows some of his \u2018regular\u2019 customers and they know who he is. Batavia Downs has given Caleb a sense of pride and self-worth. Caleb is a normal, working 20-year-old adult. He has his own money now. What a difference the Downs has made in Caleb\u2019s life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One question in the award nomination asked how does the nominee ensure that employees with disabilities are fully integrated and supported in their company\u2019s workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Arc\u2019s Melissa Cotter said the people Arc supports at Batavia Downs Gaming are not separated by what they wear, ID badges, expectations or benefits. \u201cThey wear the same uniforms, carry the same credentials and are expected to perform the duties that they were hired for,\u201d she said. \u201cThe supervisors and co-workers have been very warm and welcoming to the people we support. From day one, from top managers, to security guards, to every other employee, all employees have been receptive to our presence there and offer the people we support any assistance they can to be a successful employee,\u201d Melissa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arc of Genesee Orleans representatives will be on hand at the Downs on Thursday, July 29 at 6:00 p.m. for the Zoom award presentation from The Arc New York state offices. The award will be presented to Henry Wojtaszek, President & CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Press release Batavia Downs Gaming has been selected one of four statewide recipients of The Arc New York 2021 Employer of the Year Award, acknowledging the value of employing people with disabilities in their place of business. Arc of Genesee Orleans Director of Development Shelley Falitico explains, Batavia Downs has \u2026<\/p>\n