2025 NYSID Outstanding Performance Award

22nd Annual Award Year

Deadline to nominate extended: Wednesday, June 18, 2025!
Deadline to nominate extended: Wednesday, June 18, 2025!

Join in showcasing NYSID’s 50th year of rewarding employment by nominating your 2025 Outstanding Performer!

NYSID’s annual program has touched the lives of more than 1,000 individuals since 2004.

All nominees are awarded a $500 cash prize and designated an “Outstanding Performer” with a certificate of recognition, and are profiled in NYSID's 2025 award yearbook and other media.

Prizes and certificates are mailed in time for National Disability Employment Awareness Month/Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month in October 2025.

Need inspiration? Check out the 2024 nominees from NYSID Member Agencies and Corporate Partners across the state.

Click the 2025 yearbook.

Questions about the 2025 program? Email Jennifer Lawrence at jlawrence@nysid.org.

Award Criteria:
- Nominee must be employed on a NYSID contract for products or services by a contract-holding Member Agency/Corporate Partner in good standing.
- Nominee must have worked consistently from June 30, 2024-June 1, 2025.
- A prior awardee is eligible to be re-nominated after five years.
- One nominee per agency.
How to Nominate:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS*
1. Fill in the Nomination and Interview Form below.
2. Upload a photo of the nominee in a classic “yearbook” pose: Jpeg or Tif file preferred; file size of 1mb or more.
3. Upload a descriptive narrative in Word format (at least 400 words) of the individual’s pathway to employment: how working on NYSID contracts has impacted them and how earning a paycheck has improved their life. Include:
a. Description of work ethic, willingness to learn new skills and assume more responsibility, positive relationships with team members, supervisors and/or customers

b. Notable examples of improvements in behavior, productivity and personal growth

c. Nominee’s community involvement, home life and other compelling details

OPTIONAL MATERIALS
1. Upload letter(s) of commendation from a supervisor, employer, family member/guardian, or additional agency personnel.
2. Submit a 2-3 minute video of your nominee describing their job and how it feels to be recognized.
All 2025 Nominees Are Eligible To Be Honored at NYSID’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 in Schenectady, NY:
- Outstanding Performer nominations are reviewed by a selection committee of NYSID staff and professional associates.
- Nominations must contain all Required Documents listed above to be considered.
- Final selection will honor one individual on a services contract and one individual in a production setting.
- These individuals will receive an additional $1,000 cash prize and commemorative plaque at the Annual Meeting. Each will be the subject of a video profile shown during the award presentation. Award winners and an immediate family member will be guests of NYSID at this event.
2025 Program Dates:

Completed nominations due by Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Final winners selected in August.

Nominees receive an Outstanding Performer certificate and $500 cash award in October 2025.
2025 Outstanding Performance Awards
Nomination Form
Nominating Organization*
Nominator contact name*

First NameLast Name
Contact Title*
Contact Email*
example@example.com
Contact Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Relationship to Nominee*
Nominee's Name*

First NameLast Name
Nominee's Work Contact Email (if available)
example@example.com
Years employed at organization *
Years in current job *
Current job title*
Previous positions the nominee held at your organization that contributed to this person's professional development that you would like to mention. *
Employment Data (Required)
Level/significance of disability*
Source of referral (e.g., ACCES-VR, OPWDD, etc.) if applicable
Hours worked and wages during the last 12 months*
Number of years employed on NYSID contracts*
Overall employment goal*
Nominee Interview

Enter nominee's responses to the following questions:
I like my job because: *
My paycheck helps me to:*
Being nominated for this award makes me feel: *
If I didn't have this job, I would be:*
My dream job would be: *
Nomination Checklist

Attach final documents and images below:
REQUIRED NOMINATION MATERIALS:
Please attach a written account (400 words or more) of how your 2025 nominee
is an Outstanding Performer through NYSID Preferred Source employment.

A compelling narrative should fully describe how the nominee meets the award criteria.
Upload your narrative:*

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Employee Photograph (see above for guide):*

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Optional Documents:

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Please contact Jennifer Lawrence with any questions regarding
nomination requirements and supporting materials:
jlawrence@nysid.org
800-221-5994, ext. 225
Should be Empty:

22nd Annual Award Year

2025 Outstanding Performance Awards

Nomination Form

Employment Data (Required)

Nominee Interview

Nomination Checklist