The Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment (AVRE) is incredibly proud to announce that Oleksandr “Olek” Onikiienko has been named the 2024 Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year by National Industries for the Blind (NIB).
This prestigious award, established in 1968 to honor Dr. Peter J. Salmon, recognizes exceptional contributions from individuals working at NIB-associated agencies across the country. This honor is a testament to Olek’s exceptional contributions as an employee who embodies resilience, dedication, and community spirit. This recognition of Olek’s accomplishments comes during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which raises awareness and reinforces the importance of inclusion for disabled individuals in the workforce. Olek was recognized at NIB’s annual Training Conference and Expo which took place October 14-18 in Arlington, Virginia.
Olek’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from Ukraine, he faced the challenges of vision loss from a young age but remained determined to succeed. He pursued his education diligently, earning a law degree, and establishing a successful legal practice with his wife. The couple welcomed two children into their lives, building a promising future.
In February 2022, Olek and his family were forced to flee Ukraine due to the war. Their arduous journey to safety included crossing 50 checkpoints and navigating through multiple countries. After a challenging trek, they arrived in the United States, seeking refuge with family in New Jersey.
Upon arrival, Olek faced significant barriers, including limited English proficiency and low vision. Yet, through collaborative efforts with the New York State Commission for the Blind, AVRE was able to support him in obtaining a work visa and a position on our production line.
“Olek works on numerous product lines and exceeds expectations in all areas,” shared AVRE’s management team in the award nomination. “His work ethic is second to none.” Luigi DiRusso, our production manager, echoed this sentiment: “He always gives 120 percent and is a breath of fresh air,” adding he is now mentoring other employees. “We have a trainee who comes to us from Haiti, and now Olek is training him.”
When Olek learned about his award, he expressed heartfelt surprise and gratitude, “I didn’t expect this,” he said. “Just a year ago, I was happy to get this job.” Olek takes immense pride in his work on the tarp line, part of a Department of Defense contract. “Possibly these tarps go to Ukraine,” he remarked, highlighting his deep connection to his homeland and the impact of his work.
At AVRE, we celebrate Olek not just for this recognition but for the positivity and dedication he brings to our organization every day. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of community support and the potential to overcome challenges.