SSA’s Hiring Initiative
Success Stories

Background

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is committed to having a workforce that reflects the public we serve. SSA has a long history of hiring people with disabilities and providing a supportive work environment.

Across SSA, there are many employees with disabilities who have faced adversities and developed solutions to overcome them and go on to excel in the workplace. Their success stories may serve as a source of encouragement for people who seek to perform their jobs successfully. We are proud that the success stories of our employees have received public recognition. The stories presented below represent consecutive public recognition and honors of SSA employees with disabilities.

In 2008, CAREERS & the disABLED magazine ranked SSA as, “the best agency among the top 20 federal government agencies for whom people with disabilities would most like to work.” Readers of CAREERS & the disABLED magazine said that Social Security is the agency they believe is most likely to provide a positive work environment for people with disabilities.

Deborah Carryer – 2008 Employee of the Year Award
“CAREERS & the disABLED” Magazine

Deborah Carryer has worked for the Social Security Administration (SSA) for over 31 years, starting as a Claims Representative (CR). She holds a BS in Education and Spanish and an MA in Special Education. Over the years, she has taken on increasingly responsible positions culminating in her competitive selection as the District Manager (DM) of the Royal Oak, Michigan Field Office in October 2004.

Deborah developed juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 3 years old. The disease affects every joint in her body and as the disease progressed, she began using electric powered wheelchairs to get around. She drives her own adapted van and maintains a very active and independent life.

Deb’s advice to those desiring advancement is“Don’t get stuck in your comfort zone. Put in for developmental assignments and detail opportunities. It is a win-win situation.” She also advises:“Take some risks and try new things. You may just find out that you are good at it and like it!”

Billy Bowman – 2007 Employee of the Year Award
“CAREERS & the disABLED” Magazine

William J. Bowman, or as he is more commonly known, “Billy,” has been with SSA for over 25 years. As a Public Affairs Specialist, Billy's job is to communicate with SSA constituents providing clear and accurate information on the programs and policies of SSA. His success in his position is a testament to Billy's drive and ability to overcome the inherent communication barriers for the Deaf. In his position, Billy has become a nationally recognized lecturer within the deaf and hard of hearing community, giving numerous speeches and presenting workshops all over the country on the programs and services available at SSA. Throughout his career, Billy held various positions, including Benefits Authorizer (BA).

When Billy learned that he had received Employee of the Year from CAREERS & the disABLED Magazine, he reacted with gratitude: “This award is a great honor to me; it symbolizes the reward of dedication and motivates me to reach higher. All my work and efforts along with the support from the disability community, deaf and hard of hearing communuity in particular will, hopefully, mean more upward mobility opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing community at SSA and the Federal workplace and make the Federal workplace an even better place to work.”

Patricia Naumann – 2006 Employee of the Year Award
“CAREERS & the disABLED” Magazine

Patricia Naumann is the Manager of the Manitowoc, Wisconsin Social Security office. Pat competitively competed for the position and was selected as Manager in October 2004. Since joining the agency in 1982 after completing her Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she worked her way up through the ranks, proving her merit and qualifications at each level. From the beginning of her career, Pat has been recognized for outstanding job performance; receiving many agency awards and a Commissioners citation for achievements in creativity and leadership. Reaching this level in her career is particularly noteworthy, because Pat has a vision impairment which has left her almost totally blind since childhood. Pat has never allowed her vision to be used as a justification for exempting her from performing any facet of her job.

Pat credits her success to her parents. “My parents instilled in all of their children, that if you work hard and do your best, you’ll be all right. Being blind doesn’t make you worse than anybody else.”