Every day, many people across America in both the private and public sectors work hard to ensure that America's vast network of highways continue to be among the safest and most technologically sound in the world. Anthony Baskin is one of them.
A Transportation Specialist with the Office of Planning, Environment and Realty within the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Anthony is responsible for a variety of tasks, including improving data systems, database development and managing discretionary programs and technical projects. Anthony joined the FHWA in 2011 and arrived with considerable relevant experience — thanks to his participation in the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP).
The WRP connects federal and private sector employers to qualified and pre-screened college students and recent graduates with disabilities. Anthony, who is deaf, found out about it when he saw a notice posted at Gallaudet University during his junior year. He applied, met with a WRP recruiter, and was accepted. Not long after, to his surprise, he received several offers for summer internships. Given his capabilities and enthusiasm, this did not surprise the WRP recruiter who interviewed him.
That summer, Anthony had an internship as an IT specialist at the Pentagon with the Department of the Navy. His responsibilities included managing website pages, updating information, and also handling e-mail correspondence. "It was a great experience," he says. "It really helped me hone my skills."
Those increased skills benefited another U.S. Department of Defense office the next summer — when Anthony interned at the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP). CAP provides assistive technology and services to employees with disabilities in the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies, free of charge. While part of the CAP team, Anthony assisted in checking invoices and maintaining and updating data and information systems.
Anthony says he is very appreciative of the technical accommodations his employer provides to help him carry out his job. He uses sign language interpreters during meetings and various electronic devices and online platforms to carry out his work and communicate with his colleagues. But Anthony is not the only one who is appreciative. According to the supervisors and colleagues who benefit from his dedication and productivity, the feeling is mutual.