Richard ‘Rich’ Eggers has always carried himself with kindness and quiet determination, but the path to where he is today has not been without challenges.
As someone with autism, Rich was told that independence might not be possible for him, but Rich never stopped believing. With the support of his parents, who always encouraged him to pursue independence, he continued to push forward. Today, he is thriving: holding a steady job, managing his own life, and showing the world what is possible when people with disabilities have opportunities to succeed.
In 2021, Rich joined Human Technologies, a not-for-profit contract agency that partners with the Broome Developmental Disabilities State Operations (DDSO) Day Habilitation location in Norwich, New York. Through Springbrook’s Supported Employment Program (SEMP), Rich secured a position in maintenance and janitorial work. His shift runs from 3:30 to 7:30 each evening, where he handles a wide variety of responsibilities: mopping, sweeping, wiping counters, and making sure his assigned section is spotless, which he excels in.
When he first started, Rich trained in every section of the building. On one occasion, he even had to cover more than one area, an experience he recalls as a turning point: “I really learned a lot from that.” He even discovered that his not-so-favorite tasks is emptying the garbage.
Rich admits that it took him time to adjust to the workplace. “People are very particular,” he says, describing what he has learned about coworkers and supervisors. At first, he struggled with feedback and sometimes felt unmotivated. But that changed as Richie built trust with his team.
One of Rich’s proudest moments came when he noticed something unusual during his shift. “I saved the building from blowing up,” he shares. He had smelled gas and immediately alerted his supervisor. His quick thinking prompted a full evacuation and a visit from the local fire department. The cause: a dangerous gas leak. Thanks to Richie, a serious crisis was avoided.
Rich’s path has not been without challenges. Early on, he struggled to find motivation and did not always respond well to feedback. But over time, and with the right support, he began to see himself differently.
“It was such a transformation,” says Mary Richardson, an employment specialist with Springbrook who has worked with Rich for three years. “I’m so happy with seeing how much Rich has grown and found self-confidence.”
Nicole Moore, an operations supervisor with Human Technologies, echoes that sentiment. She notes Rich’s adaptability and the pride he takes in his work. “Rich does well, he adapts quickly, and responds well to feedback,” she says. “I’ve also seen how comfortable he has become with sharing how he feels, and that openness has helped him continue to grow.”
Even Rich’s coworkers notice. Chris, who works him, describes him simply: “I like Rich. He is a good worker.”
Rich is proud of his education. A graduate of Sherburne-Earlville Central School, he earned a two-year degree in Individual Studies from SUNY Morrisville. “College exposed me to how big the world is,” he says.
Through his experiences, Rich has learned that not everyone understands autism, but he focuses on helping others see his strengths. That perspective fuels his goal of finding a job where he can use his degree.
Outside of work, Rich enjoys talking with friends, spending time with his family, and cheering on his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees. He also loves live music and has already been to a few concerts this year. He also stays active at the YMCA through a Springbrook-supported scholarship membership.
For Rich, independence means more than earning a paycheck. It is about proving to himself, and to others, that people with autism are capable of building fulfilling lives. “We can work, live independently, manage our finances, even do our taxes,” he says.
Rich’s journey hasn’t always been easy, but through persistence, support, and self-belief, he has built a life that proves how capable he is.
“Rich truly struggled to find his place,” Mary says. “Now, he beams with pride in his work. He is proof that with the right support, people can accomplish what others may have doubted.”
“I want people to know,” Rich says, “people with autism are very capable.”
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Rich’s story shines as a powerful reminder: people with disabilities are not defined by limits, but by possibilities.