Article from Insight Magazine: The Arc of Erie County NY. Below is a summary of the interview that Cecilia Brooks and Paige Campana facilitated with Sydney Kaderli at Blue Eyed Baker.
If you ask me about a successful individual, I immediately think of someone who has overcome challenges and continues pushing forward. Sydney Kaderli is that individual. Her entry into the workforce wasn’t the beginning she had hoped for. In her first role, she often felt infantilized and unsupported, less like a team member and more like a label. Her experience was hindered by the common gaps in understanding that individuals with disabilities often encounter. Refusing to let those early barriers define her, Sydney worked closely with her job coach to find a space where she could truly belong. In 2025, she found that home at a cozy bakery called Blue Eyed Baker located in East Aurora. Sydney worked hard to be where she is today and was able to successfully progress through various employment programs offered through the Arc Erie County to get there. Sydney was initially referred to the Are Erie County through Adult Continuing Career and Employment Services Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). This is one of the first steps to take when someone is interested in exploring employment services. ACCES-VR offers a wide range of services and works with individuals 14-70. When Sydney was referred to ACCES-VR she was assigned a Career Coach to work with. The first steps include completing an intake into Are Erie County, developing a resume, working on interviewing and soft skills, as well as figuring out what her employment interests are. Then she was ready to start receiving assistance in job application. Once Sydney scheduled an interview, she had the option of having her Career Coach attend the interview with her and assist with advocating on her behalf. Once Sydney was hired, her Career Coach was available to come onsite with her to assist with job coaching support, meaning that her Career Coach assist Sydney in learning her job and make sure that she was properly trained.
After Sydney struggled with multiple barriers in her work settings her case was transferred into. Arc Erie County’s OPWDD Supported Employment, which is the next step after being referred from ACCES-VR. Her Career Coach had the idea for Sydney to participate in Are Erie County’s HOST program which takes place at the Specialized Workforce Training Center at 2643 Main Street. The HOST program offers training in Hospitality and Culinary. Sydney was engaged and enjoyed her training. She developed a love for culinary arts! After an individual graduates from HOST, they have an option to participate in the Employment Training Program (ETP) through OPWDD. Through the ETP program an individual can have their wages paid 100% through the state and be considered an intern in a community-based employment setting as well as receive 100% onsite job coaching support with their Career Coach. Sydney was placed at the Blue-Eyed Baker in East Aurora as an intern through the ETP program after her HOST graduation. Sydney’s wages were paid through New York State, and her Career Coach was onsite with her while she worked. Sydney thrived in her internship, which Blue Eyed Baker noticed.
After several months of Syndey being considered an intern and having her wages paid through NYS, she was hired onto Blue Eyed Baker’s payroll in September 2025. Sydney is now considered a graduate of the ETP program and able to work independently. She has become an engaged member of her community, experiencing the many rewards that come with consistent employment. She collaborates closely with her Career Coach to maintain and build on her success. Sydney’s story proves that she has turned past challenges into opportunities for success and connection. Even when reflecting difficulties in previous jobs, Sydney always finds a punchline. Since joining the team, the shift has been remarkable. To her colleagues, she is an essential part of the team. No longer defined by her disability, Sydney is celebrated for her work ethic, her passion, and of course her legendary sense of humor. Sydney’s story serves as a vital reminder to us all: when we trade prejudice for understanding, we create space for people to grow into their best selves. Her journey in her career is proof that an inclusive environment can make a difference.
