Since August, 25-year-old Devon Barney has delivered mail to different departments at Auburn City Hall, to the city’s Information Services Department south of City Hall and to the Justice Center on East Main Street.

He also makes a daily run to the Auburn Post Office.

But for this young man, making his appointed rounds can be tough.

An undefined, progressive neurological disorder has twisted his hands and feet and deprived him of the type of life other young men enjoy.

Pushing key pad numbers to enter the mail room in the basement of City Hall, opening doors, getting through doors in his power chair represent only a few of the obstacles.

Scars and scuffs on the narrow entrance to the mail room tell of efforts to move his chair about in a world that was not really built for him.

But Devon’s big grin shows what he thinks of the job, his first, and of the pride he takes in wearing that City Hall badge.

“It means freedom,” he explains, his speech slurred. “And money in my pocket.”

Trillium Employment Services, which assists the developmentally disabled in finding work, has been helping Devon identify a potential job since his graduation from Auburn High School five years ago. Last summer, Trillium helped him land the job with the City.

Devon makes $10 an hour, working from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. When the work is done, he returns to his group home on East Main Street.

“I save my money,” Devon said with pride.

“The City of Auburn had to make some accommodations to get this to work for him,” said Janice Nelson, a Trillium Senior Employment Consultant-Program Specialist now working with Devon. “Initially, they didn’t think this would be a good match for somebody in a wheelchair, so we all worked together.”

Among the accommodations is the platform attached to Devon’s power chair, topped by a lidded box that provides a convenient place for mail. He has a small side bag into which he drops mail for the return trip to the mail room. Laminated sheets distinguish one piece of mail from another.

Devon is becoming a popular character around City Hall.

“What I notice most about Devon is that he is courteous,” said Jeanne Hicks, City Council assistant, who works in the mayor’s office. “We all enjoy having him here. He loves candy, and we put it on the counter, and he never fails to take a handful.”

Pamela Schmidt, recently retired as an occupational therapy assistant with the Auburn School District, has worked with Devon since the third grade and knows his struggles. By mutual agreement she has power of attorney.

“Devon really is excited about having this job, having his independence and a sense of hitting the benchmarks that other young men his age hit,” said Schmidt. “He’s earning his own money and transports himself to and from work. At Christmas time, he made a list of people he wanted to buy for, I went out and bought the things for him because the roads were too icy. He was very excited to spend $300 on Christmas presents for other people. He is a young man who really likes to give back.”

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Uniquely Auburn coming Sunday

Devon Barney’s story will be among those shared Jan. 25 at Uniquely Auburn, a community-sponsored celebration of cultural diversity recognizing people, places, and events that make the city unique at the Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main Street..

The 14th annual event begins at 2 p.m. with a pre-show that includes interactive magnetic poetry and crossword puzzling in the PAC lobby.

Following the program in the theater, there will be a complimentary Mexican- style“sit-down”dinner prepared by Taqueria Mexi-Flautas Restaurant.

The event feature the AlPac/Pioneer Elementary choir, Striped Water Poets, Auburn On-Stage junior winner Jade Sweptson, and others.

Admission is free. Canned/boxed food and cash donations to the Auburn Food Bank will be collected at the event.

For more information, visit www.uniquelyauburn.org.