VR at Work

Ben Abercrombie of Hoover, Alabama, walked onto the field in 2017 as an Ivy League football starter in Harvard’s first game of the season. His teammates called him “Badgercrombie” for his relentless pursuit of receivers. But after one big play, he was not able to walk off. A hard tackle caused a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down and fighting for his life. After the accident, he refused to quit school and committed to returning to Cambridge to complete his studies. Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), a division of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, became a big part of his game plan. Working with an assistive technology specialist, Ben learned how to use eye gaze technology to independently navigate his chair and software to use his voice for schoolwork on his computer. “The more I got comfortable with it, the more I realized that I could basically do just about everything I used to be able to do,” Ben said. Ben graduated from Harvard in 2025 with a degree in economics and is pursuing a career as a personal financier for professional athletes.

Mona Lewis' journey has been difficult. After serving her time incarcerated, convincing businesses to offer her a second chance through employment was challenging. She also has disabilities that cause physical fatigue, and cognitive and psychological impairments. Is-Able Ministries, a CRP provider for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, provided job-readiness training that included workplace skills, conflict resolution, approaches to stress, and proper interviewing techniques. It also made connections for her to become employed and eventually buy her own home.

Patricia Cook, her Vocational Rehabilitation Service Counselor, also served as the counselor for Is-Able Ministries Executive Director Lorenzo Brown, who got Lewis connected with programs that would provide the best opportunities for her to rebuild her life. 

Brown said that Cook once helped him plant the mustard seed that moved mountains in his life, and he now has the good fortune to work with her to help someone else. 

“She (Cook) was the one who helped me get to where I am in life,” he said. “Receiving the services from the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and the wonders that it did in my life: to go from being a client to being a service provider who is now providing services to clients such as Mona, it is a wonderful transition.”

Link to video: https://youtu.be/fWb4mm1HgIw 

Link to blog story: https://rehab.alabama.gov/news/blog?p=birminghams-lewis-is-making-her-second-chance-count 

Jerry Peters, a retired U.S. Marshal from Troy, Alabama, spent years chasing dangerous fugitives and serving three tours in Afghanistan. “I’ve been around gunfire, I’ve been around explosions. I’ve been hit in the head,” he said. Like many in his field, he never sought treatment. “You don’t want to think that you need assistance.”
Decades later, struggling with PTSD and symptoms he couldn’t explain, Jerry reached out to the Alabama TBI Helpline. That call connected him with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and eventually the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center.
“They did tons of tests... cognitive, speech therapy. One of the things that really affected me was that people cared,” Jerry said.
Today, VR has helped Jerry find new purpose. He leads Operation Life Support and serves on Alabama’s Head Injury Task Force, helping others like him. “We need help. That’s just all there is to it.”

For Ashley Maximus, coffee has always been more than a drink—it’s a ritual. Growing up blind in a family where mornings began with the rich aroma of fresh-brewed coffee, she learned to treasure the experience. With support from Alaska DVR, Ashley pursued a university education, covering tuition and books, and even spent a summer in Italy, where she fell in love with the café culture. Graduating during the 2008 recession, she took a job as a barista at Starbucks, intending to work her way up. Over 13 years, she became a trainer, coffee master, and eventually shift supervisor, all while raising her son and relocating to Alaska. There, Ashley reconnected with DVR and followed her dream of becoming a café owner. “I’d dreamed of owning my own café,” she said. “DVR helped make that dream a reality, giving me the skills I needed to be a successful entrepreneur.” Today, Ashley proudly runs her café as a Blind Licensed Vendor in a state building and courthouse, serving her community with skill, heart, and the same love for coffee that shaped her journey.

Imani Muhammad knows what she wants and she is determined to get it.

 With help from vocational rehabilitation, she landed her first job in retail. But she had a bigger dream: working with animals, especially dogs.

That is when VR stepped in again, helping her secure a position as a spa therapist at Dogtopia, a doggy daycare and boarding facility. More than a year later, she is thriving. “She’s great with the dogs, patient, gentle, and always detail-oriented,” said her job coach, Dana Carrizosa of WorkAbility, United Cerebral Palsy of Arizona.

Imani’s love for animals runs deep. She has two cats and two dogs of her own. The toughest part of her day is convincing stubborn pups to hop in the tub. But with quiet determination, she gets it done.

Her goal now is independence. She wants to work more hours, continue building her skills, and keep contributing to her community. “I’m hoping to stay here forever,” she said.

From childhood, Joshua Sirek, an adult with high-functioning autism, was fascinated with maps and roads. That passion grew into a clear goal: to become a transportation engineer. As the eldest of four children, three with autism, the cost of college seemed out of reach for his single parent. Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) changed that. While attending community college in Minnesota, a rehab counselor met with him regularly and worked closely with disability services, while VRS also helped cover tuition and books. After the family relocated to Arizona, Joshua continued his studies online with full support for tuition and books until graduation. In May 2024, after six years of dedication, he earned a Civil Engineering degree from the University of North Dakota. Today, he works in Chandler, Arizona, as a Transportation Engineer Roadway Designer. No longer relying on Social Security Disability, Joshua is financially independent—thanks to VRS’s investment in his education and future.

When Sarah Bates gave birth to her son Anthony Valenzuela, she had no idea he had Down syndrome. But instead of being distressed, Sarah poured her energy into learning everything she could to help support her son. Now he's a two-time graduate, has held multiple jobs, and is currently thriving at Spinato's Pizzeria.

Anthony’s journey was supported early on by Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR), where he enrolled in a program called Success University. This service is part of Tempe Union High School District’s, Transition School to Work Program, which is funded by VR. There, he gained valuable life and job skills and even took on a role at Original Burrito. He also received Work Adjustment Training and Job Development and Retention from VR. After graduating, he joined the Educate Empower Succeed program and worked as a Courtesy Clerk at Bashas’. Thanks to Sarah’s support, he later secured a job at Spinato’s Pizzeria—a place he had previously volunteered through VR.

Anthony’s experience with VR was overwhelmingly positive, especially thanks to his VR counselor, Margot D’Souza.

“She was just phenomenal—always on top of everything. It was inspiring to see someone who truly loved their job and did it with such heart,” said Sarah.

One of Sarah’s proudest moments came recently when Anthony’s manager at Spinato’s Pizzeria told her he no longer needed supervision—his performance spoke for itself.

Outside of work, Anthony’s zest for life shines just as brightly. He enjoys hitting the gym, FaceTiming his friends, and making TikToks. One of his dreams? Getting behind the wheel of a Lamborghini someday.

“He’s just an amazing kid,” Sarah beamed. “He goes above and beyond, and he’s incredibly caring. He truly values time with family, friends—really, with everyone he meets.”

Warrenesha Arnold’s journey has been shaped by resilience, perseverance, and strong support. Diagnosed with dyslexia in her teens, she faced daily challenges that made school, deadlines, and social situations feel overwhelming. Still, she remained determined. After earning her undergraduate degree with honors, she pursued her passion for nutrition and business by entering the MBA program at the University of Arkansas–Fayetteville.

Graduate school brought new challenges, but Warrenesha leaned into her strengths. She developed time management skills, prioritized her mental health, and practiced mindfulness and journaling. When financial barriers appeared, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services stepped in with essential support.

She used all available resources—academic accommodations, counseling, and faculty guidance. One highlight was contributing to team projects, including a small business venture. Public speaking was tough, but through practice, she gained confidence. By her second year, she was recognized for her leadership, collaboration, and empathy.

Warrenesha also embraced self-care, learning that rest and mental well-being were vital. Earning her MBA marked not just academic success but a personal victory. Today, she is the proud founder of Nyarai Skincare, a thriving skincare line created for people of color—a testament to her strength, vision, and belief in herself.

In 2022, Colorado DVR counselor Emily Jensen began working with Ana, a young woman eager to explore career options. With the support of her team—including her guardian, an employment specialist, and DVR—Ana explored retail, animal care, and other fields before discovering her true calling: childcare. To prepare, she earned her CPR certification and began working toward her high school diploma, a key requirement for her field.

In 2023, Ana was hired at a local elementary school, where she quickly thrived. “She interacts with the kids, running around playing card games and puzzles—she does so much for our program,” her supervisor shared. Ana built strong connections with children and coworkers, excelling at communication and always seeking feedback.

For Ana, the pride is personal: “I get paid and I just feel great that I have my job.” Her journey shows how perseverance, teamwork, and vocational support create lasting success.

Jenny Siegle always loved sports. As a C4/C5 quadriplegic, she wasn’t sure how to turn that passion into a career. But Jenny was no stranger to breaking barriers—at just two years old, she became the first child in Colorado to receive a power wheelchair.

She connected with the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in high school through her IEP, around the time her love of journalism began to grow. DVR helped her earn a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and complete an extensive adaptive driving program. With her driver’s license and newly adapted van, Jenny was ready to chase her dream.

Her first step was an internship with Altitude Sports. She has worked there ever since, producing games for the Broncos, Avalanche, and Rockies. Altitude has supported her every step of the way, even creating an adapted control panel to make her work more accessible.

“Don’t put limitations on yourself—whatever dream you have, do what you can to achieve it,” Jenny said. “Be your own trailblazer. Be your own advocate. If it’s something you want, give it a try.”