100 Stories in 100 Days

Tom provides workforce and asset development training through New Ventures Maine, a statewide program of the University of Maine System. As his vision changed over the years, the Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) helped him remain independent and employed.

“Each time my eyesight changed, DBVI was there,” Tom said.

His first experience with DBVI focused on technology and mobility, where specialists helped him build the skills and confidence he needed. Later, DBVI supported him in obtaining a bioptic lens, allowing him to continue driving safely. When he began experiencing headaches, a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist provided glare shields that reduced his eye strain and discomfort. Updated orientation and mobility training also helped him travel more confidently and independently.

“DBVI helped me remain independent and continue doing the work I love,” Tom shared.

Today, he advocates for others as a member of Maine’s State Rehabilitation Council.

After college, Tinille dreamed of becoming a Physician Associate (PA). With support from the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and counselor Katie Coffman, she received financial help for graduate school and assistive technology to succeed. She earned her master’s in medical sciences in December 2023, completed a bridge doctoral program, and proudly attended her PA graduation in May.

Today, she works at a private internal medicine practice. “It’s just a joy to be able to take my time – especially with my older patients – and contribute to their overall wellness plan,” she said. An advocate for DORS, Tinille shares: “DORS definitely opens up doors for people with disabilities. It was tremendously helpful to me having fewer battles to fight. I think DORS is amazing!”

In 2024, she also published her book, The Art of Compassionate Living, inspired by Maya Angelou’s words: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

Ray first encountered DORS more than 20 years ago as a vendor. He never imagined he’d one day need their services himself. After experiencing a stroke and undergoing months of PT and OT, Ray wasn’t immediately ready to seek help, but eventually turned to DORS for support.

Through employment and interest classes, he learned interview techniques and, most importantly, how to view himself as “differently-abled.” “At first, I didn’t understand how the classes would be useful, but they helped me integrate the new me,” Ray shared.

With a background as a Capitol Hill lobbyist and in sales, Ray once feared he had lost his skills. But with time and DORS’s support, he rebuilt his career. Today, as a Mobility Manager for Jerry’s Mobility Vehicles and Services, Ray inspires others: “Don’t give up hope. DORS will help you move forward in ways you won’t know until years later.”

AnnMarie Killian once felt like every door was closed to her.

“I was struggling academically and didn’t see a future for someone like me who is Deaf. Every path I tried felt like another closed door, and I was ready to give up. Dropping out seemed inevitable,” she recalled.

That changed when her guidance counselor connected her with Bruce at Vocational Rehabilitation. “Instead of letting me walk away, Bruce encouraged me to give VR a chance. He referred me to the Minnesota Academy for the Deaf, and that one referral opened a door that forever changed my life.”

At the Academy, AnnMarie found the tools and support she needed to thrive. “Through VR, I found more than an education — I gained confidence, belonging, and the belief that my future was worth fighting for.”

Her journey didn’t stop there. With new skills, determination, and self-belief, AnnMarie built a career dedicated to service. Today, she is the President and CEO of @tdiforaccess, a nonprofit organization advancing accessibility and inclusion. Looking back, she reflects: “Vocational Rehabilitation doesn’t just open doors — it changes trajectories and transforms lives.”

Sarah J. once thrived as a mountain biker, skier, and engineer, but her life changed dramatically after a 2015 biking accident caused neurological complications, including severe photophobia. “I look at a screen and it’s just like a flashlight. There’s nothing but a bright light. I can’t discern anything on it anymore,” she explained. Everyday essentials like phones and computers became inaccessible.

That’s when Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) stepped in. With their accessible, barrier-free support, she began learning braille and using screen readers, slowly regaining confidence. “SSB’s resources, offered at no cost, helped me rebuild my confidence. I progressed from painstakingly reading 30 braille pages to confidently navigating novels,” she said.

Today, Sarah is writing a therapeutic novel, working part-time with the Minnesota Youth Ski League, and finding new ways to connect with her community. She credits SSB and the blind community for reminding her that resilience and adaptability know no bounds. “Yes, everything is challenging, but everything is also possible.”

Jacob Ritter believes the best part of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is that if you’re willing to do your part, the rest will come naturally. “If you really want to put in the work and effort, VR is really for you,” he shared. While in high school, Jacob received Pre-Employment Transition Services and was introduced to a job-exploration program in IT. He soon enrolled in the Four Rivers Career Center’s IT and cybersecurity training program, where he discovered his passion for the field. With support from VR’s progressive employment program—offered in collaboration with the Missouri Job Center of St. Charles and MERS Goodwill—Jacob secured an IT position with Compass Health Network. His counselor, Dina Brockman, also helped him with certification and résumé writing, always providing encouragement. Jacob excelled in his role and transitioned to permanent employment with Compass Health. Looking ahead, he hopes to advance in the company and deepen his work in cybersecurity. “It’s like being a detective to find breaches before they happen. It’s intriguing,” Jacob said.

Ansur Adams has dealt with many challenges throughout his life—unemployment, poverty, mental health issues, addiction, and incarceration. He never thought he would get through it all, but instead he has turned his life around. “It’s been a process,” he said. Driven by a desire to help others, Ansur pursued a degree in social work, particularly focused on supporting at-risk youths and ex-offenders, believing his own experiences would make him a stronger social worker. With guidance, counseling, and financial assistance from VR, he received encouragement to follow his passion and support even through the difficult times. VR covered his tuition, books, fees, a computer for his classes, and the costs of his credentialing, ultimately enabling him to earn a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Today, Ansur is a licensed professional counselor and works as a program development manager with Powerhouse Community Development. Grateful for his journey, he now wants to give back, helping others stay on the right path and avoid going down the road he once traveled.

Montana Vocational Rehabilitation partnered with state apprenticeship program to support electrical and plumbing apprentices who completed hands-on training but struggled with education requirements due to disabilities. In Billings, MT, apprentices and supervisors met with a Voc Rehab Business Services Specialist to identify challenges and accommodations—many of which employers were unaware they were already providing. These apprentices and employers now receive ongoing support through Voc Rehab Business Services. One apprentice from GPS Electric, who had previously failed the journeyman test, received accommodations and passed in April, later becoming a residential project manager. His success highlights the impact of tailored support. Currently, 12 apprentices across Montana are being assisted, by the Voc Rehab Business Services Specialist—also a certified rehabilitation counselor—able to sign off on accommodations. This collaboration continues to strengthen pathways for apprentices and employers alike.

Macy Munderloh, a West Point High School student, was introduced to Nebraska VR during her junior year. With a learning disability that made it difficult to stay focused, she worked with Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator Misti Halsey on self-advocacy, communication, and workplace readiness.

Through VR, Macy explored career options with job shadows at Graybeal’s Food and Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh before beginning a work-based learning experience at Hillside Villa Nursing Home. There, she served meals, worked in laundry, and helped in the kitchen. “It felt great, and I liked it a lot. I liked that I could meet new people that I can trust,” Macy shared.

Her dedication impressed supervisors, who offered her a job. Today, Macy proudly serves residents at Hillside Villa.

Nate Sears always knew he wanted a career connected to the outdoors. As a senior at Lyons-Decatur Northeast High School, he connected with Nebraska VR and began working with Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator Misti Hasley. Knowing Nate’s passion for hunting and fishing, Misti suggested a Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE) at Pheasant Bonanza, a hunting and fishing lodge.

With support from a skills trainer, Nate tackled tasks like feeding and watering dogs, cleaning pens, trimming weeds, filling clay pigeon machines, and replacing mulch for baby pheasants. Determined to make a good impression, Nate worked hard and impressed lodge owner Trent Leichleiter.

Alongside the hands-on work, Nate built skills in budgeting, communication, problem-solving, and self-advocacy. His part-time role became a full-time job after graduation, giving him steady employment close to home, opportunities to learn taxidermy, and the independence to build a life around his passions.

Nate proves that when passion meets opportunity, success is within reach.