100 Stories in 100 Days

Five years ago, Hillsborough Township hired Paul Scaltro, a visually impaired audio producer, to modernize communications through podcasts. His deep voice and storytelling skills quickly made the podcasts a community favorite. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Paul transitioned to the Health Department, where he supported contact tracing and outreach. With accommodations from the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, he excelled in this new role, using assistive technology to navigate databases and communicate effectively. Praised for his adaptability, empathy, and professionalism, Paul became a vital part of the pandemic response team and is now a permanent member of the Health Department, contributing to public health programming and education. Reflecting on his journey, Paul shared: “I believe it’s important for everyone to take a moment to celebrate their accomplishments. Too often, we focus on the negatives and overlook the milestones we’ve achieved… None of this would be possible without the team behind me, it truly takes a village.” His story proves that inclusion and accessibility remove barriers, enabling individuals to thrive and strengthening entire communities.

Lawrence Locker is a dedicated employee at Clayton Lake State Park, where he maintains the grounds, hosts star gazing parties, and helps visitors enjoy the outdoors. Before losing his sight in 2014, Lawrence worked as a ranch hand and a truck driver, building a strong work ethic and love for the outdoors that continue to guide him today.

With support from the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, he has gained the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful work doing what he loves. The Commission has assisted him with schooling, therapeutic counseling, and learning to use assistive technology like his phone, computer, and email; all tools that help him thrive on the job. His advice to others who are blind or low vision: “Don’t give up…It’s just a part of your life, you have to learn to cope with. Through the help of the Commission, it will all get better.” Noting that although he lost his sight in 2014, he did not begin therapeutic counseling until 2024, and now wishes he had started sooner, calling it life changing. Today, Lawrence is proud to work independently in a job that brings him purpose and pride.

When Angela Ferebee came to work for North Carolina’s Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities, she knew that she was a natural helper, and she knew that she wanted to serve her community. What she couldn’t know was that a head-on car crash and the devastating injuries that resulted from it would put her on the receiving end of the services she’s dedicated her life to providing others.

After nine months of recuperation, healing and support from her own agency, Angela, the Unit Manager for EIPD’s Elizabeth City office, was able to return to work. 

“I know how much our services mean to our clients, because I’ve used these services,” she said.

A catastrophic boating accident left Thomas Duty III unable to walk and with limited use of his arms. The sudden change ended his career in law enforcement, but with the support of the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (@nceipd), Thomas began to see new possibilities. Vocational rehabilitation services encouraged him to pursue education and channel his background in criminal justice into a new path.

Before his accident, Thomas served as an officer with the Emerald Isle Police Department. Afterward, with determination and support, he earned his master’s degree along with graduate certificates in criminal justice education and in public management and leadership.

In May 2024, Thomas graduated, and just three months later, he stepped into the classroom as an adjunct instructor. Today, he teaches in the Criminal Justice & Criminology Department at East Carolina University. His story proves that resilience and education can transform even the greatest challenges into new opportunities.

"A Journey of Hope: Connie C. Atalig's Story

Meet Connie C. Atalig — a woman whose journey shows that new beginnings are possible when hope meets opportunity.

For years, Connie lived with a physical disability that limited her mobility and confidence. “I stayed home most of the time,” she said. “I didn’t think there was much more out there for me.”

Everything changed when she discovered the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). With support from compassionate counselors, Connie accessed work experience training, assistive technology, transportation help, and other essential services.

Step by step, she regained her confidence and independence. In September 2012, Connie was hired full-time as an Administrative Assistant with the Department of Public Works, a position she held with pride for over a decade.

In December 2024, Connie retired happily and now enjoys socializing with peers at the Office on Aging, staying active in her community, and embracing her well-earned retirement.

Connie’s story reminds us that with kindness, opportunity, and courage, lives can change in beautiful ways.

Congratulations, Connie — and thank you for inspiring us all!"

Susan Sanchez graduated a year early from Mangum High School but struggles with

her mental health would lead her to drop out of college.

Years later, encouragement from a DRS counselor would open a door to helping her

build a future.

“I have bipolar (disorder) with depressive symptoms,” Sanchez said. “That is what I had

for a long time. I was diagnosed in high school. I ended up with anxiety.”

She said in her darkest moments after graduating in 1997, Sanchez was

noncommunicative, hearing voices and often having hundreds of nightmares on the

nights when she was able to sleep.

In 2013, Vocal Rehabilitation Specialist Laura Prater reached out to Sanchez to see if

she was ready to return to college. Sanchez had sought DRS’ services while in school

but had become disconnected from the agency as her mental health woes mounted.

Sanchez found needed encouragement and empowerment from Prater.

“All of this support made me feel safe,” she said. “It was the right time for me to be

doing it. My confidence was increased by the support of DRS. It affected my family, and

everybody else because they were like, ‘I am so thankful they (DRS) are helping you

because we wouldn’t be able to.’”

Emeka Nnaka’s life changed forever on an Arkansas football field in 2009. A 6-foot-5 Georgia native, he had come to Tulsa for college but, after struggling in school, joined the Oklahoma Thunder as a defensive end and linebacker. His football career ended abruptly when he broke his neck during a game, leaving him paralyzed. In 2012, a visit to Langston University led to a conversation with a professor who encouraged him to return to the classroom. Nnaka contacted DRS, which helped him enroll that fall at both Tulsa Community College and Langston University, covering his tuition, books, and even providing an iPad to support his studies. Determined to succeed, he earned a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Langston and later a master’s degree in human relations with a focus in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Oklahoma. “I remember telling my counselor, ‘I promise, if you invest in me, I will make it count. Every single day now, I am making it count,” he said. With additional support from DRS, which also helped him regain the ability to drive, Nnaka built a new path forward and today works as a mental health therapist and motivational speaker, inspiring others with his resilience and determination.

Sal Barraza has never let vision loss limit his success. With support from the Oregon Commission for the Blind’s (OCB) Business Enterprise Program (BEP), he has been running popular food businesses in Salem since 1989, building a career defined by resilience, service, and entrepreneurship. BEP empowers Oregonians who are legally blind to own and manage their own businesses, providing both training and opportunity, and through the program Sal has thrived. Today, he manages the Valley Café at the Oregon Department of Human Services Building, serving hundreds of staff and visitors daily, and also operates the Outta Sight Food Cart, a BEP pilot program that trains Oregonians with vision loss in crucial job skills while inspiring future entrepreneurs. His success demonstrates the impact of vocational rehabilitation in action, and by mentoring others and proving what’s possible, Sal is helping OCB expand opportunities across Oregon. From hot coffee to fresh opportunity, he is serving up independence one plate at a time.

For 15 years, Dan Lauver has been a proud Commonwealth employee, but getting to and from work was never simple. Without his own accessible vehicle, he depended on others to give him rides. “They don’t have to load up my wheelchair and put me in their vehicle,” he explained. The process was difficult and limited his independence.

That changed when the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) helped Dan purchase a new van designed with adaptive technology. Before taking it home, Branch Driving School gave him a full evaluation, identified the right modifications, and trained him to drive safely. “They came and gave me an evaluation to see what equipment I needed. And then we went out on the road a little bit and drove to see if it was going to work for me,” Dan recalled.

His van now includes a hand control lever for gas and brakes, reduced-effort steering, a steering knob, and a touchpad for other functions. 

For Dan, it represents more than convenience. “It’s just a whole new independence that I never had before. I can’t thank OVR enough for all the help they’ve given me.”

Magnum came to the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) in 2023, where he was determined legally blind and referred to Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired (SBVI). With counselor Karen Russell, he discovered the Randolph Shephard Business Enterprise Program (BEP)—a path he had never known was possible. The idea of running his own café sparked immediate excitement. Magnum worked tirelessly toward his goal, completing food safety certification, vendor training, and nine weeks of hands-on experience with BEP vendors across Rhode Island. Step by step, his confidence grew. Today, Magnum runs the Coffee Plus Café at the Garrahy Court House, proudly serving customers while building his independence. His journey is proof that with determination, opportunity, and support, challenges can be transformed into dreams realized. Magnum’s story reminds us that success is not about what you lose—it’s about what you build when you refuse to give up.