100 Stories in 100 Days

Angela Thomas’s story is one of resilience and renewal. Once ready to give up on life, she found strength through the support of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD). During a difficult period of incarceration, Angela chose to see her time as a chance to start over. “My life before prison was not the best,” she reflects. Determined to change, she earned her SafeServ certification and began mentoring others who also sought a better path.

After her release, Angela worked with SCVRD to adjust to life beyond prison, gaining the tools, encouragement, and accommodations she needed to thrive in the workplace. With support from a dedicated rehabilitation technician, she built confidence, advanced professionally, and began shaping a future filled with hope. Her journey proves that transformation is always possible when second chances are met with determination and support.

Before his stroke, Shawn was the Executive Director of a trade organization in South Dakota that supports businesses. At the time, his organization partnered with vocational rehabilitation to promote the hiring of people with disabilities. His stroke happened during a business conference in Oregon; fortunately, Shawn was with friends who quickly contacted emergency services. He woke up in a hospital and immediately realized he was going to have to relearn how to do everything. Shawn underwent intensive therapy and then received help from vocational rehabilitation, including counseling and guidance, job exploration, assistive technology, and a benefits analysis. His perseverance, faith, family, and positive outlook were the real reasons behind his successful recovery. Now, Shawn is back at work as a program specialist with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks. When it comes to vocational rehabilitation, Shawn says, “You are not just a number to them.” When he woke up in the hospital room after his stroke, he knew he would have to “climb the mountain all over again”—and vocational rehabilitation was happy to help.

Lydia Taylor, a 2024 graduate of Ravenwood High School, is already making big strides toward a successful future. While waitlisted for TCAT’s Cosmetology Program, she enrolled in the Business Education Technology program at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC), where she quickly discovered a new passion. With support from TRC staff, Lydia built confidence, developed professional skills, and earned her Microsoft Office Specialist certification. She also obtained her driver’s permit—another step toward independence. TRC’s hands-on training and career readiness support helped Lydia prepare for real-world opportunities, including a highly competitive AWS summer internship with TennCare. Typically reserved for college upperclassmen, Lydia stood out during her interview and was offered the position on the spot. Lydia’s success is a testament to her determination and the valuable support she received through TRC. Her journey reflects how the right environment can empower young adults to thrive. The Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services is proud to celebrate Lydia and all of her success.

The Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services is proud to recognize Jacob O’Bryan. Jacob always dreamed of becoming a police officer. But as he explored the demands of the job, he began to question if it was the right fit due to his disability. Still drawn to public safety, he didn’t give up—he pivoted. With support from the Greenville Community Services Unit, Jacob enrolled in a criminal justice program and found a new path: Emergency dispatch. DRS Career Training Specialist Shiree Brown worked alongside Jacob, helping him build confidence and career readiness skills. They focused on communication, conflict resolution, organization, and resume writing — tools he’d need in the field. When a contact at ETSU encouraged Jacob to apply at the Carter County Dispatch Office, he was ready. Shiree coordinated mock interviews to prepare him, and Jacob walked into the real thing with confidence. He got the job. Today, Jacob is thriving in his new role — with Shiree continuing to check in as he settles in and grows.

Denise V. Nunez, owner and director of Signology LLC in El Paso, Texas, has made it her mission to create safe, motivating environments where Deaf clients can thrive. One of her most inspiring success stories came from her very first customer, an older Deaf man in his late 50s eager to return to work after COVID-19. Despite his extensive warehouse experience and an award recognizing him as an Outstanding Associate with a Disability, the job search stretched on for a year as employers hesitated. Denise applied to custodial, food service, and warehouse jobs on his behalf and advocated with local businesses, reminding them of the value and tax incentives in hiring individuals with disabilities. Finally, in 2021, a compassionate employer offered him an interview. Denise interpreted in ASL, and his enthusiasm shone through, leading to an immediate job offer. Since then, he has thrived in his position, receiving three raises and moving beyond minimum wage to financial stability. Denise calls this a defining moment for her and her company, showing how perseverance, advocacy, and opportunity can open doors at any stage of life. Today, through Signology, she continues to ensure Deaf job seekers are not just placed, but supported for long-term success and growth.

“I know for a fact I would not be where I am today without VR’s help. I am so grateful and thankful to be a part of this, and I hope people in this program continue to grow and achieve their dreams!” At 18, Maddy graduated high school and earned her associate degree through Early College High School. Now in her 20s, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is pursuing her master’s in Nursing for Executive Leadership.

With support from the Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWC-VR) and her counselor, Jennifer, Maddy achieved her goals. “VR helped with my tuition, books, and so many other things,” she shared. Living with generalized anxiety disorder and ADHD, Maddy credits her faith, family, and Jennifer for helping her stay focused and confident.

Today, she’s saving lives in the ICU after spending more than three years in a Texas hospital emergency room — proof that with determination and the right support, anything is possible.

Claudia Ramos was determined to create a better life for her family and overcome the barriers of her disabilities. She dreamed of becoming a medical assistant but needed support to make it possible. That’s when she turned to vocational rehabilitation (VR).

With guidance from her VR counselor, Claudia enrolled in the medical assistant program at Mountainland Technical College in Lehi. Support from a Pell Grant and the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR) covered scrubs, supplies, transportation, exams, and her membership in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). She thrived, excelling in HOSA competitions at state and national levels.

After graduation, VR assisted with job readiness and placement, leading to an internship and full-time work with Revere Health. Now promoted to medical assistant, Claudia is building her career, supporting her family, and making healthcare brighter.

When Quade first applied to vocational rehabilitation (VR) as a high school student, he faced significant emotional, social, and educational challenges and was unsure about the program. His VR counselor listened to his concerns and encouraged him to believe in his potential. Through VR, Quade graduated from high school, attended therapy to overcome barriers, earned a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University–Uintah Basin, and secured competitive employment as a secondary education teacher in the Uintah School District. “VR gave me the tools to succeed in my workplace, earn my degree, and impact my community,” he shared. Quade was later honored with the Showalter Endowment Excellence in Teaching Award by the Uintah Schools Foundation. Grateful for the guidance he received, he credits much of his success to his VR counselor. Their collaboration is a shining example of the positive outcomes VR can achieve.

Nga Willey came to HireAbility Vermont while working in a childcare center and pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

 A referral from Adult Basic Education connected her with a counselor who truly listened. They discovered that Nga, who speaks Cantonese, had learned language entirely through speaking—never through formal grammar instruction. This made it difficult to keep up with coursework and navigate complex systems.

With tutoring and creative learning strategies, Nga earned her CDA and soon set her sights higher: she wanted to become a nurse. Her journey shows that with the right support, barriers that once felt overwhelming can become stepping stones toward success. Determined to move beyond public assistance and create a stable life for her daughter, Nga became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), found full-time work, and is now earning a steady income. Nga’s story is a reminder that investing in people’s potential creates brighter futures not just for individuals, but for their families and communities as well.

Alex Matoon came to HireAbility Vermont when he was a junior in High School. He explored careers through HireAbility’s transition services. He signed up for a Heavy Equipment class only to discover he might not be able to get his CDL due to a disability. 

With support from his Transition Counselor and Employment Consultant, Alex explored similar career paths that didn’t require a CDL. He set a new goal of becoming a Diesel Technician and his team at HireAbility arranged informational interviews and a tour of the maintenance shop at Casella Waste Management, a large VT based company that provides services in seven northeastern states.  

By March 2025, Alex had accepted a job offer and secured a part-time position at Casella while finishing school. In April 2025, Alex began his career as a Diesel Technician Apprentice.