100 Stories in 100 Days

The journey of University of Mary Washington graduate Adrianna Giddings illustrates how passion and perseverance, paired with strategic support, can transform opportunity into impact. With a deep commitment to universal design and accessibility, she set out to find a career where her skills could serve the greater good. Accessibility isn’t just a goal—it’s a pathway to inclusion.

Partnering with a Business Relations Specialist, Adrianna identified a Paid Work-Based Learning experience that connected her to the City of Norfolk’s Diversity Office. From her first interview, she impressed with knowledge and enthusiasm, soon becoming a valued team member. Over four months, she advanced accessibility in city programs and events, leaving a lasting mark. When passion meets opportunity, communities thrive. In August 2025, Adrianna proudly began her full-time role.

Malik Thornton once spent nights moving from couch to couch while keeping up with school and marching band. “I had an IEP and struggled with reading and writing at grade level,” he said. “On top of that, I was homeless, moving from couch to couch. My peers could go home, do homework and relax. My nights were about finding water for my house or making sure my family’s needs were met and then still getting my homework done.”
His special education teacher connected him with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), which provided tuition support, dorm essentials, music books, and basic living supplies. “Because DARS helped take care of those needs, I could focus on learning and being involved on campus,” Malik said.
At Longwood University, he thrived — performing in choirs and ensembles, joining a fraternity, and serving as an advocate for minority and disability inclusion. Today, Malik is the band director for grades 6–12 at his former middle and high schools. “My goal is to be a change-maker, helping students see what’s possible for their lives, no matter where they’re starting from.”

Roxanne McPeck’s journey with the Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has been one of resilience, discovery, and growth.

As a teen in Spokane Valley, Roxanne excelled in school, but chronic illness forced her to drop out of college twice, leaving her without confidence or direction. When a friend encouraged her to try DVR, she was hesitant. With the support of her counselor, she explored new options, eventually returning to Eastern Washington University to study biology and technical communication. “I adored biology, I loved microbiology, and I LOVED doing experiments at the bench and thinking hard about scientific research,” Roxanne recalled.

She thrived in research, teaching, and mentoring, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Today, she is pursuing a PhD in microbiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz. Reflecting on her journey, she says: “With DVR’s help, I have kicked down many doors, and now I intend to hold them open for the next people to follow.”

Annette Nettles is a fearless individual who has overcome numerous challenges. Before her blindness, she worked in both the scientific and spiritual worlds, spending years as an engineer, then establishing and ministering a church. But, as her vision loss progressed, Annette found it challenging to manage daily work operations.

When Annette entered the Washington State Dept. of Services for the Blind (DSB) Orientation and Training Center, she felt restricted in her career options due to limitations in her computer skills, transportation, and social interaction as a person with vision loss. The Training Center offered solutions to overcome these obstacles and continue pursuing a fulfilling career. She found solace and optimism through interaction with peers that life after vision loss can offer more than just stagnation.

“What did I gain? It was independence. And, yeah, that independence is what I’m carrying forward.”

Annette now excels as an entrepreneur and business consultant.

At just 21, Keith Moore is proving what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. Growing up with a disability, he often felt dismissed or misunderstood, but he credits the DC Rehabilitation Services Administration with helping him chart a future. “I always felt guided in the right direction,” he says. With their support, Moore graduated as valedictorian of his high school and is now studying political science at the University of the District of Columbia. He also works as a special education paraprofessional, determined to provide the encouragement he once needed himself. Today, Moore serves on Washington, DC’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission, representing Ward 8 and advocating for safer streets, better grocery access, and meaningful youth programs. Through vocational rehabilitation, he found not just a career path, but the confidence to lead—and to model consistency, hope, and resilience for others.

Since 2018, Wisconsin’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has partnered with the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council to offer the Tribal Summer Youth Program, helping Native youth with disabilities gain work experience and strengthen community ties.
Among the 2025 participants was Zoey Rossow, a 19-year-old member of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin and student at UW–Superior. Zoey worked with the tribe’s Education Department, Judicial Branch, and Truancy Department before joining Maamigin, a Native bead store, where she applied her multimedia and marketing skills.
“This program [Tribal Summer Youth Program] didn’t just give me one job—it gave me the chance to explore multiple areas of my tribe and discover skills I didn’t know I had,” Zoey shared. “Overall, I walked away with professional, technical, and cultural knowledge that I never would have learned without this program, and it has given me more confidence in myself and my abilities moving forward.”