VR at Work

Fatma, a 19-year-old art major at the University of Hartford, is building a strong foundation for her future with support from Connecticut BRS. She first connected with BRS at the end of her senior year of high school, when she met her counselor, India. From the very beginning, India has been a steady source of encouragement—offering career readiness tips, connecting Fatma with resources, and supporting her academic journey.

With BRS’s help, Fatma completed her freshman year of college without the stress of financial barriers. She’s received assistance with tuition, career research, and documentation needed to explore temporary work opportunities through Capital Workforce Partners.

“India has been a huge support in my schooling and career path,” Fatma shared. “I know I don’t have to worry about the future because BRS is helping me succeed.”

Bella, a student from Glastonbury, Connecticut, is thriving at Curry College, where she is pursuing a degree in psychology. She loves the program, the school, and the friendships she has built. “I have a ton of friends and I’m just excited to continue studying there,” she said.

Bella first connected with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) through a youth leadership program in high school. “BRS basically helped me a lot in my transition from high school to college, particularly the independent living aspect,” she explained.

One of the most impactful supports has been assistive technology. “I don’t know where I would be without some of the tools they gave me,” Bella said. A MacBook, iPad, and Apple Pencil — along with apps for color-coded notes and voice-to-text — have transformed her ability to stay organized and succeed in class. BRS also provided simple but vital tools, like grabbers, that increased her independence.

“Thanks to BRS, I just feel so much more comfortable and independent. It’s been such a launching point for me,” Bella shared. She now plans to complete her degree, earn a master’s, and launch a career in psychology.

At just 20 years old, John Benson’s life changed after a diving accident left him paralyzed. Despite the challenges, his passion for agriculture never faded. Determined to return to farming, John partnered with a local farmer to create an innovative solution: using a modified engine crane and Hoyer sling to transfer himself into farm equipment. This adaptation allowed him to contribute to harvest and tillage work, and just ten years after his accident, John was farming again.

As operating equipment became more difficult, John turned to Delaware DVR for support. In 2022, he received a truck-mounted lift from Life Essentials Lifts. This device now enables him to transfer from his truck into the cabs of various farm machines, greatly expanding his ability to work and support local agriculture. Beyond farming, John enjoys wheelchair rugby, skiing, woodworking, and maintaining community Little League fields. His determination continues to inspire all who know him.

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Harrison came to Delaware DVR seeking help finding a career pathway where she could thrive. Through a vocational assessment, Lizzy and her VR Counselor identified her passion—working with animals—and set a goal to pursue a career in that field. The Business Relations Specialist (BRS) reached out to local employers to find the right match for an On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunity. After meeting with Mary, owner of A Comfy Pet Grooming Salon, the BRS developed a 9-month OJT for Lizzy to gain grooming and animal care experience. With 1:1 guidance from her trainer, Page, Lizzy quickly picked up new skills and mastered grooming equipment. Her dedication and enthusiasm stood out, and by the end of training, she transitioned into a full-time Groomer at A Comfy Pet with her own clients. When asked when she knew this was the right career, Lizzy said: “On the second day—I feel so happy going to work every day!”

In 2019, Stephen Thomas survived a car accident that left him gradually losing his eyesight. His doctor told him to accept retirement, but Stephen refused. “Somehow, some way, I was going to work again.” Searching for options, he discovered the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and its Business Enterprise Program (BEP), which equips blind and low vision individuals to operate food service facilities. “I was so impressed with what Will said about the program. I became excited about this opportunity. I followed up and followed up.” Stephen completed six months of training, worked as a relief operator, and later took over a vending route at the CDC. By 2022, he successfully bid on a snack bar and micro-market at the Floyd Twin Towers in Atlanta, eventually expanding to multiple locations. “Follow up, follow up, follow up. Thanks to BEP, I beat the odds.”

Jasmine Moore has built a life defined by resilience and service. After graduating from Kennesaw State University, she began work at the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office. Starting as a paralegal, she was later promoted to program manager for diversion programs in the PACE Unit, where she helps individuals find better paths and reduce recidivism.

Jasmine also founded Grateful Hands, Inc., a nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities through scholarships, inclusive career fairs, and holiday sponsorships. With GVRA’s support, including a modified van, she gained independence to drive herself to work and continue her mission of advocacy.

“I am dedicated to creating a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to thrive and achieve his full potential,” Jasmine said. She added: “I would absolutely recommend the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to anyone living with a disability who may need assistance for ‘big’ life moments.”

Jared Matanae turned to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) under the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) to pursue his dream of becoming a licensed cosmetologist. With DVR’s support, he enrolled at Mariacy Beauty Academy (MBA), where tuition, tools, exam costs, and licensing fees were covered. In MBA’s inclusive environment, Jared gained the skills and confidence to thrive. “Being a barber, you have to have good marketing skills and know how to communicate with your customers,” he explained. After graduating, Jared joined Butterhouse Barbershop in Dededo, Guam, where his schedule quickly filled with 4 to 12 clients daily. “In the barbering business, you always need to be hungry for more to succeed,” he emphasized. Today, Jared thrives as a professional barber with plans to open his own shop—proof that determination and support can turn dreams into reality

Amy’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and hope. She registered with Hawaii DVR at just 14, encouraged by her Teacher for the Visually Impaired, and began attending youth programs that built her confidence and skills. After losing both her parents at a young age, Amy found strength through DVR summer camps and employment opportunities, including an expedition to the Grand Canyon that left a lasting impact.

With DVR’s support, she pursued higher education, earning an associate’s degree, then a bachelor’s in social work from the University of Hawaii in 2018. Inspired by her own experiences growing up around hardship, she committed herself to helping others. She went on to complete her master’s degree in 2019 while working full-time, determined to make her education count.

Today, Amy serves as a Social Worker IV with the State of Hawaii’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Along the way, she married in 2022 and became a proud mom in 2024. By engaging with vocational rehabilitation early, investing in education, and pursuing her passion, Amy is now living the life she dreamed of: a meaningful career, a loving family, and a future filled with possibility.

In 2022, Devin was referred to Idaho Vocational Rehabilitation by his teacher, opening the door to career exploration programs that helped him identify his future path. By graduation in 2024, he set his sights on becoming an RV Service Technician. With VR’s support, Devin attended the National RV Training Academy in Texas, where he completed advanced certifications in RV service, solar and generator systems, and inspections.

Returning home, Devin joined his family business, Austin RV, LLC. His skills allowed the company to expand into in-house repairs, mobile services, and inspections, creating significant growth. “Voc Rehab helped me so much with getting my training and skills to grow our business,” Devin said. Today, he’s driving success in Idaho’s RV industry.

Trisha has been an educator in Special Education for almost 30 years. She started this journey in California and in the 90’s moved to Idaho where she continued her career. She has a Bachelors in Psychology as well as two Masters in both Educational Psychology & Counseling, and  Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. Trisha has been a client at ICBVI a couple of times. Both times, she has focused on continuing to learn independent living skills which have been beneficial not just in her day to day life but also at work.

Trisha shares that her journey with ICBVI has been “wonderful”, that the staff at the ATC and VR have been very helpful, and she enjoys working with them. She adds that some of the main things she has gotten out of coming to training and receiving services at ICBVI are; being able to feel comfortable saying the words, “I am blind.”, gaining improved mobility skills, as well as improved mainstream and assistive technology skills. Overall, being part of ICBVI has led Trisha to become more comfortable with her blindness and a better self-advocate. 

Trisha’s goal is to continue with maintaining her independence and to continue teaching. Her personal and  career paths have not always been easy; at times she wonders if continuing to fight the fight is “worth it”. At work, partnering with her VR Counselor, Rocio and other ICBVI staff, she has had to fight some battles to ensure she receives suitable accommodations to continue doing her job. Trisha has championed over these battles and learned from them as well. Trisha is happy working and teaching her students. Trisha is a great educator, passionate, and loves her students. She was awarded the Teacher Of The Year Award, given by the West Ada Education Association The West Ada School District is very lucky to have her as a teacher at Rocky Mountain High School.