VR at Work

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.

Marc Companion was a civil engineer, university professor, and world traveler when an exam revealed retinitis pigmentosa 30 years ago. That’s when he first connected with Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired. 

“If we have a bad knee, we need a brace. We just happen to have bad eyes,” Marc said. “It doesn’t have to define us.” 

Over time, Marc’s case would re-open with DBVI as his vision needs shifted. DBVI provided laptops with voice controls, scanners, and other tools to help him stay employed. Later, Marc decided to become an Orientation and Mobility instructor. 

His philosophy? A hands-on, self-help approach. Empowerment over caretaking. 

“DBVI is about showing people the possibility,” he said. “Build some skills, confidence, and self-esteem. Then the world is your oyster.” 

Marc still travels – Tanzania, South Africa, Colombia – leading student trips and providing white cane training. “Blindness doesn’t mean the end,” he said.  

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.

Colby Masse became a volunteer firefighter at 15 and became interested in a career in emergency medical services.  

“There’s no list of jobs for people who are visually impaired,” Colby said. “You gotta make it. Don’t limit yourself.” 

Today, through hard work, determination, and the support of the Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Colby realized his goal of becoming a paramedic two years. 

“DBVI is a huge resource and have access to other things you might not know you need or would be helpful,” he said. “The resources are tailored to your needs.” 

DBVI provided assistive technology through his educational journey, including e-books, audio materials, and large print texts. They conducted workplace assessments and supplied specialized medical equipment. 

“It all comes down to being adaptive and able to adjust,” Colby said. “Embrace your visual impairment or whatever you have. It doesn’t have to limit you.” 

Jessie Marlin Maclean was in the car with her young daughter when she realized she couldn’t see the road well enough to drive safely. That was 21 years ago when Jessie was 40 — and the last time she drove. It was, however, the start of another journey for the Cavendish, Vermont, resident, who has retinitis pigmentosa (RP). 

“The hardest thing to do in our lives is to ask for help,” Jessie said. “Instead of looking at that as defeat, look at it as a chance to help yourself.” 

Jessie contacted the Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired for assistance with mobility training, transportation assistance, technology support, and vocational rehabilitation.  

“Being a teacher is what brings me all of my (professional) joy,” Jessie said. The DBVI team connected her with Vermont Adult Learning, where she now teaches Spanish and English as a Second Language in small or individualized classes. 

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.”