2007
2007
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Robert Lynch worked for several years as a Firefighter and then as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with local hospitals and an ambulance service. In 2002, while responding to an emergency, Rob was injured trying to prevent a gentleman from falling from a gurney that was collapsing while being moved. He developed degeneration of a cervical intervertebral disc and thoracic outlet syndrome, leaving him with functional limitations of the hands and shoulders. His restrictions included limited mobility, lifting, carrying, and limited use of his hands. When Robert came to VR in August 2004, he had an idea of training to be a Physician’s Assistant but he soon learned, however, that this career was not compatible with the physical limitations that he now had. VR provided a vocational evaluation for Rob, and this helped him to turn his attention to the field of Financial Planning. VR assisted with coordination of benefits with Rob’s insurance company, and paid for tuition, books, and parking for 2 quarters, as well as with resume and interview preparation. An opportunity opened up to go into the real estate field with Keller Williams Real Estate in Spokane, Washington. Rob discussed this with his VR counselor and they agreed that he had the aptitude to do well in this career. Rob began working as a Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams in May of 2006. Rob has had a very successful year and has moved more than 13 units in his first year. This is a great field for Rob because the physical demands are not high, he can arrange his work hours to limit flare-ups, and driving is minimal. Rob is enjoying his work immensely. |
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Barbara Pierce came to VR in January 2002. She was referred by the One Stop Center due to her profound hearing loss and requested assistance with the purchase of hearing aids. Barb was working as a developmental aid for a local CRP, but that did not work out. Living in a rural area does not leave many choices for employment without a GED, and she found herself back in the job market at the age of 44. She thought of starting her own flagging business but realized she needed to get an education first. This is when she said “I can’t do back breaking work all my life, I need to start using my brain”. Her education started snowballing after that. She scored so well on her GED and Compass tests that her VRC and advisors from Lewis-Clark State College encouraged her to enroll. This was a whole new and unfamiliar territory to Barb, and one she had never considered. Through self-exploration and counseling and guidance from her VRC, Barb pursued a Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree in Information Systems Analysis through Lewis-Clark State College. VR assisted Barb with tuition, books, tools, and rent during her academic training program. While attending college, she accepted a full time job working with the Security Department to help sustain two households and participate financially in her plan. Barb is now the Director of Security at Lewis-Clark State College. Barb supervises two full time and nine part-time employees. She is in charge of financial planning, budgeting, scheduling of follow up on security issues, and security network. Throughout the VR process, Barb has always been appreciative of the help and support she received from VR staff. |
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Dave Redler was initially referred to VR by Reg. III MH in November 2003. He was placed into employment in a Janitorial position and then closed successfully in 2004. As a result of his severe depressive symptoms, Dave lost that job in May 2005. He re-applied for IDVR services in August of 2005. Dave has been diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. The severity of his disabling condition has caused him to experience severe episodes of depression resulting in extreme feelings of hopelessness and loss of all motivation to leave his home. The only source of therapeutic intervention that has proven effective is his love for plants. Based on his work history, severity of symptoms, his profound knowledge and understanding of plants, and the overwhelmingly positive effect that caring for them has on Dave, Dave and VR, in partnership with Region III Mental Health, decided to pursue self-employment as a Perennial wholesaler. We reviewed the Self-Employment workbook and he went right to work gathering information towards completion of his business plan. With a financial allotment for the development of Dave’s business, we purchased two 9x16 Greenhouses and some basic planting supplies. As owner/operator of Dave’s Perennials, Dave grows these types of plants year round, preparing crops during the winter for sales in the Spring, and Spring crops for the Summer. He meets with plant nursery owners in the Canyon county area and negotiates the sales of his plants. His goal for now is to firmly establish himself with plant nursery owners as a quality local provider of perennials and to secure consistent sales with them. His long term goal is to eventually increase his business volume to produce an income that will allow him to no longer be dependent on SSDI. He has expressed his thanks and appreciation repeatedly for IDVR assistance. Dave says that this is the first time in his life that he has been able to find real hope for his future.
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Phil Wert was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 15 years ago. At that time he left his life-long employment as a self-employed rancher to work for the Facilities Maintenance Group for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He hoped the work would be significantly less physically demanding, allowing him to continue working. The maintenance work continued well, without significant difficulty until the fall of 2005. Phil started to experience additional fatigue, loss of balance and problems with stumbling. He borrowed an ATV 4-wheeler from a friend to see if this would help him perform his outside work duties, and it did with great success. The ATV, however was only a loner. Phil came to VR in April, 2006 as he was referred by the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Phil came to VR to request assistance with purchasing an ATV 4-wheeler of his own as he could not afford all of the cost on his own. After determining eligibility for
Phil, an occupational therapy evaluation was arranged and more specific
recommendations made. Phil would benefit from an ATV, but with hand
throttle controls to avoid foot fatigue, running boards to keep his feet
safe and mirrors to safely back-up and maneuver the ATV without having
to strain his neck.
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Susan Anderson came to the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in May of 2001. She had been previously employed, but due to chronic depression as a result of Hypothyroidism, Susan had taken a medical leave of absence and eventually quitting her employment. She applied for Social Security Disability, but was denied. Feeling lost and not sure where to turn for assistance, Susan described her experience: “In 2001 I made the decision to go back to college after being out of school for about 14 years. I had recently gone through a serious bout of depression and quit a very stressful job. I needed to do something for myself and I decided that going to school would allow me to grow as a person. I went to a career counselor and they referred me to VR. I had not heard of VR before and had no idea what they would be able to do for me. After meeting with my VR counselor he informed me that they would be able to assist me in pursuing a degree.” Susan and her VR Counselor began discussing career options. This counseling and guidance led to enrollment at Idaho State University. She was apprehensive about returning to school, but decided it would be ideal for her to commit to school and complete a degree in Social Work. Tuition assistance from VR, Pell Grants, scholarship awards, assistance with books, transportation, plus personal dedication allowed Susan to overcome obstacles related to her return to academic studies. TRIO services were utilized for tutoring and comparable services at ISU. Susan completed her overall academic career with a noteworthy 3.6 GPA. Susan currently works for Still Waters Counseling in Blackfoot. She works with a wide variety of clientele, earning $18/hour. Susan has overcome many obstacles over the course of her rehabilitation program. She is already building on the skills she has developed, and looking to continue her education and obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
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Sheila Hadden, VR Counselor |
While in high school, Emily Malcom participated in pre-vocational training in the production area at Development Workshop. She also began working with Vocational Rehabilitation. With help from VR, she completed both a traditional vocational evaluation and a portfolio with photos of her doing activities that demonstrated some of her skills. With assistance from VR, she found employment shredding documents at a TV station and her case was closed as a successful rehabilitation. However, over the next two years, her hours at work were reduced significantly and she decided it was time to find a new job. Information from the vocational evaluation, portfolio, and Emily’s experience in her earlier employment helped her and her new VR counselor identified a list of jobs she might be able to do well. Her portfolio was used to develop a skills-based resume that could be presented to an employer along with her application. She chose Development Workshop to provide job development services. Her job developer worked closely with Emily, her family, and with VR to find a position. Emily’s mother suggested that she might do well as a lobby attendant, and a possible job was located at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Emily performed very well in a work evaluation, and was hired for the position. Her duties include keeping the lobby floors and tables clean, and restocking napkins, straws, and other supplies. Because of her limited vision, cleaning tables completely was a challenge for Emily. Her job coach helped her develop a pattern for wiping each table to ensure that the full surface was cleaned. Work adjustment, follow-along, and long-term support job coaching have helped her to maintain her employment. Emily’s earnings reduce her dependence on Social Security benefits, and the work experience she is gaining will help her to become more independent in the future. Emily says, “I really like the employees that I work with. They are really nice. I really like what they have me do. I do restroom checks, clean tables whenever they need it, and sweeping.” |
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In 1984, Dee Pyle was working as a range technician for the Forest Service. He was clearing forest area for an elk refuge when a tree fell on him and he suffered a spinal cord injury. Over the next 5 years, Dee was in rehab, completed his GED, and earned an Associate’s Degree in Electronics Technology from ITT. In 1989, Dee started working for the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) repairing radios and other electronic equipment. In 2003, Dee began to develop pressure ulcers because his wheelchair was ill-fitting. In addition, after years of using a manual wheelchair, Dee developed bilateral shoulder arthritis and his physicians wanted him to begin using an electric wheelchair. Dee was referred to IDVR by Norco (a medical supply company) in April 2005. Dee’s physicians had advised Dee to start applying for SSDI benefits. Dee wanted to maintain his employment at NIFC as he was nearing retirement and is the sole provider for his family. The VR Counselor worked with Dee and his physicians to identify his rehabilitation technology needs. Because of his continuing physical deterioration, it was decided that Dee should limit his transfers from wheelchair to vehicle drivers seat. In addition, Dee’s Van was breaking down and the lift needed to be replaced. We learned that the Federal Worker’s Compensation Program had provided Dee with his original rehab tech needs and were to provide ongoing needs. ne year later, Dee arrived at IDVR office in his new electric wheelchair and new modified van paid for entirely by the Federal Worker’s Compensation program. Dee still works at NIFC. He earns $65,000 annually. His benefits include annual leave, and sick leave. In addition, he also participates in a 401k. He is able to purchase low cost health and dental benefits for himself and his family. Dee’s supervisor said that the crew at NIFC sees 60,000 to 80,000 radios each year and Dee probably handles 15,000-18,000 a year himself. Dee is there at 6 am and works 10 hr shifts and never complains. Dee has worked on electronic equipment and radios used in many national natural disasters.
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Dee Pyle & Heather Haugen, VR Counselor |
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Traci Hopper |
In March 2005, Traci Hopper applied for services a second time with Vocational Rehabilitation. She wanted this case to be a success. In 1995, Traci was involved in a motor vehicle accident that left her a paraplegic. Since that time, she had had multiple surgeries and complications. To further complicate matters, Traci had a history of depression and continued substance abuse. Building her self esteem and necessary confidence to even begin a program was the primary service provided by her vocational rehabilitation counselor. Early on it was determined that Traci did not have the basic daily living skills necessary to complete any form of training program or work task. The VR Counselor referred Traci to programs (utilizing her Medicaid card) to work on areas that would provide the basic foundation for her rehabilitation program. Extensive vocational guidance and counseling opened doors to Traci providing her with valuable information she needed to identify an attainable work goal. There were multiple variables that had to be addressed prior to her entering into a training program but also a work setting. These included managing daily living skills, and coordination of transportation and child care issues. Vocational counseling with Traci identified an appropriate goal of office occupations. The rehabilitation program developed with the Traci provided a multitude of comprehensive services. Child care, training, and transportation assistance were among a few of these comprehensive services. Mental health and substance abuse support areas were also addressed. She continued to work towards her goal despite the challenging dilemmas that arose. Traci’s van then broke down. Traci was diligent and resourceful and was able to purchase another van. Modifications were done by Vocational Rehabilitation. Traci was hired by Garden City Community School, full time as an Administrative Assistant in a salaried position with benefits available. |
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Jesse Delgado’s case manager at the Boise Community Work Center referred him to the VR for assistance in transitioning back to the community and workforce. Jesse’s employment history, prior to his incarceration had been limited to unskilled work as a general laborer and painter’s helper. Jesse’s VR Counselor arranged for the necessary diagnostic evaluations needed to determine his eligibility for the VR program. As a result of those evaluations, multiple impairments’ were identified. His ADHD impairment manifested itself in problems with attention, concentration and made it difficult for him to stay focused. An Individual Plan for employment (IPE) was developed to pursue the goal of Auto Body Repairer. Rehabilitation services provided consisted of Vocational Counseling/Guidance, Community Based work adjustment, Personal/Vocational Adjustment counseling, Medication monitoring, participation in Relapse Prevention programming, Substance Abuse counseling and Placement/Follow along services. In addition to these primary services, VR also assisted Jesse with many essential support services such as clothing, transportation and tools. Jesse persevered in maintaining a positive attitude. In light of his renewed commitment to a drug free lifestyle, Jesse has maintained his employment now as a body repair specialist in the truck shop for over a year. His employer, Peterbuilt Truck Company of Boise values Jesse as a member of their team. They are proud of his work & accomplishments. Jesse is earning an excellent wage, has health insurance benefits and after a year will have paid vacation.
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