Division of
Vocational
Rehabilitation

Nick Taylor-Region 1

Nick was referred to IDVR for services due to his specific learning disabilities and unique individual learning style.  Nick’s disabilities made it difficult for him to achieve independent employment without assistance and support. 

Nick had expressed an interest in working as a CNA.  A local training opportunity was available through Valley Vista Care Services and after further discussion, we agreed that this would be an appropriate direction to take, however, there was a transportation issue. 
Nick worked hard on his IDVR funded CNA training provided through Valley Vista Care Services. 

He performed well with much of the bookwork but did struggle with his practical skills.  Although he struggled, he continued to work hard.  He was so dedicated to this effort that he earned a certificate from the course instructor, Amanda Grieser, as ‘the little engine that could’.  Ultimately, Nick did not pass the practical skills portion of his CNA certification, but due to his work ethic and dedication, he was offered a position at Valley Vista and was hired as a full time housekeeping staff.

The success of this case not only highlights Nick’s individual efforts in his plan for employment but also the value of partnership in the rehabilitation process.  A coordinated effort between IDVR, Department of Labor, the city of St. Maries, TESH Industries, and Valley Vista Care Services contributed greatly to the success of this case and developed future possibilities for ongoing partnership in the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities in the St. Maries Area.

Lawrence Skinner-Region 2

 Lawrence applied for services in June of 2008, due to his disability of Chron’s disease. He was a social security beneficiary who desired gainful employment and independence and hoped VR could help pave the way. 

Through self-exploration and counseling and guidance from his VRS, Lawrence assessed his skills and abilities and after identifying his strengths and weaknesses, saw him-self working in a pet store. Because he was shy, he did not interview very well. We discussed using a CRP which he agreed upon. After interviewing a couple agencies he selected Goodwill Industries. With their assistance, a CBWE was secured for a customer service position at the Lewis Clark Animal Shelter.

His employer reported that Lawrence picked up the routine very quickly, was always willing to help out and easy to get along with. At the end of the assessment his employer said a staff member would soon be vacating their position and Lawrence would be offered that job. After what seemed like an eternity, Lawrence finally got the call he had been waiting for.

Since then, Lawrence has been promoted to Kennel Technician. He says that at the Lewis Clark Animal Shelter we see ourselves working as a team to avoid building a wall between the kennel staff and vet staff. Needless to say Lawrence truly enjoys his job and is grateful for the services he received from VR and Goodwill Industries.

Jessica Rubenacker-Region 3

Jessica Rubenacker was referred to the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR) by her special education teacher who runs the Student Transition Education Program, commonly referred to by the acronym STEP located within the Boise School District.

Her disability of a seizure disorder never seemed to hamper Jessica in any way.
Jessica’s kindness was reflected in her work search. She desired to seek employment in working with children. Being she already had SSI and Medicaid benefits in place, Jessica was eligible for Community Service Employment long-term job coaching. The community service employer initially submitted a completed application to Tater Tots along with an extensive email describing Jessica’s skills on September 9, 2009.

During Jessica’s work search, she studied independently and acquired her licensure in First Aid. By Jessica having this license she was highly marketable when applying for childcare positions. This proved advantageous for her in the long run.

Her perseverance paid off when she applied for a position with Tater Tots Academy for Childcare as a daycare provider. She was lucky that day in that her application caught the eye of Jen Taylor, the owner of Tater Tots. Jen contacted Jessica and an interview was scheduled.

Jessica began working the next week on October 30, 2009 and proudly wore a Tater Tots employee nametag and required clothing for her job. IDVR helped her with her clothing and provided her with a three-month bus pass to travel safely back and forth to work. The location was another benefit for Jessica in that Tater Tots was close to her home.
IDVR successfully closed Jessica’s case on January 29, 2010.

Linda O'Dell-Region 4

Linda applied for VR services in August, 2007 seeking employment or possible retraining for a job that could accommodate her disability. 

Linda’s disclosed disability included left knee injury and severe arthritis.  Documentation from her doctor concurred.  Linda first underwent ACL reconstruction in 1986 and has had three additional surgeries, on that same knee, since then.  Her knee has steadily worsened; to the point that total knee replacement was recommended.  Linda was unable to pay for the surgery, due to not having insurance, and wanted to find a job that she could do long term.  Sedentary employment was appropriate.  She and her vocational counselor explored both employment and training options. 

Linda has always been interested in counseling; however, she felt spending four to six years to achieve a bachelor’s or master’s degree was unrealistic for her.  The addictions studies program at CSI intrigued her because it could be completed in two years.  It was agreed upon that this would be an appropriate goal.  Linda worked diligently throughout her programming. 

She was offered a position with Cedar Springs Associates.  Linda would be required to learn many new procedures, and undergo extensive specialized training be come a technician for this company.

Michael Laabs-Region 5

Michael Laabs is a 63 year male who was involved in a Traumatic Brain Injury on his job in 1988, resulting in an inability to return to his occupation as a delivery route driver.  He qualified for SSDI and received benefits.  Michael’s functional limitations included short term memory loss, lack of ability to concentrate and disorientation to time and place.

 Michael was seeking assistance to complete his CDL. Michael agreed to take the TABE to ensure he has sufficient reading levels to handle CDL training materials and manuals written at the 9th grade level.  His reading was at the 12.9 level.

IDVR assisted Michael with tuition and transportation costs to attend Sage Truck Driving School in Blackfoot. Michael completed the training with flying colors. After successfully completing his training and acquiring his CDL, SWIFT Trucking hired him as a driver of a short distance route from Salt Lake City to Pocatello. 

After 60 days, SWIFT promoted him as a long distance driver. Vocational Rehabilitation assisted him with a GPS system which had the data for the lower 48 states to assist him with road changes and directions.  In July 2010, Michael had earned enough driving hours to apply at E.W. Wiley to train for flat bed trucks to haul the long windmill parts across the country. He is off SSDI and is very grateful for our continuation of believing that he had the ability to return to employment.

Glen Radford-Region 6

A day of mentoring at Intermountain Auto Recycling helped Glen Radford imagine a future in which he could do what he loved, every working day.  First, however, he had to earn a high school diploma.  With vision in only one eye and learning disabilities that make reading, writing, and math particularly difficult, finishing school was a tremendous challenge for Glen, but he persevered and graduated in May 2009. 

During Glen’s senior year, the Transition Coordinator for Jefferson County School District helped him apply for VR services.  The principal at his alternative high school also helped copy of his social security card, which he needed for employment.  Glen’s job developer was asked to begin by contacting Intermountain Auto Recycling.  The company agreed to have Glen demonstrate what he could do through a community-based work evaluation.  Glen proved that he was able to follow instructions carefully and remove valuable parts from old vehicles to prepare them for sale. 

Concerned about cash flow during rough economic times, the company first hired Glen as a temporary worker.   As business picked up, a full-time, permanent position was created for Glen at Intermountain.  VR provided some follow-along services, but Glen’s attendance and work performance were excellent and his employer and co-workers were so supportive that the job coaching was soon discontinued. 

With a relatively small investment of the resources they provided, Glen moved from dependence on Supplemental Security Income payments to joining them as a wage-earner paying taxes of his own. 

Debra Custis-Region 7

Debra applied for VR services on 7/22/09 with diagnosed disabilities of OCD, Depression, and Alcohol Abuse. She had been recently released from Intermountain Hospital.

Debra was again hospitalized on 8/18/09. At this time Trial Work Experience and CBWE were discussed to determine Debra’s ability to benefit from IDVR services. Debra had not worked in over 10 years. Her weaknesses included: large gap in work history, anxiety, lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, and recent relapses.

Upon completion of the CBWE, Cynthia from Advanced Services updated VR and reported that overall Debra did well. She was well liked at the workplace and she responded well to clients. Advanced Services wanted to make Debra an employment offer as a Developmental Disabilities Technician.

In November 2009, Debra completed 30 days of sobriety but faced a new set of challenges. She was no longer able to afford her rent and faced eviction. IDVR assisted Debra with the use of “homeless stimulus funds”. This assistance helped Debra with stabilizing her housing situation so that she is able to grow in her employment.

Heather Gager-Region 8

Heather Gager came to VR as a single mother of four boys who had no significant work history and was receiving multiple community supports to include a PSR worker who accompanied the client on each VR appointment initially.

Heather was offered extensive counseling and guidance to address disability related issues, career exploration to determine an appropriate vocational goal. Given her assets and barriers to employment, she enrolled in training through Rocky Mountain Business Academy in the Administrative Assistant program. They helped to provide basic marketable skills into her chosen occupational field.

She engaged in Resume development, interviewing skills development, mock interviewing, and direct job development with Idaho Behavioral Health. A three month formal on the job training, hiring and retention stimulus funding, federal tax incentives and a rehabilitation assistive technology assessment to ensure the workplace was accommodating to her disability related employment needs which included an adaptive keyboard holder.

The combination of these services directly led to the client's current employment with Idaho Behavioral Health as an Administrative Assistant working 40 hours per week. She has full benefits available to her.

Ronald Lang-Region 9

On March 17, 2009, Ron Lang applied for VR services with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Tara Richardson at the District 4 Probation and Parole office located in Boise. Dr. Johnston diagnosed Ron with ADHD, History of Alcohol Abuse, Marijuana Dependency and Personality Disorder NOS. Ron also presented with visual and bilateral hearing impairments.

Ron served 15 straight years in prison. Prior to incarceration, Ron was a machinist in plastic molding but due to technological advances, that work was no longer available.
Due to his offense, he couldn’t work around minors or other vulnerable populations.

VR provided substantial services of vocational guidance and counseling, information and referral services, job search assistance, the Job Search Workshop, binaural hearing aid amplification, bifocal eyeglasses, a bicycle and safety gear. Vocational guidance and counseling addressed personality, medical, substance abuse, and felonies issues and their effect on employment and interpersonal relationships. Supportive services correcting his hearing and eyesight were imperative to improving interpersonal relationships.

Ron was fitted for glasses and hearing aids; and got job with M&L Emission Testing, VR also got a bicycle for Ron to get back and forth to his new job.