Vocational Rehabilitation Workforce Studio » Podcast

Note: click image for caption and image details. Hear about Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities and Reflections on Workforce Development from VMA Workforce Development Director, Katherine DeRosear. Episode 11 Transcript: December 15, 2015 Rick (RS)– Welcome to the VR workforce studio, the disability and employment podcast from the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center. I am your host Rick Sizemore along with the Executive Director of the WWRC Foundation, my co-host Anne Hudlow. Hello Anne Anne Hudlow (AH) – Hello Rick. It is great to be here to creating hope and a path forward so individuals with disabilities can go to work. RS– Anne we have an incredible show today. Key leaders from the Virginia Manufactures Association and the Manufacturing Skills Institute. The episode is from the business industry employer gateway category and we will hear how VMA and MSI have not only developed and in-depth understanding of Virginia’s workforce needs; but, how they have evolved strategies to train and credential the workforce of tomorrow by reducing skills and interest gaps. VMA and MSI are marshalling every available resource and partner in education, workforce development, manufacturing and government to truly build the workforce of tomorrow through effective collaborations. AH –We hear every day about new manufacturing facilities coming on line. Executive Order 23 predicts that we’ll need 1.5 million new workers in just in just the next few years to meet the workforce needs. And, in addition to that we are particularly excited about EO 46 emphasizing the positive contributions that individuals with disabilities can make in the workforce. That combined with the Virginia Board of Workforce Development’s promotion of advanced manufacturing and OFCCP503 regulations for disability employment, have certainly convinced me that WWRC is on the right track. Our foundation is a campion for WWRC as it retools to offer “dreamit”, “doit” academies and start up a career pathway that culminates with the manufacturing technology training program. RS, I caught up with Jim Leech who is heading up WWRC’s MTT program and one of the first steps is training the consumers on the production line. Jim Leech (JL) Yes that is true Anne. The Materials Handling department at WWRC gives our clients many opportunities to learn what job requirements and skill sets are actually required in Virginia businesses and manufacturing. One of these job exercises is setting up and operating a boxed salt transfer assembly line utilizing a roller conveyor which transports cases containing 24 boxes of salt from one end of the conveyor where the salt is unboxed on a table to the other end where the salt is repacked into empty cases on another table. The clients need to organize themselves at each end to make the job exercise the most efficient it can be, which takes coordination between everyone on the line. We actually do a time study to observe how long it takes to do each small step of the process to see what the actual cost would be to accomplish the task as if it were in a real manufacturing facility. The exercise can run several hours and is real work with each carton of salt weighing 25 pounds, with a production rate of about 30 pounds per hour. They learn a great deal through this exercise. AH -Students Jim works with had this to say about the training. Student – We really had to work as a team to understand what the other person is doing in order to keep the product moving on the conveyor. JL-The conveyer system for the new program is going to be a little higher level, it will have a Variable speed drive, and its purpose will be for us to be able to configure a number of different scenarios. AH -If you would like to know more about how you can support us as we help WWRC put people to work, you can conduct me by clicking the foundation link right ...

Episode 10-b: Conclusion of WWRC Winter Graduation

Episode 10-a: Waynesboro Public School’s Signature Singers Inspire and Delight at WWRC Graduation

Transcript by business students: Matthew Watkins, Cristene Hamm and Marlin Moore Intro: I believe it is possible for everyone to go to work with the right accommodation: All you have to do is ask. VR Workforce Studio: Inspiration, Education and Affirmation at Work. We’re bringing you the stories of individuals with disabilities who are in or preparing to be part of the workforce in Virginia. And we’re celebrating not only the champions of business and industry that hire individuals with disabilities, but also the vocational rehabilitation professionals who’ve dedicated their lives and careers to creating hope and a path forward to employment so individuals with disabilities can work and lead more fulfilling lives while building Virginia’s workforce and moving our economy forward. Welcome to the VR Workforce Studio education, inspiration, and affirmation at work. We’re bringing you the stories of individuals with disabilities who are in or preparing to be part of the workforce here in Virginia. We’re celebrating not only the champions of business and industry that hire individuals with disabilities but also the vocational rehabilitation professionals who dedicated their lives and careers to creating hope and a path forward to employment so individuals with disabilities can work and lead more fulfilling lives while building Virginia’s workforce and moving our new Virginia economy forward. This is episode number ten we are thrilled and delighted that you’ve joined us for this podcast and on today’s show, from our inspiration showcase the one and only Angela West, she’s a professional VR counselor and Miss Wheelchair Virginia 2015-16 showcasing communication excellence in demonstrating assistive technology in a way that will truly inspire you. Also Ginger Shiflet, a speech language pathologist here to discuss assistive technology and how it opens the door to employment for individuals that have difficulty with their speech. Also on today Andrew Stow with news notes and updates from the Virginia Rehabilitation Association and as always Ann Hudlow WWRC Foundation. Always a pleasure to welcome Ann Hudlow, the executive director of the WWRC Foundation to the VR Workforce Studio, Ann nice to have you on the podcast today. Ann: Thanks Rick, it’s great to be here. You know Ann research tells us that time and time again that transportation or the lack of transportation is one of the most significant obstacles to a person with a disability getting and keeping a job. You know I know from speaking with clients and staff here at WWRC that is certainly the case. That’s why on any given day you’ll see a number of WWRC consumers learning to access public transportation by using the local coordinated area transportation buses and you’ll see a fleet of drivers education cars with instructors and consumers doing assessments in drivers training. Rick: Pealar Yawnest had this to say about how learning to drive is changing her life and preparing her for employment. PEALAR: It’s a big thing for me because it makes me more independent. I am not stuck in my apartment just waiting for people to take me out and uh this way I uh can you know get out by myself and uh and the main thing for me right now is because I wanna find a job. I wanna, you know, work, start working again, and um and uh being in an apartment all the time you know, uh, it’s difficult to make appointments and just depending on what people take you. ANN: As we heard from Mary Brice during Occupational Therapist and Driving Specialist here at WWRC, one of the things some folk may not know is that specially outfitted cars are needed to help an individual help with a disability learn to drive. MARY: The vehicle we most recently got that was sponsored from the foundation it’s been equipped with I think there is six different hand controls on there, so that gives us the ability as the evaluator to kind of see from a client’s disability standpoi...

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We’re celebrating not only the champions of business and industry that hire individuals with disabilities, but also the vocational rehabilitation professionals who’ve dedicated their lives and careers to creating hope and a path forward to employment  Transcript of podcast follows: Intro:  I believe it is possible for everyone to go to work with the right accommodation: All you have to do is ask. VR Workforce Studio:  Inspiration, Education and Affirmation at Work.  We’re bringing you the stories of individuals with disabilities who are in or preparing to be part of the workforce in Virginia. And we’re celebrating not only the champions of business and industry that hire individuals with disabilities, but also the vocational rehabilitation professionals who’ve dedicated their lives and careers to creating hope and a path forward to employment so individuals with disabilities can work and lead more fulfilling lives while building Virginia’s workforce and moving our economy forward. Andrew……..Thank you Rick it’s nice to be here.  I’ve been a fan of the VR workforce studio and am thrilled to be in the studio with you today. Rick:  Andrew how long have you been doing this kind of work…I know its more than 20 Andrew:  Since 1987. Been around almost since dirt, as one of my voc rehab mentors used to say.  And there have been plenty of changes and challenges during that time.   The Voc Rehab or VR profession has grown a lot in the past 25 years, from working with a majority of people either with physical or intellectual challenges, to working with a large number of individuals with all kinds of emotional, memory, organization, and social skills issues.  This has had at least two major effects:  1)  the level of expertise needed to do our jobs has grown, such that now it requires a master’s degree in counseling or rehabilitation counseling to qualify for the work we do, at least in the public sector;  and 2) this has spawned a growth industry in the need for people who are known as job coaches.  Different organizations call them by different titles, (Employment Specialists, Employment Consultants, Vocational Counselors) but they are people who are trained to provide the proper supports to individuals looking to find and maintain work.   And exactly because each person with a disability is an individual, the way one works successfully with one person may look very different from the approach with another. But the heart of the work is to find a good match between an individual and the workplace, and use the prospective employee’s strengths to overcome any of their limitations at the work site. Rick:  Andrew a question I ask a lot of our guest is to give us in just a few sentences your perspective on disability employment. Andrew:   I’m a firm believer that a fully integrated and diversified workforce strengthens our community.  I’ve  witnessed again and again how employment allows people with disabilities to increase their connection with others and provide a sense of satisfaction through increased purpose, autonomy, and self-confidence. Rick – Andrew one of our podcast categories is the VR briefing room for VR professionals.   We both belong to our professional association, the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) and its state affiliate, the Virginia Rehabilitation Association or VRA.  If I were to briefly describe VRA what would you say. Andrew.   This organization works tirelessly to promote the vocational rehab profession, and to provide training, networking, and leadership opportunities to the individuals who dedicate their lives to assisting people with disabilities find and keep jobs.   So Rick one of my professionals roles is as the VRA Communications  Chair.  Our organization supports both people with disabilities and the hundreds of counselors, job coaches, employers,

Today we check in with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services Commissioner Jim Rothrock, and talk about executive order number 46 from Governor Terry McClaulif. Some exciting new actions in the Commonwealth of Virginia emphasizing the value of hiring individuals with disabilities. Transcription of the podcast follows: VR Workforce Studio This is the VR Workforce Studio, Inspiration Education and Affirmation at work, the VR Workforce Studio is produced by the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center, a division of Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services brought to you by the WWRC Foundation at VR Workforcestudio.com or in iTunes. VR Workforce Studio Welcome to another episode of the VR Workforce Studio: This is the disability employment podcast from the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center where we are showcasing the successes of individuals with disabilities who are either in or preparing to be part of the workforce here in Virginia. Also celebrating the champions of the business and industry that hire individual with disabilities and as well as the vocational rehabilitation professionals who dedicated their lives in careers to creating hope and a path forward to employment. So, individuals with disabilities can lead more productive lives and enhance our Virginia workforce and move our new Virginia economy forward. This is episode number 7 of the VR Workforce Studio: Today we check in with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services Commissioner Jim Rothrock, and talk about executive order number 46 from Governor Terry McAuliffe. Some exciting new actions in the Commonwealth of Virginia emphasizing the value of hiring individuals with disabilities. Also some reflections from Jim on disability employment and his life as a highly successful public administrator and an individual with a disability. Also on the show today a totally fun crew Cindy Roberts, Kanika Davis and LaPeral Smith way in on this new video called “Don’t Diss Me” recently released by CVS Health which is going viral, it’s a cool video on disability, also on the show Elizabeth Creamer reflections on workforce development and the new WWRC and as well we will check in on Ann Hudlow about the October 23 concert with George Dennehy. All straight ahead here the VR Workforce Studio. VR Workforce Studio So the big news in Virginia with July 27th release of Executive Order (EO) number 46, supporting Virginians with disabilities in the new Virginia economy is that there is a need for qualified workers including those with disabilities as a focus of an executive order from the governor. The Commonwealth’s vocational rehabilitation program administered by Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services as we often hear that referred to here in the Commonwealth as DARS, as well as the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, you know annually they assist more than four thousands individuals with disabilities in securing jobs in business like Amazon, as well as the Hershey Company. Now reflect with me for just a minute on episode 4 and if you are just tuning in, go out to iTunes or even VR Workforce Studios.com and look up episode 4. We had a real nice show featuring the HR Manager, the site operations manager, and an employee for Hershey’s company talking about the hero’s program, so this this great company is now being cited in the EO and we have talked about them here, in the VR Workforce Studio. You know if you go out to iTunes and search podcast’s you will see episode 4, is far and by our most popular episode thus far and I think it’s the reasons we’re still listed in the new and note-worthy section for podcast in iTunes. Anyways back to EO 46, Governor McAuliffe. Also Bon Secours Health System, because of the work done out there hiring individuals with disabilities. So in these instances,

Transcript: The Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center’s name change has been accomplished in accordance with the revised state code that was enacted into law July 1, 2015.  WWRC held a ceremony on campus, July 1, 2015, to recognize this significant change.  Elizabeth Creamer, Office of Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Workforce Advisor, was the keynote speaker for the event.  She described the Center’s legacy of service and acknowledged the exceptional performance and service of WWRC to individuals with disabilities.  Among the highlights was her emphasis on WWRC’s Career Pathways Award, the outstanding performance of WWRC students in completion of the Career Readiness Certification, and the degree to which WWRC has become a leader in offering training that is “business driven.”  She cited the accomplishments of the Hershey Company’s HEROS program (Hershey Extends Real Opportunities to Succeed) as an example of collaboration between workforce development and Virginia business/industry. WWRC Preliminary Year-End Data (State Fiscal Year 2015) Average Daily Census WWRC finished State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2015 with an average daily census of 331, up from 302 in the previous year (SFY2014).  WWRC averaged 188 vocational training clients enrolled per day in SFY2015, and had the highest number of LSTP participants (454 in the full 9-week LSTP program), since program inception (October, 2005) Top Counselors Special thanks to State Fiscal Year 2015’s top counselors.   Two DRS Counselors tied in using WWRC the most this year.  Jack Bullario and Nikki Thompson both referred 66 clients to the Center.  Thanks Jack and Nikki!  The top referring counselors from each region was as follows:  Northern, Jack Ballurio and Nikki Thompson; Central, Kate Kaegi; Eastern, Yvette McDaniel; and Southwest, Donna Martin and Nora Tucker.  The top ten referring counselors in SFY 2015 are as follows: Jack Ballurio, Nikki Thompson, Tracy Topolosky, Amy Pell, Loretta Harris, Bret Hart, Tammy Woodard Welch, Eleana Boyer, Jessica Stehle, and Leslie Diaz Ortiz.  These counselors will be recognized at WWRC’s September Graduation for their teamwork and collaboration with WWRC to reach employment outcomes for clients. CVS, DARS, and WWRC Embark on Partnership CVS Pharmacy representatives Duane Rohr, Manager of Workforce Initiatives, Charneta Young, former Manager of Workforce Initiatives, and Stacey Butler, Regional Learning Center Manager, are pushing forward with an initiative at Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center.  CVS has made substantial donations of equipment and product to set up a mock store at WWRC.  In September Duane will work with WWRC to fine tune the WWRC curriculum to prepare students to work at CVS.  WWRC will also partner with local stores to provide internships as part of the WWRC experience.  Clients will be accepted in January 2016 for the program. There are over 300 vacancies on any given day at CVS stores located in Virginia. CVS Video Link Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) Data WWRC began Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) testing during SFY 2009.  A CRC is an assessment-based credential that gives employers and career seekers a uniform measure of key workplace skills. The CRC was developed due to concern about the gap between the skills required in today’s workplace and those exhibited by job seekers.  The CRC is a portable skills credential, assuring employers that a job applicant has the skills they seek in today’s complex and competitive work environment.  It has become a valuable assessment and training tool for employers throughout Virginia. In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2015, 192 consumers obtained a CRC credential at either the Gold (35), Silver (93), or Bronze level (64).  This was the highest number of consumers obtaining a CRC since the inception of testing in 2009.  The previous high was 140 in SFY14.

  On today’s show, from our inspiration showcase, some amazing guests: We’ll check in with Commissioner Jim Rothrock from the Virginia department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services on WWRC changing its name and a guest that I have been waiting to interview now for months: George Dennehy the internet sensation known on Twitter as “that armless guy”. George Dennehy, born without arms, now working as a musician and motivational speaker. We’ll hear his amazing story: how he learned to drive using nothing but his feet. And, his rise to stardom as a guitarist and singer against all odds, George Dennehy is living out his dreams. July 5, 2015 Transcript of Episode six: Welcome to the VR Workforce Studio. The disability employment podcast from the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center where we’re showcasing the successes of individuals with disabilities who are either in or preparing to be part of the workforce here in Virginia. Also, celebrate the champions of business and industry that hire individuals with disabilities as well as the vocational rehabilitation professionals who dedicated their lives and careers to creating hope and a path forward to employment so individuals with disabilities can lead more productive lives; enhance our Virginia workforce and move our new Virginia economy forward. On today’s show, from our inspiration showcase, some amazing guests: We’ll check in with Commissioner Jim Rothrock from the Virginia department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services on WWRC changing its name and a guest that I have been waiting to interview now for months: George Dennehy the internet sensation known on Twitter as “that armless guy”. George Dennehy, born without arms, now working as a musician and motivational speaker. We’ll hear his amazing story: how he learned to drive using nothing but his feet. And, his rise to stardom as a guitarist and singer against all odds, George Dennehy is living out his dreams. Dennehy is living proof that individuals with disabilities can overcome insurmountable odds and soar to unimagined heights when they connect with their passion with the supports they need to enable their dreams. All that and more straight ahead in the VR Workforce Studio. Its July 2015 and this is episode number 6 of the VR Workforce Studio we’re entering a new era of service at WWRC. After almost seven decades of being known as the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center; changing our name to the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center. The center was established back in 1947 when the state of Virginia purchased the property previously known as the Woodrow Wilson Army General Hospital for just a dollar. A group of volunteers staffed then country’s first state owned comprehensive vocational rehabilitation center. Over the past seven decades WWRC has constantly adapted to the changing needs of Virginians with disabilities, to help them develop the independence and job skills needed to be self-sufficient. In 2015 the legislation was passed in the Virginia general assembly and signed into law by Gov. Terry McAuliffe; making WWRC the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center. Jim Rothrock, the commissioner for the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services has been a part of the Virginia VR program now for over four decades and has been involved with Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, or now the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center in one way or another since the mid-sixties. Great honor to welcome your friend and mine, Jim Rothrock to the podcast. Welcome Commissioner… It’s a pleasure to be with you Rick, I am excited about how you are expanding our use of technology to use the post casts and I am really interested in participating myself and learning about how they have an impact… Jim, WWRC has been around since 1947, so almost seven decades, and now a new name. How do you see the name carrying the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center into the ...

On today’s show, we’ll meet Ron Burlson and his wife Suzy, and hear the amazing story of rehabilitation engineering assistive technology and rehabilitation counseling as we get Ron back on his tractor and on to the challenges of farming in 2015 as a farmer with a disability Transcribed by Cameron Payne Scott May 27, 2015 Welcome to the VR Workforce Studio: inspiration, education and affirmation at work!  Stories about individuals with disabilities, the champions of business and industry who hire individuals with disabilities, and the vocational rehabilitation professionals who have dedicated their lives and careers to helping individuals with disabilities go to work so they can lead more productive lives, build our workforce, and move our economy forward. On today’s show, we’ll meet Ron Burlson and his wife Suzy, and hear the amazing story of rehabilitation engineering assistive technology and rehabilitation counseling as we get Ron back on his tractor and on to the challenges of farming in 2015 as a farmer with a disability. Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry by far.  Nothing else even comes close.  The industry has an economic impact of $52 billion annually, provides nearly 311,000 jobs across the Commonwealth.  So here is a fun fact for you: Virginia has nearly 46,000 farms.  Driving to work today, I saw that bumper sticker: “No Farms, No Food.” This show will bring that into a clear focus for you. Here’s also a statistic that might surprise you.  Just stop for a minute, ask yourself “How old do you think the average Virginia farmer is”?  The average age of a farmer in Virginia: 59 ½ years old, with just over a third of Virginia’s farmers at 65 years or older.  So farms cover 8.3 million acres or approximately a third of the total land area in Virginia.  That is about 25.3 million acres.  So as we look at farming and farmers, the project number of farmers with disabilities is a little harder to estimate.  We got some information from Bob Grisso at AgrAbility.  He said that around 10% probably have disabilities.  So, we have an aging farmer workforce, working in adverse and oftentimes dangerous conditions. So disabilities among farmers is something you are going to hear about.  Our state VR agency, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Woodrow Wilson, and many of our agency partners are all in the game to help farmers who happen to have a disability overcome the obstacles to farming and get them back into the life they love, producing the food we love to eat here in Virginia. So up next, you’ll hear one of these stories, how assistive technology, rehabilitation engineering, vocational rehabilitation, and, I think the most important ingredient, that fierce determination and commitment from one Virginia farmer that made a winning combination that helped Ron (Burlson) get back on the tractor, out in the field, and ready to take on the challenges of farming in 2015 and beyond. In the studio today, Ron and Suzy Burlson.  Tell us where your farm is and how you make a living farming? BURLSON (RON):  We’re in Orange County.  Were in a little town that isn’t even a town; it’s just a wide spot in the road called Unionville.  We keep some beef cows and our main livelihood is our greenhouses.  We grow annuals for southern states, little Mom ‘N’ Pop stores, and that kind of thing.  We deal with a lot of little nurseries and that kind of thing.  And that is where our livelihood comes from.  The cows are better.  In the last couple of years, the price of cattle has been real good.  But up until now, they haven’t been all that great.  It is just something that I like to do. What kind of cows? BURLSON (RON):  A little bit of everything.  But I primarily use Angus bulls.  But most of my cows that are Angus are Simmental-cross. Ron, someone said that farming is a dangerous occupation. BURLSON (RON):  That’s what got me into trouble...

In this episode you can hear how the Hershey Company is setting a new standard of excellence in hiring individuals with disabilities. And our show today is all about how they brought this great program online. Episode 004 Transcript Transcribed by Cameron Payne Scott The VR Workforce Studio: inspiration, education, and affirmation at work. Welcome to the VR Workforce Studio: education, inspiration, and affirmation at work!  We’re bringing you the stories of individuals with disabilities who are in or preparing to be part of the workforce in Virginia. And we’re celebrating not only the champions of business and industry that hire individuals with disabilities, but also the vocational rehabilitation professionals who’ve dedicated their lives and careers to creating hope and a path forward to employment so individuals with disabilities can work and lead more fulfilling lives while building Virginia’s workforce and moving our economy forward. This is Episode No. 4.  We are thrilled and delighted that you’ve joined us for this podcast!  And on today’s show, from our Business Industry and Employer Gateway category, the sweet story of the Hershey Company’s HEROS Program. This great company, in my opinion, is setting a new standard of excellence in hiring individuals with disabilities. And our show today is all about how they brought this great program online. Also, a little interesting, we are tackling some technical challenges today: bringing in offsite guests from two different locations.  So, here’s the rundown.  First, we have a very distinguished panel from Hershey, their Senior HR Manager at the Stuart’s Draft, VA plant Karen Van Curen; also, the plant’s Site Operations Manager Mike Sever and employee Mike Thompson, who was also a Hero-Program participant. Now, they are remote from a meeting with the Virginia Board of Workforce Development. This is a very high-level board, and they meet all over the state. But today, they are at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center.  The Virginia Board of Workforce Development: now listen to this. They are a business-led board that acts as the principal advisor to the Governor of Virginia.  They also provide strategic leadership to the state regarding the workforce development system and its efforts to create a strong workforce aligned with employer needs. So one of the key parts of their meeting is hearing about how our state VR agency, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services and Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center are working with Hershey. Now, just a side note: a key advisor for workforce development, Elizabeth Creamer, who works for the Secretary of Commerce and Trade in the McAuliffe Administration, is at the meeting and will be on this podcast in an upcoming episode to discuss the context for workforce and give us some big-picture oversights. And we’ll also drill down into some of the key issues for individuals with disabilities and those who employ individuals with disabilities.  The big-picture view right now, things like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA). There are some key things going on. We’ve had 24 separate workforce development plans administered by 8 state agencies in the past.  That all, under WIOA, becomes a single plan.  And what’s exciting to me is to see that individuals with disabilities and folks like VR professionals really have a seat at the table in this discussion as we move forward. Also, Executive Order No. 23 from Governor McAuliffe, talking about a million-and-a-half jobs coming online in the next few years, how we’re going to train and credential folks to take on the challenges of the future. And I tell you, individuals with disabilities are key in that conversation. So, we’re going to talk about that with Elizabeth (Creamer). Also, we’ll get into OFCCP (Office of Federal Contract Compliance [Programs]) and those 503 regulations. Now,

Inspiration Showcase: Guest Mark Wright shares his incredible life and journey. Joining Mark is occupational therapist Sonja Gosser who was an integral part of his rehabilitation team perspectives on assistive technology that Mark uses. Episode Two Transcript Transcribed by: Cameron Scott VR Workforce Studio: inspiration, education, and affirmation at work. Welcome to the VR Workforce Studio!  I’m Rick Sizemore, your host. And this is Episode Number Two.  We are delighted you’ve joined us!  We have an amazing story in our Inspiration Showcase today with Mark Wright.  We first met Mark in Episode Number One when we started talking about his incredible life and journey.  He is on deck with occupational therapist Sonja Gosser who was an integral part of his rehabilitation team and here to give us the professional’s perspective on some of the assistive technology that Mark uses.  Truly, these devices are leveling the playing field for individual with disabilities so they can work and lead more fulfilling lives. Up next, Mark Wright and the road back to the trucking business. Mark Wright owns and operates a successful trucking business in Central Virginia.  Mark, welcome to the podcast! Let’s start at the beginning with you and the early days as a truck driver. WRIGHT: I had my own business with the post office contract ever since 1996. And I drove a truck for another contractor and I was asked to manage his contract which was 15 people. So, I stayed pretty busy.  And I just love the trucking business.  So, even though, I worked a lot of hours, it didn’t seem like it because that was what I was made to do. You were physically active during the early days, right? WRIGHT: I love outdoor sports. So, I was snowboarding, whitewater rafting, zip-lining… MAN IN BACKGROUND: [You actually were a personal trainer too, weren’t you?] WRIGHT: Yeah, and a personal trainer for the ‘Y’. So, what happened? WRIGHT: I was working at the ‘Y’.  And my heart just stopped. And so, they revived me.  And when I went to the hospital, they couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me.  And they were saying my heart was like a 16-year-old’s heart, and they put me through all this stress.  And so, for insurance they put in a pacemaker. And a year later, I got up to use the restroom.  And on the way back from the bathroom, the defibrillator went off, and I hit the ground.  Well, the floor which was a hard-wood floor, and broke my neck.  So, I lived by myself.  So, I stayed there for nine hours before someone found me.  And, from there, I was phoned to Charlottesville. Mark, what went through your mind during those nine hours, which must have seemed like an eternity, as you waited for someone to come and help you after the accident? WRIGHT: You know, my dad, which he has passed now.  He died when I was eight years old.  But, I was riding a bike and trying to do tricks, and I fell off of the bike and hurt one of my arms.  So, my dad was outside with my other brothers.  I’m the youngest of seven.  And he was like saying “Mark, come over here and help move this wood.”  And I said, “Dad, my arm is hurting.”  And he said, “Well, that’s why the Lord gave you two arms so, in case, one gives out!” So, taking that and laying there for nine hours, you know, he came to me and he was saying, “Even though you don’t have your hands or your legs, you’ve got the most powerful organ in your body, your brain!”  So, that still works.  So, instead of moving things with my hands, I had to move things with my mouth.  So, I use my “brain” to get things done. So did the road back to the trucking business begin in the hospital? WRIGHT: I had a spinal cord doctor named Dr. Stillmack [?], and he kept telling me about Woodrow Wilson.  And when I came to Woodrow Wilson, I ran my chair by sip and puff.  When I left Woodrow Wilson, I was driving my chair with my joy stick.  So,

This is the premier episode, “Tour of the Studio.” The show starts with a 90 second vocational rehabilitation success story preview. Then Guest Co-Host Kanika Davis, Miss Wheelchair Virginia 2014 and Rick Sizemore take you on a tour of the four categories available on this podcast; 1) Inspiration Showcase 2) Business, Industry and Employer Gateway 3) VR Briefing Room and 4) Workforce and Rehabilitation Center Insider. The last half of the show is an engaging and personal interview with Kanika Davis – her positive attitude and winning approach to life will inspire you. The tour is filled with quick introductions to future guests. Episode 0001 Transcript Transcribed by: Cameron Payne Scott VR Workforce Studio: inspiration, education, and affirmation at work. The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center: A division of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services available in podcast on ITunes or by subscription at www.vrworkforcestudio.com, sponsored by the WWRC Foundation. Welcome to the VR Workforce Studio, I’m your host, Rick Sizemore, and everyone here in the studio is absolutely thrilled to welcome you to our first episode. The studio is where we celebrate individuals with disabilities who are either in or preparing to be a part of the workforce in Virginia. We not only celebrate the champions of business and industry who hire individual s with disabilities, but also the vocational rehabilitation professionals who dedicated their lives and careers to creating hope and a path forward to employment so individuals with disabilities can work and lead better lives. Our whole crew has been working for months to get us up and running for this day: the first day, the grand opening, the debut, our ‘premiere’! And we’re delighted that you’ve joined us for this tour of the studio. Up next, we have the most incredible 90-second vocational rehabilitation success story you’ve ever heard, I guarantee it! And you have a front row seat! So, let’s get this podcast off of the ground and bring the VR Workforce Studio online! DARS FIELD COUNSELOR: “Three years ago, Morgan was not in a good place. She was having some real problems making the adjustment from being a kid to being an independent living adult.” FATHER: “So we sent her to welding school down in Newport.” MORGAN: “I ended up hurting my back really bad and every few months it would go out to point where I could not walk for three days.” FATHER: “And she says ‘Dad, I quit.’” DARS FIELD COUNSELOR: “Somehow Morgan you know she does what she needs to do. And that is what really made me want to get behind this young lady.” MORGAN: “Carpentry turned out to be a heck of a lot easier on my back. I’m like, ‘Ok, this is what we’re going to do right here!’” INSTRUCTOR: “Morgan is a very skilled woodworker. She has taken everything I’ve had to give as far as cabinet making and furniture assembly. She soaked it up like a sponge.” EMPLOYER: … I’m Paul Borzelleca Modern-boy Woodshop in Staunton. And Morgan is turning out to be a really diligent worker and very serious about her work. But great to hang out with also. She’s been a fun addition. And she doesn’t mind doing the menial stuff as long as well as the more fun stuff. So she is a good addition to our crew over here.” FATHER: “And so to see where she is at today [Chuckles proudly] compared to three years ago! It reminds me I am a Marine, and we take kids out of civilian life, put them in the Marine Corps, and make them Marines. Today she can call herself a graduate. And I love her!” MORGAN: “I love you, Dad!” You can hear the interview with Morgan in its entirety in an upcoming episode from injured welding student to successfully employed carpenter: a reflection on Morgan’s journey with her vocational rehabilitation team, her family, her employer, and staff from the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center.    

In our premiere episode, we give a brief look into what we are all about.

The Director’s Report