How VR Helped a Client Turn Workforce Barriers into Career Greatness
Donnie Jones grew up working in supermarkets in Detroit. For him, food retail is where he felt most comfortable, which is why he was determined to pursue a career in the industry. His path became clear when he learned about a program designed to help workers with low vision own and operate food-related merchandising businesses.
Donnie's vision loss was a result of brain surgery he underwent as an infant. Over the years, he struggled in school but didn't understand the extent of his vision loss until he attended college in Arizona and a coach recommended that he get his eyes checked.
After a visit to the optometrist, Donnie understood the severity of his visual impairment. "At that point, I knew it was going to be a long road ahead of me," he explained.
Nearing the end of his college days, Donnie knew he would soon enter the workforce but worried that his low vision would be a barrier to his professional success. Fortunately, in addition to a diagnosis, Donnie’s optometrist also provided him with a referral to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. It was here that Donnie learned about the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), which helps VR clients with visual impairments prepare for owning and operating merchandising, vending, and food services businesses under Federal and State management.
BEP participants complete comprehensive training to learn how to successfully operate a business. “[BEP] trained me so well using unique resources, such as customized teaching platforms, relaxed learning schedules and one-on-one guidance when needed,” said Donnie.
Donnie credits VR for a career pathway that would keep him in the industry he loves, accommodate his unique needs and abilities and continue to help his business grow.
“Once training requirements are met, [BEP is] pretty much just a big support system for finalizing your success,” he said. “We’re mentored by people who are still in the business themselves, so I’m still getting new ideas for my business by continuing to work with BEP participants and have a broad network of resources to keep me afloat.”
Through the BEP, Donnie and more than 30 other entrepreneurs own and operate businesses throughout Arizona, resulting in more than 275 food service jobs and 4,800 vending machines.
"Having low vision, I and others who are legally blind tried to keep up with the rest but struggled–until we came to change our future using the VR [program] of Arizona," said Donnie. "It was a blessing that a program like this was available to me. It helped rebuild my education and guided me to strive for self-greatness.”
Today, Donnie proudly runs the business he always wanted with 18 employees, a micro market and 40 vending machines.
DES is proud to offer programs designed to help Arizonans with low vision and blindness thrive in the workforce and live independently. To learn more, visit the BEP website. If you would like to have a BEP-run snack bar, vending machines or a full food service operation at your workplace, please email BEP Maintenance and Repair.