Student Works Towards Career Goals with Help from Vocational Rehabilitation

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Throughout the month, DES is sharing stories of individuals with disabilities who have utilized Arizona’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program to achieve success in the workforce.

Thanks to the services provided by the VR program, Ashley Johnson’s goal of becoming a child care worker came within reach. Beginning in high school, Ashley Johnson received transitional services from the VR program, which connected her to her first work experience as a volunteer at an animal shelter. After high school, Ashley utilized vocational training and assistance she needed to become a student at a local community college. As part of her career exploration activities, she worked 3 hours a day, 4 days a week at a paid internship through the University of Arizona’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), bringing her closer to her goal of becoming a child care worker. During her internship, Ashley trained volunteers and worked in the supply room, sorting colored sharpies and making craft bags.

“VR has given me this opportunity to try out different jobs that would best suit my interests,” Ashley said.

To learn more about how VR helps individuals with disabilities prepare for and obtain employment, visit des.az.gov/vr.