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.
Desiree worked as a licensed counselor when tragedy unexpectedly struck and changed her life forever. She suffered orthopedic and neurological impairments after two car accidents left her with both physical and emotional disabilities. When she moved to Arizona, she was determined to heal and continue her work as a Licensed Professional Counselor. A friend referred Desiree to the DES VR program, where she worked with her counselor to maintain financial stability as she pursued her license to become a Professional Counselor in Arizona.
VR Counselor Dan Schneider worked with Desiree to help her complete additional training and obtain her Arizona Licensed Professional Counselor status.
“Desiree needed to complete the somewhat complicated process of getting documentation of her training and internship hours transferred from Florida,” explained Dan.
“My vocational rehab counselor was very supportive of me and helped me to obtain the licenses I needed to get a high paying job,” said Desiree. “Without the help of VR I wouldn't have the credentials I have now. I'm in a much better position in life and feel secure in my ability to provide for myself.”
Today, Desiree is working full-time as a Arizona Licensed Professional Counselor for a Recovery Agency.
To learn more about the DES VR program, visit des.az.gov/vr.