VR Client Affected by Stroke Regains Independence
(Carla Curry)
In observance of Brain Injury Awareness month, DES is highlighting success stories from clients who have participated in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, which provides support services to individuals like Carla Curry, who live with traumatic brain injuries.
Carla suffered a stroke on July 29, 2019. Shortly after, she wanted to go back to work as a baker, so she sought out employment services through the VR program after being referred by Swan Rehabilitation. She lost major use of the right side of her body and was unable to do the things she enjoyed, such as working, driving, or playing with her grandson.
“Since I had a stroke, it seemed like my whole little world just crashed,” said Carla. “I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to be back to being independent.”
Fortunately, the VR program was able to help her regain her independence. Debbie Gebert — Carla’s VR counselor, and someone who has been assisting individuals with traumatic brain injuries for seven years — made sure to provide Carla with everything she needed, including assistive tools and training so she could drive properly using the left part of her body, and function more effectively at home and in the workplace.
“She was motivated. She was very open. She did what she needed to do to get back to work,” said Debbie.
(Debbie Gebert)
“They put me in training where I could drive and get my license because I have to have a disability license. They sent me to a driving school. They also bought my equipment to go to work, and they bought my equipment for me to have at home,” said Carla.
After working with the VR program for two years, through all of the training, assistance and rehabilitation, Carla’s case was closed in February 2022.
“Going to Vocational Rehabilitation and Swan Rehab will give you the motivation to do something for yourself. The experience is just overwhelming. You’ll have joy–I’m so happy. It’ll make you proud of yourself. It’ll make you overcome a whole lot of fears,” she said.
The goal of every VR counselor is to ensure a great experience and assist the client in becoming completely independent.
“I really like to see the growth — from when you first meet the client, to the time they go to work — and how much progress they make and how far they come,” said Debbie.
Visit des.az.gov/vr to find out more about the VR program.