The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps individuals diagnosed with disabilities to prepare for and enter into employment, as well as maintain their place in the workforce.
"I was at the point in my life where I was struggling and couldn't find any resources," said Jorge. Then in August 2021, he turned to VR for help. "Overall it's been great. I would say it's been life-changing for me."
Jorge said that at times, symptoms from his autism, ADHD and Bipolar Disorder made it challenging for him to stay organized and keep up with the quickly shifting priorities of his IT role.
Jorge said his notebook would be filled with crossed-out items and arrows pointing all over the place. His disorganization was having a detrimental impact on his work, which led to a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).
The PIP left Jorge in a precarious situation. "He was on the cusp of being dismissed from his job, which is kind of a big deal," said employee specialist and ASD Maverick Consulting owner, Melissa van Hook.
Melissa called on fellow VR partner and occupational therapist, Kristen O'Hern, with whom she had previously worked, for some extra support for Jorge. Jorge and Kristen quickly established a rapport. She said Jorge displayed excellent self-awareness, "Jorge had a lot of really great perspective in terms of realizing how he got into a performance review with his employer."
Jorge and Kristen quickly went to work strategizing ways to help Jorge stay organized and complete his work in a timely manner. They walked through his workday and identified his most productive times of the day, and tools to help him stay on top of tasks.
Jorge researched organizational tablets and came across one which allows users to feel like they're writing in a notebook with the added ability to save documents and move things around as needed.
Kristen agreed that this was a tool that could greatly support Jorge's employment, so she worked with the VR team who covered the cost of the tablet. "I found as a provider working with VR for years that typically counselors are really open to my suggestions," said Kristen.
The tablet worked to great effect. Not only was Jorge able to work through his PIP, but he even got promoted! "I can't put into words how much they have been a help, both Melissa and Kristen, and Janice with VR," said Jorge.
Learn more about the VR program and employment services for job seekers with disabilities, including how to apply.