STEP
Mikayla graduated from high school in May 2022. Prior to that, she participated in STEP. She received special education services due to a learning disability in reading comprehension. She also has back pain related to scoliosis. Throughout her life, it was mostly Mikayla and her father. She began taking on household chores and helping at a young age. She has always been motivated to rise above her situation. She is very independent and future focused. Mikayla chose to become a physical therapy assistant. She received financial aid and supports from DRS. She successfully completed the PTA program and hopes to one day complete her bachelor's degree to become a physical therapist as well. Congratulations to this determined young lady. May she have much success in all her future endeavors!
Competitive Employment
Jelani and his mother, Mars Caulton, sent a note to IDHS-DRS, expressing their gratitude for all the assistance they received from his counselor, LaShawn Sorrell:
"I am so very grateful for your leading him to Search-Inc. It has been an amazing blessing! He works roughly 20 hrs/week and has learned a lot of business skills at Planet Access. He stocks, helps customers, rings up purchases, and even opens and closes the shop."
Jelani has expressed how happy he is at his new job. He had made friends while at the job and it is evident that they really enjoy working with him. Jelani noted this is the best job he has had so far in life!
Congratulations to Jelani on his success!!!
Customized Employment
Catrina graduated from Crab Orchard High School in 2018, where she was in Special Education while integrated into regular classes. Catrina and her mother learned about DRS during her high school years. Deficits in written expression and math impacted her success in the general education curriculum. Her mother assists her in learning and completing many of her ADLs each day.
In March 2024, Catrina was referred to Centerstone and completed her discovery and plan the following month. In May 2024, she began working as a Kennel Tech for the City of Herrin Illinois Animal Control, working 16 hours a week at $14 an hour. Her duties include changing and cleaning cat cages, feeding the cats and dogs, cleaning dog kennels, and cleaning the office. When she finishes her tasks, she can interact with the animals to keep them accustomed to human interaction. Occasionally, she also picked up animals reported to Animal Control.
In September, Catrina was offered the full-time position of Animal Control Officer! Catrina is looking forward to having many years of success working in her chosen vocational field. Congratulations Catrina!!!
Community College Initiative
In August 2020, Kaitlyn was referred for the Secondary Transitional Experience Program (STEP) at Mt. Vernon Township High School. She has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and was eager to start gaining experience and finding out what her abilities and capabilities were within a job setting.
After completion of high school in 2021, Kaitlyn was eager to further her education to pursue a career in graphic design. With support from DRS, she was able to attend Rend Lake College and receive assistance with tuition, books, supplies, and transportation costs. Also, with the assistance from DRS, she was able to receive assistance in with the purchase of an Apple MacBook which is the industry standard computer for graphic design. Kaitlyn graduated with her associate degree in 2024.
Kaitlyn worked with her rehabilitation counselor all throughout her case. She made sure that no question was left unanswered. Life is grand right now as she is enjoying precious moments with her family, and she is looking forward to enjoying many years of success in the graphic design field.
University Training
After 4 years of hard work, a customer was delighted to share the news that they had secured employment working as a Project Manager for a large construction management firm in Arizona. The customer was so elated that they had reached this monumental accomplishment, they had to take a moment to thank DRS and their DRS counselor, Barry Godsey, for supporting them over the years.
The customer noted:
- "Thank you so much Barry. Your assistance has been greatly appreciated and crucial for my success!"
At the time of case closure, the customer sent one more word of thanks to their counselor:
- "Barry, it has been a pleasure having you as my counselor throughout this process. I truly appreciate all your help and support. Thank you so much."
This customer is a shining example of how hard work and perseverance can pay off! DHS-DRS wishes them all the best for a happy, healthy, and prosperous future wherever their career takes them!
Self-Employment
IDHS-DRS is in the process of updating Self-Employment Rules. Check out the assistance provided to Sue to help them reach their vocational goals.
In July 2017, Sue (they/them/theirs) came to DRS seeking a career change after being an acupuncturist for some time. Sue determined that a career change was necessary because their physical disabilities prevented them from continuing in the massage therapy field. Sue wanted a new career providing social services, so DRS helped by financially contributing towards their master's degree in social work (MSW) from Loyola University. Sue went on to complete their internship and obtained licensure hours at two different clinics. Finally, Sue has been able to start their own practice and soar as a social worker, and in return, has referred several customers back to IDHS-DRS.
When their vocational counselor reached out to check in on them, Sue noted:
"I have always felt a call to serve my peers in the disabled/chronically ill and neurodivergent communities. When my own disability left me unable to perform my duties as an acupuncturist, DRS supported me through a midlife career change so I could become a licensed clinical social worker. I love being my own boss and every day I wake up excited to meet with my therapy participants! I am so grateful to DRS for helping me get here."
