TOM CONNELLY: Georgia agency helps pair cross employment finish line

During my career with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, I’ve been very fortunate to participate in programs with, or to work with, many individuals with disabilities who have led productive lives despite having to bear these crosses.

Two examples of this are Albany residents Ivey Hines and Clement Burnam.

Mr. Hines and I were in Leadership Albany together, while I had the good fortune to work as an R.E.S. with Mr. Burnam. Both of these gentlemen have overcome significant obstacles to run the course and cross the finish line of maintaining gainful employment.

It was while a student at Albany State University in the late 1970s that Mr. Hines experienced vision problems. Shortly after that, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. Despite this progressively worsening condition, Mr. Hines studied diligently and obtained a bachelor’s degree in history. He also minored in business.

Following graduation, this young man sought help for his disability by becoming a client of GVRA. After an evaluation from the agency, he was sent to Warm Springs. At the Institute, he learned braille and how to walk with a travel cane. Next, VR sent Mr. Hines to Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville for a year. Here, he furthered his education in Southern American History.

VR then sent Mr. Hines to Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind. At this location, he learned the skills necessary to become a community services adviser/paralegal. Following Mr. Hines’ return to Albany, he secured employment as an administrative law paralegal for the local Georgia Legal Services office.

At this location, he carried a caseload regarding Social Security disability, Medicaid disability and food stamps. It was during this time that he learned that MCLB-Albany was hiring people with disabilities. Sensing a golden opportunity, Mr. Hines interviewed at that facility, and was hired. Thus, his 32 year career as an employee of MCLB-albany began.

Starting off as a supply systems analyst (GS 5), Mr. Ivey ended his career as a plans and policies analyst (GS 12). Responsibilities in his last position included detecting errors in software applications and designing solutions for these problems.

While working at MCLB, Mr. Hines obtained a master’s degree in ministry at Bethany Theological Seminary. With this, he served as pastor at St. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Although he no longer serves full time in this capacity, the Rev. Hines still occasionally preaches at various locations.

Being very satisfied his experience with VR, Mr. Hines would gladly recommend the agency to anyone who has disability and is seeking employment.

Mr. Burnam became a client of VR after undergoing a hip replacement and experiencing difficulty obtaining employment afterwards. Latronda Rogers, CRC, served as his counselor. VR provided services including job readiness – in house, WAT, job placement – in house, and assistance with transportation in an effort to assist Mr. Burnam secure gainful employment.

And, as a result, this gentleman located employment as a sales associate at the Shoe Station in Albany. In this position, he works 12-15 hours per week. Mr. Burnam has worked in this positon for two years.

Mr. Burnam is satisfied with the efforts provided by VR to assist him at this time, and would gladly encourage anyone with a disability who seeks employment to contact the agency.

Tom Connelly is a public affairs specialist with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. This is the fourth in a series of weekly guest columns for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.