TOM CONNELLY: Vocational-rehab leads to long-term employment

Years ago, when I first started working for Vocational Rehabilitation, it was as a counselor with the TBI (traumatic brain injury) caseload. Although the 26 closure goal was not high since dealing with the sometimes numerous and severe injury-related deficits could be a very long, drawn out process, obtaining a successful closure often was a very memorable and gratifying experience.

It is thus very heartwarming to know that some of these individuals are still working.

For instance, when I contacted Randall Felton Norman, formerly of the tiny town of Lenox in south Georgia, recently, it was a delight to discover that he was still employed. Talking to him on the telephone more than 20 years after our last correspondence brought back memories of what a joyful spirit he has.

It is fulfilling to hear that the services this agency provided to him — the medical, neuropsychological and vocational evaluations, counseling and guidance, and work-related assistance — played a significant role in his being able to secure long-term employment.

And he’s an industrious individual, too.

First, Felton worked at the Georgia Agrirama in Tifton as part of the maintenance crew. His responsibilities included milking the cows, feeding the pigs and planting tobacco. Felton also occasionally gave visitors short tours.

Then five years later, he secured employment in maintenance with the local Georgia DOT (Department of Transportation) office. At this location, his duties include helping clean up wrecks; sweeping and mopping floors; cleaning bathrooms; mowing the lawn, and trimming shrubbery. He has been working at the Georgia DOT office full-time for 13 years.

Furthermore, Felton labors on some of his days off. For example, when we were supposed to meet Monday (he works Tuesday-Friday, 10 hours a day), we originally scheduled the time for 6 p.m. That was because he had two jobs with private individuals scheduled that day. Since his latter job took extra time, however, Felton didn’t arrive at our meeting place until after 7 p.m..

Felton has taken other steps to improve his work-related skills, too. For example, he attended Moultrie Technical College and obtained his GED, as well as both a plumbing degree and a masonry degree so he will be better equipped to deal with problems in those areas, if they should arise. He also studied electricity and carpentry at Moultrie Tech to increase his work competencies in those fields.

Along with this strong work ethic, Felton possesses a strong desire to thank those who have helped him. For example, he sang praises to God and his parents for all “the blessings he has received” after the injury, and throughout his life. He also was very thankful for the assistance provided by VR, Moultrie Tech, his community, the medical professionals and his employers as he journeyed his way back from being a “survivor” to a “contributor.”

Concerning VR, Felton and his mother attended the agency-supported brain injury support group, as it provided them with ideas how to improve their situation. Felton stated he would “gladly recommend (the agency)” to anyone who has a disability and wants to work.”

I always thought you had wonderful spirit, Felton!

Another individual I had the good fortune of working with as a TBI counselor is Dee Cox.

Dee sustained his brain injury from a motor vehicle accident — he was in a coma for one week.

Services received from VR included medical, neuropsychological, and vocational evaluations, counseling and guidance, and vocational assistance.

Dee helped himself, too. He went back to school at Albany State University, and obtained a teaching certificate. (Before the injury, he had obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Georgia Southwestern State University.) Dee has been employed by Albany ARC for more than 20 years. He first worked as a case manager, and now as a consumer advocate. In his current position, he works to resolve issues dealing with clients.

Dee stated he is “very thankful for the help VR has provided (him).” He would be happy to recommend VR to anyone with a disability who has a desire to work.

You were a pleasure to work with, Dee!

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