A Letter to You: We’re Glad You’re Here

If you're reading this, chances are you're at a place in your life where you're looking toward the future. Maybe you're just beginning your journey with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Maybe you've been working toward your employment goals for a while. Or perhaps you're simply searching for answers about what's possible.

Wherever you are on your journey, I want you to know one thing:

I'm glad you're here.

Years ago, I found myself asking many of the same questions you may be asking today. After losing my vision, I wasn't sure what my future would look like. I didn't know what services were available, what I was capable of doing, or even what questions I should be asking. Like many people, I felt uncertain about what came next.

What I discovered was something that changed my life: disability did not mean the end of my dreams—it meant learning a new way to reach them.

Vocational rehabilitation became more than a program to me. It became a partnership that helped me discover new possibilities, build confidence, and find a career I truly love. Today, after more than 20 years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I have had the privilege of watching thousands of people discover strengths they didn't know they had and achieve goals they once believed were out of reach.

That is why this newsletter exists.

Each month, I want to share information that makes the vocational rehabilitation process easier to understand, answer questions you may not even know to ask, and provide resources that help you make informed decisions about your future. I'll also share stories, practical tips, and lessons I've learned—both as a consumer of vocational rehabilitation services and as a counselor.

Most importantly, I hope these pages remind you that you are not alone.

Everyone's journey is different. Some people are exploring careers for the first time. Others are returning to work after acquiring a disability, pursuing additional education, learning new skills, or discovering that their original plan has changed. Every journey is unique, and every step forward deserves to be celebrated.

As you read each issue, I hope you'll find something that encourages you, teaches you something new, or gives you the confidence to take your next step. Sometimes all we need is one idea, one conversation, or one opportunity to change the direction of our lives.

I know that because one conversation changed mine.

My hope is that this newsletter becomes a trusted companion throughout your DVR journey—a place where you find answers, encouragement, and a reminder that your dreams are still worth pursuing.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your journey.

I can't wait to share this journey with you.

Welcome. We're so glad you're here.

— Brenda