The Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services works to bring about full access to employment, independence and community integration for people with disabilities.

Working with its partners in the Maine Department of Labor’s CareerCenter and the rehabilitation community, the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services works with persons with disabilities through the divisions of vocational rehabilitation, blind and visually impaired, and deaf, hard of hearing and late deafened.

Bureau of Rehabilitation Services clients and counselors shared their journeys to employment including improving skills needed to be a successful employee, finding employment while pursuing a teaching degree, keeping up with favorite interests and starting a business all while using labor market information to find a job matched to skills.

Career Exploration and Support to Find the Right Fit

Samantha and Patrick have different reasons and experiences for seeking VR services. Both, however, worked closely with Maine VR counselors to help them find employment that suited them and a place where they could continue to grow.

Watch Samantha and Patrick’s stories.

Love for Drawing and Numbers

Kristy started working with VR in high school to help determine a good major for her in college and eventually help her as she sought fulltime employment.

Kristy found an internship with Central Maine Health Care in the accounting department. Once she completed her internship, Central Maine Health Care extended a temporary position offer to her and that temporary position eventually turned into a fulltime position.

Follow Kristy as she balances work and her other interests.

From Student to Employee

Jacob’s father had worries about Jacob, who has cerebral palsy, and his career prospects when he finished high school. Jacob started working with VR during his junior year after his school connected him and a VR counselor.

Jacob earned a history major and minor in secondary education, and he successfully completed a 15-week student teaching rotation.

Learn more about Jacob and how his work with VR and their employment support helped him build a stable work foundation and ethic and improve his confidence.

Visually Impaired and Self Employed

Judy runs a snack bar with support from the Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program for the Blind.

Find out more about Judy’s snack bar and the accommodations she uses to help her succeed.

Videos and stories originally posted to Maine’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.

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