new horizons 2006 volume 45-1 spring

7/28/2019 New Horizons 2006 Volume 45-1 Spring

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H RIZONSH RIZONSSOUTH CAROLINA VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT

Spring 2006Volume 45, Number 1 N E W

Visit our Web site at www.scvrd.net

West Columbia man caps 15-year journey

with 2005 Client Achievement AwardBen Elstad of West Columbia is the 2005 ClientAchievement Award winner at the S.C. Vocational

Rehabilitation Association conference held in April inMyrtle Beach.

Elstad, 36, was injured in a vehicle accident in 1989while he was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army.He sustained a spinal cord injury and a traumatic braininjury due to a skull fracture. He has quadriplegia withsome use of his upper body.

He came to SCVRD in 1990, but because of hislimited work history and the severity of his disability,his vocational potential was uncertain. He focused onbuilding his endurance at the Muscular Development

Center and an occupational therapist helped him copewith his daily living limitations.Elstad actively participated in his evaluation process

and eventually completed CADD training at theComputer Training Center. However, dependence onothers for daily living activities prohibited job placement.

Over the next several years, he received counselingand other services from SCVRD along with medical

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was recognized at thespring CSAVR meeting for his longtime support of the

public vocational rehabilitation program, nationally andin South Carolina. From left are Paul Leather, CSAVR

president, Jim Kirby of the S.C. Commission for the Blind,Graham, and SCVRD Commissioner Larry Bryant.

See Elstad, page 10

Ben Elstad receives the 2005 Client Achievement Awardfrom Derle A. Lowder Sr., chairman of the S.C. StateAgency of Vocational Rehabilitation. Looking on areElstads friend Laurie Germanos and Roy Hewett, supervisorof SCVRDs Lexington area office.

I N S I D E

Legislative Update .............................................. 2Sumter office dedication ....................................3

Governors Committee awards ............................ 4

Local Client Achievement awards ....................... 5

Business partner recognition ............................... 6

SCVRA division awards ...................................... 7

Commissioners Medals of Excellence ............... 10

Conference highlights ....................................... 11

Youth Leadership Forum ................................... 12


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New Horizons is published by the South CarolinaVocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD),1410 Boston Ave., P.O. Box 15, West Columbia,SC 29171-0015.

The Public Information Office provides allnews and information. News materials may bereproduced with credit to New Horizons.

SCVRD distributes New Horizons free bymail. Subscription requests or changes of addressmay be sent to the Public Information Office atthe above address, telephone (803) 896-6833 ore-mail [email protected]

In accordance with federal and state laws,SCVRD does not discriminate against any race,color, sex, national origin, age or disability inemployment or in provision of services.

Agency:Derle A. Lowder Sr., chairman, SumterLarry C. Bryant, secretary, Columbia

H. Lucius Laffitte, M.D., at-large, AllendaleDr. Roxzanne Breland, Greenville

Timothy W. Evatt, PendletonRhonda J. Presha, Elgin

Alease G. Samuels, Walterboro

Joseph A. Thomas, Conway

SCVRD:CommissionerLarry C. Bryant

EditorSharon H. Kelly

Area Offices:

Aiken: 855 York St. N.E.(803) 641-7630 (Voice/TDD)

Anderson: 3001 Mall Road(864) 224-6391 (Voice/TDD)

Berkeley-Dorchester: 2954 S. Live Oak DriveMoncks Corner

(843) 761-6036 (Voice/TDD)(843) 577-9057 (Voice/TDD)

Charleston: 4360 Dorchester Road, NorthCharleston

(843) 740-1600 (Voice/TDD)Conway: 3009 Fourth Avenue(843) 248-2235 (Voice/TDD)

Florence: 1947 West Darlington Street(843) 662-8114 (Voice/TDD)

Greenville: 105 Parkins Mill Road(864) 297-3066 (Voice/TDD)

Laurens-Greenwood: 22861 Highway 76 East,Clinton

(864) 833-4121 (Voice/TDD)

Lexington: 1330 Boston Ave., West Columbia(803) 896-6333 (Voice/TDD)

Marlboro: 1029 Highway 9 W., Bennettsville(843) 479-8318 (Voice/TDD)

Orangeburg: 1661 Joe S. Jeffords Hwy S.E.

(803) 534-4939 (Voice/TDD)Richland: 516 Percival Road, Columbia

(803) 782-4239 (Voice/TDD)

Rock Hill: 1020 Heckle Blvd.(803) 327-7106 (Voice/TDD)

Spartanburg: 353 S. Church St.(864) 585-3693 (Voice/TDD)

Sumter: 1760 N. Main St.(803) 469-2960 (Voice/TDD)

Walterboro: 919 Thunderbolt Drive(843) 538-3116 (Voice/TDD)

Enabling eligible South Carolinians withDisabilities to prepare for, achieve and

maintain competitive employment.

H RIZONS

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NEW HORIZONS

Legislative UpdateLegislative Breakfast

State legislators often visit SCVRD facilities where area staff membersshow them the program in action and keep them apprised of the

departments accomplishments and concerns. On March 9 area supervisorsvisited the legislators ontheir own turf in Columbiato thank them for theirsupport. The South CarolinaVocational RehabilitationAssociation sponsored alegislative breakfast at theState House, an annual eventthat continues to grow inpopularity. Approximately90 state legislators either

attended the breakfast orspoke with their local VRcontacts in the State Houselobby.

Several area supervisorswere able to witness Senateaction on an important pieceof legislation for VR. By coincidence, a bill establishing new educationalrequirements for VR counselors was on the Senate calendar that day. Thebill received second reading, clearing the way for passage the following day

State Budget

The South Carolina General Assembly recognized SCVRDs need forrestoration of some of the funding lost during the budget crunch of recentyears. The legislature approved an increase of $659,000 in recurringfunding for fiscal year 20062007. With potential federal matching funds,this would result in a $3 million increase overall. It would return thedepartment to its level of state funding of three years ago, but would still beless than the level of six years ago.

Maintenance of facilities has posed a challenge during the recent budgetcuts. The legislature helped SCVRD address some of those facility needs forthe second straight year.

The agency would receive funding for four projects. The Capital

Reserve Fund would allot $575,000 to put new roofs on VR buildings inFlorence and Laurens, and $165,000 for parking facilities in Gaffney andOrangeburg. The budget was awaiting the governors approval.

We are pleased that the General Assembly responded to our request tofund these much-needed programs and facility improvements, said SCVRDCommissioner Larry Bryant.

It is a reflection of the excellent job that our local supervisors and otherstaff members have done in educating their legislative delegations aboutthe great benefits of the VR program for our clients and for the statestaxpayers.

Sen. Larry Martin, R-Pickens, center, andSCVRD Commissioner Larry Bryant chat withDerle Lowder Sr., chairman of the S.C. State

Agency of Vocational Rehabilitation, at thelegislative breakfast.

See Legislative, page 4


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Spring 2006

SCVRD dedicates Sumter office to LowderThe S.C. Vocational RehabilitationDepartment dedicated its Sumteroffice to Derle A. Lowder Sr.,

chairman of the S.C. State Agencyof Vocational Rehabilitation, onApril 21.

More than 300 people attendedthe outside ceremony that featureda color guard from the Wil LouGray Opportunity School, theNational Anthem sung by SumterPolice Chief Patty Patterson and aninvocation by former baseball greatBobby Richardson.

Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter,presented Lowder with the Orderof the Palmetto, South Carolinashighest civilian honor, and SumterMayor Joseph McElveen inductedhim into the Gamecock CitySociety. Sen. Phil Leventis, D-Sumter and chairman of the SumterCounty Legislative Delegation,told Lowder, You represent alifetime of service, and a lifetime ofaccomplishment, and for that we

thank you a great deal.It was a proud day, an

opportunity to commemorateMr. Lowders leadership andcontributions to this agency, saidLarry Bryant, SCVRD commissioner.

Lowder came to VR as a clientalmost 50 years ago after a fallfrom a grain elevator landed himin a wheelchair with paraplegia.He finished college with VRassistance and went on to establish

his own accounting firm, which hecontinues to run 43 years later.

He has volunteered his expertisein accessibility and program issuesat SCVRDs Sumter office andserved as a member of the SumterWork Training Center AdvisoryBoard. He has been a member ofthe agency board since 1997 andhas been its chairman since 2001.

Members of theSumter CountyLegislative Delegationcongratulate Lowderon receiving theOrder of thePalmetto. From leftare Lowder, Rep.Murrell Smith, Rep.David Weeks andSen. Phil Leventis.

The Lowder family poses in front of the portrait that hangs in the lobby of theSumter area office. From left are sons Michael and Derle Jr., Lowder, his wifeRachel and daughter Derlene.


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NEW HORIZONS

Governors Committee presents awardsThe South Carolina GovernorsCommittee on Employment ofPeople with Disabilities held its

2006 Awards Luncheon on April 19.Maegan Adams,a student atAndrew JacksonHigh School inKershaw, washonored as winnerof the committees2006 JournalismContest. Shewon a four-yearscholarship to the

state-supportedinstitution of her choice.

The Spartanburg RegionalHealthcare System was recognizedas the Large Employer of the Year.The award, presented annually to aSouth Carolina business with morethan 500 employees, recognizesoutstanding practices in providingemployment opportunities forpeople with disabilities. Thehospital system creates at least adozen job opportunities for SCVRDclients each year.

Ox Bodies Inc. of Bennettsvillewas named Medium Employerof the Year for its exemplary

hiring practices for people withdisabilities. The company, whichmanufactures truck bodies,provides job tryouts for VR clientsand has hired seven clients in thepast year.

Maxway #627 in Darlingtonwas honored as Small Employer ofthe Year. The store has providedcommunity-based evaluationopportunities formore than a dozen

VR clients and hashired six of them.

GrantBumgarner ofTravelers Restwas recognizedas Employee ofthe Year. Despitesignificant injuriesto his head andthe left side of his body sustainedin a 2001 motorcycle accident,Bumgarner has been able torejoin the workforce as planning

and aftercare director at MackeyMortuary in Greenville. Using aprosthetic leg, he water skis, plays

golf and pitches for his churchsoftball team. He also serves on theTravelers Rest City Council and ispresident of the Travelers Rest AreaBusiness Association.

Derrick Hood of Lancaster washonored as Student of the Year. Hesuffered a gunshot wound at age16, which left him with a spinalcord injury andparalysis in all fourlimbs.

He is a full-timestudent at USC-Lancaster andcarries a 3.5 gradepoint average.He earned anassociate degreein businessadministration andis pursuing a bachelors degree.

He is listed in Whos WhoAmong College Students and alsoserves as a tutor in the collegesacademic center.

Adams

Bumgarner

Hood

The budget also calls for a 3percent across-the-board raise forstate employees, no increase inhealth insurance premiums, and

an increase in the vehicle mileagereimbursement rate to the federallevel.

Counselor Bill

A three-year effort to set astate standard for VR counseloreducational requirements cameto fruition on March 15 whenGovernor Mark Sanford signedH.3993 into law. This legislation

gives SCVRD some latitude fromfederal requirements in the typesof masters degrees that counselorshave. If the degree is in an areaother than rehabilitation counseling,the department can provide theadditional coursework that the

counselor needs to be successful.It gives the agency a much larger

pool of candidates with diversebackgrounds that will be beneficialto clients in job placement andwill save some training costs. Thedepartment had already been usingthe new standards for the past twoyears through a temporary provisowhile permanent legislation wasbeing sought.

National issues

The reauthorization of theWorkforce Investment Act, whichincludes regulations for operatingthe public vocational rehabilitationprogram, remains in limbo.

It is on hold in the U.S. Senate

and there are concerns that thelegislation will not be passedthis year. If that occurs, thereauthorization process would haveto start all over next year.

The federal appropriations bill for2007 also is still in the works withno significant movement recentlydue to disagreement over healthand education spending.

LegislativeContinued from page 2


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Spring 2006

Local cases, staff earn accoladesStaff members from across the stateearned accolades at the SCVRAconference for their work on the

local cases of the year.Winning cases and their staff

members were:

Aiken

The winner of the Aiken areaClient Achievement Award wasreferred to Vocational Rehabilitationby a local physician. She hadchronic back pain resulting froma motor vehicle accident and alsohad bipolar disorder. After extensive

counseling and guidance along withjob readiness training, CPE services,

job search and placement, she isworking as a caseworker at a youthprogram.

Her team members were ShantayEvans, Luanna Dygas and JohnMcMurtrie.

Anderson

The Anderson area winner was

referred by his high school. Hewas in a self-contained class anddrawing SSI benefits. He receivedservices at the Anderson WorkTraining Center and subsequentlybecame employed as a parkinglot attendant at a discount store.As a result, his SSI payments havedecreased from $525 a month to$46 a month.

Robert Oppermann, CherylRich, Jackie Nelson, Mandy Griffin,Wendy Johnson, Margaret Norryce

and Melissa Hegler were his VRteam members.

Beaufort

The Beaufort areawinner had a backinjury compoundedby arthritis,excruciating pain anda lifelong history ofsubstance abuse. He

also had served timein jail. In additionto extensivecounseling and guidance andother services, he receivedtraining to increase his readingand writing skills, supportedemployment to assist withlearning the essential functionsof the job and job search andplacement.

He works at a military base,thanks to the efforts of GreggoryGilbert, Joycestean Pringle,Laverne Dore, Melissa Weber

and Gail Murray.

Berkeley-Dorchester

The Berkeley-Dorchester areawinner also was referred by herhigh school. She has cerebral palsyand uses a motorized wheelchair,but can walk with crutches. She

received rehabilitation technologyservices, extensive counseling andguidance, post-secondary support,supported employment and direct

job placement. She is working as amedical transcriptionist.

Permon Mitchell, FredaKing, the Evaluation Center andRehabilitation Technology all had apart in this clients success.

Charleston

The Charleston area winner wasreceiving SSI and SSDI benefitsdue to bipolar affective disorder.Because of his symptoms, steady,

competitiveemploymentwas onlya dream.However,his desirefor personalaccomplishmentand enthusiastic

participation inhis rehabilitationled to a job

as a lot attendant at a homeimprovement store.

His team members were JakkiDeas, Jennifer Jerome and membersof the Charleston Team.

Conway

The Conway area winner cameto VR through the Social Security

Administrations Ticket to Workprogram and South CarolinaPathways Toward Employment.She had been unable to work since1997 due to fibromyalgia and anorthopedic impairment following anautomobile accident.

She wanted to be a dog groomerand an assessment at the EvaluationCenter indicated this was a realisticvocation to pursue.

SCVRD assisted with tuitionfor dog-grooming school and thecounselor and benefits specialisthelped the client develop a PASSplan for related expenses.

Rehabilitation Technologyprovided appropriateaccommodations so she couldcomplete training and she is now

See Local, page 8

Aiken staff members Luanna Dygas, left,John McMurtrie and Shantay Evans.

Charleston staff members JenniferJerome, left, and Jakki Deas


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NEW HORIZONS

hermetic and technical ceramicproducts and performs substratelasering at its Laurens plant. TheLaurens Work Training Centerworks with CeramTec on more

than 30 different packaging andinspection jobs for its products.CeramTec has hired 10 clients in

the last yearLexington: Lowes Lexington

store is a strong supporter ofVRs program and mission. The

store hiresclients withsignificantdisabilitiesand makes

accommodations to help thembecome successful employees.

Marlboro: Ox Bodies Inc., whichmanufactures truck bodies at itsBennettsvilleplant, hashired eight VRclients, sevenof them in thelast year. Thecompany also welcomes job try-outs for VR clients.

Oconee-Pickens: ParkwayProducts Inc., which manufactures

injection moldings at its Senecaplant, employs three VR clients, oneof whom has been there more thanfour years.

Business partners receive recognitionfor helping VR clients attain employmentEach of the S.C. VocationalRehabilition Departments areashonored an outstanding businesspartner during the SCVRAconference.

The honorees were:Aiken:

The OhioBrassCompany,a subsidiaryof Hubbell

PowerSystems, provides high-voltageinsulators and surge arresters toboth the domestic and internationalmarkets. Contract work involvingisolator assemblies, lead wirefabrication and other smallassembly operations provides workfor 12 to 15 VR clients a day.

Anderson: The Richard M.Campbell Veterans Nursing Homehas allowed 110 VR clients todo job shadowing and tryouts.Approximately 45 of those clientswere hired in the Housekeepingdepartment to full-time positionswith benefits. The nursing homealso has used the Job Retention

Services program.Beaufort: The Targetstore in Bluffton wasrecognized for itswillingness to hire VRclients.

Berkeley-Dorchester: GoodwillIndustries was cited for its workwith VR clients. So far this year,75 clients from SCVRDs Berkeley-Dorchester and Charleston offices

have done on-the-job training andall 75 were expected to be hired byGoodwill.

Charleston: Boatlife, whichmanufactures boat-care products,provides contract work to theCharleston Work Training Center ona regular basis. In addition, Boatlife

has provided on-the-job trainingopportunities and community-based evaluations for VR clientsand has hired three clients.

Conway: The Kroger store inSurfside Beachhas gone outof its way toensure successfulemployment forVR clients.

Florence: S&W Manufacturing,which manufactures letter and legaltop tab file folders, has helped VRclients train for employment bysupplying diversified contract work.

Greenville: Alfmeier Corp.,which manufactures automotivecomponents,contracts theinspections of allinjection-moldedparts for automotive fuel systemsto clients at the Greenville WorkTraining Center

Laurens-Greenwood: CeramTecNorth America manufactures See Business, page 7


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Spring 2006

at least a dozen employmentopportunities for people withdisabilities every year. The hospitalstaff works with each client to

accommodate their needs.Sumter: Eaton Electrical keeps

more than 20 clients busy every dayworking on diverse Eaton contracts,such asinsulatingelectricalconnectorsand assembling trim clamp kits, trimmounting brackets and directorycards.

Walterboro: Panolam Industriesin Hampton makes decorativelaminates and specialty surfacesfor commercial and home use.Clients in the Walterboro WorkTraining Center are instrumental inassembling the product samplesPanolam provides for its customers.

Orangeburg: The Orangeburg

Hardees has been inspirationalin hiringpeople withdisabilities andhas trained anumber of VRclients overthe years. Therelationship has been so positivethat the manager has recommendedVR clients to other Hardees store

managers and they have begun toplace clients in their stores.

Richland: Blue Cross Blue Shieldof South Carolina has encouraged

its employees to take advantageof VRs Job Retention Servicesprogram. Several VR clients havebeen hired to fill positions at

Blue Cross and the company is acharter member of the VR BusinessPartnership Network

Rock Hill: Chris Forbes of ForbesIndustries DE, Inc. has been abusinesspartnerof theRockHillWork Training Center since 1989.VR clients assemble closet flangekits that are sold in hardware storesall over the United States. Thiscontract provides daily work for atleast 10 clients.

Spartanburg: SpartanburgRegional Healthcare System creates

BusinessContinued from page 6

SCVRA divisions applaud their peersSCVRA divisions honored theirpeers during the conference. This

years winners were:Administrators Association

Tom Jackman was namedAdministratorof the Year.

Jackman, managerof SCVRDsRehabilitationTechnologyProgram, was citedfor his leadership,

sensitivity andexpertise.

Counselors Association

Tracy Brasher of the Lexingtonarea office received the Counselor

of the YearAward. She was

recognized for herresponsivenessto clients,her extensiveknowledge oftraumatic braininjuries, andher ability tosuccessfullybalance work andhome life.

Associationof DisabilityEvaluationSpecialists

Tom Paigereceived the Barry

Cooper Leadership Award. Thedirector of SCVRDs Disability

Determination Services programwas cited as a strongly committed,supportive leader who is not afraidto tackle theunknown.

Association ofRehabilitationSupport Staff

Lisa Dialreceived theSupport Staff

Professional ofthe Year award. AHuman Resourcesspecialist, she was recognizedfor being a team player and her

Jackman

Brasher

Paige

Dial

See Divisions, page 9


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NEW HORIZONS

LocalContinued from page 5

successfully employed as a doggroomer in Myrtle Beach.

Johnathan Greene, Cindy

McKenzie, Tom Mayne, C.J.Bilka, the Evaluation Center andRehabilitation Technology can alltake credit for this clients success.

Florence

The Florence area winner wasreferred to VR by his doctor. Hewas suffering pain from a statuspost rotator cuff repair and distalclavicle excision. VR sponsoredhim at the local technical college,

bought him hearing aids and helpedwith job search and placement.He is successfully employed as anelectrical engineer at a Lake Cityindustry.

His team members were TeresaMoses, Mona Singleton, LisaDowner and Susan Jordan.

Greenville

The Greenville area winner alsowas a high school student. She has

had a lifelong struggle with spinabifida and hydrocephalus. Shereceived extensive counseling andguidance, CPE services, informationand referral services for basiccomputer skills and assistancewith an application for the HASCIdivision at DDSN, and job searchand placement.

Thanks to the efforts of SusanBagwell, Kerry Reece, ShelleyHoppe, Margaret Heatherly, Cathy

Jollie, Linda Looper, Tom Jackmanand Julie Jackman, she is nowemployed as a counter attendant at

an Easley restaurant and works part-time at a department store.

Laurens-Greenwood

The Laurens area winnercame to VR as a referral from anarea homeless shelter. He hasschizoid personality disorder. Afterreceiving counseling and guidance,work training center evaluation,supported employment services,PWI evaluation and job-readiness

training, the client was employedlocally in the food service industryand has received a promotion.

His team members were RichardCain, Chad Ulmer, Renie Adair,Grace Ryan, Richard Cobb, TimGary, Johnny Richard, Donnie Estesand Roger Wade.

Marlboro

The Marlboro area winner hadbeen unable to complete highschool because of mild mentaldeficiency and dysthymia. Shecould only read on a first-gradelevel and did not have a driverslicense or a car. She receivedextensive counseling and guidance,mental health services, job-readiness training, literacy classes,CPE classes, drivers education

and direct job placement.Through the efforts of the

client and the team, sheimproved her self-esteem,obtained her driverslicense and saved enoughmoney to buy a used car.She is employed at a localbusiness.

On her VR team wereRita Chandler, Julia Ellerbe,Fran Rivers, JenniferDaniels, Betty Winburn,

Judy Fullard, James Smitty Smith,Diane Quick and Melody Woodle.

Oconee-Pickens

The Oconee-Pickens areawinner had a history of traumatic

brain injury resulting from a motorvehicle accident. He had difficultieswith physical tasks, speech anddelayed thought processing. Hewas willing to work in any typeof job, but preferred to work withpeople in a greeter-type position.He received counseling andguidance, supported employment,CPE services, job-readiness and on-the-job training, and attended theEvaluation Center. He is employed

at a movie theater.His team members include Linda

Reese, Jane Emerson, LayneighScott and Susan Bagwell.

Orangeburg

The Orangeburg area winnerwas referred from the Departmentof Probation, Parole and Pardonwith a diagnosis of polysubstanceabuse. This disability led the clientto multiple incarcerations, whichcomplicated placement. The clientreceived extensive counselingand guidance, transportation, jobreadiness training, maintenance,CPE services, treatment at PalmettoCenter and job search andplacement.

His VR team members wereBessie Dowling, Raymond Cooper,Claudette Perkins and the PalmettoCenter staff.

Richland

The Richland area winner wasreferred by the Columbia AreaMental Health Center. She was ahomemaker struggling with majordepression and unemployment.Through the cooperative efforts ofboth agencies and a local bank, her

Continued on page 9

Greenville staff members Linda Looper, left,Susan Bagwell, Kerry Reece, Cathy Jollie andShelley Hoppe


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Spring 2006

willingness to tackle difficultassignments.

Facilities ServiceProvidersDivison

This divisionrecognized threeof its members fortheir character,teamwork andproductivity.

They are David

Turnipseed, Spartanburg centermanager; Jon Robinson, Rock Hillcenter manager; and Tim Russell,Hartsville center manager.

Professional Staff Association

Janet Holliday, a disabilitydetermination team supervisor inGreenville, was named Professionalof the Year.

She was cited for her professionaleadership and dedication tocustomer service.

life took a turn for the better. Shereceived the necessary supportsand training to become employedby the bank as a data entry clerk.

Stacy Lever, Joy Smith, RobertTaylor, Rachael Richardson andBernard Grant were her VR teammembers.

Rock Hill

The Rock Hill area winner alsowas referred by the CommunityMental Health Center with adiagnosis of bi-polar disorder.He had a tenth-grade educationand was unemployed. Afterunsuccessfully battling withdepression, auditory and visualhallucinations, he ended up on thestreets of Charlotte.

His sister took him in and gothim involved with the CommunityMental Health Center and the

Lancaster VR office. He is nowcompetitively employed.

Contributing to his success wereGary Conrad, Tina Stuber, Phil Hall,Connie Agee, Andy Harrell, FrankieGriffin and Kathy Brownlee.

Spartanburg

The Spartanburg area winner wasa referral from the Ticket to WorkProgram. He had suffered a stroke,

which cut his career short. Diabeteswas a complication and he hadhad a leg amputated because of an

infection. He received extensivecounseling and guidance, CPEservices, job readiness training,rehabilitation technology, driverstraining, and job search andplacement. He is now working as adispatcher.

His team members were LoraChavis, David Turnipseed, ColeGallman, Jim Hawkins, BarryWaddell, Ernie Hardin, Wayne

Mathis, Joan Crain, Holmes Bishop,Jean Knox, Barbara Farmer and TomJackman.

Sumter

TheSumter areawinner hasessentialhypertensionand ADD-HD. He had

difficultyconcentratingand a short attention span. He alsowas unemployed and uncertainof his future. Over time and withthe support of VR staff, he wasable to overcome his obstacles toemployment.

Job readiness training allowedhim to interact in a supportivesetting and prepared him for

LocalContinued from page 8

work. He also received counselingand guidance, CPE services,transportation assistance, direct job

placement and on-the-job training.On his VR team were Margaret

Mack, Jeannine Gamble, CalvinPrice, Rodney Robinson andTimothy Russell.

Walterboro

The Walterboro area winnerhad been treated since birth forpostural deformities of both the feetand elbows, a condition knownas Congenital Multiple Synostosis.She also was diagnosed with

hypertension anddepression andhad had threestrokes.

She receivedcounselingand guidance,adult educationthrough theWork Training

Center, acomprehensive

evaluation and job search andplacement. She now holds two

jobs.Her team members were

Kimberly White-Footman,Susanne Hill, Michelle Stockman,

John Turbeville, and the staffsof the Evaluation Center andRehabilitation Technology.

Walterboro staff members, from left, JohnTurbeville, Kimberly White-Footman,

Susanne Hill and Michelle Stockman

DivisionsContinued from page 7

Turnipseed Robinson Russell


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NEW HORIZONS

commitment to creating a claimant-centered program in which eachposition supportsthe mission

of providingquality disabilitydeterminations in aresponsive, timelyand cost-effectivemanner.

HoustonMatthews, managerof the GreenvilleWork Training Center, was cited forhis leadership in attaining increased

Greenville staffers honored for ExcellenceSCVRD Commissioner Larry C.Bryant honored Greenville staffmembers with theCommissionersMedal ofExcellence atthe SCVRAconference.

Paul Kelly,GreenvilleDisabilityDeterminationServices regionalsupervisor, and the entire GreenvilleDDS team were recognized for their

Kelly Matthews

production results.The total number of contracts in

Greenville has increased enoughto warrant an additional training

center in the Greenville area.Thirty clients are working at the

new facility, located on PelhamRoad.

Im extremely proud of all ouremployees, Bryant said, and itsalways difficult to single out just afew.

This years winners havedemonstrated the best results ofProgram Integrity, he said.

ElstadContinued from page 1

follow-up and services from theVeterans Administration.

In 2001, he returned to SCVRDsEvaluation Center to update hiscomputer skills.

When he was vocationallyready, VR staff members found anemployer that needed a customerservice representative with techsupport experience and Elstad

Kuffel award presented to Laurens studentAntwain Latimer of Laurens washonored as winner of the RichardM. Kuffel Excellence in EducationAward at the SCVRA conference.

The award pays tribute toKuffels work on behalf of

students who need SCVRDassistance to transition fromschool to employment.

Latimer, 19, came to SCVRDduring his senior year at LaurensHigh School. During his time at

SCVRDs Laurens Work TrainingCenter, Latimer learned workskills andbehaviors whileendearinghimself to the

staff with hishumor andpositive attitude.

Through apartnershipwith the school-

to-work coordinator and thetransition employability specialist,Latimer was placed in a seasonalwarehouse position. His jobcontinued after graduation and heis considered to be an excellent

employee.With the support of his VR

counselor and his family, he alsoobtained additional employmentat the Wal-Mart DistributionCenter in Laurens.Latimer

applied.Although company policy

dictated that all entry-level

employees work the night shift,it made an exception for Elstadbecause of his exemplary workwhile in training.

Since then, he has worked tothe top level of tech support in thecompany and continues to worktoward supervisor-level positions.

Elstads success is a testamentto his willingness and motivation

to change his life direction. Hehas overcome significant physicalchallenges to become successfully

employed.VR staff members who

contributed to his success include:Tracy Brasher, Grady Decell, PinkieHorger, Kay Asbill, Debby Triplett,Nita Pridgen, and the staffs of theEvaluation Center, the InformationTechnology Training Center andthe Rehabilitation TechnologyProgram.


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Spring 2006

SCVRD Commissioner Larry C. Bryant, right,presents the Legislative Award to Rep. Tracy Edge,R-Horry.

Ted Calcina, left, of The CalcinaAgency, and Charles Young ofYoungs Hearing Aid Servicewere recognized for their loyaltyin exhibiting at the conference.Calcina, who always donates atelevision to the door prize booty,has been exhibiting for 26 years.Youngs company has been anexhibitor for 25 years.

Cherilee Elliot of Beaufort andMichael Hardee of Conway werehonored for their willingness toserve as VR Partners. VR Partnersare SCVRD clients and formerclients who act as advocates forthe public vocational rehabilitation

program, writing letters tolegislators, speaking to groups andotherwise spreading the word.

Carl Suter, executive director of the Councilof State Administrators of VocationalRehabilitation, provided an overview of thestatus of VR-related legislation currentlybefore Congress.

Mary Katherine Miller of Columbiawas the keynote speaker, telling thestory of her young sons strugglefollowing a closed head injury. With

VR assistance, he was able to return toschool and is now in college.

Political consultantRick Quinn gave anupdate on VR-relatedlegislation before theS.C. General Assembly.

Incoming SCVRAPresident PatGreen presentsa plaque ofappreciation tooutgoing PresidentDan Parler.


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The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department reports that it printed 5,000 copies of this newsletter at a cost of$1,499, or about $.30 a copy.

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South Carolina VocationalRehabilitation Department1410 Boston AvenuePost Office Box 15West Collumbia, SC 29271-0015

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Non-profitUS Postage

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Youth Leadership Forum holds first eventThe first South Carolina YouthLeadership Forum (YLF) for studentswith disabilities took place May 5 at

Midlands Technical College.The 21 delegates from across

the state participated in a day fullof activities, including a mentorluncheon and presentations fromcommunity leaders with disabilities.

The forum was the culminationof a year-long interagencypartnership called Partners inTransition. Members include theDevelopmental Disabilities Council,

state Department of Education,state Department of Healthand Environmental ControlChildrens Rehabilitative Services,The Continuum of Care in theGovernors Office, Proparents, theCenter for Disability Resources atthe University of South Carolina,Lexington School District Four,Midlands Technical College andVocational Rehabilitation.

Students attending the YLF

learn aboutdisability history,community

and academicresources, careeroptions andresources thatcan help themface challengesthat arise inbecomingparticipatingmembers of theircommunities.

By servingas delegates,studentsenhance theirleadership,citizenship andsocial skills.They take partin activitiesenabling them to network, learnfrom each other and build lastingfriendships.

The goal of the YLF is to improvethe participation of youth withdisabilities in employment-relatedactivities.

S.C. Youth Leadership Forum delegates pose with theirmentors and members of the organizing committee

new horizons 2006 volume 45-1 spring

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