Employment Success Stories

The following success stories demonstrate the positive contributions people with disabilities make to employers. Our team will share stories on a rolling basis, so please check back often!

Professional headshot of Mark Shepard, wearing a suit and tie

Mark Shepard

The Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf student Mark Shepard’s academic journey took some unexpected twists and turns, but NCCC supported him at every step.

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Larry Phillips, a black man who uses a wheelchair, working with welding tools while at work

Larry Phillips

After his VR counselor helped him partner with a local welding school, Larry Phillips was able to secure a job as a welder and become financially self-sufficient. Now, he no longer relies on public benefits.

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Keshawn Thomas, a Black man wearing glasses, applying paint to a wooden board while on the job

Brad Hopke & Keshawn Thomas

In fall 2021, a diverse group gathered in Collinsville, Illinois to discuss an idea: to build a program that would place high school seniors with disabilities in Registered Apprenticeships.

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A blue and white semi truck driving down a hill-lined road

Sara Stewart

Former U.S. Army mechanic Sara Stewart came to Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) in a unique way. After more than six years in the Army, she injured her back and received a medical discharge.

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William Lumpkin, wearing a hard hat, while working on a construction site

William Lumpkin

William is a person with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and has prior justice system involvement. The Building Paths Program taught William to use customized strategies to learn soft and hard skills.

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