Providing an opportunity for those with disabilities

The Journal Sun has identified potentially a key resource for area businesses and individuals with disabilities that serves our community and greater Texas. We recently reached out to Jacki Everhart-Thompson, the Business Relations Manager for the Texas Workforce commission in this region. Below is the interview.

Journal-Sun: Please tell me about your program and its overall scope.

TWC: The Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, keep, and grow in meaningful careers. We help people with disabilities of all ages, including students age 14 and older, as they set goals and receive services to assist with their success. TWC is even involved in helping employers find qualified candidates to fill their job openings, selecting from the skilled jobseekers who are part of our program.

Journal-Sun: What are some of the services TWC provides?

TWC: Vocational Rehabilitation services can assist you if your disability poses a barrier to getting or maintaining your employment. Whether your disability is physical, such as a mobility challenge or is not visible, such as a mental health condition or learning disability, you may be eligible for services. VR services are usually at little or no cost to you. A VR counselor is your guide on your journey and will arrange services such as vocational counseling, assistive technology, and job-related education and/or training.

Journal-Sun: What do you think makes TWC so special? TWC: VR Customers – VR Counselors empower individuals with disabilities by providing vocational rehabilitation counseling and customized services so that individuals can create and implement their plan for successful employment. VR Counselors are confidence builders, mentors, and life coaches to our customers and help them see new, individualized career possibilities.

Assisting Businesses – VR also provides no-cost services to businesses interested in hiring individuals with disabilities. Services include disability awareness training, , assistance in filling vacancies, job retention services, and providing information on accommodations that might be needed to hire or retain an individual with a disability.

Journal-Sun: Without mentioning names can you give some examples of how the program has helped clients and businesses?

TWC: VR has assisted students with disabilities gain work experience and career exploration to help in their transition from high school into college or the workforce. VR has helped modify vehicles for wheelchairs, helped with prosthetics, and assisted with job placement to keep people employed and independent. Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) is a work placement program for students with disabilities The kickoff for the 2024 summer program will be announced soon.

Journal-Sun: What are some of the special events and events you participate in throughout the year?

TWC: Local Vocational Rehabilitation staff frequently attend job fairs hosted by various employers and Workforce Solutions partners, the Governor’s Summit, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, White Cane Safety Day in October, and the annual Hiring Red White and You! Veteran’s Hiring event in November. There are also various mental health, autism, and special community awareness events highlighted throughout the year.

For local events, visit https://www.netxworkforce.org/ calendar.aspx?CID=14.

Journal-Sun: You personally, tell me about yourself, your official title, what your job function is, how long you have worked there and what you like about your job?

TWC: I have held many roles with Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services, including VR Rehabilitation Assistant, VR Counselor and VR Training Specialist. My current role is Business Relations Coordinator, and I have been serving in this capacity for almost a year. In my current role, I assist businesses with hiring individuals with disabilities - which can look very different on any given day. It can range from providing job leads to our VR customers, giving disability awareness presentations at community events to bring awareness of VR Services, conducting one-on-one meetings as well as group meetings on VR Services to individuals and businesses.

My favorite part of the job is being in the community talking to businesses of all sizes about what VR provides as well as meeting current and past customers who have benefited from receiving VR Services.

Jacki Everhart-Thompson can be reached at 903-2167950 Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm.

Journal-Sun: What are some of the biggest challenges you have that maybe the community can help with?

TWC: Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness. We want everyone to know how we can assist individuals with disabilities reach their employment and independence goals, and how we can assist businesses in becoming employers who embrace hiring individuals with disabilities and the benefits that come along with those hiring practices.

Journal-Sun: Where is the TWC office near me? Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas covers the following counties: Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River and Titus.

VR Offices are located: Texarkana 1702 Hampton Road Texarkana, TX 75503 903-794-4163 Paris 5210 Southeast Loop 286 Paris, TX 75460 903-784-4356 Sulphur Springs 1513 Houston Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 903-885-7556 Mt. Pleasant 312 N. Riddle Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455 903-572-9841 Journal-Sun: What else do you feel people should know about the Texas Workforce Commission.

TWC: VR works with local businesses to support their hiring needs and help them create disability inclusive work environments. Individuals with disabilities may access services at Workforce Solutions offices throughout Texas.