Empowerment Through Employment: Unveiling the Impact of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Workforce Solutions East Texas • December 12, 2023
Empowerment lies with the ability to work and contribute meaningfully to society. For individuals facing challenges due to disabilities, accessing employment can be a hurdle. However, with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), we are opening the doors to possibility.
What is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational Rehabilitation is available to individuals with disabilities, offering a tailored approach to employment assistance and career development. The goal is to help individuals prepare for, secure, regain, or retain meaningful employment.
How Does it Work?
Through personalized assessments, VR professionals evaluate an individual's strengths, limitations, and career aspirations. From there, a plan is created, providing access to a range of services including:
- Training: Access to skill development and training programs
- Job Placement: Assisting in securing suitable employment
- Support Services: Provision of assistive devices, tools, or accommodations to enable success
The Impact
Vocational Rehabilitation extends beyond job placement. It fosters independence, boosts self-confidence, and creates a sense of purpose and belonging within the workforce. By using these services, individuals can maximize their potential.
Accessing VR Services
If you or someone you know can benefit from our services, we are here to help! Visit
www.easttexasworkforce.org/vocational-rehabilitation-services for more information.
Deadline for applications - September 26, 2025
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and Texas Workforce Solutions -Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) invite you to a celebration event on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 9:30 am to noon at the Longview Workforce Solutions Center located at 1905 W. Loop 281, Longview, TX 75604. At WSET, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment that welcomes all abilities in the workforce. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a powerful reminder of the immense talent and untapped potential that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces. Whether you are an employer seeking to hire individuals with disabilities, an organization championing disability rights, or someone seeking to learn more TWS-VRS we invite you to attend our upcoming event. Our event promises insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, stories from participants who are successfully navigating their journey after receiving services through TWS-VRS along with those business partners who have hired them. There will also be resources aimed at helping businesses take significant steps toward creating a workplace that includes all abilities on their team. Let's come together to celebrate our 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). We celebrate the value and talent that all Americans - including people with disabilities – bring to our businesses, organizations, and communities. Join us in the momentous occasion as we celebrate this milestone in our nation’s history.
When Malachi Whedbee joined the Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program, he saw it as an opportunity to gain experience, learn new skills, and contribute to his community. What he didn’t expect was how much of an impact his dedication would make—both on his future and on the people around him. Through SEAL, Malachi began working full-time at the Upshur Rural Library, clocking in at 8:00 a.m. every morning and working until 5:00 p.m. His days were filled with tasks like completing computer library entries, assisting with various projects, and lending a hand wherever needed. But for Malachi, these duties weren’t just boxes to check—they were chances to prove himself. And prove himself he did. Malachi’s exceptional work ethic showed in everything he did. He was always on time, completed assignments with precision, and eagerly stepped up for additional responsibilities. His positive attitude was contagious, creating a welcoming environment for both staff and patrons. Mrs. King, the library’s supervisor, quickly recognized that Malachi was more than just a temporary hire—he was an asset. Describing him as “outgoing, dependable, and hardworking,” she praised his professionalism and the joy he brought to the workplace. By the end of the program, Malachi’s efforts had done more than meet expectations—they had opened a door. Mrs. King was so impressed that she offered him an interview for a permanent position at the library. With the same enthusiasm and determination he brought to every day on the job, Malachi accepted the opportunity. Malachi’s journey through SEAL is more than a personal achievement—it’s a shining example of how young adults with disabilities can break barriers and build meaningful careers when given the chance. His story is a reminder that talent, dedication, and opportunity are the real building blocks of success.
