Voc Rehab: Unexpected Support into Work and College
By Shelby Geldon, Minnesota H&V
When I was in my senior year of high school, I was introduced to Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) through an informational meeting held at my school. At that time, I had no clear vision of what my future would look like. I was uncertain, overwhelmed, and, honestly, a little scared. My life was about to take a big turn, and I wasn’t sure how to navigate it all as a person who is Hard of Hearing.
After high school, I applied and was approved for services. I met with my VRS counselor, and that’s where the real support began. I knew I wanted to attend college, but the idea of being in a classroom environment and struggling to hear over the noise of busy campuses was intimidating. My counselor didn’t just offer advice; she truly understood my concerns. She walked me through the entire process–helping me shadow a student at the community college I was considering. This gave me a much-needed peek into what my life as a college student would be like, and it alleviated some of my fears.
With my counselor’s help, I felt empowered to take on college life. She ensured that I had the support I needed to succeed. I was given the tools to feel confident in my academic journey, and I knew that no matter what the challenge, I wouldn’t be facing it alone.
A little while later, I applied for my first office job. I remember feeling nervous. This was so different from the part-time jobs I’d had before. I wasn’t sure how to prepare for the interview, or if my hearing would be an issue. But again, my counselor was there every step of the way. She helped me get ready for the interview, giving me the advice and support I needed to feel confident. And guess what? I got the job!
After completing community college, I had a clearer sense of what I wanted to do next: I wanted to become a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing. I met with my VRS counselor, and together, we explored the path to making that dream a reality. She helped me understand my options for further education and supported me when I decided to attend a different college. She even helped me figure out the logistics of getting to school by providing a bus pass when I moved closer to campus and left my car at home.
VRS also helped with my tuition and textbooks, and she sent me scholarship opportunities I never would have known about. It was such a relief to know that I had someone in my corner, advocating for me and making sure I had what I needed to succeed.
VRS has two dedicated staff members assigned to every high school in my state working to help students with disabilities transition from school to the next phase of their lives. If you’re a parent of a child who’s Deaf or Hard of Hearing, or if you’re a student yourself, I encourage you to start the conversation during your child’s IEP meeting. It’s never too early to begin planning for the future, and VRS can provide invaluable support along the way.
Looking back, I can say that VRS was instrumental in helping me reach my goals. My counselor wasn’t just a resource; she was a mentor, a guide, and a constant source of encouragement. Whenever I faced a tough decision or didn’t know what to do next, my VRS counselor took the time to talk me through it, offering information and advice that helped me make choices with confidence. Before my meetings, I learned to keep a list of questions on my phone’s note app. I would write questions that would come up that I wanted to ask my counselor about. This helped me prepare for meetings and get the answers I needed to decide what to do in any situation that may arise. In addition, I could also email her and set up a meeting when I wanted to. Our meetings were scheduled as needed, typically once a year. Some years we met four or more times, but we never met more than necessary. Each session was focused and efficient, ensuring that my time was used effectively to address my needs without feeling like an overwhelming time commitment.
I hope VRS can be as helpful for your child as it was for me. Your child doesn’t have to navigate the journey alone. I recognize that not every person clicks with their assigned counselor. That is okay! They are professionals. If you feel the relationship with your counselor is interfering with the services provided, you can talk with the manager of the VRS department to discuss why a change may need to happen. Furthermore, some counselors have a specialty area such as working with people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Always know you can advocate for yourself and open the door for communication to find the right fit for you.
You’ve got this! ~
Editor’s note: The author is a DHH Guide in Minnesota while she studies to become a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of hearing.
H&V Communicator – Spring 2025