VRB Success Story: Ray Renderman

Francis Lee, VRB Counselor in Hattiesburg , states, "From the first day I talked to Ray Renderman, I knew that I was dealing with a charismatic and self-sufficient individual."

Ray and his new bride had come to Hattiesburg from Florida seeking job opportunities, and Francis met with him in January 2007. She noted that his articulate speech and friendly nature made it easy to forget that he was legally blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Ray's goal was to participate in the Business Enterprise Program, but there were no vacancies and he needed a job right away. So, he had to consider other employment to support his family and put his dream of being an entrepreneur aside for the time being.

Ray underwent a vocational evaluation at the Addie McBryde Center , and it was determined that he would most benefit from improving his computer skills, with a secondary focus on bookkeeping and small business management. As a result, he enrolled at Addie McBryde in personal adjustment training, with a strong emphasis in computer technology.

Francis was able to locate Ray a job with a local manufacturing company in Ellisville, where he began employment in June, 2007. Unfortunately, despite the fact that Ray was always on time and a model of efficiency, he was laid off right before Thanksgiving, due to budget cuts. Then a vacancy became available in the Business Enterprise Program and, thanks to a glowing recommendation by Francis, Ray was selected.

Now, with the use of several low vision devices, Ray runs one of the most successful vending routes in the program. He and his wife reside on the Coast, and Ray is living his dream of being an entrepreneur, thanks to the help of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind.

Next Step Transition Retreat

The students receiving services from the Transition Program experienced an exciting time on April 3 through 4, 2009. AbilityWorks, Inc. a division of Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) sponsored "The Next Step Retreat 2."

The two day event was held at Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond. The 46 participating students were provided with empowering information from MDRS, Mississippi Department of Education, Jackson State University, Hinds Community College, Healthcare Institute of Jackson, The ARC of Mississippi and the local County Extension Office.

The participants arrived prior to noon on Friday, ate lunch, and got started with "exploring life after high school. " Attendees were challenged towards making the next step as they participated in sessions about career exploration, post secondary options, dress for success and healthy social relationships.

PRIDE Celebration

Mississippi has the privilege of hosting PRIDE's Celebration for 2009 at the Jackson Hilton on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. PRIDE (People Responsibly Influencing Decisional Excellence), chaired by Retha Cain, applauds the accomplishments of DDS employees who have demonstrated excellence in performance, professionalism, service, and leadership. The 2009 Atlanta Region PRIDE Awards will be presented to all Regional winners at this celebration, hosted by the Mississippi DDS.

Each year, the Regional Office solicits PRIDE nominations in 10 categories from each DDS office in the region. The Regional DDS also seeks nominations from the entire staff in specific categories. This year, Mississippi had winners in four categories, as follows: 1) Staff Supervisor of the Year - Ellena Tankesly; 2) Thomas M. Leahy Creative Achievement Award (Individual or Group) - Leola Meyer and Kevin Hill; 3) Mary Simmons Special Act of Service Award - Cheryl Perkins; and 4) The Robert R. Hinrichs Humanitarian Award - Kerioon Grant. Congratulations to each winner! We take great PRIDE in you!!!

Certified Public Manager Program

At the Certified Public Manager Program Graduation Ceremony held at the MS Department of Education Auditorium four of our MDRS employees received the Certificate in Supervisory Management (CSM): Tonya Bierman - DDS, Kevin Hill - DDS, Leola Meyer - DDS, and Mark Winter - MIS.

Susan Thornhill - HRD received her Certified Public Managers (CPM) certificate. Pat Klar, HRD Director, states, "Selection for the Certified Public Manager Program is made on the basis of performance (PAR Rating), supervisory recommendation, program need, and available funding. The CPM Program is one way that MDRS shows commitment in assuring that personnel, specifically managers, are qualified to provide the highest quality of service to our constituents."

Congratulations to those receiving the certificate! This is a great achievement; it is through dedicated efforts like this that MDRS has become such a great agency!

DDS Award

At the SSA's annual DDS Management Forum held on May 19, 2009 in Detroit , MI , the MS DDS was recognized for its accomplishments and service to the citizens of Mississippi . Once again, the MS DDS, whose productivity is well above the National average, surpassed the productivity of any state in the Southeast Region. The average processing time for case adjudication of the MS DDS was 87 days, as compared to the Regional average of 104 days and National 105 days. These accomplishments were obtained with fewer staff, yet maintaining a good accuracy rate, despite an increase in the number of claims processed.

For this accomplishment, the MS DDS was presented with SSA's Commissioner's Citation for "Significant Accomplishments by a DDS".

OSDP: Wiltshire, Passarelli and Hall

Angela Grant, with OSDP in Columbus , first met Brandon Wiltshire when he was 21 years old. Born with spina bifida and hydrocephalous, Brandon spent the first years of his life going to children's hospitals for surgeries and rehabilitation.

With supportive parents, Brandon took the challenges of his disability in stride and attempted to live a normal life. But, as the disability progressed, Brandon found it difficult to ambulate and had trouble getting around in his home and community.

Since his parents had exhausted their finances trying to meet his previous medical needs, they were unable to afford the home/vehicle modifications that were now necessary for Brandon . At the suggestion of The Blake Clinic in Jackson , the Wiltshires contacted OSDP to obtain the necessary modifications.

Upon obtaining the referral, the OSDP staff went to work immediately to help Brandon . The first priority was vehicle modification to ensure that Brandon could get about in the community, as needed, especially for visits to the doctor. The second priority was a matter of hygiene and self sufficiency. Taking a shower had always required the assistance of a family member.

With the new bathroom modifications, Brandon found independence in the ability to privately take a shower and not have to depend on help from anyone else.

This made a huge difference in Brandon 's morale; and, as a result, it thrilled his parents to see the change in their son. They are extremely grateful to MDRS and the OSDP staff for making such a wonderful adjustment in Brandon 's lifestyle. Their goal for Brandon has always been to have him experience as much fulfillment and independence in life as possible.

Brandon 's story is exemplary of the difference MDRS makes in the lives of individuals with disabilities. It makes all of us proud to be a part of an agency that touches lives in such a phenomenal way!

*****************

Christopher Passarelli, of Leakesville , MS , has been an OSDP District 9 consumer for the past 5 years. Christopher, diagnosed with Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at the age of 4, exhibits typical symptoms of the disease. Duchene's is one of nine sub types of Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic, degenerative disease primarily affecting the body's voluntary muscles.

At age 6, Christopher's his grandparents became his legal guardians. As he began school, Christopher encountered barriers that mad it difficult for him to attend alone. To help him breakdown those barriers, the school hired Christopher's grandmother, Mrs. Kathleen Clark, to serve as his personal assistant. She continued in that role until Christopher's graduation from Greene County High School on May 15, 2009. It was a great accomplishment for Christopher, who loved being able to attend school with his many friends. Christopher was able to prove what his grandparents always told him, "You can do whatever you put your mind to."

Christopher's determination and strong family support, as well as the assistance provided him through MDRS, enabled him to achieve his goal. Personal care attendants, home modifications, and assistive technology devices were some of the services provided by OSDP staff through the Independent Living Waiver. His OSDP Counselor Brenda Hillman has provided Christopher with excellent case management services to ensure his needs are met. An Elvis fan, Christopher's dream is to travel to Las Vegas and Hollywood to see where Elvis performed and filmed his movies. To all who assisted Christopher, we say, "Thank you, thank you very much!"

*****************

Ronald Holloway, a 52-year old man from Moss Point, was working hard to repair a roof damaged during Hurricane Katrina when he fell, causing a spinal cord injury. As a result, Mr. Holloway, who is on our TBI/SCI Waiver Program, now lives with his mother and strives to find ways to once again be a productive citizen. Right after the fall, it was difficult for Mr. Holloway to obtain access to the home, so MDRS installed a lift to the outside of the house to make it more handicap accessible and allow him to leave his home with more ease and safety. Home modifications were also made to the bathroom, enabling Mr. Holloway to safely maintain his personal hygiene care. Thanks to MDRS and Counselor Heather Inabinette, in particular, Mr. Holloway is regaining his independence in his home and community.

Cost Reimbursement

Congratulations, MDRS counselors and staff, for your tremendous success in returning clients to work! As a result, this has been a great year for this agency in SSA/VR Cost Reimbursement. For the first time since 2002, MDRS has received over $1,000,000 from Social Security in cost reimbursement. VR/VRB counselors, as well as other MDRS staff, have achieved a major accomplishment in helping Social Security disability beneficiaries reintegrate into the workforce and become productive taxpayers again. When VR/VRB clients drawing disability benefits successfully work for nine out of twelve consecutive months at a substantial level, it is cause for celebration. After each person is successfully rehabilitated, Rebecca Doyle and her staff take over, with Patti Rayner, the Ticket Unit/Cost Reimbursement Coordinator, quickly processing the claims for reimbursement. On July 15th, a celebration was held at the Madison Office, with a presentation to Patti of a certificate of achievement for her efforts. Rebecca Doyle, Director of Selected Social Security Services, thanked everyone involved in the effort and later sent a memo stating, "Although each of you could not be with us here, we celebrate with you in spirit and want to express our appreciation for all you do for Mississippians with disabilities."

Employee Spotlight

Vickie Thornton

Project Coordinator

Madison, VR

Vickie Thornton, Project Coordinator for the Mississippi Partners for Informed Choice Program (M-PIC), is a dedicated employee who has tirelessly served consumers receiving Social Security disability benefits for the past six years. Self-motivated and conscientious, she gives 110% every day and always follows through, true to her word. Vickie has earned the respect of her staff of Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWICs) through her guidance, vast knowledge, and compassion.

She is an exceptional leader, keeping abreast of the ever-changing SSA policy and conveying this information to her staff so they can serve consumers across the State effectively and timely. Vickie has filled in the gaps on more than one occasion when M-PIC had a staff vacancy, picking up and carrying the load of two jobs. Consumers receiving the thorough service from Vickie are most appreciative. Although the M-PIC/WIPA Program is a small division of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, it plays a major role in the lives of VR consumers. Funded as a Work Incentives, Planning and Assistance grant by the Social Security Administration, it is a nationally recognized service, vital to SSA beneficiaries seeking to move toward employment and self-sufficiency. This is due in part to the diligence of Vickie and her fine staff of CWICs who are always willing to lend a helping hand.

Don't forget to Vote!!!

PERS is holding a runoff election through August 12th for one of the board's two state employee representative slots. One of the candidates in the runoff is Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services Executive Director H.S. “Butch” McMillan.

Ballots were mailed to your home address on July 13th. If you did not receive a ballot in the mail, please contact the Public Employees' Retirement System at 601-359-3589 or toll free at 1-800-444-7377. It is essential that we have someone on the Board representing our interest as state employees. PLEASE VOTE!!!! In order for your vote to count, ballots must be in by 5:00 p.m., August 12th! This is our investment for our future!

MDRS Award Winning Employees

Executive Director's Award

Glenda Lane

Executive Director's Award

Ashley Turnipseed

Vision Award

Marva Paul

Leadership Award

Barry Bray

Humanitarian Award

Special Response Team

Espirit De Corps Award

Job Development and Placement Services

Agency Support Employee of the Year

Angela Spann-McWilliams

DDS Employee of the Year

Felecia Brown-Smith

VR Employee of the Year

Jamie Deason

OSDP Employee of the Year

Heather Inabinette

VRB Employee of the Year

Nancy Beal

Client Support Employee of the Year

Mylinda Dempsey

*********************************************

If there is someone in your office you would like to suggest for our Employee Spotlight, send your suggestion with a brief paragraph explaining how he/she makes your office a better place for you and your co-workers.

Submit by email to Dean Morganti at dmorganti@mdrs.state.ms.us

*********************************************

	If you have a story or event to share for next month's issue, please contact: Dean Morganti Communications and Consumer Relations Phone: 601.853.5176 dmorganti@mdrs.ms.gov The Insider Volume III, Issue I 2009 VRB Success Story: Ray Renderman Francis Lee, VRB Counselor in Hattiesburg , states, "From the first day I talked to Ray Renderman, I knew that I was dealing with a charismatic and self-sufficient individual." Ray and his new bride had come to Hattiesburg from Florida seeking job opportunities, and Francis met with him in January 2007. She noted that his articulate speech and friendly nature made it easy to forget that he was legally blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. Ray's goal was to participate in the Business Enterprise Program, but there were no vacancies and he needed a job right away. So, he had to consider other employment to support his family and put his dream of being an entrepreneur aside for the time being. Ray underwent a vocational evaluation at the Addie McBryde Center , and it was determined that he would most benefit from improving his computer skills, with a secondary focus on bookkeeping and small business management. As a result, he enrolled at Addie McBryde in personal adjustment training, with a strong emphasis in computer technology. Francis was able to locate Ray a job with a local manufacturing company in Ellisville, where he began employment in June, 2007. Unfortunately, despite the fact that Ray was always on time and a model of efficiency, he was laid off right before Thanksgiving, due to budget cuts. Then a vacancy became available in the Business Enterprise Program and, thanks to a glowing recommendation by Francis, Ray was selected. Now, with the use of several low vision devices, Ray runs one of the most successful vending routes in the program. He and his wife reside on the Coast, and Ray is living his dream of being an entrepreneur, thanks to the help of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind. Next Step Transition Retreat The students receiving services from the Transition Program experienced an exciting time on April 3 through 4, 2009. AbilityWorks, Inc. a division of Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) sponsored "The Next Step Retreat 2." The two day event was held at Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond. The 46 participating students were provided with empowering information from MDRS, Mississippi Department of Education, Jackson State University, Hinds Community College, Healthcare Institute of Jackson, The ARC of Mississippi and the local County Extension Office. The participants arrived prior to noon on Friday, ate lunch, and got started with "exploring life after high school. " Attendees were challenged towards making the next step as they participated in sessions about career exploration, post secondary options, dress for success and healthy social relationships. PRIDE Celebration Mississippi has the privilege of hosting PRIDE's Celebration for 2009 at the Jackson Hilton on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. PRIDE (People Responsibly Influencing Decisional Excellence), chaired by Retha Cain, applauds the accomplishments of DDS employees who have demonstrated excellence in performance, professionalism, service, and leadership. The 2009 Atlanta Region PRIDE Awards will be presented to all Regional winners at this celebration, hosted by the Mississippi DDS. Each year, the Regional Office solicits PRIDE nominations in 10 categories from each DDS office in the region. The Regional DDS also seeks nominations from the entire staff in specific categories. This year, Mississippi had winners in four categories, as follows: 1) Staff Supervisor of the Year - Ellena Tankesly; 2) Thomas M. Leahy Creative Achievement Award (Individual or Group) - Leola Meyer and Kevin Hill; 3) Mary Simmons Special Act of Service Award - Cheryl Perkins; and 4) The Robert R. Hinrichs Humanitarian Award - Kerioon Grant. Congratulations to each winner! We take great PRIDE in you!!! Certified Public Manager Program At the Certified Public Manager Program Graduation Ceremony held at the MS Department of Education Auditorium four of our MDRS employees received the Certificate in Supervisory Management (CSM): Tonya Bierman - DDS, Kevin Hill - DDS, Leola Meyer - DDS, and Mark Winter - MIS. Susan Thornhill - HRD received her Certified Public Managers (CPM) certificate. Pat Klar, HRD Director, states, "Selection for the Certified Public Manager Program is made on the basis of performance (PAR Rating), supervisory recommendation, program need, and available funding. The CPM Program is one way that MDRS shows commitment in assuring that personnel, specifically managers, are qualified to provide the highest quality of service to our constituents." Congratulations to those receiving the certificate! This is a great achievement; it is through dedicated efforts like this that MDRS has become such a great agency! DDS Award At the SSA's annual DDS Management Forum held on May 19, 2009 in Detroit , MI , the MS DDS was recognized for its accomplishments and service to the citizens of Mississippi . Once again, the MS DDS, whose productivity is well above the National average, surpassed the productivity of any state in the Southeast Region. The average processing time for case adjudication of the MS DDS was 87 days, as compared to the Regional average of 104 days and National 105 days. These accomplishments were obtained with fewer staff, yet maintaining a good accuracy rate, despite an increase in the number of claims processed. For this accomplishment, the MS DDS was presented with SSA's Commissioner's Citation for "Significant Accomplishments by a DDS". OSDP: Wiltshire, Passarelli and Hall Angela Grant, with OSDP in Columbus , first met Brandon Wiltshire when he was 21 years old. Born with spina bifida and hydrocephalous, Brandon spent the first years of his life going to children's hospitals for surgeries and rehabilitation. With supportive parents, Brandon took the challenges of his disability in stride and attempted to live a normal life. But, as the disability progressed, Brandon found it difficult to ambulate and had trouble getting around in his home and community. Since his parents had exhausted their finances trying to meet his previous medical needs, they were unable to afford the home/vehicle modifications that were now necessary for Brandon . At the suggestion of The Blake Clinic in Jackson , the Wiltshires contacted OSDP to obtain the necessary modifications. Upon obtaining the referral, the OSDP staff went to work immediately to help Brandon . The first priority was vehicle modification to ensure that Brandon could get about in the community, as needed, especially for visits to the doctor. The second priority was a matter of hygiene and self sufficiency. Taking a shower had always required the assistance of a family member. With the new bathroom modifications, Brandon found independence in the ability to privately take a shower and not have to depend on help from anyone else. This made a huge difference in Brandon 's morale; and, as a result, it thrilled his parents to see the change in their son. They are extremely grateful to MDRS and the OSDP staff for making such a wonderful adjustment in Brandon 's lifestyle. Their goal for Brandon has always been to have him experience as much fulfillment and independence in life as possible. Brandon 's story is exemplary of the difference MDRS makes in the lives of individuals with disabilities. It makes all of us proud to be a part of an agency that touches lives in such a phenomenal way! *************** Christopher Passarelli, of Leakesville , MS , has been an OSDP District 9 consumer for the past 5 years. Christopher, diagnosed with Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at the age of 4, exhibits typical symptoms of the disease. Duchene's is one of nine sub types of Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic, degenerative disease primarily affecting the body's voluntary muscles. At age 6, Christopher's his grandparents became his legal guardians. As he began school, Christopher encountered barriers that mad it difficult for him to attend alone. To help him breakdown those barriers, the school hired Christopher's grandmother, Mrs. Kathleen Clark, to serve as his personal assistant. She continued in that role until Christopher's graduation from Greene County High School on May 15, 2009. It was a great accomplishment for Christopher, who loved being able to attend school with his many friends. Christopher was able to prove what his grandparents always told him, "You can do whatever you put your mind to." Christopher's determination and strong family support, as well as the assistance provided him through MDRS, enabled him to achieve his goal. Personal care attendants, home modifications, and assistive technology devices were some of the services provided by OSDP staff through the Independent Living Waiver. His OSDP Counselor Brenda Hillman has provided Christopher with excellent case management services to ensure his needs are met. An Elvis fan, Christopher's dream is to travel to Las Vegas and Hollywood to see where Elvis performed and filmed his movies. To all who assisted Christopher, we say, "Thank you, thank you very much!" ************* Ronald Holloway, a 52-year old man from Moss Point, was working hard to repair a roof damaged during Hurricane Katrina when he fell, causing a spinal cord injury. As a result, Mr. Holloway, who is on our TBI/SCI Waiver Program, now lives with his mother and strives to find ways to once again be a productive citizen. Right after the fall, it was difficult for Mr. Holloway to obtain access to the home, so MDRS installed a lift to the outside of the house to make it more handicap accessible and allow him to leave his home with more ease and safety. Home modifications were also made to the bathroom, enabling Mr. Holloway to safely maintain his personal hygiene care. Thanks to MDRS and Counselor Heather Inabinette, in particular, Mr. Holloway is regaining his independence in his home and community. Cost Reimbursement Congratulations, MDRS counselors and staff, for your tremendous success in returning clients to work! As a result, this has been a great year for this agency in SSA/VR Cost Reimbursement. For the first time since 2002, MDRS has received over $1,000,000 from Social Security in cost reimbursement. VR/VRB counselors, as well as other MDRS staff, have achieved a major accomplishment in helping Social Security disability beneficiaries reintegrate into the workforce and become productive taxpayers again. When VR/VRB clients drawing disability benefits successfully work for nine out of twelve consecutive months at a substantial level, it is cause for celebration. After each person is successfully rehabilitated, Rebecca Doyle and her staff take over, with Patti Rayner, the Ticket Unit/Cost Reimbursement Coordinator, quickly processing the claims for reimbursement. On July 15th, a celebration was held at the Madison Office, with a presentation to Patti of a certificate of achievement for her efforts. Rebecca Doyle, Director of Selected Social Security Services, thanked everyone involved in the effort and later sent a memo stating, "Although each of you could not be with us here, we celebrate with you in spirit and want to express our appreciation for all you do for Mississippians with disabilities." Employee Spotlight Vickie Thornton Project Coordinator Madison, VR Vickie Thornton, Project Coordinator for the Mississippi Partners for Informed Choice Program (M-PIC), is a dedicated employee who has tirelessly served consumers receiving Social Security disability benefits for the past six years. Self-motivated and conscientious, she gives 110% every day and always follows through, true to her word. Vickie has earned the respect of her staff of Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWICs) through her guidance, vast knowledge, and compassion. She is an exceptional leader, keeping abreast of the ever-changing SSA policy and conveying this information to her staff so they can serve consumers across the State effectively and timely. Vickie has filled in the gaps on more than one occasion when M-PIC had a staff vacancy, picking up and carrying the load of two jobs. Consumers receiving the thorough service from Vickie are most appreciative. Although the M-PIC/WIPA Program is a small division of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, it plays a major role in the lives of VR consumers. Funded as a Work Incentives, Planning and Assistance grant by the Social Security Administration, it is a nationally recognized service, vital to SSA beneficiaries seeking to move toward employment and self-sufficiency. This is due in part to the diligence of Vickie and her fine staff of CWICs who are always willing to lend a helping hand. Don't forget to Vote!!! PERS is holding a runoff election through August 12th for one of the board's two state employee representative slots. One of the candidates in the runoff is Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services Executive Director H.S. “Butch” McMillan. Ballots were mailed to your home address on July 13th. If you did not receive a ballot in the mail, please contact the Public Employees' Retirement System at 601-359-3589 or toll free at 1-800-444-7377. It is essential that we have someone on the Board representing our interest as state employees. PLEASE VOTE!!!! In order for your vote to count, ballots must be in by 5:00 p.m., August 12th! This is our investment for our future! MDRS Award Winning Employees Executive Director's Award Glenda Lane Executive Director's Award Ashley Turnipseed Vision Award Marva Paul Leadership Award Barry Bray Humanitarian Award Special Response Team Espirit De Corps Award Job Development and Placement Services Agency Support Employee of the Year Angela Spann-McWilliams DDS Employee of the Year Felecia Brown-Smith VR Employee of the Year Jamie Deason OSDP Employee of the Year Heather Inabinette VRB Employee of the Year Nancy Beal Client Support Employee of the Year Mylinda Dempsey ***************************************** If there is someone in your office you would like to suggest for our Employee Spotlight, send your suggestion with a brief paragraph explaining how he/she makes your office a better place for you and your co-workers. Submit by email to Dean Morganti at dmorganti@mdrs.state.ms.us *******************************************


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