VR New Hampshire

VR New Hampshire is hiring! Come work in the beautiful state of NH where we are small but mighty. Excellent benefits, great work culture and opportunities to be part of a profession that is focused on individuals' potential and making a difference. Click link below to get to career opportunities and scroll through for VR openings. Current high priority needs are for VR Counselors in Portsmouth, Manchester, Nashua and Concord! https://www.education.nh.gov/careers

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Dec. 3.
This is a day to help everyone become more compassionate and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities sometimes feel invisible in our society. People sometimes rush around them in their daily routines, barely noticing them. Today, let’s try to make eye contact and smile and be available to help should they seem to be having difficulties.
People with disabilities can be and very often are contributing and valued members of society, and today is all about appreciating them. Picture of young woman with pink hair on her electric scooter unable to enter due to inaccessibility.

Career Pathways for Students – Transition from School to Work
We do it together! In collaboration with students, youth, families, schools and community agencies, VR provides services that promote successful transitions from school to work and adult life. VR is committed to increasing access and improving the overall quality of services offered to school age youth. To learn more about VR’s School to Work Transitional Services, visit: https://www.education.nh.gov/vr/programs-and-services/school-transition-services

Orphans of veterans receive scholarships

Orphans of veterans receive scholarships CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education recently issued two, $2,500 checks to assist orphans of veterans with their college expenses. The scholarships are part of the Orphans of Veterans program that helps war orphans offset the cost of college for items such as books and supplies....

VR New Hampshire and NH Technical Institute joined forces on November 4th to co-host an event called, “Level Up…and Take Control of Your Future” on the NHTI campus. We held four breakout sessions—Career Coaching, Job Trends in NH, a Student Panel and Tour, as well as an Employer and Resource Fair, where students had an opportunity to talk directly with employers who are looking for employees now and in the future. There were about 70 high school students who came from a variety of districts including Bow, Concord, Kearsarge Regional and more.

Why is Veteran's Day on the 11th?
These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.”
Liberty comes at a price, and the men and women who serve our country are willing to pay that price for our freedom and peace. Today we thank you, we salute you, we honor you Veterans!

VR New Hampshire is so excited to share some behind the scenes photos that were taken during our live video making a couple of weeks ago. VR New Hampshire gives a big shout out to all the awesome cast members who so genuinely offered their time and space, including our VR New Hampshire Business Partners! And last but certainly not least, VR New Hampshire would like to thank the incredible team from Concepts, Inc., the creator of the videos!

Special invitation from Daniel Frye, New England, employment, and empowerment conference 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDnJKpnX-d8

Special invitation from Daniel Frye, New England, employment, and empowerment conference 

Special invitation from jessica, New England, employment, and empowerment conference 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPTgfg8j9VY

Special invitation from jessica, New England, employment, and empowerment conference 

Special invitation from Bob, New England, employment, and empowerment conference 

https://youtu.be/xuQ6wVkHlDk

Special invitation from Bob, New England, employment, and empowerment conference 

The New England Blindness & Employment Conference
When and Where?
• November 7-8, 2022
• Holiday Inn Downtown, 172 N Main St, Concord, NH
• CRC credits pending approval
How much?
• Sponsored by the NH Services for the Blind and Vision Impaired
• Full scholarships available for current and potential NH SBVI VR, OIB, and Pre-ETS customers, including lodging and transportation assistance
Keynote Speakers and Plenary Session Topics Include:
• How Vocational Rehab can help you
• Financial Planning Information & Options
• Breaking down Employment Barriers
• Employment Outlook
• Your Employment Toolkit
• Assistive Technology
• Advocacy in the Workplace
• Transportation in New Hampshire
• Living Independently
• NFB NEWSLINE, Aira, and More
Employment Track
• Online job searching
• Resume building
• Marketing yourself
• Remote work
• Supports for employment
Entrepreneurial Track
• Entrepreneurial options
• Marketing yourself
• Planning essentials
• Disability business certifications
• Supports available to entrepreneurs
Join Us to Build Your Roadmap for the Future
NO LATER THAN Thursday, October 27, 2022, complete the Conference Registration form. After October 27, we cannot guarantee the availability of meals, lodging, or transportation assistance.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns via Email or Phone at (202) 525-7774

Celebrating the next winner of the ELA Awards! Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center!
Thanks for all you do to promote inclusive work environments!

Highlighting another winner of the ELA Awards!
Congrats to Potter's House!

Throughout New Hampshire, about 75 paraprofessionals received professional development training on Friday to learn how to be more effective with students, courtesy of 321 Insight.

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Ticket to Work / Benefit Counseling Orientation 10/12/22 at 6:30pm. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

SSI & SSDI Ticket to Work / Benefits Counseling Orientation

The orientation provides an introduction to the Ticket to Work program and an overview of Benefits Counseling services. The orientation will provide an overview of how work impacts Social Security disability cash benefits and health insurance (Medicare and Medicaid). It also provides information on the work incentives available for both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries. Lastly, the orientation will discuss what to expect when receiving a individualized benefits counseling services.

To register for one of the upcoming Benefits Counseling Orientations please click the link below.

Wednesday, October 12th at 6:30pm. Click link below to register
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KGO7wIDkQRCtZ2A7ujsdeA

Tuesday, October 18th at 10am. Click link below to register
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Jth9l0CuSESSWE5tgYjTlQ

Tuesday, November 15th at 10am. Click link below to register
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0h7_OwOGSkybDDEH9aY3mw

If you require an interpreter or other accommodations, please contact Kristin Venator at [email protected] or (603) 271-1482 at least two weeks prior to the webinar you are registered to attend.

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Ticket to Work / Benefit Counseling Orientation 10/12/22 at 6:30pm. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. You are invited to a Ticket to Work /Benefits Counseling Orientation session provided by VR New Hampshire. The orientation provides an introduction to the Ticket to Work program and an overview Benefits Counseling services. The orientation will provide an overview of how work affects Social Security...

Thank you to the NH Rehabilitation Association for inviting our CVS Health Workforce Initiative partners and 4 of the VRNH summer interns to present at your annual conference. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the success of our partnership!

LEVEL UP…
And Take Control of Your Future!

Friday Nov. 4, 2022 – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. NHTI Campus

Explore your career opportunities with these activities:
•Explore a college campus and hear from current college students.
•Learn about tools that help uncover your skills and career options.
•Meet prospective employers from across NH.
•Gain knowledge about NH’s labor market and workforce needs.

Registration required!
Students: RSVP by Oct. 14:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Levelup-registration2022
Questions? Contact Tina Greco [email protected]

Exhibitors:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/exhibitor-levelup-registration2022
Questions? Contact Joy Sabolevski [email protected]

LEVEL UP…
And Take Control of Your Future!

Friday Nov. 4, 2022 – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. NHTI Campus

Explore your career opportunities with these activities:
•Explore a college campus and hear from current college students.
•Learn about tools that help uncover your skills and career options.
•Meet prospective employers from across NH.
•Gain knowledge about NH’s labor market and workforce needs.

Registration required!
Students: RSVP by Oct. 14:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Levelup-registration2022
Questions? Contact Tina Greco [email protected]

Exhibitors:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/exhibitor-levelup-registration2022
Questions? Contact Joy Sabolevski [email protected]

GRANITE STATE CAREER FAIR
Seacoast United & New Hampshire Employment Security are teaming up to host a NH Statewide Virtual Job Fair Next Tuesday, October, 4th from 11-2pm.

Students, retirees and anyone looking to start or change careers!
Interested in Apprenticeships or FREE Training?
NH offers many free resources to assist you!
Attend to learn more!

There is still space for Businesses looking to hire and resources that would like to showcase their services.
If you are a resource, please register as an employer and simply put N/A for anything that is not pertinent.

TO LEARN MORE OR TO REGISTER, VISIT
click to register!
https://virtualjobfairs.nh.gov

VRNH would like to spotlight in memorial a NH teacher from Plymouth Regional High School, and VR success story, Leslie Rich.
Leslie Rich started her working life as a server and bartender in the Lincoln-Woodstock community in the 80’s. After a series of medical procedures on her spine, her doctor advised if she continued her work in her chosen vocation, she would quickly develop debilitating mobility limitations. Leslie referred herself to the Berlin Regional Office of VR where she met regularly with counselor Bob Cram. Bob assisted her to identify teaching as her path towards successful employment. VR assisted Leslie to complete her bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State College (Now Plymouth State University), where she completed with honors. After graduation, she went right to work at Plymouth Regional HS as an English Teacher. At PRHS Leslie was part of a small group of PRHS staff developing a school-to-work program. This program served as the alternative education program in the district that focused on the at-risk population. She demonstrated a natural ability to connect with students with disabilities. She provided mentorship and support far beyond her job description. She was also a valuable and reliable referral source for VRNH.
Leslie retired from teaching in 2019, having taught for 24 years. During the pandemic she took on the task of homeschooling her grandchildren. In July of 2020, she was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that saw her fight for her life until she passed in early 2021.
Leslie leaves a lasting legacy at PRHS and with her students, co-workers and friends for teaching compassion, tolerance, self-advocacy and so much more. Leslie’s VR story is that with the guidance and support of VRNH, she was able to find extremely meaningful work that she loved, that impacted countless others, and which supported her and her family right up until the moment she couldn’t do it anymore. If you were to ask her what VR meant to her, she would say that VR did not merely assist her with employment, but VR changed and saved her life.
VRNH salutes Leslie’s work and legacy, celebrates the field of education and teaching as transformational and invaluable. VRNH aspires to assist all people with disabilities to like Leslie, find a vocation that brings meaning and fulfillment to themselves and their communities.

VR New Hampshire
Empowering Individuals
Engaging Business

Transition Fair Day
Friday, October 21, 2022
9:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.
N.H. DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS
PARENTS ARE WELCOME!!!!

NH Climbing & Fitness (Formerly Evo Rock)
10 Langdon Avenue
Concord, NH 03301
603-715-9171

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS ages 14 to 21 are invited to meet many different wonderful people and programs that will allow them to identify many different potential journeys once the high school diploma has been handed out.

Representatives from Gallaudet University (Washington, D.C.), National Technical Institute of the Deaf/Rochester Institute Technology (Rochester, NY), and Southwest College for the Deaf (Big Spring, Texas) will be attending as well as others. A variety of STEM kits will be available for students to try.

Registration is required in order to attend. Ctrl-Click on this link to register:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JYDLT9V

INTERPRETERS AND CART PROVIDER WILL BE AVAILABLE
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED
New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation
Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Any questions should be addressed to
[email protected] or call 603-463-0728 (VP).

Mo Wheeler is back in the spotlight!! She is featured in an article
'603 Diversity, Issue 4 (Fall 2022)' by Yankee Publishing- New Hampshire Group
Below is an excerpt from that article where Mo credits VR NH for helping her obtain her dream job!

MO WHEELER’S CLOTHING BRAND IS GETTING PEOPLE TALKING
BY NOUR HABIB
Michelle “Mo” Wheeler calls herself a mental health veteran.
“I’ve been dealing with my mental illness for so long now,” the Merrimack resident said….
On her website, she’s open about who she is and what she’s dealt with….
Wheeler, who is passionate about art, took some time to explore her options. Her struggles qualified her for assistance from the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, and she worked with a mentor for a year to come up with a business plan. The Bureau also provided her with startup funding.
DoubleSolid is an online store, and everything is made to order. Wheeler said the process starts with her creating a piece of artwork, whether a painting, a digital illustration or a photograph. Then she determines which of her creations might make a good design for her clothing….

Congratulations Mo on living your dream and giving back to your community!
DOUBLESOLID
photo is of a blue male betta fish with neon colored aquarium plants.

August 26 is National Dog Day!
We owe so much to our four-legged friends. They are a source of companionship, solace, and service to many people. Some are working dogs, some dogs perform valuable services to assist people with disabilities, and some just lay on the couch and snore.
When it comes to assisting people with disabilities, all types of dogs are eligible to become services dogs, each potentially adept at providing a different type of service – assisting people with visual impairment, hearing impairment, mobility, and balance impairment, and providing wheelchair assistance. A dog’s sense of smell is so powerful, they can alert when blood sugar is low, or when an epileptic seizure is imminent. Dogs help comfort trauma victims, can soothe individuals with autism, and it’s a fact that just petting a dog can lower your blood pressure.
So, celebrate National Dog Day with us and post a picture of your favorite pooch! Service dog, working dog, or lawn ornament, please embrace your dog!

The Governor’s Commission on Disability has created a resource offering information about services animals. You can contact the GCD at 603 271-2773 or by email at [email protected].

Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire

VRNH is looking forward to this partnership to enhance our services to the participants we serve!

We are excited to announce that we are partnering with the New Hampshire Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide our centralized Eligibility & Order of Selection Assessment Services to consumers applying for vocational rehabilitation services.
http://ow.ly/vkTw50K8XX7

Want to understand the mysteries of how employment works with Social Security Income & Social Security Disability Income?
Find enlightenment in the VRNH SSI & SSDI Work Incentive Benefits Counseling Orientation Virtual Orientation!!

You are invited to a Benefits Counseling Orientation session provided by VR New Hampshire and Granite State Independent Living (GSIL).
The Benefits Counseling Orientation provides an overview of work incentives for both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries. It also reviews how work affects Social Security disability cash benefits as well as medical insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid. The orientation will also discuss what to expect when receiving an individualized benefits counseling service.

A gentle reminder, the sessions are virtual. To register for one of the upcoming Benefits Counseling Orientations please click the link below.

Wednesday, August 10th at 6:30pm. Click link below to register
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Alr9QHVmQdKbr0cJEjhktQ

Tuesday, August 16th at 10am. Click link below to register
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H5VX-yCgTLeisCU7KLRn4Q

Tuesday, September 20th at 10am. Click link below to register
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rlcXCmSDR7CQKFXRjlqKMg

If you require an interpreter or other accommodations, please contact Kristin Venator at [email protected] or (603) 271-1482 at least two weeks prior to the webinar you are registered to attend.

Photo is of a full moon surrounded by dark clouds.

As we continue to have very warm weather, many people are seeking relief in NH rivers, lakes and ocean front. Individuals with disabilities can find accommodations to help them make them have fun and beat the heat!
Check out the adaptive sports and recreation schedule offerings with Northeast Passage at https://www.nepassage.org/calendar. They have structured group outings like Kayak trips, as well as, adaptive equipment rentals. There is equipment available for all seasons and for a wide range of activities. More details at & https://www.nepassage.org
Going to Hampton? Remember there are water wheel chairs available to rent for the day (at no charge). They also have ramps and boards over sand. Find out more Hampton Beach - "Official"

Photo is a Lake view with two docks each with a boat. A sandy beach in between and a hemlock tree in the foreground.