Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center

10/26/2026

10/26/2026

Building Stronger Workplaces Through Opportunity!

At Portside Health & Rehabilitation Center, Justin Shepheard is helping demonstrate the value of inclusive employment and the difference opportunity can make in people's lives.

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is proud to highlight employers and individuals who recognize that a strong workforce is built on talent, opportunity, and inclusion.

🎥 Watch Justin's story and discover how inclusive employment helps strengthen Virginia's workforce!

10/25/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE | ATOMIC REHAB

What happens when talent, opportunity and vocational rehabilitation come together?

Sometimes, the result is atomic. ⚛️Listen to the episode at: https://vrworkforcestudio.com. In the newest episode of the VR Workforce Studio, we meet William Anderson, a Navy veteran whose journey through vocational rehabilitation helped lead him to a career as a nuclear engineer at Framatome. William joins his VR counselor, Nathan Roberts, to share a story about perseverance, partnership and the power of preparing people for meaningful careers.

Then, as International Podcast Day meets National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Rick Sizemore, Betsy Civilette and David Leon turn the spotlight toward the Champions of Disability Employment, individuals, employers and partnerships demonstrating what can happen when ability and opportunity connect.

And we close with resources and perspective from the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials, extending the conversation for rehabilitation professionals across the country.

This is vocational rehabilitation at work.
This is disability employment in action.
And these are the sparks that ignite VR. 🔥

Listen now on your favorite podcast app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeartRadio.

Listen, share, and help us celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

10/23/2026

October is National Guardianship Awareness Month!

This month, we honor guardians who help adults across Virginia live with dignity, safety, choice and respect. Guardianship is more than a legal relationship; it’s a commitment to compassion and person centered support. We’re grateful for the guardians, families, professionals, advocates, and community organizations who work together to protect rights, promote choice, and ensure adults receive the care they deserve. Learn more by visiting us at: https://bit.ly/4k57CRq

10/22/2026

Celebrating Value and Talent!

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is spotlighting employers who recognize the incredible talents and contributions of people with disabilities.

Meet Enabled Intelligence, an innovative Virginia employer creating meaningful career pathways for individuals with disabilities through technology, training, and apprenticeship opportunities.

Hear from Lauren Bacon Smith, Chief People Officer, as she shares how Enabled Intelligence is partnering with DARS to build a more optimal workforce and open doors to rewarding careers for people who not only have disabilities but the super powers their company needs to meet crucial workflow and highly-detailed work that supports national security.

🎥 Watch their story and discover how partnerships are transforming lives one opportunity at a time! For a deeper dive visit vrworkforcestudio.com for an extended live podcast.

10/21/2026

We want to hear from you!

During the 2026 General Assembly session, House Bill 996 (HB 996) was passed to help improve the transition from high school to adult services and opportunities for students with disabilities. The legislation directs the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the Virginia Department of Education, and other partners to develop a plan for clearer transition guidance, better information and resources, stronger connections with Community Services Boards, and an online resource to help students and families understand their options after high school.

The goal is to help more students with disabilities successfully move into postsecondary education, training, employment, day programs, independent living, and life-skills programs.

We are asking families, educators, Community Services Board staff and service providers to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will help us understand what information is hard to find, where barriers exist and what resources or supports would make the transition process easier.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share it with others who may want to provide input. Your experience can help shape better transition information and supports for Virginia’s students and families.

The survey can be accessed using this link or the QR code https://bit.ly/4s1hSvX

The survey is available in English and Spanish. If you need the survey in a different language, please email [email protected] with the specific language needed.