Success Story
Brian
Owner/ Operator at Brian's Rock N' Boulders - Deary, Idaho
“Vocational Rehabilitation has made a significant impact in my life by providing me with a way to gain back my independence by helping me return to the work. VR helped me immensely with the ability to navigate resources and other agencies who specialized in providing assistance to individuals with disabilities. This support was truly life changing. Thank you to VR for making it possible for me to maintain my independence and keep doing what I love!” – Brian, VR Customer
Story
“Without VR support, Brian would have needed to start an entirely new career. With VR, he has been able to return to his area of expertise and increase his independence.” – Lamisse Stephens, VR Counselor
Brian applied for VR services in June of 2023 after being referred by his medical care team. He wanted to continue his former career and self-employment, with his prior experience as a business owner in Recreation and Excavation industry.
Brian has significant physical limitations that impacted his ability to continue with his employment goals without assistance. Based on his employment goals and previous work experience, Brian and his VR Counselor, were able to identify a plan for employment to support Brian to continue working in the Excavation industry.
For Brian to succeed within his chosen vocational goal, it was identified that Brian would require assistive technology to complete work within his desired industry. Brian was referred to the Idaho Assistive Technology Project to have an assistive technology evaluation completed to support Brian and his VR Counselor to understand what assistive technology would be necessary for his employment.
After evaluating assistive technology needs, VR supported Brian to have a lift installed to assist him with transferring to and from his machinery and truck to support him in completing his excavation work.
Brian started his company, Brian’s Rock N Boulders in 2024. His company specializes in excavation, custom stone features, rock fountains, engravings, decorative rocks, and outcrops.
Brian now has increased financial independence because of his self-employment and allows him to continue using the skills he has gained from many years of prior work experience in the excavation industry.
“We are so happy to have been a part of the team assessing and assisting Brian to obtain equipment needed to continue his chosen profession. – Mellowdee Brooks, Assistive Technology Coordinator