From Challenge to Career: Ben's Story

Created by: Connecticut Aging and Disability Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

My name is Ben, and I am an inclusion advocate interning here at UCP of Eastern Connecticut, a nonprofit agency. Funding is through donations, grants, and personal donations. I learned a lot about that process.

One of the first things I worked on was writing a grant letter on my own. The most rewarding part of what I do is the self-fulfillment of having accomplished something, and being able to help someone with the troubles they are having in their day-to-day life. I am just trying to make their life better.

I broke my neck when I was twenty years old. I am thankful to be alive. Just trying to give back to a community that has helped me so much.

I first heard about the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) support when I was living in Maine. After I moved back to CT, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue my schooling. I just wanted to get a job and have some income to make things more comfortable.

When I first went to BRS in CT, they asked me if I had any college. I said yes, and they asked me if I was going back. I hesitated for a minute, and I said that I really would like to get a job. They said my odds would be much better if I went back to school.

So I thought about it, and I continued going back to school. All I have left is my second internship, and then I will have my Bachelor's in Mental Health and Human Services.

BRS is a great resource. When I first got connected with them, they helped me build my resume, provided job coaching, and helped me get the UCP interview, which turned out to be the first interview, and it has worked out great.

The glasses I have are prescription, but if you look right in the middle, you will see a small, round sticker. On top of a laptop, there is a sensor that plugs into the USB Drive, and with this sticker, the sensor detects anything metallic.

It allows me to move the mouse around the screen just by moving my head. There is also other software that I use, called SoftType, which is a little augmented keyboard that pops up on the screen. It looks just like a keyboard on the screen. By moving the mouse over it and holding it there for over a second, I can click the keyboard; that way, I can type. It also allows me to control various mouse functions and type with it. It allows me to use the computer fully. After a little practice, I am able to connect with the internet, which is the gateway to the world. Without that, I would be very secluded from a lot of things.

I would say, absolutely, do not doubt yourself. With the help of BRS, they will guide you right along the way. To move at your pace and connect you with something that will work for you. They will tailor something to your desires and skills, and it will definitely fit you.

Are you ready to start your journey?