VR New Hampshire

10/30/2026

"We can teach someone how to prep food or make coffee—but you can't teach the kind of heart, compassion, and empathy our team brings every single day."

To wrap up our month-long celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), our final spotlight belongs to St. Vincent, recipient of the 2026 Employment Leadership Award!

At St. Vincent, working in the kitchen as a dietary aide goes far beyond washing dishes, serving food, and keeping things organized. It’s about building genuine relationships with residents and creating a warm, supportive community where everyone has each other's back.

What Makes St. Vincent’s Inclusive Culture Stand Out:
• Heart & Empathy First: Management recognizes that while technical skills can easily be trained, the genuine care, empathy, and joy their employees bring to work cannot be manufactured.

Small Acts of Service That Brighten Days: Whether it’s Sean stopping what he's doing around the building to open a door or press an elevator button for a resident, or Romelo riding in on his motorcycle every day, these daily interactions bring immense joy to the residents and make staff feel like family.

Flexibility & Patience: By embracing neurodiversity and maintaining an open mind, leadership offers the patience and flexibility needed for team members to learn routines at their own pace—proving that when an employer is adaptable, employees thrive.

Pride in Growth & Leadership: Employees are given the room to develop new skills, step up, and take immense pride in teaching and mentoring others.

Thank you to St. Vincent for showing us the true heart of inclusive leadership and providing a powerful conclusion to our NDEAM series: when businesses focus on strengths and lead with empathy, Every Skill Has a Place!

Watch Sean, Romelo, and the St. Vincent team share their story in the final video feature: https://youtu.be/frH_KocNLCM?si=FwV6qRX6zaHblSef

Celebrate St. Vincent, a proud recipient of the 2026 Employment Lea...

10/28/2026

We are proud to showcase New Hampshire Hospital, Another recipient of the 2026 Employment Leadership Award.

The Challenge: Like many healthcare organizations, New Hampshire Hospital faced tough recruiting competition from retail and food service establishments to maintain adequate staffing levels.
The Solution: Leadership looked beyond traditional hiring methods and partnered with Work Opportunities Unlimited. By tapping into community service organizations and utilizing NH Vocational Rehabilitation resources (such as Windmills training), they created structured pathways for individuals with disabilities to join their team.
The Impact: A win-win for hospital operations, team culture, and employee fulfillment.
By grounding their recruitment in core values of compassion, integrity, and person-centered support, New Hampshire Hospital didn't just fill positions—they created a supportive environment where team members thrive in roles tailored to their strengths (like matching early risers with early-morning shifts!).

Leadership Takeaway for Employers: Keeping an open mind and engaging with local vocational services enriches your workplace culture while reinforcing a powerful message: people of all abilities have an equal right to competitive employment.
🎥 Watch New Hampshire Hospital's full 2026 ELA video feature: https://youtu.be/BkkVdFx8TzU?si=rBkYBwQAnesLvfpX

Celebrate NH Hospital, a proud recipient of the 2026 Employment Lea...

10/28/2026

The Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing- four priorities. We need more interested members to join the subcommittee. https://us02web.zoom.us/clips/share/B4GtRaKcQD-NYkwXCAqK3g
Transcription:
Hi, I'm Beth Keller, SCD, and also Co-Chair for the CDHH. I want to share and elaborate on the four priorities that the CDHH is currently working on. First is Accessibility, focusing on the LOB, Courts, and Public Venues, including Assistive Listening Devices, Captioning, and ASL interpreters. Second is Education: Praxis, for those who took Praxis for ASL teaching certification and failed or came close to passing, try to figure out a strategy; and the Deaf Child Bill of Rights, lately there's no Advisory Council in action, update the status quo. This will be on hold because I am currently requesting information to collect before we can move on this specific topic. Third is Community Living, generally focused on group homes, nursing, hospice, and senior citizen community living, possibly a nursing facility establishing a wing or unit for Deaf/HH. Staff signs to communicate? Also, a Medicaid waiver for Deaf-Blind, which will take a long time. Finally, the fourth priority is to provide Driver-Deaf and Hard of Hearing drivers with a visor card for communication with police or other emergency responders; for example, if you are pulled over, you can show the visor card to communicate your preferences. If you are interested in joining a subcommittee for any of these four priorities, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I hope you will join. I look forward to meeting you. Bye. (Visual description: A white woman with white-blonde hair in a ponytail, in her office- background: a desk, black file cabinets, and a cream wall. She wears a black shirt covered by a burgundy sweater cardigan, gold earrings, and a gold ring, and signs in ASL.

10/27/2026

https://us02web.zoom.us/clips/share/6L6upiL5SdWy-R69y9YGRg
Hi, I am Beth Keller, Statewide Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Co-Chair of the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH). I want to share that we will have a CDHH meeting in the next two weeks, on Nov 9th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, at 21 S Fruit St, Concord, NH (Walker Vocational Rehabilitation building). When you arrive, enter the building through the front door and walk straight ahead to Walker Room #100. I will post the next video to elaborate on the four top priorities, in hopes of recruiting more members to join the subcommittee to focus work on one of the four priorities. Stay tuned. (Visual description: A white woman with white-blonde hair in a ponytail, wearing a black shirt with a burgundy sweater cardigan, gold earrings, and a ring, signing in ASL in her office; in the background are black file cabinets and a cream wall)

Hi, I am Beth Keller, Statewide Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Co-Chair of the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH). I want to share that we will have a CDHH meeting in the next two weeks, on Nov 9th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, at 21 S Fruit St, Concord, NH (Walker Vocation...

10/26/2026

"Training isn't cookie-cutter—and neither is building a great team."

In this feature for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we’re putting the spotlight on Tractor Supply, another recipient of the 2026 Employment Leadership Award.

At Tractor Supply, store culture is built on being "one big family" where team members look out for one another. By partnering directly with local organizations that assist individuals with finding jobs, store leadership actively creates fair opportunities for everyone coming through the doors.

Spotlight on Success: Meet Patch, a dedicated team member who has been on the team for over two years. Whether he’s working the register, helping customers get supplies, or spending time around the store's ducks, Patch is an essential part of the store family.

Tractor Supply's Approach:
Focus on Individual Strengths: Everyone is good at something. Recognizing unique talents helps both the employee and the business thrive while bridging connections with local customers.
Personalized Training: Management adapts training to fit how each person learns best—whether that's hands-on instruction or structured guidance—rather than expecting a single approach to fit all.
Community Connection: Getting involved with local job-placement organizations opens up new staffing channels and builds a stronger, more supportive workplace.

Tractor Supply proves that when employers give everyone a fair shot and meet people where they learn best, Every Skill Has a Place!

Watch Patch and his team share their story in the 2026 ELA video feature: https://youtu.be/0W_S0yC2Aa0?si=qtfiKD62IaZZK7tc

Celebrate Tractor Supply, a proud recipient of the 2026 Employment ...

10/21/2026

Celebrate NDEAM with Us! |Spotlight: Duprey Hospitality
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and we are continuing our celebration of New Hampshire employers who lead the way in inclusive workforce practices!

We are proud to showcase Duprey Hospitality, Another recipient of the 2026 Employment Leadership Award.

At Tru by Hilton Concord, the "True Crew" lives by a clear handbook rule: treat each other with respect. But Duprey Hospitality puts those words into action by opening its doors to job shadowing and workplace learning opportunities whenever community partners reach out.

What Makes Duprey Hospitality a Leader in Inclusion:
New Perspectives: Welcoming individuals with different backgrounds and abilities opens the company's eyes to fresh ways of thinking and problem-solving.

Supportive Culture: Leadership creates a positive environment where employees encourage one another and build confidence.
Unlocking Hidden Skills: Recognizing that overlooking unique talents means missing out on incredible team members.

Please join us in celebrating Duprey Hospitality for their leadership, commitment to inclusive hiring, and dedication to building a stronger, more welcoming community across New Hampshire!

Watch Darlene and the Tru Crew tell their story in the 2026 ELA video feature: https://youtu.be/8xquYsNmqno?si=yvDkOxAjq_qhbwWP

Celebrate Duprey, a proud recipient of the 2026 Employment Leadersh...

10/19/2026

We’re hiring at Vocational Rehabilitation New Hampshire and looking for dedicated professionals who want to make a real impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. If you’re passionate about helping people reach their employment goals and enjoy working in a collaborative, mission driven environment with great benefits, we invite you to apply for one of our current openings.

Rehabilitation Technician – Keene Regional Office
Closes 10/30/26
This role provides essential administrative and technical support to our counseling team, helping ensure individuals receive the services they need in a timely and organized way. It’s a great opportunity for someone who enjoys direct service support, problem solving, and keeping an office running smoothly.
https://jobsp.nhfirst.nh.gov/lawtaprd/CandidateSelfService/controller.servlet?dataarea=lawtaprd&context.session.key.HROrganization=10&context.session.key.JobBoard=EXTERNAL&context.session.key.noheader=true&JobPost=2&JobReq=52512

Senior Rehabilitation Counselor – Manchester Regional Office
Closes 11/5
This position provides vocational counseling, case management, and guidance to participants as they pursue meaningful employment, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently. It’s an opportunity for experienced counselors who want to support individuals in achieving long term career success.
https://jobsp.nhfirst.nh.gov/lawtaprd/CandidateSelfService/controller.servlet?dataarea=lawtaprd&context.session.key.HROrganization=10&context.session.key.JobBoard=EXTERNAL&context.session.key.noheader=true&JobPost=2&JobReq=53866

If you or someone you know is looking for rewarding work that truly makes a difference, please take a look and share.

10/13/2026

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) with Us! October is NDEAM, and all month long we are shining a spotlight on New Hampshire employers who lead the way in inclusive hiring!

This week’s Spotlight: Concord Hospital Health System

We are proud to honor Concord Hospital, one of the 2026 Employment Leadership Award recipients.

Inclusive hiring isn't an act of charity—it is smart, effective business. By focusing on ability rather than limitations, Concord Hospital creates a supportive workplace culture where talent is recognized without limits, proving that when you hire with purpose, potential becomes performance. Their commitment to building a diverse and accessible workforce strengthens their medical teams, supports our community, and exemplifies our core belief that Every Skill Has a Place.

Please join us in thanking and congratulating Concord Hospital for their outstanding and dedication to workplace inclusion across New Hampshire!

Learn more about the Employment Leadership Awards and how to nominate an inclusive employer for 2027: https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/deputy-commissioner/bureau-vocational-rehabilitation/vr-action/employment-leadership-awards-ela

Video: https://youtu.be/Sz9Yqmd8SdI?si=5YVIPYOfD_ESddqg

Celebrate Concord Hospital, a proud recipient of the 2026 Employmen...

10/06/2026

New England
Deaf Peer Support

to host its first meeting!

Connect
Support
Encourage
Grow

When: November 6th, 2026

Where: GSIL Granite State Independent Living
60 Rogers Street, Ste 209
Manchester, NH 03103

We will provide
pizza and - refreshments

Bring a snack to share.

Invite your friends!

All are welcome
and we look forward
to seeing you there!

Facilitators:
Lori Villeneuve and Amber Gelinas

Deaf People Support Each Other

If you have food allergies,
please email
[email protected]
or call VP 603-287-4071.

We hope to see you there.

10/05/2026

Navigating work while receiving Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can feel difficult; the rules, the impacts on benefits, the fear of losing medical insurance…it’s a lot to figure out on your own.
If you’ve ever wondered how working might affect benefits, VR New Hampshire is hosting free SSI & SSDI Ticket to Work and Benefits Counseling Orientation sessions to help make a complicated process feel more manageable.

Learn about:
• Ticket to Work Program
• How working affects your Social Security cash benefits and medical insurance (Medicare/Medicaid)
• Work incentives for SSI and SSDI

Register at https://www.education.nh.gov/vr
• Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m.
• November 19 at 10:30 a.m.

Questions or Accommodations Needed?
Contact Kristin Venator at: [email protected]

Take charge of your future and learn how work can fit into your plans!