Karrise was 26 years old when she had a stroke that changed her life. Instead of continuing her life as she knew it, she had to learn to walk, keep her balance and eventually drive again. And that was in addition to relearning how to read, tell time and use her phone, as well as other technology.
After several years of hard work, Karrise was ready to focus on her livelihood. Prior to her stroke, Karrise worked with toddlers in a childcare setting. “The stroke really changed my career path since I could no longer meet the physical or mental demands of working in childcare,” said Karrise.
Karrise learned about employment programs for people with disabilities at Easterseals Crossroads and found that she was a great candidate for the Pathways to Opportunity program. “This program is unique in that it seeks resources and training so that the outcome is a career focused on future growth,” said Diane Brown, who is a career navigator.
To begin a path toward a career for Karrise, she needed to develop and refine her digital literacy skills, an option offered from our assistive technology department. Karrise knew that enhancing her software and computer skills would help her become more employable.
“Possibility can actually begin with assistive technology and digital literacy. For an able-bodied individual, technology can make things easier. For an individual with a disability, assistive technology can make things possible,” said Josh Anderson, who is the director of assistive technology.
Karrise battled her way through a very tough and long recovery from her stroke. She now has the right resources for success in place, and she is dedicated to finding a career that will grow with her. “Looking back on what I have battled, what I have been through and where I am now, literally anything is possible,” said Karrise.
