Theresa Oldenburg has worked at the Children’s Care Hospital since May, 2008. She works full time in the hospital’s food service area. Theresa said it is important for her to work because she needs to be with other adults in order to maintain a sense of self worth.  She enjoys her job and feels she has a lot to offer to the students at the hospital. Theresa is proud of what she has accomplished in her life, especially being able to drive. Theresa is visually impaired but with the help of special bioptic driving glasses she has been able to obtain a driver’s license and successfully drive during daylight hours. She also makes use of a large computer screen on her home computer.

In order to secure her most recent job, Theresa received services from Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired. Her Rehabilitation Counselor helped her develop a resume and referred her to various job openings. The counselor also referred her to a Benefits Specialist who helped her to learn how to utilize work incentives while maintaining employment and receiving Social Security benefits. With the help of the Benefits Specialist and her own initiative, Theresa was able to go off Social Security benefits approximately a year and a half ago. Most recently, Theresa was approved for Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) which provides her with Medicaid coverage.

Theresa contributes many things to her success at maintaining employment and no longer needing Social Security benefits. She said being positive and communicating her needs to others was very important. She said it was also important for her to think ahead, seek resources and utilize the services available to her. She believes she is where she is today because of her life experiences which led to determination and hard work.

She believes that people with disabilities who are looking for employment should not give up. She said you know your disability and how to deal with it. You should let this help you along the way. You need to stay positive and determined if you want to become employed. You should prove to others that you can do the job. Theresa said, “There is a place for everyone to work no matter what their disability is.”

Theresa says that employers should not read into a person’s disability and think negatively about them. Be open to people with disabilities and give them a chance. “You will be surprised about what they can do for your business.”