Jana Krogmann works at a-i Computer Solutions Inc. in Brookings as the Operations Manager of the business. She states that during her life she has been frequently sick and now that she is healthier she wishes to be a productive person in society. She does not want to be seen as disabled. She states she has always been driven to work and receives motivation from others at her workplace. At her current job, she feels she has contributed and helped the business to thrive. Jana said, “Being able to work is emotionally huge for me. I’m a people person and I am not happy if I am not working.” She goes on to say that she needs to stay busy and active as long as she can. She wants to continue to be an example for her adult children as well as her daughter who is still at home. Jana realizes that she could have applied for Social Security benefits but she chose not to because she wants to be self-sufficient and work as long as she can without relying on others to provide for her.

Jana spoke about how helpful and understanding her supervisor has been. He has helped to make minor accommodations such as providing a special chair for her as well as allowing her to take more breaks. He has no problem when she needs to be gone for various medical appointments. Because of these small accommodations, Jana feels she is a more loyal and dedicated employee. She said the award that she received from the City of Brookings hopefully will show others with disabilities that they can do anything they put their mind too.

Jana credits her success to her own motivation but she also gives credit to services she received from the Department of Labor and the South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). Jana was able to take classes and receive help in finding a job through the Department of Labor. Also, Jana said her DRS counselor was “awesome”. According to Jana, the counselor went out of her way to help her and others become employed.

The DRS counselor referred her to the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program. Jana applied for MAWD and has been enrolled since May, 2010. Due to the types of disabilities that Jana has, she needs to take a variety of medications and needs services from numerous medical providers. Not having insurance made life very difficult for Jana so having medical coverage through MAWD has been life changing for her. She is able to be at her job consistently and not miss work due to illness. She is able to take all of her medications without having to choose which ones she can go without. Jana said that MAWD has provided her with healthcare coverage so that she is healthier, able to work full time, take care of her daughter and enjoy life.

 Jana would like other people with disabilities to know that their disability does not have to “become them”. She says determination is everything and a negative attitude gets you nowhere. She truly believes that everything is possible if you have the will. Her hope is that employers give more people with disabilities a chance in the workplace. “Disability is a hard label and I wish there was a way to get beyond it.”