August 22, 2017
For Immediate Release
Media contact:
Kandy Cayce
DHS Division of Services for the Blind
501-682-0332 or [email protected]
Rector Man with Vision Impairment Earns Achievement Award; Paragould Hospital Recognized
Terry Eveland of Rector has been named the area’s outstanding Consumer of the Year by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Services for the Blind (DSB).
His employer, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould, was recently recognized by DSB as an outstanding business partner for its commitment to promoting the employment of persons with vision impairment.
Until recently, Eveland worked as a Medical Laboratory Technician at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Kim Harkey nominated Eveland for the achievement award because of his determination to overcome adversity and succeed at work. He has since taken a job out of state.
He was selected from an area that includes Woodruff, Poinsett, Lawrence, Jackson and Craighead Counties.
Eveland said he was diagnosed with advanced cataracts and Myopia (nearsightedness) in both eyes and was unable to drive to and from work or complete certain tasks at work and home in a safe manner.
He expressed his appreciation for the services he received from DSB. When he applied for services, he was working part-time and didn’t have insurance. DSB paid for his eye surgeries and provided vocational counseling and guidance. After his cataracts were removed, he was able to work full-time, increase his pay, and have insurance through his employer.
This is the 10th year that DSB has given Consumer of the Year awards to recognize individuals who have managed their rehabilitation plans, gained marketable skills, secured good jobs, and become role models for others. An overall state winner will be selected at the end of the year.
DSB provides vocational rehabilitation services to adults who are blind or severely visually impaired and whose goal is successful employment. The division also serves youth and older blind individuals. For information about DSB’s programs and services, visit the DSB website at https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dsb/Pages/default.aspx or call 1-800-960-9270, 501-682-5463, or deaf relay 711.
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