Q and A with Stephanie LoRusso, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and RAM, South Minneapolis
From a young age, Stephanie chose to focus on everything she COULD achieve, even when others believed her disabilities would limit how far she'd go. Her passion for people led her to VRS, where she makes sure others know what's possible.
Q: What did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
A: Growing up, I was constantly told I wouldn't be able to do hard things. My high school guidance counselor even told my parents' friends (everyone knows everyone in a small town!) I didn’t have what it takes to make it through college.
I said, “watch me!”… and went on to get a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in vocational rehabilitation, and a Master of Science in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.
Q: Did you have access to VR services?
A: We didn’t have VRS in my school, as I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. I didn’t even know VRS existed!
It would have been wonderful to have someone who knew more about disabilities to connect with me and guide me to find ways to advocate for myself. I often felt left to my own devices, tackling challenges all by myself. Voc rehab services could have helped me plan my future. A counselor could have had a positive impact in my life early on, when I often felt alone and misunderstood.
Q: Why did you choose this career path? What did you do before you started with VRS?
A: I always had a passion for people. Later in life, I found my superpower is my ability to connect with others and provide positive encouragement no matter their circumstances.
I first heard about VR from my college advisor, who encouraged me to take the intro class and consider it as a minor to my BA degree. I got answers for a lot of my questions about my own disabilities, and I was instantly hooked. I'm forever grateful to my college advisor!
Q: How has your disability been an asset for this and/or previous positions?
A: Because of my interest in helping people, I've thought a lot about how I can use my personal experience to better serve others. I have a unique perspective.
My own experience learning on my own about my disability help me put myself across the desk, in the shoes of VR participants. I can connect with people; provide them insight and be someone they can relate to.
Q: How can we ensure we create an inclusive culture so that anyone can feel comfortable sharing about disabilities and/or requesting accommodations?
A: Thant Pearson was my first manager when I started as a counselor at Minnesota VRS. He helped me to see my differences in a positive light and to grow my self confidence, which I lacked. He taught me how to shine in my role and to not look back. Big thanks to Thant!
It was incredibly scary to tell Thant about my disability for the first time. He listened, helped me find technology and pointed me to what I needed to do to get accommodations. His sensitivity is what helped me open up to at VRS.
If each of us shows up with sensitivity, openness and willing to listen, we can have a big impact.
-Stephanie LoRusso
