On today’s show, from our inspiration showcase, some amazing guests: We’ll check in with Commissioner Jim Rothrock from the Virginia department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services on WWRC changing its name and a guest that I have been waiting to interview now for months: George Dennehy the internet sensation known on Twitter as “that armless guy”. George Dennehy, born without arms, now working as a musician and motivational speaker. We’ll hear his amazing story: how he learned to drive using nothing but his feet. And, his rise to stardom as a guitarist and singer against all odds, George Dennehy is living out his dreams.

July 5, 2015

Transcript of Episode six:

Welcome to the VR Workforce Studio. The disability employment podcast from the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center where we’re showcasing the successes of individuals with disabilities who are either in or preparing to be part of the workforce here in Virginia. Also, celebrate the champions of business and industry that hire individuals with disabilities as well as the vocational rehabilitation professionals who dedicated their lives and careers to creating hope and a path forward to employment so individuals with disabilities can lead more productive lives; enhance our Virginia workforce and move our new Virginia economy forward.

On today’s show, from our inspiration showcase, some amazing guests: We’ll check in with Commissioner Jim Rothrock from the Virginia department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services on WWRC changing its name and a guest that I have been waiting to interview now for months: George Dennehy the internet sensation known on Twitter as “that armless guy”. George Dennehy, born without arms, now working as a musician and motivational speaker. We’ll hear his amazing story: how he learned to drive using nothing but his feet. And, his rise to stardom as a guitarist and singer against all odds, George Dennehy is living out his dreams. Dennehy is living proof that individuals with disabilities can overcome insurmountable odds and soar to unimagined heights when they connect with their passion with the supports they need to enable their dreams. All that and more straight ahead in the VR Workforce Studio.

Its July 2015 and this is episode number 6 of the VR Workforce Studio we’re entering a new era of service at WWRC. After almost seven decades of being known as the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center; changing our name to the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center. The center was established back in 1947 when the state of Virginia purchased the property previously known as the Woodrow Wilson Army General Hospital for just a dollar. A group of volunteers staffed then country’s first state owned comprehensive vocational rehabilitation center. Over the past seven decades WWRC has constantly adapted to the changing needs of Virginians with disabilities, to help them develop the independence and job skills needed to be self-sufficient. In 2015 the legislation was passed in the Virginia general assembly and signed into law by Gov. Terry McAuliffe; making WWRC the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center. Jim Rothrock, the commissioner for the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services has been a part of the Virginia VR program now for over four decades and has been involved with Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, or now the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center in one way or another since the mid-sixties. Great honor to welcome your friend and mine, Jim Rothrock to the podcast. Welcome Commissioner… It’s a pleasure to be with you Rick, I am excited about how you are expanding our use of technology to use the post casts and I am really interested in participating myself and learning about how they have an impact… Jim, WWRC has been around since 1947, so almost seven decades, and now a new name. How do you see the name carrying the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center into the futur