VOCATIONAL TRAINING AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL COLLEGE

ADAPTABLE SKILLS AND FLEXIBLE CAREERS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Richard Vagen, who has a type of muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair for mobility, works part time in enrollment for continuing education at St. Louis Community College, which delivers professional development and vocational opportunities.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in art history, Richard attended a Starkloff career program aimed at honing job interview skills for people with disabilities.

“I think the number of programs offered in the vocational space and the way they adapt with the times gives people with disabilities the opportunity to discover fields in which they can rise,” he says.

“My job evolved into virtually all remote work, with flexibility that allows me to help raise my kids and manage my disability.”