Peggy…Reaching Out and Climbing the Career Ladder

Occupation: Senior Disability Rights Advocate

In 1993, a motor vehicle accident left Margaret (Peggy) with a near complete amputation of her right leg.  Prior to that time, Peggy had worked for 18 years as a machine operator.  It took some time, but Peggy reached within herself and began a different way of life.  In 1994, she applied for VESID services, and this is her success story.

Peggy set upon on a new career and she decided to go to college.  She required college because she had no transferable skills.   Peggy attended Herkimer County Community College, majoring in Computer Information Systems. She was selected to give the graduation speech for her class, based on her grades, her volunteer work and her positive attitude.  She then went to SUNY Utica Rome.  She graduated with honors and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems.  VESID assisted Peggy with tuition, fees, books and transportation costs for these programs.  While she was in college, Peggy volunteered as a peer tutor.  She also volunteered as a Court Appointment Special Advocate for abused and neglected children. 

Peggy was able to utilize her computer skills along with her advocacy skills, at the Resource Center for Independent Living, as an Outreach Coordinator.  She then moved into the newly created position of Service Navigator at the local One Stops.  Her responsibility was to assist people with disabilities find and maintain employment in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties.  Peggy became more than a service navigator.  She stepped up and became the area coordinator for Disability Mentoring Day.  Under her leadership, the program has expanded from 8 participants in 2005, 21 in 2006 to 55 individuals in 2007.  She has also assisted with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) events.  Her newest position at the Resource Center for Independent Living is Senior Disability Rights Advocate and Peggy loves the job!

Carol Ginster, Regional Marketing Representative
Utica District Office