Interpreter for the Deaf Comes Full Circle (05/04/2010)

Tampa, FL – A serious car accident in 1987 left Ramona Richardson in constant, debilitating pain. After five surgeries in six years, Ramona’s pain has diminished and with help from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), she achieved her dream of interpreting for the deaf. Ramona is working again – for VR. October is Disability Employment Awareness Month.

At the time of the accident, Ramona was an assistant vice president for a multi-million dollar mortgage company. She was hit from behind by two different cars, both running a red light, and suffered a double-whiplash. Ramona came to VR after unsuccessfully attempting a return to work with her former employer and realizing she needed a career change.

Ramona told VR Counselor Ron Thiessan about her new career goal, and he felt it was a good direction for her to pursue. “I found her to be very articulate,” says Ron. “I thought those language skills would help her when she became a sign language interpreter.” VR paid for Ramona’s tuition and school supplies at Hillsborough Community College, and in May 2005, she graduated with a degree in Sign Language Interpreting.

In March 2008, Ramona came to work for VR as one of two staff interpreters for a six county area. She teaches two American Sign Language (ASL) classes for VR staff and is active in outside organizations related to deafness and the deaf community. “It’s funny how life comes full circle,” she says. “I am now a staff interpreter for VR, and they were the ones that helped me get my life back and in the career I always wanted!”

Ramona’s road to success was bumpy, but she credits Ron for helping her get through it, “Mr. Thiessen would always find a way to help me overcome any obstacle that I would encounter, no question about how it would be done, just pure fact it would be done!” Ron, who now works as the Pasco-Hernando Community College Coordinator of Disabilities Services, was very pleased to learn of Ramona’s success and says, “She was an ideal customer. She was very focused and determined and always contacted me whenever she had questions. She made my job a lot easier!”

Happy to have finally recognized her childhood dream, Ramona’s future plans include starting a consulting business. She would like to offer sensitivity, awareness, and hands-on training for large businesses interested in hiring deaf or hard of hearing individuals. She also has written a study guide showing American Sign Language (ASL) and English side by side. Once published, it could be used by students in any interpreting program. Ramona thanks VR for their help in achieving her goal and says, “I love what I do and I do what I love – how many people can say that?”

Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation program is committed to helping people with disabilities become part of America’s workforce. Our employer-focused website, FLJobConnections.com, allows businesses to search at no charge for employees who are ready to go to work, as well as post available jobs. VR has 111 offices across Florida, and last year helped more than 8,000 Floridians find or keep jobs. For more information about VR and its services call (800) 451-4327 or visit Rehabworks.org.