My start with HireAbility Vermont:
When I started my job search, I felt stuck. It had been almost two years of looking, applying, waiting, and always hoping. I’m deaf, and while I can read lips and communicate well, I know some employers get nervous about hiring someone like me. They’re unsure how to communicate or make the workplace accessible. That changed when I connected with HireAbility.
I was working with Melissa from HireAbility, and we came across a housekeeping position at a health and rehab facility—not far from a hospital where I’d worked before. It felt like the right fit. We filled out the application, submitted my resume, and I prepared for the interview. Honestly, I was nervous. But I knew this was something I wanted: a full-time job, something steady, something meaningful.
The interview went great, and not long after, I got the news, I got the job! I couldn’t stop smiling. I even jumped up and down when I told Melissa. After nearly two years of searching, I finally had a job offer, and it felt amazing.
What HireAbility Vermont means to me:
Since starting the job, I haven’t missed a single day of work. I’ve been there almost a year now, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. We even had a little celebration to recognize the work I’ve done. For the first time in a long while, I’m not worried about money. I’m not just scraping by on benefits. I’m earning a living wage, supporting my family, and feeling truly independent.
My advice for anyone who is thinking about connecting with HireAbility Vermont:
If you’re deaf or hard of hearing and feeling frustrated with your job search, I want you to know there is hope. HireAbility understands. They don’t just help you find a job; they help employers understand how to work with you. They build that bridge, so communication doesn’t have to be a barrier. Whether you use ASL, lipread, speak, or sign, HireAbility sees your potential and helps others see it too.