Currently, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation has three counselors. They are Arlene Yamagata, Bernice Ravell and Marian Borja Arriola.
They attend to a total of 205 clients as of this year and close to 40 of them have successfully found employment.
After signing the proclamation, Inos said these counselors deserve more than just mere recognition.
In his proclamation, he said due to the challenges faced by people with physical disabilities and intellectual challenges, they have the right to be served by trained counselors.
He said for more than three decades now, the CNMI has had success stories of individuals helped by OVR counselors.
“I call on everyone with physical and intellectual challenges and their families that rehabilitation counselors diligently work to ensure that you all are a total part of our society in employment opportunities and in every aspect of our diverse cultures and settings. Let us recognize our rehabilitation counselors for their professional efforts and contributions who despite their stressful undertakings, set in their minds and hearts that your challenges, talents, contributions and pain are also part of their success stories,” Inos said.
Ravell and Yamagata in an interview after the proclamation said OVR receives an average of 15 clients a month. These clients are those who seek assistance after suffering from a disability due to either an accident or ailment.
Ravel said people have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for OVR services.
Ravel and Yamagata said the CNMI needs more rehabilitation counselor, especially for individuals with disabilities on Tinian and Rota.
