John Meltzer
John's path to becoming a rehabilitation professional
I started out as a special education teacher. I taught in a private residential treatment center and in the public school. I taught students that were developmentally disabled. Many of them had behavioral problems. I saw my role as a teacher to help my students develop socially appropriate behaviors and skills so they would be able to function in a work-like setting. This led to my decision to become a VR counselor. Since 1982, I have worked in private rehab. I have been self-employed since 1999. While I still work with clients to help them develop RTW plans, most of my current practice is litigation.
John's rehabilitation education
I hold an undergraduate degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and a masters degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
John's "Ah-Ha!" moment that shaped his rehabilitation career path
When I was getting into the field of rehab in the early 1980's, given the political climate at the time, I thought that funding for public VR services was going to be under scrutiny. I made the decision then to pursue work in "insurance" rehab, not knowing then that my practice would later evolve into doing mostly litigation. Then, in the late 1990's, after working for a wannabe national-type rehab company, I was up to my eyeballs with work and realized it mattered not for whom I worked. My referral sources were using me, not my company. It was time to hang out a shingle and go to work for myself. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to work for myself while really enjoying what I do.
Outside interests that have influenced John's work
Since 2000, I have been a volunteer for our local Red Cross chapter in disaster services. Not long after that, 9-11 hit. Those volunteers in my chapter who could afford (the time) to go out on 3-week assignments, helped out with the disaster response in NYC. I still remember the stories they told of their experiences upon their return to the chapter. I have helped out on many local responses including tornadoes, floods and fires. While I cannot afford to leave my business for 3 weeks to go out on a national response, I can make a difference on a local level. Like helping a client RTW following an absence due to a disability, there is no feeling like helping someone take the first step after experiencing disaster. These experiences have reinforced the value and importance of service.
How IARP has served John's career
In my opinion, the more you put into being a member of IARP, the more you will get out of it. I have had, through my involvement with IARP, the opportunity to get to know some really bright people who are considered leaders in the field. By learning from these people (by reading their articles and publications, listening to them speak and ask them questions at conferences, read their posts on the listserve), I have made myself a better practitioner, though I am still a work in progress. I even consider some of these folks my friends! I look forward to seeing them each year at a conference.
