Sandy Richter
Sandy's path to becoming a rehabilitation professional...I taught school for 16 years. I then got my Masters in Job Development/Placement from Drake University in 1982. I have worked in the field from that time since.
Sandy's rehabilitation education...
BS in elementary education which I used to teach junior high students. MS from Drake University Job Development/Placement specifically trained to do this work.
How Sandy developed her practice...
I started as a vocational case manager at Crawford. After three years, I went to work for a small company in the same capacity. When the director left, I was moved to her position. When the company decided to close the office one year later, I was left with 50 cases, a nurse and no job. I contacted the companies who had referred the cases. They said the cases were mine so I could continue to work them. The nurse came with me and we were in business for ourselves. At one point I sold my company to another local company. When my five year commitment there ended, I opened a new company in my name. I have been doing work independently out of my home with an available office to see people since 2001. It is going well and has proven to be the ideal "moving to retirement job".
Sandy's “Ah-Ha!” moments that shaped her rehabilitation career...
I have learned that nothing is worth you mental health and well being. A lousy boss or supervisor does not have to be permanent.
When faced with a tyrant for a boss, the best defense is a strong offense. You may not become better liked but the respect is worth the confrontation.
When faced with the issue of compromising my ethics, which has happened more than once, I have refused to do anything I perceived as unethical. Although it has cost me some referrals, I have always had enough work to keep me busy.
Sandy's outside interests that inform/influence her work...
My interest in the rehabilitation field was started because of having a son who had cerebral palsy and no good resources available for him. It launched me into volunteering for the local ARC, speaking at a nearby college to students going into special education, and later working at a sheltered workshop. Ironically, the minimum wage they paid me there amounted to the same annual income as I had from my best year of teaching full-time.
How has IARP served Sandy's professional development...
I served on the board and made friends that I have maintained throughout my career. The professional quality of the conferences, etc. has pumped me up when my energy was flagging. The resources available to me by the professional contacts have been invaluable to send me in the right direction when there are new hurdles to leap over.
This organization gives you the information to do well at your job. I cannot imagine doing the job without the professional contacts. Often, I get referrals from people who “found me on the IARP list” which is the only information they have for me to trust my good judgment on their cases.
Sandy's advice to folks considering a career as a rehabilitation professional...
Talk to people in the field and learn where the best focus is for your interests in doing the job. Once you decide on your focus, get as much continuing education as you can afford to make your skills the best or among the best out there.
Whatever you do, follow the code of ethics of your group. There is a reason they are written and the rules are not optional.
