Vicki Sadler

Vicki’s path to becoming a rehabilitation professional...
I worked for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in GA at a time they had grant money to send their voc counselors to graduate school. I completed a "phase" program at the U of GA (Tim Field was my advisor) in area of vocational rehabilitation counselor (and voc testing w/Jack Sink) over a two and one-half year period while working full time as a voc counselor (area of mental health, general caseload). After completing my Masters degree, I worked with the State of GA until 1981 when I entered the private rehabilitation setting working with LTD and Workers Compensation Clients. I have worked in private settings both in GA and TX. I have been self employed rehabilitation practitioner since 1988.

Vicki’s rehabilitation education...
I have an undergraduate degree in Social Work from Eastern KY University. I completed a Masters of Education in area of Rehabilitation Counseling in 1978 for the U of GA. I have completed numerous continuing education programs, including the Life Care Planning sequence through the U of FL.

How Vicki developed her practice...
I primarily work in area of Workers Compensation Case Management. I am a "catastrophic case manager" in the GA WC system, a vocational evaluator, a Life Care Planner, and do work with various other systems to offer expert testimony regarding an individual's capabilities and medical needs.

Vicki’s "Ah-Ha!" moments that shaped her rehabilitation career path...
I feel that one cannot sit still in this field and be successful, as our practice continues to evolve. Each time I attend continuing education I find that I learn something new, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. My "ah-ha" moment was when I decided to leave the field of social work and enter field of rehabilitation, which to this day gives me great satisfaction in the work place.

Vicki’s interests that inform/influence her work...
I love the field of science, especially biology. The medical aspects of disability have always intrigued me.

How IARP has served Vicki’s professional development...
I have been a member of this organization since 1987, when I attended my first NARPS conference in Boca Raton, FL. I have served on the national board as COPR, been involved with the local chapter as board member for over 10 years service, attended many of the local and national meetings. All have molded me into a better professional, given me insight into the professional behaviors of others (good and bad!), and developed professional friendships that are invaluable to my practice.
Vicki’s advice to folks considering a career as a rehabilitation professional…
First, each person must earn your way through working in different capacities within this field. Experience and intuition are important, as is continuing your education through constant interface with your peers in different settings. Second, to be successful in private practice, it is my opinion an individual must be able to effectively network with other professionals within the rehabilitation team--OT, PT, MD, DO, DC, radiology tech, the employer, HR team member, union rep, etc. It is your responsibility to figure out what is necessary to evaluate the client and make a plan that will work, depending on your role in that individual's care.