- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a published author, advocate, and motivational speaker from Mexico.
Describe your role at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.
I am the new Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) in northeastern part of the state. I assist and work alongside consumers to help them reach their career goals to achieve employment through training, education, and services.
Why do you feel your work is important?
My work is important because I believe people with disabilities are crucial in magnifying the financial progression of Massachusetts. Through their sheer persistence and MCB services, our consumers can achieve their employment goals and become independent providers for their families and communities.
What do you love most about working in this field?
I love working in this field due to meeting diverse consumers where they are. My amazing colleagues have been supportive every step of the way.
What experiences while working at Massachusetts Commission for the Blind have most impacted you?
One of the experiences which has most impacted me was meeting consumers who experienced similar medical challenges as me. Being able to use our professional use of self to relate to consumers and motivate them to thrive in their new chapters with visual impairments has been a blessing. One consumer said, “I’m glad I was able to connect with you. You’ve been through dialysis, kidney failure, and losing your sight. I don’t feel like I’m talking to a textbook-oriented worker. I feel like I’m talking to someone who finally gets it.”
What’s one of your favorite memories from working with consumers?
One of my favorite memories is helping break stereotypes and witnessing consumers have life changing moments of discovering they can get their lives back. I can't help but smile when I see joy return to a consumer's face. Even a five-minute conversation about how assistive technology can help in their employment goals can change their lives.
What should people know about vocational rehabilitation?
As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I can testify that we serve in a crucial role in the community. From getting their dream job, to having a consistent income, one never knows who the next consumer will be to transform their community. Considering people with disabilities often live in low-income communities, our consumers are a cornerstone to the financial progression and preservation of their communities.
How do you spend time outside of work?
When I am not working, I am writing my second book of romantic poetry, handling all my social media found at www.danyacosta.com, or editing my video podcast, “Not Again with Dany Acosta," where I interview people, with and without disabilities, from around the world. I also serve as a youth leader and do English to Spanish interpretation at Garden City Church in Beverly.
What three words best describe you?
Love, Faith, Perseverance
Complete this sentence: "I wish that everybody knew..."
if we just loved our neighbor more every day, the world would be much more accessible.
