Stacie Ann Sparks, a client of
the Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services (TDRS), was
diagnosed with severe scoliosis at age twelve, which
necessitated an operation that completely fused her spine from
neck to tail bone. This resulted in inability to lift over ten
pounds, limited standing and sitting tolerance, the inability to
turn her neck, and a great deal of daily discomfort. Her range
of motion is drastically limited; she can bend her back
marginally at the waist and has little flexibility her trunk.
The surgery left her with a permanent disability.
Due to
the extreme arthritis, bursitis, and knots that resulted, Ms.
Sparks had the metal instrumentation removed in two separate
surgeries. These surgeries were required because of continuous
pain and inflammation in her back due to the metal rods and
screws rubbing against tissue and muscle. Again, she was cut
from her neck to tailbone. The pain decreased, but the physical
disabilities described above remain.
The Tennessee
Division of Rehabilitation Services provided funding for tuition
and books at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (UTK) and
the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga (UTC). In both
programs, Ms. Sparks received assistance from the university
programs for students with disabilities, including special
equipment in the rooms and extra test time provided in an
accommodated setting. The UTC and UTK disabilities programs also
provided explanation to her instructors about her disability and
provided guidance in career development and tutoring services.
Ms. Sparks coordinated book carriers, van services, and
classroom and testing accommodations through the programs.
The Counselor, Lynn Finnell of the Chattanooga office,
states that this case is a unique one for a myriad of reasons
and reflects the merit and pure determination of this young
lady. Despite the adversities of overcoming physical
disabilities and life threatening surgeries, Ms. Sparks was able
to graduate in three years from UTK with a 3.5 grade point
average and a resume full of extracurricular activities and
awards. She again defeated all odds in entering a challenging
Master’s program at the UTC, completing a Master’s of Business
Administration (a 2 1/2 year program) in only one year,
maintaining honors with a 3.75 grade point average. In addition,
she worked throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies at
part time employment, developing her skills and business
knowledge, which led to a sought-after career with a Federal
agency. She was able to obtain a competitive salary and position
in a competitive field, an impressive accomplishment for a
23-year-old woman overcoming physical disabilities, limitations,
and adversities.
Ms. Sparks is a program manager for the
Information Technology Security Communications, Awareness,
Training, and Education Programs at the Tennessee Valley
Authority (TVA). She has helped to start a program that will
train over 13,000 employees on how to better protect the
government’s information assets. This program and training
contribute to compliance for TVA in regards to the Federal
Information Security Management Act (FISMA) as supported by the
Homeland Security Act and Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Ms. Sparks is quoted as saying, “My job is on the cutting edge
of technology and I enjoy staying current with the government’s
direction of security today.”
Today, Ms. Sparks is a
self-sufficient businesswoman, contributing productivity and
efficiency to the community and government that provided her a
head start on reaching her goals. She said, “Without Vocational
Rehab funding, I would not have been able to finish college
because of the amount of burden in medical expenses my parents
incurred and the daily challenges I would have faced in
obtaining accommodations on my own. The monetary assistance,
supported accommodations, and tutors really prove that with
assistance, physically handicapped individuals can overcome the
odds and become self reliant. More support for these programs is
needed by our state and federal representatives. What a
difference a helping hand can make in providing education and a
‘step up’ for kids like me!”
