Home > Vocational Rehabilitation > DVR Career Achievement Award 

DVR Career Achievement Award

DVR consumer and Chippewa Falls native Julie Ray was recently awarded the DVR Career Achievement Award. The award is given to one DVR consumer each year who has shown remarkable dedication in reaching their job goal.

During the award ceremony, DVR Administrator Charlene Dwyer said, “It is Julie’s ambition that has made her dream a reality.”

Julie will receive her PhD in ecological sciences from Old Dominion University in May of this year. She has spent much of the last several years doing research in the jungles of Panama. Julie has already received approval, and is seeking funding, for a $1 million research station in the mountains of Coclé Province, about 125 miles from Panama City. When the center is complete, Julie will serve as its director.

When Julie was 4, she was diagnosed with Best’s Macular Dystrophy, a rare form of macular degeneration that scars the retina. Initially, the disease only affected Julie’s right eye. But during her freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the disease began to affect her left eye and few months later, her vision was almost completely gone. Julie now has some peripheral vision, but it’s blurred.

Julie accomplishes her research in Panama with the help of a field guide, who drives her into the jungle at night, when snakes are most active.

Julie said DVR has played an important role in her success. “DVR has made my research possible.” Along with some low-vision accommodations for computer equipment, DVR has assisted Julie by paying for her field guide in Panama.

Julie’s DVR counselor Marjorie Blaschko said, “Julie is exactly what DVR is all about – enabling people to take care of themselves. She sought grants and other funding, and DVR just filled in the gaps with things like her driver and field guide in Panama. DVR has been privileged to be along for the ride and to have been even a small part in her success.”

Marjorie also acknowledged the impact of Julie’s research in Panama. “I think she’s made a huge difference.” Julie has spent much of her time in Panama immersing herself in the culture and educating local people, especially young people, about environmental issues.

The research station will offer a work alternative to local people who, until now, have only been able to find work with companies that clear cut the rainforests. The station will also make it possible for more scientists to access the 80,000 acre park where it will be located.

Julie said, “The station will have everything researchers would need to utilize the resource.” It will have supplies, lodging and other necessities, things that researchers now need to travel to villages to get. The travel time can interrupt their research.

• WEAU News Story
• Eau Claire Leader-Telegram Story