Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 3, 2025
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

How DVR Services Offered One Man a Change in Direction

Jack Brunslik poses for a photo with his daughter, Sara, at her high school graduation ceremony in May 2024.

VERNON COUNTY – Jack Brunslik had spent his career in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry until a sudden, life-changing event led him in an entirely new direction.

In 2021, Jack experienced a stroke during a planned surgery. As he recovered, two more strokes followed, ultimately resulting in a spinal cord injury that left him with permanent paralysis from the waist down.

For Jack, and many others in similar situations, adapting to the physical limitations and challenges that come with such an injury can be overwhelming. When faced with such changes to both career and everyday life, reaching out for help can make a profound difference.

After learning about the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) through his long-term care agency, Inclusa, Jack reached out to DVR to explore new career possibilities.

With the help of DVR counselors and specialists, Jack applied for and received support through the DVR Training Grant and Career Pathways Advancement (CPA) Initiative. The funding enabled him to pursue an educational degree and make necessary vehicle modifications, allowing him to drive again.

Jack, who lives in rural Vernon County, began his new educational journey in fall 2022 at Western Technical College. Thanks to DVR services and funding from a U.S. Department of Education Career Pathways Advancement (CPA) Initiative grant, Jack obtained his driver’s license again and modified his vehicle to include a wheelchair lift and hand controls, allowing him to drive his van to attend classes in person.

With support from DVR, Jack Brunslik's vehicle modifications included a wheelchair lift and hand controls.

"Jack ultimately decided upon a career path he had considered in the past – a degree in Architectural Technology that would allow him to work as a draftsperson," said Lori Mohring, Jack’s DVR Counselor.

Jack excelled in his studies and graduated with an associate degree in May 2024. After several months of working with an employment specialist, in August 2024 he began his new career as a draftsperson with Cleary Building Corporation, where he remains successfully employed today.

This new career has also given Jack the opportunity to advocate for other individuals with disabilities. Drawing on his own experiences navigating physical challenges, Jack is in a unique position to design home and building modifications that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improving accessibility for those with similar mobility limitations.

Jack is among the roughly 18,000 Wisconsin workers with disabilities receiving services from DVR at any given time. DVR offers a range of services, including training, internships, assistive technology, interviewing assistance, and on-the-job support across 38 locations statewide.

"After working with DVR, I was able to transform my career and my life," said Jack. "I am not typically a person who asks for assistance and working with this program helped me rethink my ways. I hope my story can help inspire someone else who may need similar services to reach out to DVR."

DVR counselors are based throughout Wisconsin and travel to serve individuals in all parts of the state. Wisconsin residents with disabilities who would like to find a job, keep a job, or advance their career can get assistance by calling DVR toll free at 800-442-3477, emailing dvr@dwd.wisconsin.gov, or by visiting DVR's website.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.