Responding to Change: A Vision for the Future of VR

At the 2025 National Symposium on Quality Employment, keynote speaker Dr. Tim Tansey delivered a powerful message: the storm isn't over — but how we respond matters.

As TACQE Principal Investigator and a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Dr. Tansey brought both research insight and practical perspective to his keynote, “Navigating the Storm: Setting a Course for the Future of Vocational Rehabilitation.” He challenged VR professionals to take stock of what’s happening in the field, and to lean into collaboration, innovation, and persistence as we move forward together.

Here are a few key takeaways from his talk:

We’re Still in the Storm

The last few years have brought big changes: policy shifts, funding challenges, staffing shortages, and lingering effects of the pandemic. These changes continue to affect how VR services are delivered and how we support people with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.

The metaphorical storm is ongoing, and avoiding it isn’t an option. But as Dr. Tansey reminded us, “We can’t always change the storm, but we can change how we respond to it.”

How We Respond is Everything

VR professionals face real challenges, but also real opportunities. Dr. Tansey encouraged us to:

• Acknowledge what’s hard without getting stuck.
• Redefine success based on the needs and realities of today.
• Find new paths forward -- together.

Encouraging Signs

Despite the challenges, there’s progress:

• Applications to VR services are increasing, especially among youth and older workers.
• New federal funding, including a recent $365 million increase - shows continued investment in VR programs.
• More people over age 50 are turning to VR for support in keeping their jobs, highlighting the growing need to support older workers.

But Barriers Remain

Dr. Tansey named a few urgent concerns:

• Many agencies lack the staff or providers needed to meet growing demand.
• Technical assistance centers may not be funded beyond this year, leaving states without national-level support.
• Employer awareness of VR remains low, many still don’t know what services VR offers.

Collaboration is Key

Above all, Dr. Tansey emphasized the need for stronger relationships:

• Educators should know their state VR directors, and vice versa.
• VR agencies should reach out to local university programs for support.
• Everyone should ask: “What can I do to help your work be more effective?”

Live Your Passion

His final message was a call to action: “Live the passion that brought you into this work.” Even in tough times, that passion - combined with partnership and persistence - can move our field forward.