About The Vocational Rehab Academy, LLC
- The Vocational Rehab Academy (VRA) is dedicated to strengthening disability inclusion, eradicating stigma, vocational rehabilitation practice, and employment outcomes across local and global communities. VRA provides training, toolkits, and research-informed resources that support individuals with disabilities, military communities, educators, service providers, and organizations. Our work is grounded in dignity, opportunity, and the belief that every person deserves meaningful participation and long-term success. About the Founder Dr. Shonda McLaughlin, PhD, CRC, is a Fulbright U.S. Scholar and vocational rehabilitation specialist with more than two decades of experience in disability inclusion, Veteran transition support, and global workforce development. Her international work spans South Africa, Belize, and the United Arab Emirates, where she has conducted research and training on community attitudes toward disability through competitive short-term global grants. Her career includes roles as a program director, mid-level and executive leadership, professor, rehabilitation counselor, consultant, and trainer. Across every setting, she remains focused on strengthening dignity, expanding opportunity, and supporting individuals as they move toward education, employment, and community engagement. A Commitment to Global Disability Inclusion Dr. McLaughlin has worked internationally in: Belize — conducting research and professional development on disability attitudes and community inclusion. United Arab Emirates — examining cultural perceptions of disability. South Africa — collaborating on disability inclusion, community partnerships, and higher education accessibility through her Fulbright Scholar role. These global experiences continue to shape her inclusive, culturally responsive approach. Supporting Military and Veteran Communities Her long-standing work with military communities emphasizes transition support, skill translation, employment readiness, and benefits navigation. She designs tools and curriculum grounded in practical, evidence-based strategies that honor the unique identities of servicemembers and Veterans. The Ecosystem of Purpose The Ecosystem of Purpose is her signature framework used across VRA programs. Based on the core values of Knowledge, Relationships, Innovation, Productivity, and Service (KRIPS), the model provides a structured approach to goal-setting, self-exploration, planning, and inclusive practices.
Mission
To advance dignity, opportunity, and inclusive employment through accessible, high-quality resources that support individuals with disabilities, military communities, educators, and global partners.