Jun 1, 2026

This episode features a conversation with Dacia VanAlstine, Project Director of the Evolve Employment Model demonstration project at Minnesota Blind.

What began as a brainstorming conversation at a national conference evolved into an innovative Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) project focused on improving...

May 1, 2026

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere—but where does it actually fit in vocational rehabilitation?

In this episode, Carol Pankow sits down with Dr. Robert Froehlich to cut through the noise and get real about AI in VR practice.

This isn’t hype—and it’s not fear. It’s practical, grounded guidance.

🔹 What AI...

Apr 1, 2026

In the latest episode of Manager Minute, host Carol Pankow sits down with Michael Mackillop, Executive Director of the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind, to explore how one agency is rethinking how VR services are delivered—and the powerful results that follow.

From dramatically shortening the time...

Mar 2, 2026

VR burnout isn’t about caring too little. It’s about caring so much… while buried in documentation.

In this episode of Manager Minute, VR counselor Stephanie Nelson shares how she built VocRehabTools.com — a free collection of smart, practical tools (both AI-powered and non-AI) designed to give counselors their...

Feb 2, 2026

What happens when workforce innovation stops focusing on individuals alone—and starts supporting entire families?

In this episode of Manager Minute, Carol Pankow sits down with Lucas Halverson and Kathy Davis of ServiceSource to explore Families Achieving Self-Sufficiency Together (FASST)—a Disability Innovation...