Michael Moore: IT Guru Advances Career with Help from DRS
07/25/23
Michael Moore: IT Guru Advances Career with Help from DRS
This Ability Works Award Winner turned a love for computers into a successful career in technology and encourages others to seek out DRS resources to help them do the same
When technology troubles strike, Michael Moore is there to help. He works as an Information Technology Client Analyst 1 for the West Virginia Office of Technology, a state agency responsible for maintenance, software and hardware installations and upgrades to computers and other technology for executive branch agencies of state government.
Michael has worked for the Office of Technology for nearly 10 years. At his job, Michael troubleshoots problems to fix computers. He also installs and replaces computer software and hardware and works on cell phones and tablets.
Michael approached the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) several years ago because he was having trouble at his job, and he hoped DRS could help.
Michael has been deaf since birth, a condition that resulted after his mother was infected with German measles during her pregnancy.
As a child, Michael learned to communicate using American Sign Language. He began his education at a school for the deaf but later transitioned to the “hearing world,” where sign language interpreters assisted in his classrooms. He considers himself lucky that his parents also learned this distinctive language, and they were able to help him with homework and his classes at school.
Michael could easily have learned to pity himself, but he chose to face the problems associated with being deaf and to deal with them directly.
After high school, Michael earned an associate degree in computer technology from Prince George’s Community College.
One of the biggest challenges Michael faced was when he was applying for jobs. Unfortunately, many employers did not consider him a viable candidate because of concerns relating to communication barriers.
However, at his current job, communication barriers do not prevent Michael from performing his work tasks.
DRS Rehabilitation Counselor Monty Hogbin explained that Michael was having difficulty hearing and identifying specific sounds that were necessary for him to troubleshoot problems in his work. Therefore, DRS purchased hearing aids for Michael so he could hear certain sounds, including specific noises a computer makes when it is malfunctioning and a cell phone ringtone, so he knows it is working.
According to Office of Technology Field Tech Manager Deidre Rainwater, a big part of Michael’s job is customer service, and he handles it very well.
Michael’s responsibilities require him to cover seven counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Many of Michael’s job duties are performed remotely, which allows this in-demand agency to save on travel costs and provide more efficient services to its customers.
When it comes to communicating with customers and coworkers, Michael uses a variety of methods, including text messages, email, virtual media platforms, chat programs and video relay services.
Rainwater credits Michael with being dependable and eager to work, with having a fantastic attitude and with being a team player.
Hogbin believes Michael’s tenacity and patience have helped him to achieve his work goals, and he feels that Michael will continue to have a bright and busy future with the Office of Technology.
Michael considers himself a “computer geek,” and he truly loves his job. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife and their two daughters, who are in college.
Michael has a message to share with other people who are deaf, and that is to not give up. He wants to encourage others to seek out resources available from DRS and through the Americans with Disabilities Act to help them in their job search.
To those who are having a difficult time, Michael’s best advice is “Don’t worry about the past; just keep looking forward.”
We can help you reach your employment goals! Connect with DRS today.
Michael Moore was selected as an Ability Works Award Winner in 2022. The annual Ability Works Awards honor one outstanding consumer from each of the agency’s six districts, coinciding each October with National Disability Employment Awareness Month.