Aaron Place was named the Client of the Year for Alva's Vocational Rehabilitation office, which is part of Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Place was nominated for the honor by VR Specialist Brandi Fulgham who has assisted him with pursuing his career goals. Place was born with dyshydrotic ectodermal dysplasia, a group of disorders in which two or more of the ectodermally derived structures – the skin, sweat glands, hair, nails, teeth and mucous membranes – develop abnormally. Each person with an ectodermal dysplasia may have a different combination of defects.

Place is attending Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tahlequah. He is in his second year, and after graduating, plans to practice medicine in an underserved rural community.

"He is incredibly committed to DRS services and is a model client," Fulgham said. "He is communicative, stays in touch, and always provides documentation and information when it is needed, sometimes even before it is requested. I really enjoy working with him. He is friendly and highly motivated."

For more information about DRS services, call 800-845-8476 during business hours to be transferred to the nearest office or visit https://oklahoma.gov/okdrs/independence/blind/older-blind.html.