Here are some of the most frequently asked questions
(FAQ's) about DVR and its services. If you don't see an answer to your
question please contact us.
Q1: Where
can I apply for DVR services?
Q2: What services can DVR provide?
Q3: How long does it take before
I can see someone at DVR?
Q4: How can I talk to a vocational
counselor?
Q5: Can DVR pay for school expenses?
Q6: Can DVR pay for work clothing
and tools?
Q7: What makes a person eligible
for DVR services?
Q8: How long does it take before
I know if I am eligible for services?
Q9: Will I lose my Social Security
benefits if I go to work?
Q10: Can DVR help me with housing?
Q11: Does DVR provide training?
Q12: Is there an agency or program
that advocates for DVR clients?
Q13: I was told that there are three
vocational rehabilitation programs in this state. Which one is for me?
Q14: I am a DVR client in another
state, can I transfer my case to Washington DVR?
Q15: I am currently receiving services
from WorkFirst, can I also be served by DVR?
Q1: Where
can I apply for DVR services?
A1: Job seekers can apply for DVR services at any DVR
office. DVR has 38 offices statewide. Click on the contact
us section of this web page for the location of the office nearest
you.
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Q2: What
services can DVR provide?
A2: DVR can provide
a wide variety of services that relate directly to getting and keeping
a job. Some of these services include:
-
Assessment
services
help you identify your job-related strengths, resources, concerns,
abilities, capabilities, priorities and interests. Assessment
services can include a variety of tests, evaluations, or activities
designed to provide information that will help you select a job
goal and VR services that will lead to successful employment.
-
Counseling
and guidance services
enable you to establish a one-on-one relationship with a Vocational
Rehabilitation Counselor. Your counselor will guide you through
the rehabilitation process to assist you in obtaining your employment
goal.
-
Training
services designed to help you gain knowledge or skills needed to qualify
for and/or perform the work required in the selected occupational
field. DVR can support training services at a college/university,
occupational or vocational school, community rehabilitation program,
or another type of training agency.
-
Job
related services include
a variety of services to help you learn how to look for a job, prepare
a resume, and have a successful interview. Services can
also include support and assistance in locating jobs, referrals
to employers, and follow-up services to promote success once you
are on the job.
-
Rehabilitation
technology services
include helping you get and learn to use devices or equipment that
increases or improves your ability to perform different types of
work. This involves helping you find the right device, customizing
devices to meet your individual needs, and training in the use of
devices or equipment.
-
Other services are available depending on your unique needs, including
a variety of support services that enable you to participate in
VR services, such as help with costs of transportation, child care,
independent living or other disability-related expenses.
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Q3: How
long does it take before I can see someone at DVR?
A3: Call or visit one of DVR's local offices. No appointment
is necessary to get basic program information.
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Q4:
How can I talk to a vocational counselor?
A4:You
can talk to a counselor by calling or visiting a DVR office and making
an appointment. If a staff person is available, he or she may
be able to answer your questions immediately. If not, DVR will
usually schedule an appointment to talk to you within 5 days.
Many offices also hold regularly-scheduled group orientations that you
can attend at your convenience.
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Q5: Can
DVR pay for school expenses?
A5: If
no other public funds, such as federal financial aid (or PELL grant)
are available to cover the costs of going to school, DVR can pay for
school. Any services that DVR provides must be agreed-upon by
you and your counselor and must be authorized in advance.
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Q6: Can
DVR pay for work clothing and tools?
A6: Yes,
DVR can pay for tools, equipment, clothing or other items if they are
required for you to achieve employment.
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Q7: What
makes a person eligible for DVR services?
A7: You
are eligible for DVR services if a DVR counselor
determines that you meet all of the following conditions:
-
You have a physical
or mental disability. DVR must verify the disability by getting
copies of medical records or by having you complete the tests, examinations,
or evaluations necessary to verify the disability.
-
Your disability prevents
you from getting or keeping a job.
-
You require vocational
rehabilitation services to get or keep a job that matches your strengths,
resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests
and choices.
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Q8: How
long does it take before I will know I am eligible for services?
A8: Once
you complete the application requirements, DVR usually determines your
eligibility for services within 60 days. Sometimes, if medical
records are not available or easy to get, it might take longer than
60 days. If it does take longer than 60 days, DVR will contact
you to talk about the delay and to make sure you agree to extend the
eligibility period.
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Q9: Will
I lose my Social Security benefits if I go to work?
A9: The
Social Security Administration promotes
employment by offering ways that you can earn additional income without
losing your benefits. However, your benefits could be affected
if you go to work. Your VR counselor will talk with you about
your situation and can help put you in touch with social security administration
representatives to discuss your concerns. Before you make a decision
to apply for services, DVR will help you get all the information you
need to understand how employment will affect your social security benefits.
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Q10:
Can DVR help me with housing?
A10: DVR
staff can provide you with information and referral to other resources
that can assist you with housing services.
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Q11:
Does DVR provide training?
A11:Yes,
training services are provided when you need to gain knowledge
or skills to qualify for and/or perform the work required in the job
you want to get. DVR can support training services at a college/university,
occupational or vocational school, community rehabilitation program,
or another type of training agency.
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Q12:
Is there an agency or program that advocates for DVR clients?
A12: The
Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a program outside DVR that you can
contact for assistance anytime you have questions or concerns about
the services or assistance you are getting from DVR. CAP will
help you understand your rights and responsibilities in the VR program,
and help resolve issues or problems that are preventing you from
getting services. You can reach CAP by calling 1-800-544-2121
(Voice/TTY).
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Q13:
I was told that there are three vocational rehabilitation programs in
this state. Which one is for me?
A13: The Department of Labor and Industries
(L&I) has a vocational rehabilitation program that serves persons
who are injured on the job. Department
of Services for the Blind (DSB) provides services to persons with
visual impairments. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR),
part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) serves individuals
with disabilities who experience barriers to employment. At times DVR
may jointly serve a job seeker that is also receiving service from L&I
or DSB.
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Q14:
I am a DVR client in another state, can I transfer my case to Washington
DVR?
A14: If
you are coming to Washington State temporarily, the state in which you
have permanent residence continues to be responsible for your case.
Washington DVR can provide case management in cooperation with the VR
counselor in your home state. If you are permanently moving to Washington,
you need to complete the application requirements in Washington
State. With your written permission, the VR agency in your current
home state can contact the DVR office where you plan to receive services
to make arrangements to share the information Washington DVR will need
to establish your eligibility and help you develop a plan of services.
Since DVR is currently operating under an Order of Selection, you will
be placed on a waiting list for services until resources are available
to serve you.
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Q15: I
am currently receiving services from WorkFirst, can I also be served
by DVR?
A15: DVR
works collaboratively with Workfirst staff to coordinate services if
you have disability-related limitations and you need additional support
and assistance to achieve employment. If you are participating
in the Workfirst program, it is important for you to let us know so
that we can discuss how to work together to best meet your needs.
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