Welcome |
We believe that individuals with disabilities are essential to the success of Colorado's workforce. |
Message from the Director | |||
"We look forward to this
opportunity to share information with you
about our mission and our dream of an inclusive
society, and we hope to hear your suggestions,
your concerns, and your comments. This is
an exciting time in the world of Rehabilitation;
with changes in technology, in legislation,
and in attitudes, we have hopes that together
we can meet our goals. So please read, comment,
and share this information with others -
and thank you for taking the time to visit
with us!"
–Nancy
Smith |
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Who We Are | |||||||
Increased employment and independence for persons with disabilities is good for Colorado. Employment earnings replace the need for government subsidies from a variety of public assistance programs, such as Aid to the Needy Disabled, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability (SSDI), Medicaid and Medicare. The cost of vocational rehabilitation is paid back in increased tax revenues. According to national data, for every dollar spent on vocational rehabilitation services, a consumer earns $11 in increased taxable earnings. DVR believes that when citizens with disabilities participate in society, everyone benefits. As of October 17, 2008, the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has activated an Order of Selection (OOS) process for all DVR consumers. Consumers, who already have an Individual Plan for Employment and are receiving services, will continue to receive services.
For the consumers who had already applied for DVR services and who were determined eligible on or before October 16, 2008, the Order of Selection means that they will be working with a DVR counselor to develop an Individual Plan for Employment. They will receive services based on their plan. The consumers who had applied but were not determined eligible on or before October 16, 2008, will be placed on a waiting list once eligibility and the disability priority category is determined.
New applicants will also be placed on a waiting list once eligibility and disability priority category is determined.
There are three disability priority categories: most significant disabilities, significant disabilities, and all other persons with disabilities. As resources become available, persons will be provided vocational rehabilitation services based on their disability priority category and on the date of their application. All individuals with the more significant disability classifications will be served before individuals with less significant disability classifications.
Even with an Order of Selection in effect, DVR is still taking applications for services. Once eligibility and disability priority category are determined, all applicants will be placed on a waiting list. If you have any questions, please call your nearest DVR office. |
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DVR's Structure | |||||||
DVR conducts its business through nineteen offices located throughout Colorado, each serving individuals with all types of physical and mental disabilities. Consumer services are coordinated, purchased, and/or provided directly by the Division's staff. Each field office has a supervisor who, in addition to providing leadership and guidance to the staff, takes the lead in developing partnerships with area employers, workforce centers, schools, and other public and private service agencies within the community. | |||||||
The Role of the Rehabilitation Counselor | |||||||
Colorado employs approximately 120 extensively trained rehabilitation counselors who work individually with consumers to help them identify goals and implement plans that meet their specific vocational rehabilitation needs. Rehabilitation counselors are required to meet stringent standards put forth by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. This requires a Master's level degree, typically in the highly specialized field of rehabilitation counseling. | |||||||
Colorado
Department of Human Services 1575
Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203
Tel: 303.866.5700 Fax:
303.866.4047 |
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