Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

WHAT WE DO

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation believes everyone should have the opportunity to pursue meaningful work, and that employment further improves a person’s ability to live independently, make informed choices, and contribute to one’s community. DVR provides individuals with disabilities the tools, services, and supports required to achieve successful employment, which hopefully results in a greater quality of life for people. With offices located throughout the state of Washington, we have been a community partner for more than 80 years.

DVR Mission: 

• Transforming lives by assisting individuals with disabilities to fully participate in their communities through meaningful employment.

DVR Vision: 

• Students, youth, and adults with disabilities are empowered to dream big and achieve their employment goals.

DVR Values:

• Transparency through clear, honest communication with customers, staff, and partners
• Acting with Integrity, upholding the ethics and values of our profession
• Promoting a culture of Empowerment for customers and staff
• Advancing rehabilitation practices through Innovation
• Collaboration with customers, staff, and partners that produces results
• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion in all its forms to achieve excellence

Services We Provide:

• We provide individualized vocational rehabilitation counseling, employment services and supports to people with disabilities who want to work, but face substantial barriers in finding meaningful and sustained employment.
• We provide technical assistance and training to businesses regarding the recruiting and hiring of people with disabilities.

DVR Order of Selection Status

DVR is in the process of amending the 2024-2027 DVR State Plan to implement an Order of Selection. This means we are in the process of closing some service categories. Visit the DVR State Plan page to view the State Plan Amendment draft and link to the Washington Administrative Codes.

Visit the Order of Selection Information page for information, updates, and frequently asked questions.

When DVR does not have adequate financial resources or staff capacity to serve all eligible individuals, it must establish a waiting list for services. Waiting list rules are established by the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under a provision called “Order of Selection for Services” (34 CFR 361.36). These rules require that DVR serve individuals with most significant disabilities as a priority.

Services are initiated to individuals on the waiting list for services based on the date they applied for services with DVR.

As of July 3, 2023, all individuals have been released from the waiting list.

• All categories will be open continuously (no waiting).
• DVR reevaluates its service delivery capacity regularly to ensure it continues serving the greatest number of eligible individuals possible in the most effective manner.

While DVR remains under Order of Selection, individuals determined eligible in all categories continue to receive services.

**Please visit the DVR website regularly to keep informed of the Priority Category statuses.**

DVR stands as an anti-racist organization.