Wednesday, February 8, 2001
Governor
Scott McCallum
Secretary
Jennifer Reinert |
News Media Contact
Rachel Biittner
608/266-8710
e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us
fax: 608/266-1784 | Radio Actuality Available at (866) 556-7623 CURRENT DVR WAITING LIST ELIMINATED
FOR MOST SIGNIFICANTLY DISABLED
Approximately 800 people will receive DVR services MADISON – Department of Workforce Development Secretary Jennifer Reinert announced today another 800 people who were on the waiting list for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services, will be removed from the list and begin receiving employment services. "This is the second time we have been able to remove people from the waiting list for DVR services this year. And we continue to look at what other steps can be taken to ensure all people with disabilities have access to employment services that will help them become independent," said Secretary Reinert. In January, the department announced it would remove more than 1,000 people from the waiting list in Category 1, which includes those with the most significant disabilities. The activation of the additional 800 cases eliminates the current waiting list in Category 1. "The efforts of the DVR work groups and the Strategic Reform Task Force are proof that we are dedicated to getting people with disabilities into jobs they can excel in," said Tom Dixon, DVR Administrator. "And we will not rest until we eliminate the waiting list altogether," added Dixon. There are currently 2,735 on the waiting list in Category 2 and 1,024 in Category 3. Federal law requires that people with the most significant disabilities, Category 1, are served first. "To ensure there is no confusion over the waiting list, it is important for people to recognize if they come through the door for DVR services today, they will be placed on a waiting list. What we are announcing is that we have been able to activate all cases in the category of the most significantly disabled, and we will continue to assess the financial picture to determine when we can eliminate the waiting list altogether. That is our ultimate goal," added Reinert. The department is currently reviewing further recommendations of the DVR Task Force on how to improve the DVR program and will announce the recommendations in the next couple of months. -30- News Release Index Page
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