Department of Workforce Development
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DVR Eliminates Current Waiting List for Moderately DisabledSince January, more than 6,100 clients removed from waiting list MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Jennifer Reinert announced today that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has activated another 1,600 people with disabilities from a waiting list for services. Upon activation of these clients, DVR eliminated the current waiting list for Category 1, which includes people with the most significant disabilities, and Category 2, those with moderate disabilities. Since January 2001, more than 6,100 people with disabilities have been removed from the list and are now receiving employment services. "I am very pleased that currently tens of thousands of Wisconsin residents are able to take advantage of the services offered by DVR," said Governor Scott McCallum. "The three million dollars in the budget earmarked for DVR services for the next two years should further the progress of the division and the department in achieving employment goals especially in a tight labor market." "A few short months ago, DWD set a goal to eliminate the waiting list for DVR services," said Secretary Reinert. "Right now, only 1,200 people remain on the waiting list in Category 3 and we are working diligently to reduce that number to zero." In the first four months of 2001, the department activated approximately 4,500 people from the waiting list in Categories 1 and 2. With the additional 1,600 activations in May, the current waiting list for Categories 1 and 2 has been eliminated. Clients seeking DVR services are automatically placed on the waiting list until they can be activated with an individualized work plan. Federal laws require that Category 1 clients, those with the most significant disabilities, be served first. "The elimination of the Category 1 and Category 2 waiting list would not have been possible without the efforts of the Strategic Task Force, the dedication of DVR staff and the interest and employment assistance of businesses across the state," said Tom Dixon, DVR Administrator. "DVR is working closely with companies to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities while at the same time helping employer’s seeking talented individuals to fill positions in their companies." DVR also recently held an inaugural luncheon to kick off the newly created Business Leadership Network or BLN, led by local employers, that engages the leadership and participation of companies to hire qualified job applicants with disabilities. The BLN program offers Wisconsin employers access to a pool of applicants with disabilities, disability employment information, and a network of companies sharing disability employment information. In addition, the BLN Resume Bank (located on the DVR web site) provides resumes posted geographically (in Dane, Dodge, Milwaukee, Sauk and Waukesha counties) or by occupation for employers to peruse at www.dwd.state.wi.us/dvr/BLN/candidates.htm "Today, thousands of people with disabilities are achieving independence and sustaining their self-sufficiency in the workforce with the help of DVR services," said DWD Secretary Jennifer Reinert. "We will continue to provide access to employment services in order for people with disabilities to actively participate in Wisconsin’s workforce." -30- | |||
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| Division of Administrative Services Content Contact: Teresa Weidemann-Smith |