Friday, July 6, 2001
Governor
Scott McCallum
Secretary
Jennifer Reinert |
News Media Contact
Teresa Weidemann-Smith
608/266-3999
e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us
fax: 608/266-1784 | DVR ELIMINATES CURRENT WAITING LIST
FOR SIGNIFICANTLY AND MODERATELY DISABLED
Since January, more than 8,100 clients removed from waiting list MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Jennifer Reinert announced today that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) activated another 2,000 people with disabilities from the waiting list for services. Upon activation of these individuals, DVR eliminated the current waiting list for Category 1, people with the most significant disabilities, and Category 2, those with moderate disabilities. "DWD and the vocational rehabilitation staff have diligently worked to open up more assistance opportunities for more people with disabilities," said Secretary Reinert. "Not only does DVR provide valuable services, but DVR also helps businesses by providing highly trained and educated employees for available employment opportunities in the state." In the first half of 2001, the department activated more than 6,100 people with disabilities from the waiting list in Categories 1 and 2. With the 2,000 additional activations, the current waiting list for Categories 1 and 2 has been eliminated, leaving approximately 1,200 on the waiting list in Category 3, those with the least significant disabilities. People seeking DVR services are automatically placed on the waiting list until they can be activated with an individualized work plan. Federal laws require that those in Category 1, be served first before activating people in Category 2 and Category 3. DVR also continues to work closely with the Business Leadership Network and companies within Wisconsin 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. "Today, DVR services assist nearly 20,000 people with disabilities in achieving their independence and sustaining their self-sufficiency in the workforce in Wisconsin," said Reinert. -30- News Release Index Page
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