Frequently Asked Questions: DVR's Order of Selection (OOS) / Waitlist

An Order of Selection, also referred to as a waitlist, is implemented when there are not enough resources to serve all individuals. The waitlist is used to prioritize and provide services to individuals with the most significant disabilities as resources become available.

DVR will continue to determine eligibility for DVR services for applications it receives. When an individual is found eligible and placed on the waitlist, they will receive a letter from DVR notifying them of their eligibility and category placement on the waitlist. This letter will include local employment resources and their appeal rights.

DVR classifies individuals applying for support into three different categories.

1. Category 1: People with the most significant disability limitations.
2. Category 2: People with significant disability limitations.
3. Category 3: All other eligible people.

An individual's category is based on how their disability affects their ability to achieve and maintain employment. DVR looks at seven areas to determine an individual's waitlist category:

• Mobility
• Communication
• Self-care
• Self-direction
• Interpersonal skills
• Work tolerance
• Work skills

Please review the waitlist category descriptions for more information.

DVR is required to serve individuals with the most significant disabilities first. DVR will move individuals off the waitlist as resources become available based on their category and the date they applied for services.

DVR will first serve all individuals in Category 1 of the waitlist. Then DVR will serve all individuals in Category 2. Finally, DVR will serve individuals in Category 3 until eventually all individuals on the waitlist are being served.

DVR will contact individuals as they come off the waitlist and may begin receiving services.

It is difficult to determine how long the waitlist will be in place. Opening categories is dependent on several things including: availability of funding, costs for consumer services, demand for consumer services, and closure of consumer case files that have an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) in place. DVR will strive to end the waitlist as soon as it can do so to effectively serve consumers.

An individual who is at immediate risk of losing their current job may be able to receive specific services to help them maintain that job. An individual in this situation should reach out to their local DVR office.

Yes, there are resources available to help individuals achieve employment goals.

The Job Center of Wisconsin is a free, online portal that connects job seekers with employment opportunities throughout Wisconsin. To gain full access to job search resources, individuals can visit their local Job Center. Job Center staff can connect individuals to local training programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and services to help individuals achieve their career goals.

Individuals can contact the Job Center of Wisconsin at (888) 258-9966 or send an email with any questions.

DVR will also provide resources to individuals when they are determined eligible and placed on the waitlist.

No, consumers with an approved IPE in place will not be impacted by the waitlist and will continue to receive services needed to achieve their IPE goal.

Pre-ETS services are provided to students with disabilities who are 21 years of age and younger.

A student may continue to receive Pre-ETS while on the waitlist if they received a documented Pre-ETS from DVR prior to their eligibility determination. This includes an individual who has received Pre-ETS as a potentially eligible student or as an applicant.

A student with an approved IPE will not be impacted.

DVR will continue to collaborate with state Department of Public Instruction and Department of Health Services; there will not be an impact to agreements with these agencies.

DVR will continue to follow its policies on service delivery and case closure.

No, DVR employees will continue to provide services to consumers.

There is not a time limit for how long a case can remain open. The length of a case is based on the consumer’s needs, services, and progress towards their employment goal. All cases are handled in accordance with DVR policies.

The only exceptions, are allowed by federal regulations, are as follows:

1. Individuals who are at immediate risk of losing their current job may be able to receive specific services to help them maintain that job. An individual in this situation should reach out to their local DVR office. (See FAQ number 6, above.)
2. A student may continue to receive Pre-ETS while in a waitlist, if they received a documented Pre-ETS from DVR prior to their eligibility determination. This includes an individual who has received Pre-ETS as a potentially eligible student or as an applicant.

DWD’s Worker’s Compensation Division handles Wisconsin’s worker’s compensation program. If you are placed on the DVR waitlist, you may still receive rehabilitation services from a private provider. To learn more, call 608-261-8472 and select option 4 to speak with a specialist about work injury vocational rehabilitation. DVR’s website also offers information for DVR consumers with worker’s compensation claims.