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  2. Vocational Rehabilitation
  3. Service Providers
  4. Announcements
  5. COVID-19 Response

DVR COVID-19 Response

Sent: Monday, November 16, 2020

Dear Service Provider,

Over the past few months, DVR has been researching the impacts of COVID-19 on our service delivery. While we continue our research, we would like to share some preliminary information with you:

Service Provider Staffing

DVR has received reports from several Workforce Development Areas and DVR service providers identifying existing and potential issues related to service provider staffing, layoffs, service reductions, and closures due to COVID-19. If you or your agency's ability to provide services has been impacted by COVID-19, please contact your local DVR Director or point of contact and notify DVR consumers who may have been impacted as a result of any changes to staffing, service delivery, etc.

DVR Referrals

DVR is experiencing a reduction in referrals and applications for DVR services. This reduction has impacted all DVR service providers across the state. Please assist us in connecting any interested consumers to DVR services.

Virtual Services and Alternate Service Options

DVR has launched Explore Work and continues to offer other virtual service options to keep consumers engaged.

For consumers in supported employment, the Partners with Business model may be a valuable option as it reduces the number of people in a workplace at the employing business's request.

Additional Efforts

As we continue to examine service delivery challenges, DVR staff have interviewed many stakeholders in all 11 WDAs and have consulted with a multi-agency workgroup to gain a better sense of the impacts of COVID-19.

To further assist with this initiative, the following steps will be taken by DVR:

  1. Survey DVR staff about the nature of DVR consumer case engagement numbers.
  2. Provide guidance and best practices to DVR staff regarding DVR services during COVID-19.
  3. Conduct outreach to DVR staff and service providers to discuss capacity and suggested strategies.
  4. Share DVR service information with partners.

More information will be provided in the coming weeks regarding DVR initiatives.

Thank you for your continued partnership. If you have any questions, please reach out to your local WDA.

Sincerely,

David Knuth
DVR Contract Specialist