Vocational Rehabilitation moves to an Order of Selection

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS) helps Oregonians with disabilities obtain, maintain and regain jobs in the competitive labor market. Last year, OVRS helped over 17,600 Oregonians.

However, OVRS no longer has the resources to provide services to every Oregonian with disabilities who seeks work. Available state and federal funds for rehabilitation services have not kept pace with rising costs and continuing demand.

When a public rehabilitation program like OVRS cannot serve all eligible individuals, federal law requires they create a wait list and prioritize services to clients based on the severity of disability: those with the most significant disabilities are served first. This is called an “Order of Selection.” Currently, 45 of the 80 public vocational rehabilitation programs in the U.S. are operating under an Order of Selection.

OVRS intends to establish an Order of Selection, beginning 
January 15, 2009.

Additional information about the order and proposed changes to OVRS’ State Plan is available online at www.oregon.gov/DHS/vr, or by contacting OVRS Administration at500 Summer Street NE, E-87, Salem, OR, 97301, 1-877-277-0513 (tollfree); 1-866-801-0130 (TTY).