Richmond, Virginia – Commissioner Rothrock of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) announced today that, effective December 15, 2009, DRS will open the final two categories under its Order of Selection policy. This means that all of the Order of Selection categories will be open, and DRS can now serve all new eligible clients and all clients on its waiting list. DRS is able to take this step due to funds from the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Funds) and successful stewardship of its other vocational rehabilitation (VR) appropriations.
Individuals with disabilities still on the VR waiting list will be notified that they may be served and asked to schedule an appointment with their VR counselor if they still need VR services to become or stay employed. In addition, all new applicants who meet our VR eligibility criteria will be served, regardless of the severity of their disability.
Currently, DRS has over 18,000 open cases, and it will be necessary to continue closely monitoring its fiscal situation. How long DRS can keep all Order of Selection categories open is very dependent on the number of clients served and their service costs. When Recovery Funds are exhausted within this fiscal year, DRS will revert to its regular VR funds. Its ability, however, to now serve all eligible individuals needing its assistance to become employed and live more independently is an exciting development.
For more information, contact the local DRS Community Office, http://www.drs.virginia.gov/offices.aspx, or the Central Office at:
Department of Rehabilitative Services
Street Location: 8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, VA 23229
Voice: 804-662-7000
Fax: 804-662-9532
Toll Free Voice/TTY: 800-552-5019
E-mail: drs@drs.virginia.gov
