The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Guide for people with disabilities on services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
This resource is meant to be a general guide for people with disabilities and is not legal advice. For legal advice specific to your situation, please talk to an attorney.
What is the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)?
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a program that helps people with disabilities get a job, keep a job, or get a better job. DVR can provide services to address disability-related barriers to employment and help you work toward a job that matches your skills and abilities.
How can I find out if I’m eligible for DVR services?
You may be eligible for DVR services if you have a disability that creates barriers to getting or keeping a job. You or your parent or guardian can apply for services starting at age 14.
You can help DVR determine your eligibility by providing information about your disability. Examples of documents DVR may accept include:
Medical records
Letters from your doctor that include your diagnosis
Social Security Administration (SSA) benefit verification letters
Award letters
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
DVR may ask you to sign a release form so they can obtain medical records. If you do not have complete or current information about your disability, you can ask DVR to pay for an evaluation.
How long does it take to find out if I’m eligible for services?
DVR generally has 60 days to determine whether you are eligible for services. Sometimes more time may be needed, such as when DVR needs additional medical information or an evaluation has not been completed. If more time is needed, DVR should contact you to discuss extending the timeline so additional information can be gathered.
DVR will send you a letter telling you whether you have been found eligible for services.
If I’m eligible for DVR services, what happens next?
Once DVR determines that you are eligible for services, the next step is developing your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE is a person-centered plan that identifies your employment goal and the services you may need to reach that goal.
Learn about the Eligibility and Plan Development Process on the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website.
What is the Order of Selection?
As of December 2, 2025, DVR is using an Order of Selection (OoS). The Order of Selection affects when eligible individuals can begin receiving certain DVR services. This means there may be a wait between being found eligible for DVR and beginning services.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development provides Frequently Asked Questions about the Order of Selection with additional information about how the process works.
Funding Disclaimer
The contents of this publication were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document.
The contents of this guide may contain examples, adaptations, and links to resources created and maintained by other public or private organizations. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information.
The content of this guide does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of, or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by, any federal agency.
