Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Florida
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is administered by the Florida Department of Education.
The basic definition of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is: VR is a federal-state program that works with people who have physical or mental disabilities to prepare for, gain or retain employment. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.
Mission Statement
To provide services to eligible individuals with physical and/or mental impairments that will
enable an individual to achieve an employment goal and/or enhance their independence.
Vision
The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provides the services that are required for
eligible customers to achieve an employment goal, with priority placed on serving the customers
with the most significant disabilities. Employers throughout Florida recognize the value of including
individuals with disabilities in the workforce and provide equal opportunity for individuals with
disabilities in meeting the demand for a well trained and skilled workforce.
Who does DVR serve?
The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) program is committed to helping individuals with disabilities become part of America’s workforce. In 2008, VR helped more than 12,458 Floridians find or keep jobs. Employment outcomes have increased by 33% over the past three years. The growing demand for services has been met during the time of rapid caseload growth, but now DVR is facing the reality that the growing demand cannot be met with the available financial resources. Effective August 4, 2008, DVR invoked an Order of Selection plan, consistent with the federal Rehabilitation Act. This is necessary for DVR to operate within the available financial resources provided by the federal & state government.
DVR has several programs available, to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. They are as follows:
General VR Program
An employment program assisting individuals with disabilities, including Floridians with
the most severe disabilities, to pursue meaningful careers commensurate with their abilities
and capabilities.
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services Technology (FAAST)
FAAST envisions a seamless supportive partnership between Florida business
and government to provide assistive technology products and services which will enable
persons with disabilities to participate in independent living, education, work and recreation
from birth to death.
Independent Living Program
This program provides services through a statewide network of private non-profit,
non-residential, locally based and consumer controlled Centers for Independent Living.
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program
The purpose of this program is to fund projects that demonstrate and provide
vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities who are migrant or seasonal
farm workers, and to the family members who are residing with such individuals, including
maintenance and transportation of such individuals and members of their families.
Bureau of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Services for Injured Workers
The Bureau of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Services (BRRS) is a program within the Division
of Vocational Rehabilitation that provides injured workers with the necessary reemployment
services to help them return to suitable gainful employment.
Adults with Disabilities Grant Program
The goal of the Adults with Disabilities Grant is to provide school districts and community colleges
funding that enables adults with disabilities and senior citizens the opportunity for enhancement
of skills that is consistent with their abilities and needs.
Primary Source: http://www.rehabworks.org,
By MaryEllen Smith Tavares
