Public Hearing: Proposed Changes to DVR's Supported Self-Employment Policy

07/21/2026 10:00 AM - 07 /21/2026 10:30 AM

Virtual Online Meeting, Madison, WI- 53703

Agency: Department of Workforce Development

Contact: Alissa Braatz
262-335-5320
alissa.braatz@dwd.wisconsin.gov

The purpose of this public hearing is to review and discuss proposed changes to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation's (DVR) Supported Self-Employment Policy. Originally approved and published in 2012 as the Customized Self-Employment Policy, the policy provides guidance for DVR consumers pursuing self-employment as an employment outcome who need long-term supports. The revisions would update the policy for consumers who require long-term supports to start and maintain a small business. Proposed changes include: 

 

• The policy name would change from Customized Self-Employment to Supported Self-Employment to better reflect the individuals served through the policy. 
• Reduce the process from 11 steps to 9. 
• Align the fee schedule with the Self-Employment Start-Up Policy, including the $18,000 cap and tier structure. 
• Depending on projected start-up costs, consumers and their business planning teams would complete a Business Assessment Scale (BAS) and, when applicable, a formal feasibility study. 
• Formal feasibility studies would be completed by a business consultant rather than the business planning team.

 

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/233223901188640?p=acnDyqkKNcKf2Ja4c4 

Meeting ID: 233 223 901 188 640 

Passcode: 7Qu76Wq7 

 

Dial in by phone 

+1 608-571-2209, ,417694917# United States, Madison 

Agenda:

• Opening comments (DVR staff) – 3 minutes
• Review proposed policy changes – 10 minutes
• Public input – Up to 15 minutes
• Closing comments (DVR staff) – 2 minutes

To send comments:

Interested parties may also provide comments on the proposed changes to DVR's policy by email at dvrpolicyanalysts@dwd.wisconsin.gov; by fax to 608-266-1133; or by calling (800)-442-3477. Written comments submitted by email or U.S. mail must be received by 4:30 p.m. CT on July 21, 2026. 

Written comments may be mailed to: 

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Re: Change to Supported Self-Employment Policy Manual

P.O. Box 7852

Madison, WI 53707-7852

 

Contact information:

Questions or accommodation requests may be directed to Alissa Braatz at alissa.braatz@dwd.wisconsin.gov or by phone at (262) 335-5320. You can reach the DVR office toll free at (800) 442-3477. 

Americans with Disabilities Act Statement

DWD is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.  If you have a disability and need assistance with this information, please dial 7-1-1 for Wisconsin Relay Service. Please call (608) 266-8990 to request information in an alternate format, including translated to another language.