The employment rate for individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin for the last three years have been at a record high. This success has caused increased demand for the services provided by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). DVR has seen its highest caseloads in 10 years along with increased costs for goods and services needed to assist their consumers to be successful. DVR is hosting a public hearing to discuss an anticipated shortfall of its state fiscal year 2026 budget. This monetary gap, driven by a lack of state funding allocated to DVR in the 2026 state fiscal year budget along with a steady increase in the number of consumers we serve each year, will require DVR to implement an Order of Selection for consumers who are in Category 1 and 2 and do not have an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) in place. Category 3 is currently on a waitlist. Existing consumers who currently have an approved IPE with DVR would not be affected. The purpose of this hearing is to address the matter to the public in greater detail and offer an opportunity for the public to ask questions with members of DVR.
• Opening comments (DVR staff)
• Public input
• Closing comments (DVR staff)
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Webinar number (access code): 2664 409 0623
Webinar password: DWD1 (3931 when dialing from a phone or video system)
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Individuals who would like to attend the virtual meeting, but do not have access to a computer or internet can contact DVR directly.
Interested parties may also provide comment on the proposed changes to DVR's policy related to waitlists via email at dvrpolicyanalysts@dwd.wisconsin.gov; by fax to 608-266-1133; or by calling (800)-442-3477. Comments sent via email or U.S. mail must be received before end of day, Nov. 13, at 4:30 p.m.
Written comments may be mailed to:
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Re: State Budget and Order of Service
P.O. Box 7852
Madison, WI 53707-7852
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.