Overview
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is Washington State’s primary employment-focused agency for people with disabilities. A part of DSHS, DVR has operated for more than 80 years and works with individuals whose physical, mental, or developmental disability creates a significant barrier to finding or keeping meaningful employment. CAA is a DVR-approved provider, and many of the people CAA serves are connected to Employment Services, Student Services, and Community Inclusion through a DVR referral.
⚠️ Important Current Notice
As of December 8, 2025, DVR has implemented an Order of Selection and placed all priority service categories on a waiting list. This means individuals determined eligible for DVR services will be placed on a waitlist rather than immediately receiving services. DVR re-evaluates capacity regularly. Applying early still matters, your application date determines your position when the waitlist opens.
Who It’s For
Individuals of any age with a disability, physical, mental, or developmental, who want to work and whose disability creates a substantial barrier to employment. DVR also has robust Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students with disabilities, which can be accessed before completing a full DVR application.
What They Offer
Services are individualized based on each person’s needs and may include:
- Vocational counseling and guidance – A 1:1 relationship with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who helps review assessment information, explain the VR process, and support progress throughout
- Assessment services – Identifying strengths, capabilities, work skills, and interests
- Benefits planning – Understanding how employment will affect SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid
- Training and education – Learning work skills and gaining qualifications for a chosen field
- Job-related services – Resume assistance, interview prep, job placement, and on-site job coaching
- Assistive technology – Equipment and technology to accommodate workplace needs
- Specialized services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals
- Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) – For students with disabilities, including job exploration, workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and work-based learning experiences; students do NOT need to complete a DVR application to access Pre-ETS
Eligibility
You are eligible for DVR services if you:
- Have a physical or mental disability that is a substantial barrier to employment
- Require vocational rehabilitation services to get or keep a job
DVR uses a five-category priority system based on significance of disability. As of December 2025, all categories are on a waiting list, but applying now establishes your date, which determines when services begin as capacity opens.
How to Get Started
- Contact DVR to begin an application — you can apply in person, by phone, or online
- A counselor will review your situation and determine your priority category
- Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll be notified of your waitlist position
- For students: ask about Pre-ETS, which doesn’t require a full application and is still available even while the waitlist is in effect
DVR Website | How to Get Started | Order of Selection Information | Contact CAA Employment Services
