In November of 2000, Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation entered the Order of Selection and with it came a protracted waiting list for services that challenged customers and staff alike. The Rehabilitation Act, the federal law which establishes public vocational rehabilitation programs, dictates that when a VR program has a greater number of eligible customers than resources that it prioritizes its limited resources first for the customers who meet a definition of those with the "most significant disabilities," followed by those with "significant disabilities," and then those with "disabilities." States are left to develop the definitions for who meets those criteria. Washington State's general DVR program established the most rigid definition of "most significant disabilities." Their waiting list blossomed to more than fifteen thousand people in 2005. Washington was in the unenviable position of having the longest waiting list for services in the nation. The long waits took a heavy toll on the relationships of the Division to the Disability Community and to key partners such as community rehabilitation programs, schools, and other workforce development partners. Technically, Washington's general VR program will not be finished with the Order of Selection until it operates without a waiting list for one year and receives formal permission from the Rehabilitation Services Administration to move out of that designation.
During the week of February 10th, 2007, there will no longer be a waiting list for DVR services. This accomplishment can be attributed to DVR staff at every level and office across our state from the Rehabilitation Techs to Counselors, Unit Managers, and Senior Management Team. Our Council members commend DVR for their aggressive effort to address the dynamics leading to a waiting list. Most of all, we recognize the incredible hardship faced by those enduring the wait who believed they could go to work with appropriate supports and services. Making it possible for people to get services without waiting is central to customer service.
DVR's ability to address the waiting list is just one of several indications that the organization is operating in a more sustainable manner. Still, now more than ever, our Council and the Division cannot afford to take gains for granted. The Council's role in tracking trends within the organization becomes even more important after the waiting list. We are counting on customers and other stakeholders to share their on-the-ground observations with us.
