A Beginner’s Guide to DVR and DVI

Marvin Williams, AT Specialist, Kent County ATRC

Often, one of the hardest things in dealing with a disability, or any life change, is finding out just where to go to get the help that will make a difference. The goal of this article is to help people figure out how to get assistance from DVR and DVI.

Let's start with DVR. DVR stands for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. It is a division of the DE Department of Labor. DVR provides services or goods that are required to assist people with disabilities in finding or keeping a job. Services include job counseling and guidance, physical assessments, interpreter services, assistive technology, etc. Each DVR referral is assigned a vocational rehabilitation counselor who makes the determination of eligibility. An individual is eligible for DVR services if s/he has a physical or mental impairment, and 1) the impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment, 2) s/he can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from vocational rehab services, and 3) s/he requires vocational rehab services to prepare for, secure, or regain employment. After eligibility is established, the VR counselor helps the client through the process of finding or keeping a job.

How do I sign up? The first step is to contact the capable folks at DVR.

• Wilmington Central Office (302) 761-8275
• Wilmington VRS (302) 761-8300
• New Castle VRS (302) 326-8930
• Newark VRS (302) 368-6980
• Middletown VRS (302) 378-5779
• Dover VRS (302) 739-5478
• Georgetown VRS (302) 856-5730

For additional information, visit www.delawareworks.com/dvr.

Next we have DVI. DVI stands for the Division for the Visually Impaired. It is a division of Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS), and is a state-run program. Contrary to common belief, DVI is not affiliated with DVR. The agencies are indeed separate entities that operate distinctive services. While DVR deals with individuals with many different disabilities, DVI specializes in helping individuals with visual impairments. As stated on their Website, www.state.de.us/dhss/dvi, the main eligibility criterion for DVI services is, "…established by an individual's visual acuity as determined by their doctor and supplied by a signed doctor's report." This report is the keystone to enrollment. Thus, it is important for an individual who is applying for services to have seen a doctor within the past six months to one year. This will make it easier to get a complete and accurate report from the doctor. For more information about DVI and enrollment, contact their office in New Castle at (302) 255-9800 or dhssinfo@state.de.us.

Some helpful tips may make the registration process for either agency easier.

• First, make sure to see a physician and any specialists no more than six months to one year before registering.
• Second, keep a journal of all the phone calls to DVR or DVI and anyone else who is contacted in the process. Keep track of the time, date, and highlights of each phone call. Note the telephone number called, as well as the names of everyone with whom you spoke. Also, jot down questions that always seem to creep up when there is no one around who is able to answer them.
• The third and maybe most important thing to remember is that the people representing the agency via the telephone are people. Try to extend to them the same respect and courtesy that you would like to receive.
• My fourth tip is make sure to provide the agency with complete and correct contact information, including your daytime telephone number and mailing address.
• My fifth tip is to make sure the agency is aware of any accommodations that may be needed in order for you to read and complete information and forms as well as keep an appointment. Make sure the need for accommodation is stated at the beginning of your interaction.

If you have further questions regarding enrolling in either DVI or DVR, please direct them to the appropriate agency.