Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
The Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep work. It pays for approved employment services, including help understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Once registered, you can choose ACO in Milwaukee for job placement and coaching at no cost to you.
DVR: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation • SSI: Supplemental Security Income • SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance
What DVR Is
DVR is a state program inside the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. If a disability makes it hard for you to get a job, stay in a job, or move up in your career, DVR can assign you a counselor and fund the supports you need to reach an employment goal you choose.
DVR does not place you into a job itself. It authorizes community providers — like ACO — to do the job development, placement, and coaching. You get to pick which provider you work with, and you can ask for ACO by name.
How to Get Started with DVR
1. Apply with DVR
Complete the online referral form at dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr/referral, or call your local DVR office. DVR serves people whose disability makes it hard to find, keep, or advance in work.
2. Meet your DVR counselor
Your counselor reviews your work history, disability documentation, and goals to determine eligibility — usually within 60 days of applying.
3. Write your employment plan
Together you write an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that names your job goal and the services DVR will pay for to get you there.
4. Choose ACO as your provider
Tell your counselor you want Accessible Career Options. DVR authorizes our services and we begin job development, placement, and coaching at no cost to you.
What DVR Can Pay for
- Career and vocational counseling
- Job development and placement through providers like ACO
- Job coaching and on-the-job supports
- Resume, application, and interview preparation
- Assistive technology and workplace accommodations
- Training, certifications, and work-based learning
- Transportation assistance tied to your employment plan
- Benefits counseling so you understand how work affects SSI or SSDI
Not working with DVR? You can still work with ACO through private pay or the Ticket to Work program if you receive SSI or SSDI.
Contact Wisconsin DVR
Office details come from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Please confirm hours and location at dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr before visiting.
Already Registered with Dvr?
Ask your counselor to authorize Accessible Career Options, then reach out and we will get your job search moving.