More About Us
Each year, the Division of Vocatonal Rehabilitation (DVR) helps hundreds of Alaskans with disabilities prepare for, get and keep good jobs. It is part of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and provides services throughout Alaska.
Mission and Policy
Planning and Reports
- DVR Strategic Plan 2024-2027 [PDF] - Word Version
DVR's strategic plan is a major component in the on-going program evaluation and planning for the division. - Alaska Employment First Annual Progress Report FY2023 [PDF]
This report's purpose is to promote and assist with implementing effective policies and activities to improve the employment rates and conditions of individuals with disabilities in Alaska. - Comprehensive Needs Assessment 2023 [PDF]
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation conducts this needs assessment jointly with the State Rehabilitation Council every three years. The results of the CSNA are used to develop goals, priorities, strategies and actions for both DVR’s Strategic and State Plans. - 2022 Model State Plan for VR Services for Deaf People (MSP)
This document provides a deep dive into how to provide meaningful services for deaf people and to improve employment outcomes for this population. It contains a high-level summary of critical issues and action items for VR leadership as well as content for training and professional development for VR professionals.
By 2021, the MSP had not been updated in many years and had become antiquated and obsolete. Alaska DVR took a lead role in rewriting it based on modern best practices and worked with the Deaf Professional Network and the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation. - Current Alaska Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined Plan [PDF]
Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, states were required to submit, to both the U.S. Secretaries of Labor and Education, a four year Unified or Combined State Plan. The Alaska Department of Labor decided, by inclusion of other programs, to develop and submit a Combined State Plan. This plan includes the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s plan for the four years, from 2020-2023. The VR portion of the Combined Plan was reviewed by the Statewide Vocational Rehabilitation Committee (SVRC) and the Alaska Combined State Plan was posted for public comment.
Programs We Administer
- Assistive Technology Program
This program improves access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) for Alaskans with disabilities of all ages. The majority is funded by a federal grant from the AT Act. - Business Enterprise Program
This program provides employment opportunities to people who experience blindness and other severe disabilities by establishing businesses such as food service, gift shops and vending machines, which these individuals manage. - Disability
Determination Services
Disability Determination Services (DDS) is contracted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to adjudicate medical eligibility for disability benefits. - Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training (MASST)
This program places unemployed, low-income Alaskans who are 55 years old or older in community service positions and provides them job training to help them become self-sufficient. - Vocational Rehabilitation Program
This program provides individiualized services to help Alaskans with disabilities prepare for, get and keep good jobs.
Laws and Regulations
- The Rehabilitation Act
Federal legislation that, among other things, authorizes the formula grant programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, independent living, and client assistance. - 34 Code of Federal Regulations 361
Regulations governing the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program.
Partnerships
Service Providers and Agencies
- Alaska Job Center Network
- Assistive Technology of Alaska
- Client Assistance Program
- Department of Education and Early Development
