The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services

Opening opportunities for employment and community living for Virginians with disabilities

 

More news from DRS
President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities

DRS congratulates Jack Brandt, the Disability Policy Specialist for the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University, on his appointment to the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. The committee’s mission is to provide guidance to the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on a broad range of topics that impact people with intellectual disabilities and the field of intellectual disabilities. Mr. Brandt serves on the Virginia Community Integration Advisory Commission and the Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council.

DRS lauds employers for championing disability employment

DRS congratulates the winners of the agency’s annual “Disability Employment Champions” awards. These statewide awards honor six individuals and organizations whose outstanding business and employment practices encourage all Virginians to contribute their skills, ideas and talents to the workforce. Learn more about the 2011 honorees.

Preparing for Emergencies – Information for People with Disabilities

If you or someone close to you has a disability and other access and functional needs, you may have to take additional steps in an emergency. It is important to recognize special needs and make advance preparation before an emergency occurs. To learn more, download the Emergency Preparation PDF File or the Emergency Preparation Text-Only Word File.

Gov. McDonnell announces government reform initiatives for 2012 legislative session

Among the initiatives proposed by Gov. McDonnell’s Government Reorganization Plan are plans to merge the Department of Rehabilitative Services with the Department for the Aging and the Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. More information on the proposal is online. Visit the Government Reform & Restructuring Commission website at reform.virginia.gov. 

Virginia’s Blueprint for Livable Communities

The goal of this initiative is to bring together area leaders to focus on accessible and affordable transportation, housing, and wrap-around support services to help Virginians — of all ages and abilities — live integrated lives in their communities. Find out more.

A Message from the Commissioner

Due to fiscal constraints, on March 1 DRS closed all client categories under its vocational rehabilitation program’s Order of Selection. Learn more about the closing and its impact in this letter from Commissioner Jim Rothrock.