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We help Alaskans with disabilities get and keep good jobs

Duane Mayes, Director

Each year, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps hundreds of Alaskans with disabilities prepare for, get and keep good jobs. If you want to work or keep working and have a physical, intellectual or mental condition that makes this hard, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services.

Check out DVR on Facebook for all things disability related and sign up for bi-annual updates on our initiatives.

DVR Orientation Video

Updates

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Work Matters Task Force Report this report contains twenty-two recommendations to expand and improve employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Transition Tools for Teachers, Parents and Students

Guidance and forms on how to refer a student to DVR, JOBZ Club, Summer Work Programs and other Transition program materials as well as an orientation video on how we serve students with disabilities.

More Services

Disability Resources

  • Client Assistance Program (CAP)
    CAP can help if you have questions or problems when applying for or receiving services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. CAP is run by the Disability Law Center of Alaska.
  • State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee
    Governor-appointed volunteers from across Alaska who work with DVR to ensure quality services and provide input on implementing the Assistive Technology Act in Alaska.
  • Alaska Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
    Contact information for Alaska's Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Programs, listed on the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation website.
  • Disability Determination Services
    Disability Determination Services (DDS) is contracted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to adjudicate medical eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income rules and regulations.
  • Procurement Preference List and Guidelines and FAQ
    Information on disability related preferences in the State of Alaska's competitive solicitations and small procurement processes.
  • Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work Program
    The Ticket to Work program is a free, voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid.