Order of Selection and Wait List FAQs
What is Order of Selection?
Rhode Island VR must provide a full range of vocational rehabilitation services, as appropriate, to all eligible individuals who apply. In the event these services cannot be provided to all eligible individuals, in this case due to limited funding, the agency must implement an Order of Selection Policy. Under Order of Selection, priority will be determined during the eligibility process based on how significantly your disability impacts your ability to work. Individuals with the most significant disabilities are selected first to receive vocational rehabilitation services.
What are the Priority Groups?
Clients are served in the following order as funding allows:
• Priority Group 1- Individuals with the most significant disabilities
• Priority Group 2- Individuals with significant disabilities
• Priority Group 3- All other eligible individuals
Individuals within each group are served in order of application date. Currently, Priority Groups 1, 2 and 3 are currently closed. Individuals in these groups will be put on a waiting list and will be served if and when sufficient funds become available.
What is the Criteria for each Priority Group?
Priority Group 1 – Eligible individuals with the most significant disabilities- An eligible individual with severe physical or mental impairments resulting in a serious limitation of four or more functional areas and who require multiple services over an extended period of time. (6 months or more) Persons in Priority Group 1 are selected for services before all other eligible persons.
Priority Group 2 – Eligible individuals with significant disabilities -An eligible individual with severe physical or mental impairments resulting in a serious limitation of two to three functional areas and who require multiple services over an extended period of time. (6 months or more) Individuals who receive SSDI or SSI automatically qualify for priority group 2 and are assessed to determine whether they qualify for priority group 1.
Priority Group 3 – Eligible individuals with non-significant disabilities. This group includes all other eligible individuals who have a limitation in one of the seven functional areas. and who require multiple services over an extended period of time. (6 months or more)
How does Rhode Island VR determine my significance of disability and Priority Group?
Significance of disability and Priority Group are determined after reviewing your medical records, assessment reports, and determining your ability to complete work related tasks. These work-related tasks are categorized into 7 functional capacity areas:
• Communication
• Mobility
• Self-direction
• Work tolerance
• Interpersonal skills
• Self-care
• Work skills
How will I know what Priority Group I am assigned to and if I can start receiving services?
Your counselor will meet with you to discuss your assignment to a Priority Group and provide Information and Referral for other programs who may be able to assist you while you are on the waitlist. If you are placed on a wait list, as soon as we are able to serve you, you will be contacted by your counselor. You will also be contacted every six months to determine if your situation has changed and you have additional information, and you will be asked if you would like to remain on the waiting list.
Additionally, you may contact your counselor at any time if you would like to know where you are on the waiting list, and if there is an estimated time frame as to when your name may be reached on the list. We do not anticipate opening anyone on the waitlist for Category I until at least October 1st, but this is subject to change based on funding.
Your priority assignment can be re-evaluated any time that new or additional information becomes available which affects your functional areas.
Are you currently taking people off the wait list,
and if so, how many?
ORS took twenty-five individuals off the Category 1 wait list on November 1, 2018, with the intent of taking twenty-five additional individuals off on the first of each month. This monthly number may be increased or decreased based on the available funding and fiscal forecasting as we move forward. I would like to thank all the ORS staff as well as our community partners for your patience and understanding during this transitional period.
Do I have the right to an appeal?
Yes. You have the right to appeal the group assignment through informal or formal review, as well as through the Client Assistance Program (CAP).
How might I obtain assistance in achieving my employment goals if I am assigned to a closed Priority Group?
You will also be referred to other agencies and partners in the Workforce System like an Independent Living Center, the American Job Center or other community resources.
Am I automatically served if I am on SSI or SSDI?
No. However, a person who receives SSI or SSDI based on their own disability will be assigned Priority Group 2, and may qualify for a higher Priority Group based on the number of functional capacity limitations.
What happens if I am currently employed but could potentially lose
my job if not provided specific services or equipment?
ORS will not continue to implement the option of serving individuals with a disability who otherwise would not meet the OOS priority category for services, who are currently employed and at risk of job loss due their disability, and who could benefit from VR services to maintain employment, when all Priority Categories are closed.
What happens if I am already receiving employment services from Rhode Island VR?
There will be no disruption in services for individuals, regardless of priority assignment, who have an approved Individualized Plan for Employment in place when the Order of Selection takes effect.
How does this affect high school students?
For students with disabilities, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)are made available statewide. These services include:
• job exploration counseling
• work-based learning experiences
• counseling on opportunities for enrollment in post-secondary education
• workplace readiness training
• instruction in self-advocacy
Students who apply and are determined eligible for individualized VR services, but placed in a closed priority group, may continue to receive pre-employment transition services as long as those activities were started prior to being placed in a closed priority group.
For more information on Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), please click here:
