Public Hearing Announcement on Priority Categories - June 3, 2025
Contact: Susie Edwards, Deputy Executive Director, at SusieM.Edwards@ky.gov.
FRANKFORT, Ky (May 21, 2025): The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has updated the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the 2024-2027 Combined State Plan to implement an Order of Selection. An Order of Selection is a tool defined within the Rehabilitation Act for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs to manage the consumer caseload when there is insufficient funding. OVR has scheduled two public hearings and a 20-day comment period to give stakeholders in the VR community and members of the public the opportunity to provide input and comment on the updated proposed policy changes affecting VR services.
The primary purpose of the hearings is to present updated information regarding the definitions of OVR priority categories. The U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) recently identified duplicative language in the priority category definitions for Priority Category 1 and Priority Category 2 that affects the original proposed state plan amendment. These definitions were approved by RSA; however, during this recent amendment submission, RSA identified an issue with the definitions. Given the identification of the duplicative language and the guidance received, OVR is required to propose new priority categories and definitions for RSA approval. Subsequently, OVR will also be required to address the RSA approved changes to the definitions through the regulatory process, which will allow additional public input. The hearings on June 3 will focus on the reason for these changes and provide clarity on how they will enhance OVR’s commitment to serving individuals with disabilities. Stakeholders in the VR community and members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Written comments should be sent via e-mail to OVRPublicComment@KY.gov or by mail to the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Public Hearing Comment, 500 Mero Street, 4th Floor., Frankfort, KY 40601. The public comment period begins on May 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM EDT and ends on June 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM EDT.
You may access the draft policy changes from the Vocational Rehabilitation website under the heading “Order of Selection.” The information presented will be the same at each hearing. The hearing schedules with links for accessing the meetings are below.
Sign language interpreting services and CART services will be provided during each virtual hearing.
An agency of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet's Department of Workforce Development, OVR assists Kentuckians with disabilities achieve gainful employment and independence. For more information about OVR services, call the office toll free at 1-800-372-7172 or visit KCC.ky.gov.
The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16 and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department of Workforce Development. For more information about our programs, visit elc.ky.gov.
Order of Selection
Effective Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (KYOVR) will implement Order of Selection (OOS) and temporarily close all four priority categories. The letter of implementation as well as other resources are available on the KYOVR Order of Selection webpage.
Coming Soon--New Case Management System for the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
In the coming months, the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation will transition to a new case management system. This new, more modern system will create greater efficiencies in services when full implementation is completed. To prepare for this transition, OVR agency staff will be working diligently to get case files in the current system ready for transfer to the new system. Staff also will undergo intensive training required for the new system. All these items will temporarily impact staff schedules and may increase the wait time for appointments or require rescheduling of existing appointments. OVR appreciates your patience during this hectic time of transition to the new case management system and will do all it can to minimize its impact on our services.
Vision
All Kentuckians with disabilities have an opportunity to be an essential part of Kentucky's workforce and their communities.
Mission
To empower Kentuckians with disabilities to maximize independence and economic security through competitive, integrated employment.
Core Values
OVR recognizes and respects the talents and contributions of all individuals as a vital part of a productive society. Therefore, OVR values:
- The rights, merit, and dignity of all persons with disabilities;
- Independence for Kentuckians with disabilities;
- Diversity, inclusion, and belonging;
- Competitive, integrated employment;
- Career advancement and economic security; and
- Collaborative efforts and partnerships.
Goals
As indicated in the Strategic Plan.
OVR State Plan
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation State Plan 2024-2027
Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment Report
2023 Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) Report
Written Notice of Beneficiary Protections (18 F)
Recently, the U.S. Department of Education notified OVR that we are now required to provide individuals who may receive OVR services a copy of this notice related to religious activities. Please click on the link below to view the “Written Notice of Beneficiary Protections (18 F),” which outlines certain religious non-discrimination protections.
Written Notice of Beneficiary Protections (18 F)
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Contact us
Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Central Office
Mayo-Underwood Building
500 Mero Street 4th Floor NE
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-4440
800-372-7172 (V/TTY) More Information
Additional Information