Public Announcement - Policy Changes
PUBLIC HEARING ANNOUNCEMENT
Contact: Lametta Isaacs, Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator, at lametta.isaacs@ky.gov.
FRANKFORT, Ky (April 7, 2025): The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has updated its drafted proposed changes to 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 10-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 closure of all 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 in 2018; 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 will be closing all categories. OVR will address the necessary changes to the definitions through the regulatory process, which allows public input. The agency will work expeditiously to address concerns with the definition and open categories as funding allows and updated regulations are approved. The hearings 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 April 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM EDT and ends on April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM EDT.
You may access the draft policy changes from the Vocational Rehabilitation - Kentucky Career Center on our 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.
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet’s Department of Workforce Development, assists Kentuckians with disabilities achieve gainful employment and independence. For more information about services, call the office toll free at 1-800-372-7172 or 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
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has drafted proposed changes to the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the 2024-2027 Combined State Plan to implement an Order of Selection (OOS). An OOS is a process defined within the Rehabilitation Act to follow when an agency has determined there are not enough available resources to serve all individuals with disabilities in the state. By this process, individuals with the most significant disabilities are given priority over those with less significant disabilities. The OVR’s implementation of OOS is governed by 782 KAR 1:030(3).
OVR has completed four (4) public hearings, and a 30-day comment period which gave stakeholders in the VR community and members of the public the opportunity to provide input and comment on the proposed policy changes affecting VR Services.
The following links provide access to the proposed changes to VR services and the presentation used for the public hearing:
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)
Need more help?
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