Public Hearing Announcement
Contact: Lametta Isaacs , Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator, at lametta.isaacs@ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky (January 23, 2025): 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. 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 four (4) public hearings and a 30-day comment period to give 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 primary purpose of the hearings is to present and discuss proposed changes to the VR Services Portion of the 2024 Combined State Plan to implement an Order of Selection. This hearing will focus on the implications of 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 and engage in the discussion.
Members of the public may send written comments 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 January 27, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST and ends on February 27, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST.
You may access the draft policy changes under
Order of Selection. The information presented will be the same at each hearing. The hearing schedules with links for accessing the meetings are below.
Charles W. McDowell Center for the Blind
| Thursday, February 13, 2025 (Morning)
| 10:00AM - 11:00AM EST
| Hybrid via Zoom Link
OVR Public Hearing 1
|
Charles W. McDowell Center for the Blind
| Thursday, February 13, 2025 (Evening)
| 6:30PM - 7:30PM EST
| Hybrid via Zoom Link
OVR Public Hearing 2
|
Carl D. Perkins Training Center
| Tuesday, Februray 18, 2025 (Evening)
| 6:30PM - 7:30PM EST
| Hybrid via Zoom Link
OVR Public Hearing 3
|
Virtual Only
| Thursday, February 20, 2025 (Afternoon)
| 1:00PM - 2:00PM EST
| Virtual via Zoom Link
OVR Public Hearing 4
|
Sign language interpreting services will be provided at each hearing. If other accommodations are needed, please contact Lisa McKinney at
lisa.mckinney@ky.gov at least five (5) business days before the hearing.
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet’s Department of Workforce Development, assists Kentuckians with disabilities to 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.
Vlog for OVR Public Hearings for Order of Selection
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