The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) under the State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services provides services to Hawai‘i community members who experience barriers to employment due to a physical or cognitive disability. Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to assist job seekers with disabilities as they prepare, secure and retain competitive employment in an integrated work setting.
✦ Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) — Provides a high level of professional vocational counseling and guidance to assist individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining integrated employment. Additionally, VR connects with employers, connecting them to job-ready, qualified applicants while offering training and information on disability issues and accommodations in the workplace.
✦ Transition Services — Provides services to students and youth with disabilities who are transitioning from high school to employment. Ongoing collaboration with the Department of Education is essential to the success of various transition programs and helping participants to develop self-advocacy skills.
✦ Ho‘opono Services for the Blind — Provides support and resources through various services designed to boost participants’ functional independence, productivity and integration. Ho‘opono teaches important skills such as cane travel, braille literacy, home management and utilizing adaptive equipment. Ho’opono services are offered to beneficiaries who fall into several categories, including older individuals who are blind, those at Low Vision Clinic plus people who participate in the Summer Employment Program. Hawai’i Business Enterprise Program Disabilities Determination Services makes medical determinations on disability claims and communicates with applicants as to whether they meet requirements for Social Security benefits.
✦ Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Services — Provides advanced communication technology and career counseling for participants who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. DVR has a designated section to meet the needs of persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Counselors in this section are fluent in American Sign Language, a critical component in providing culturally sensitive communication and collaborating services.
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Hawai‘i Department of Human Services
DHS provides multigenerational support for individuals who experience barriers to employment due to a physical or cognitive disability.
808-586-5269 | gabe@dhs.hawaii.gov
humanservices.hawaii.gov/vr/
humanservices.hawaii.gov
