Aurora/Douglas County DVR & DPN Collaboration Success Story 

The DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) Aurora office is working with the Disability Program Navigator (DPN) out of the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center to assist more individuals with disabilities and help them find or sustain employment.

The DPN refers clients to the DVR counselor that may be eligible for DVR services.

The DPN referred a client to DVR in April that needed some job seeking assistance and support in determining adequate employment with disability accommodations.

The individual lost their job a couple years ago and was struggling to find employment that met their goals and needs.

The A/D Works! DPN provided career counseling and spoke to the individual about accommodations, disclosure of a disability to an employer, how to find potential employers that are committed to DEI efforts, and how to explain gaps in a resume due to disability. After getting a grasp of the individual’s vocational needs, the DPN referred the client to DVR.

After the intake meeting and determining the individual eligible for DVR services, the counselor collaborated with the DPN to work with the individual on determining an employment goal that utilized the individual’s abilities and education and provided areas of professional growth for the individual.

The DPN suggested various workshops including interviewing, resume, LinkedIn, and workplace values that the individual attended in order to better prepare them in their job search.

The DVR counselor met with the individual monthly, providing counseling and guidance on struggles involving disability and finding a job that would meet the individual’s needs. The individual and counselor discussed where the individual could use additional support and how to handle their emotions in professional settings. The counselor connected the individual with a job developer who was able to work with them one on one on their resume, mock interviewing, and navigating potential jobs.

After several months of hard work, the individual was offered a job with the United States Postal Service and just completed the training process. The individual is excited to continue their professional growth with USPS.

Are you a person with a disability who wants to work, is looking for a job or needs help keeping your current job? If so, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is the right place for you! Get started with DVR at https://dvr.colorado.gov/job-seekers.

-Tracy Rushing, Supervisor I, Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation