Vocational rehabilitation training that helps people get back to work
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job, and it can pay for career training. Digital Workshop Center has worked with VR counselors since 2006, including clients who are starting with no tech skills at all. See how VR works, the training path many clients follow, and download the free DVR guide.
- Training careers nationwide since 2006
- Every client starts with a Situational Assessment
Working with VR since 2006
How DWC works with VR counselors
Since 2006, Digital Workshop Center has partnered with VR counselors to build training around each client’s goals, pace, and accommodations. The goal is the same as yours: helping your client get back to work with skills employers need. Every plan follows the same five steps.
Step 1: Referral
A VR counselor sends the client referral form, or the client contacts DWC directly.
Step 2: Situational Assessment
A 2-hour, one-on-one appointment covering career goals, work history, computer skills, and accommodations.
Step 3: Report and training plan
A written report with training recommendations, plus an education plan with dates and costs.
Step 4: Training with accommodations
Live online instruction at the client's pace, with progress updates to the counselor.
Step 5: Certificate and job search
A professional certificate issued by DWC, plus career coaching for the job search.
One point of contact
One admissions advisor works with you and your client from the first call through graduation, even when the plan includes more than one program.
Progress you can see
You get the Situational Assessment report, an education plan with dates and costs, progress updates during training, and a copy of the certificate.
Billing your agency expects
DWC invoices your agency directly against the authorization you send, and registration is set up so the agency is the payer.
Where many clients start
Blueprint: computer training for clients with no tech skills
The Blueprint Basic Digital Literacy Certificate is one-on-one computer classes for adults who are new to computers, from people moving out of hands-on work to people returning to work after time away. It is private, one-on-one training with a live instructor, so the pace, repetition, session length, and teaching approach adjust to each client.
Blueprint is 48 hours, usually two 2-hour sessions a week for about 12 weeks. It starts with the Situational Assessment, and accommodation needs discussed there are shared with the instructor before the first session.
Who Blueprint is for
Built for people starting from zero
From the absolute beginning: computer terms, Windows, files and folders, the internet, and Zoom.
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook: documents, worksheets, presentations, email, and calendars.
Google Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and how to share and work together.
A real-world office project, plus guidance on finding work and what to expect in interviews.
A common second step
Business Administration: from computer basics to office skills
Many Blueprint graduates continue into the Business Administration Certificate. Together, the two programs take a client from first steps on a computer to the Microsoft Office skills that office jobs ask for.
The Business Administration Certificate builds on Blueprint with intermediate and advanced Microsoft Office skills, business communication, and Google Workspace. It uses the same private, one-on-one format: 83 hours, usually two 3.5-hour sessions a week for about 12 weeks.
Clients prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Associate and Expert exams through Certiport (exam fees are separate). The skills match roles such as administrative assistant, office manager, HR assistant, and operations coordinator.
Plan Blueprint and Business Administration together, with one point of contact and one education plan for the counselor.
Stand-alone classes
Short classes in Microsoft Office and digital skills
Not every client needs a full certificate program. When an employment goal calls for one or two specific skills, VR can fund stand-alone classes. Each class is live, taught online by an instructor, and ends with a certificate of completion. Classes are available by request, with private and group rates.
Microsoft Word Beginners (Level 1)
7 hours. Create, format, and edit professional documents.
Microsoft Excel Beginners (Level 1)
7 hours. Spreadsheets, formulas, sorting, filtering, and basic charts.
Microsoft PowerPoint Beginners (Level 1)
7 hours. Build clear slides and present them with confidence.
Microsoft Outlook Beginners (Level 1)
7 hours. Manage email, calendars, and contacts for work.
Digital Literacy for the Workplace
8 hours. Files, email, Microsoft Teams, and safe handling of information at work.
AI Fundamentals for the Workplace
4 hours. What AI tools do well, where they fail, and how to use them safely.
Also available: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook Levels 2 and 3, and the Excel Master Program. See all Microsoft Office classes and digital literacy training.
How VR works
Vocational Rehabilitation, explained
Every state has a Vocational Rehabilitation agency, funded by the state and federal governments, that helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, and keep a job. It is one of the main sources of job training for people with disabilities. Your state may call it the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Vocational Rehabilitation Services, or a similar name.
DWC works with VR agencies nationwide, although some restrictions may apply based on state vendor rules or contracts. Your VR counselor can confirm how DWC training is approved and paid for in your state.
People with a physical or mental impairment that makes it hard to get or keep a job, who need VR services to reach an employment goal. People who receive SSI or SSDI are presumed eligible. Your VR agency makes the decision.
You and your VR counselor write an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that names your job goal and the services you need, such as training. You have a say in your goal and in where you train.
When funds are limited, some agencies serve people with the most significant disabilities first and keep a waiting list for others. Ask your counselor whether this applies where you live.
VR may ask you to use other benefits you qualify for that cover training before VR pays. Your counselor will tell you what applies to you.
Free download
Get the free DVR guide
The DWC Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation Training walks you through the process in plain language, with worksheets you can print and take to your VR counselor. Inside the guide:
- How VR works: eligibility, your Individualized Plan for Employment, and how to find your local office
- What the Situational Assessment covers and how to prepare for it
- Blueprint and Business Administration, module by module, plus short Microsoft Office classes
- Questions to ask your VR counselor, with space to write the answers
- A worksheet for your job goal and a planner for the accommodations that help you learn
- What happens after approval, including how to register when VR pays, plus a VR glossary
Download the DVR guide
Free, 18 pages, PDF with printable worksheets.
Enter your details to get the guide. We keep your information private and use it to send you the guide and information about next steps. Read our privacy policy.
For VR counselors
Refer a client to DWC
The client referral form takes a few minutes and gives our admissions team what it needs to plan the first step. Here is what the form asks for.
Your name, email, phone, agency name, and the city and state of your office.
Name, email, phone, and mailing address.
Disabilities or challenges that affect learning, and the accommodations that help.
For example, a Situational Assessment only, or training. Note private one-on-one or group classes.
Upload the authorization and any case details through the form rather than by email.
Whether your client has a computer, a webcam, and reliable internet, or needs equipment.
What happens after you refer
- An admissions advisor contacts you and your client to schedule the next step.
- DWC holds the Situational Assessment, if you requested one, and sends you the written report.
- You receive an education plan with dates and costs to approve.
- After you send the authorization, your client registers and DWC invoices your agency.
- You receive progress updates during training and a copy of the certificate at graduation.
Questions about a referral? Call 970-980-8091 or email info@digitalworkshopcenter.com.
Compare your options
Other ways to fund training
If VR is not the right fit, or your plan needs more than VR covers, other options can help. Scholarships are not available for the Blueprint program. See the financial aid overview for details on each option.
| Option | Who it is for | What it covers | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational RehabilitationYou are here | Adults with a disability and an employment goal | Training approved in your Individualized Plan for Employment | Get the guide |
| WIOA | Unemployed, underemployed, and dislocated workers who qualify | Approved training through your local workforce center | WIOA guide |
| Tech Skills Scholarship | Job seekers, career changers, and upskillers | 25% to 100% of tuition | See eligibility |
| Women and Tech Scholarship | Women building a career in technology | 25% to 100% of tuition | See eligibility |
| Next Mission Scholarship | Eligible veterans and service members | 80% off standard tuition | See eligibility |
| Climb Credit payment plans | Anyone covering tuition or a remaining balance | 0% for 12 months, or loans over 36 months | Compare plans |
| Employer billing | Employees whose company pays for training | DWC invoices your employer directly | Employer billing |
"I am very impressed with the patience and experience of the teacher. She was very supportive and affirming of my final level of skill."
Included with tuition
Support every step of the way
Guidance from your first question to graduation, included for every certificate student at no additional cost.
Admissions advisors
From your first question through your first class, an advisor walks you through eligibility, funding, and scheduling.
Instructor mentoring
Your instructor is your mentor before, during, and after class, helping you become industry-ready.
Student support
A student support team helps you set up accounts, check your technology, and get class files.
Career coaching
Up to 4 coaching sessions a month in your program, then 1 a month for up to 6 months after graduation.
Tech support
Stuck mid-program? Reach tech support by Slack, email, or phone and get moving again.
Internships and alumni
Join the Parker Dewey micro-internship network for real project experience, plus the DWC alumni community.
FAQ
Vocational Rehabilitation questions, answered
Still have questions? Attend a free info session or call 970-980-8091.
What is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a state and federal program that helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, and keep a job. Every state has a VR agency, often called the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Services can include counseling, assessments, and career training.
Who is eligible for VR services?
In general, you need a physical or mental impairment that makes it hard to get or keep a job, and you need VR services to reach an employment goal. People who receive SSI or SSDI are presumed eligible. Your state VR agency decides.
Does DWC work with VR agencies in every state?
DWC works with VR agencies nationwide, although some restrictions may apply based on state vendor rules or contracts. Training is live online, so clients can attend from anywhere. Your VR counselor can confirm how DWC training is approved and paid for in your state.
What is a Situational Assessment?
A Situational Assessment is a 2-hour, one-on-one appointment with DWC staff that covers your career goals, work history, computer skills, and accommodation needs. DWC then writes a report for you and your VR counselor with training recommendations.
What if I have no computer skills at all?
That is exactly who the Blueprint Basic Digital Literacy Certificate is for. It is private, one-on-one training that starts with the basics of using a computer and builds to Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, at a pace that fits you.
What comes after Blueprint?
Many Blueprint graduates continue into the Business Administration Certificate, which builds intermediate and advanced Microsoft Office skills and prepares you for Microsoft Office Specialist exams. Your advisor can plan both programs together in one education plan.
Can DWC provide accommodations?
Yes. Accommodation needs are discussed during the Situational Assessment and shared with your instructor before your first session. In one-on-one programs, the pace, repetition, session length, and teaching approach adjust to your needs.
How does a VR counselor refer a client to DWC?
Counselors use the client referral form on the DWC website. It asks for the counselor’s and client’s contact details, what affects training, the services requested, and any case documents such as the authorization. An admissions advisor follows up with both of you.
How does VR pay for training at DWC?
After your VR counselor approves training, the agency sends DWC an authorization. When you register, you choose your agency as the payer and pay by invoice, and DWC bills the agency directly.
How long does VR approval take?
It depends on your state VR agency, and DWC cannot predict agency timelines. Stay in touch with your counselor, bring the information they ask for, and respond quickly to any requests so your plan keeps moving.
Why do I need to fill out a form to get the guide?
The form tells us where to send the guide and lets an admissions advisor follow up with information about next steps. We keep your information private.
Is the DVR guide free?
Yes. The guide is free to download, with no cost and no obligation to enroll.
Ready to plan VR training with DWC?
Schedule a free info session, or refer a client and an admissions advisor will reach out to plan the Situational Assessment. Questions? Call 970-980-8091.
Vocational Rehabilitation eligibility, services, and funding are determined by each state VR agency and can change. Some restrictions may apply based on state vendor rules or contracts. Digital Workshop Center does not determine VR eligibility or approve VR funding. DWC is not a government agency.