The Current State of DVR: Emily Romero's Story

The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado has been investigating the practices of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in Colorado and the toll that past mismanagement has and continues to take on blind people.  Although DVR just released 1,500 people (including Emily who waited for more than two years for service) from their wait list, they still have a list of over 3,000 individuals who are not receiving the services that would enable them to become gainfully employed. In addition, DVR receives approximately 400 new applications per month.  At this rate it will be years before all of the people with disabilities on the wait list will receive the much needed services that they are currently being denied.

Emily's story is the first in a series of stories that the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado plans to release.  These stories highlight the holding pattern in which blind people needing VR services are forced to live. We want to call attention to and end the waiting game that is leaving thousands of disabled Coloradans without the tools, training, and support necessary to gain employment or in some cases even retain their current jobs.  Check out Emily's story and keep reading our blog to learn ore about the current state of DVR.

Watch Emily's Video!