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Waitlist for VR Services

Overview

Due to limited resources beginning on May 19, 2026, the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) began placing people requesting Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services on a waitlist. We will serve people with the most significant disability or risk of job loss first, according to their application date. This page explains how to apply for OCB's VR services and how the waitlist will work.

  • If you are currently getting services, you will continue to receive those services without interruption.
  • If we determine you are eligible but are not getting services, you are added to the waitlist.
Please note that the waitlist only applies to VR services. Independent Living and some limited Youth/Transition services are not affected.

Resources for providers and partners

FAQ

A: We are using a waitlist because:
  • More people are seeking VR services.
  • Our program has a limited budget.
  • Our funding has not increased to meet these needs.
Federal law requires us to follow a specific process to determine who will receive services when there isn’t enough money to serve everyone who is eligible. It's called "Order of Selection." The law requires us to prioritize people who most need ​our services.

Learn more about Order of Selection​​.​

​A: ​​​First, you need to contact us about getting VR services. Learn about the app​lication and e​ligibility process​.​​​​

If you are eligible for services, we will assign you a priority category. Your priority category and the date of your application will determine when we can serve you. You can check this page to find out if we have started serving your category.
  • Priority category 1: People whose disability creates a substantial barrier to employment in three or more areas (listed in the Application and Eligibility section).
    • ​​​We will serve people in this list in order of who applied first when space opens up.
  • Priority category 2: People whose disability creates a substantial barrier to employment in at least one area.
    • We will begin serving people in this list only after everyone in Priority 1 has been served. 
  • Priority category 3: People who are e​ligible for VR, but whose disability does not present any substantial barriers to employment.
    • ​We will begin serving people in this list only after everyone in Priority 1 and 2 has been served.
When we remove you from the waitlist, we will reach out to setup an appointment with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

A: We’ll use the information you shared with us in your intake meeting to determine you​r eligibility. Within 60 days of that meeting, we will notify you of your priority category.​
​

A: We don’t have a way to predict your wait time. When funds are available, we w​ill releas​e you from the waitlist based on your priority category, and then on your date of application. If you are in Priority category 2 or 3, your wait time could be longer.​
​

A: If your vision changes, or if you would like to share more information about your vision loss, please reach out to your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. 

A: You should share this information with your Vocation Rehabilitation Counselor during your intake meeting. If you have concerns about your job after the intake meeting, reach out to your counselor. You can find our contact information in your eligibility letter, or call your local OCB ​​​​​office​​.​​

A​:

​A: ​Students experiencing vision loss between ages 14 and 21 may qualify t​o receive pre-employment transition services​ while they are enrolled in high school or post-secondary education, even while on the waitlist for OCB services.

Two women havr a discussionin an office environment.