Overview

 

WWRC accepts applications of any individual with a disability whose needs are compatible with the structure, staff, and other WWRC resources.  Primary consideration is given to Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services' (DARS) clients pursuing vocational goals.   The WWRC Admissions Director and Rehabilitation Counseling Division Director share accountability for developing and nurturing relationships with local DARS Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) Field Offices across the state for recruitment of appropriate referrals for WWRC services and programs.    

 

WWRC ensures that all recruitment activities are ethical and that all materials used in recruiting accurately describe its mission, instructional outcomes, student performance expectations, and program completion requirements.    WWRC's accessible website is its official publication.  A system is in place to routinely monitor and update the website to ensure relevant and current content.

 

Reference Documents: 

 

Written Plan

The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)/Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), represented by over 30 field offices located across Virginia, is the primary referral source for applicants to WWRC's programs and services, by design of the Agency and as defined in the Code of Virginia.  Chapter 13 of the DRS Policy and Procedure Manual describes the scope of services provided to VR clients through WWRC, including eligibility criteria and referral protocols.

 

Applicants for WWRC's workforce training programs must first meet general WWRC admissions criteria, per established policies and procedures.  Any additional prerequisite requirements for entry to specific training programs are available through the WWRC website or by contacting the Admissions Department or Vocational Training Administrative Office.   Contact information is provided on the WWRC website. 

 

The WWRC Admissions Director and Rehabilitation Counseling Division share accountability with the full Executive Team for developing and nurturing relationships with each of the DRS Field Offices for recruitment of appropriate referrals for WWRC services and programs.    A small minority of referrals are made from other state agencies and private pay sources.  Upon receipt of a completed Application for Admissions, WWRC's Admissions Department carefully reviews documentation to ensure that all general admissions criteria and individual program/course prerequisites, as relevant and appropriate, are met.  Pre-admission Technicians are trained in the application of individual program entrance criteria.   If the applicant is accepted for admission, the Admissions Department staff sets the admission date and mails an acceptance letter to the applicant and a copy to the referring counselor. If the admissions criteria are not met, the Admissions Department staff sends a letter of denial and/or recommendation to the referring counselor. The referring DRS counselor shall be responsible for informing the applicant of a denial decision.

 

For both DARS/DRS and other Agency and private pay referrals, WWRC's admissions criteria are clearly stated and published on its Internet website, available for viewing by interested applicants prior to enrollment.  Families, school systems, and other agencies who may visit WWRC for a guided tour will also receive this information as part of their visit.  Likewise, all new DARS/DRS Rehabilitation Counselors, upon hire, participate in a formal New Counselor Skills Training (NCST) Program which includes a two-day orientation to WWRC services and programs, including an opportunity to meet with WWRC Admissions staff and understand WWRC admissions criteria and application procedures.   Knowledge gained through the NCST Program has resulted in more effective and efficient communication between DARS/DRS Rehabilitation Counselors and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) clients on their caseloads (and their families) when WWRC is being considered as the setting of choice for VR services, including workforce development and training.     

 

Final decisions about admissions are based on an individual's potential to live on campus safely while gaining workforce skills.  As long as an otherwise eligible applicant has demonstrated they are stable and ready to commit to a Vocational Rehabilitation goal, WWRC will consider admission. Applicants who do not meet full admission requirements based on safety and/or medical, physical, or psychological stability factors will be considered on a case-by-case basis, through a more formal pre-admissions process. 

 

The WWRC Admissions Committee is available to review applicants who may be considered 'at risk' in the WWRC environment and is accountable for oversight of referrals where there is an identified 'red flag' risk management concern through normal admissions procedures.   The Admissions Committee is authorized to seek clarification and/or additional information from the referring DRS Rehabilitation Counselor to determine if the individual will be safe to self and others in the WWRC living and learning environment during their stay in residence.  Emphasis is placed on effective communications and partnerships with DRS within the context of an overall 'risk assessment'. 

 

Appeals of WWRC admission decisions are addressed through Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) Field Manager and Counselor review.  If the admission is supported by the DRS Field Manager with supporting documentation, the applicant's denial will be reconsidered by the WWRC Admissions Committee.

 

WWRC believes its admission policies and practices offer reasonable expectations for successful completion of the WWRC's workforce training programs.