Dr. Jennifer Jackson, Director
Click HERE to complete a request for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services’ (MDRS) Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) provides individualized employment services and training to help youth and adults with disabilities achieve their employment goals. As the largest division of MDRS, OVR is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to maximize their vocational potential and increase self-sufficiency through meaningful employment.
OVR works collaboratively with local high schools, technical colleges, junior colleges, and universities statewide to deliver essential transition services for students with disabilities. These services are designed to ensure students receive appropriate educational opportunities and are well-prepared for future employment.
Our aim is to enhance employment opportunities and support Mississippians with disabilities in securing and maintaining competitive, integrated employment. By offering comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation services, OVR is committed to helping each consumer reach their highest level of independence and maximum vocational potential.
Available Services
The types of services offered by OVR are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. Services available through OVR field offices statewide may include:
- Employment Services
- Counseling and Guidance
- Assistive Technology
- Transition Services
- Educational Services
- Job Training
- Vocational Assessment
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for OVR services, individuals must:
- Have a physical or mental impairment that is a substantial impediment to employment
- Require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, or maintain employment
- Be able to benefit from services in terms of achieving employment
Click HERE to complete a request for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Business Services
OVR is committed to establishing partnerships with businesses to assist them in meeting their human resource needs through Mississippi’s most viable workforce pool: individuals with disabilities. Not only do we help employers find the most qualified candidates, but we also invest time and effort to understand their business needs, available job opportunities, and priorities. Visit our Business Services page to learn more.
Career Counseling and Information and Referral Request (CCIR)
Section 511 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) mandates that any entity holding a special wage certificate under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) must meet specific conditions to pay subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities. One such condition requires 14(c) providers to
ensure that their clients receive Career Counseling and Information and Referral (CCIR) services. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has been designated by WIOA to provide these services.
To request CCIR services from OVR, please complete the request form and email it to ccirrequests@mdrs.ms.gov. After your request is received, a member of our staff will contact you to schedule a date for the provision of CCIR services.