Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center supports DARS’ mission to improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families.

WWRC, as a component of the Division of Rehabilitative Services, offers vocational rehabilitation to assist people with disabilities to prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment.

Accountability: Making a personal and organizational choice to take responsibility for our actions, behaviors, decisions, outcomes and those of our teams in order to support the mission and culture of DARS.

Innovation: Promotes forward thinking and fosters new approaches and creativity to support the mission and culture of DARS.

Customer Service: Addressing internal and external customer needs by providing timely and attentive responses in a respectful manner that reflects positivity on the mission and culture of DARS.

Engagement: The active process of being connected and committed to the mission and culture of DARS.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The coordinated actions and initiatives to ensure the DARS culture is a true representation of who we want to be and how we want to operate while fulfilling the agency mission.

Established in 1947, the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) is the first state-owned and operated comprehensive rehabilitation center in the country. Formerly known as the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, WWRC's name was changed in 2015 to better reflect the current mission of the Center.  WWRC is a key component of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ (DARS) Field Program – Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS).  Located in Fishersville, Virginia, WWRC operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure that consumers receive an array of services that prepare them for competitive employment.  The DARS Commissioner is responsible for the operation and maintenance of WWRC and leverages the Center’s resources to maximize employment for individuals with disabilities by facilitating highly effective operations among WWRC and DRS leadership.

WWRC's mission focuses on helping individuals with disabilities become employed.   WWRC will be a key provider of service to DARS consumers. WWRC will continuously align its resources, staffing patterns, and service/program offerings to meet the complex needs of individuals and changing customer and referral source priorities.

All WWRC IT support services are provided by the DARS IT Division and VITA.  Both entities provide all data, voice, internet, wireless, application and development, and network support and integration services to all personnel and buildings at the WWRC location.

Currently 8% of WWRC’s workforce is eligible to retire with unreduced benefits.  Within the next 5 years, that number will increase to 13%.  These employees possess an abundance of both technical and institutional knowledge.  To address the upcoming retirements of employees, WWRC has implemented succession planning strategies and management/supervisor leadership programs to develop current staff to step into future leadership positions.

There are also ongoing recruitment and retention challenges with vocational rehabilitation counselors,  instructors, mental health service providers and other critical positions.  To implement more effective recruitment and retention plans, WWRC places a strong emphasis on alternate and flexible work schedules, retention increases, and employee development.

WWRC’s Physical Plant includes a 223 acre campus, including 21 conditioned space buildings (497,000 sq.ft.). WWRC collaborates with the Virginia Department of Transportation for road maintenance, the Virginia Department of Forestry for forestry management, and the Virginia Departments of Game and Inland Fisheries and Corrections for the lake/surrounding grounds maintenance.

WWRC operates in a state-owned facility and administers Capital Construction and Renovation Services. Among these services are comprehensive planning, new construction and renovation, a Maintenance Reserve Program, administration/coordination of multiple energy savings and conservation initiatives, and coordination of the Facility’s Master Plan.

Several maintenance reserve will occur throughout the upcoming biennium. These projects entail the completion of renovations to the WWRC auditorium and replacement of the facilities services roofing system. Additional maintenance reserve projects during the upcoming biennium include acoustical improvements to the Watson building, along with repairs and upgrades in the dining hall and gymnasium.

WWRC offers a wide range of training programs, drivers education programs, and vocational counseling as a component of DARS’ mission to support Virginian’s efforts to empower individuals to maximize their employment, working towards economic self-sufficiency, and independence. WWRC incorporates the necessary comprehensive wraparound services to support students with more complex disabilities including developmental disabilities, particularly  Autism Spectrum Disorders, with their vocational goals. The comprehensive programming provides mental health services and other ancillary services including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language services, and recreational therapy.

WWRC’s enrollment is based upon DARS referrals which are recovering from the COVID pandemic. Enrollment continues to increase and programming will continuously evolve to meet the training needs of the diverse population of Virginian’s with disabilities.

Referral & Workforce Trends: Even if consumer trends increase, programs and services will continue to operate without expansion of staffing levels.  This will require WWRC to critically examine its internal admissions and departmental business processes to re-align and adjust existing resources, and to facilitate efficient scheduling practices and program operations.  A high percentage of WWRC employees who are eligible for retirement, or who will be eligible in the near future, will likely affect the continuity of critical organizational business processes.

Revenues: A fiscal limitation exists due to the rising cost of goods and services with flat revenue projections.  Lack of new funding impacts recruitment and retention of qualified staff, overall staffing levels, programs, and direct service delivery, all which impact WWRC’s ability to achieve its vision as the preferred provider of comprehensive vocational rehabilitation for Virginians with disabilities.   

The Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) is 18% general funds, and 82% non-general funds.

No data

The following statistics provide a snapshot of services at WWRC for SFY 2024.

WWRC does not anticipates changes to its customer base.

WWRC offers a comprehensive approach to vocational rehabilitation including numerous vocational training programs, drivers education, Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition Program (PERT) and a workplace readiness program. Evaluation, Transition and Skills Training services are provided in a residential setting with a variety of behavioral and rehabilitation counseling supports.  A key focus of the WWRC is to ensure consumers exit the program with an industry recognized credential and the necessary skills that enable successful, competitive employment.  The curriculum is driven by business needs and supported through a variety of industry advisory committees.

WWRC operates consumer support services such as behavior health, rehabilitation counseling, education support services and supported work readiness therapies.  Evaluation services are provided in assistive technology, driving, behavioral health, and audiology.  

The key performance metric is to deliver comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services that lead to employment.  This is measured as the percentage of WWRC Vocational Training graduates who are employed 2nd quarter after employment and Median earnings 2nd quarter after employment.  This measure supports the Commonwealth’s objective to enhance Virginia's economy by increasing employment among Virginians with disabilities.  

Virginia can provide comprehensive and effective vocational services to individuals with disabilities in the Commonwealth. WWRC's vocational rehabilitation services offer assessment, transition, and industry driven training services in a residential living and learning environment. WWRC's vocational rehabilitation services prepare clients for successful employment and/or re-entry to the workforce.

Maintain an annual average daily census of 300 or more vocational rehabilitation consumers receiving vocational and support services leading to successful employment.

• Use established communication and training tools to promote the scope and value of WWRC in helping vocational rehabilitation consumers attain successful employment.

• To facilitate the evolution of Rehabilitation Counseling Division systems and processes aligned with WIOA and to implement initiatives relevant to Rehabilitation Counseling practices and Rehabilitation Team operations.

• Continue to align and strengthen WWRC Vocational Services with Virginia’s priority workforce development initiatives and facilitate state, regional and local workforce and Agency partnerships that result in enhanced employment outcomes for VR consumers served through WWRC.

• To increase capacity for utilization of instructional technology to provide services to Virginians across the Commonwealth through remote learning opportunities and a learning management system. .

• To strengthen WWRC customer satisfaction policies and procedures.

• To implement effective organizational succession planning and knowledge transfer strategies.

• To nurture targeted external partnerships that support the DARS/ WWRC mission and WIOA requirements.

WWRC's services are provided by knowledgeable, well trained, creative and committed employees who support the Center's mission, vision and values. By maximizing their effectiveness and efficiency in partnering with Virginians with disabilities to meet their personal goals, Virginia benefits..

Ensure that resources are used efficiently and programs are managed effectively, in a manner consistent with applicable state and federal requirements.

• Better utilization of land around the Center and efficiently and effectively maintain the facility’s grounds.

• Minimize utility costs through management of resources and use of "green" technologies.

• Improve business processes and participate in the implementation of Kronos for personnel leave and time tracking and payroll processing to improve fiscal management.

• Continue utilizing the eVA-Virginia procurement system to include requisition and contracts management business processes.

• Continue to implement Agency Risk Management and Internal Control Standard (ARMICS) program.

• Comply with applicable central agency and federal agency reporting and audit requirements.

• Partner with other Health and Human Resources agencies on technology initiatives that will result in enhanced data sharing between local, state, and federal agencies.

• Pursue Continuity of Operations and Disaster Recovery plans and leverage recent technology advances that improve disaster response and mitigation.

• Continue to implement workflow, e-¬forms and project collaboration software to improve systems, development agility, increase access to the necessary information to demonstrate data driven decision making practices across the Center.

• Leverage new services offered by VITA for increased efficiency and cost savings.

• Support technology infrastructure not provided by VITA to maintain continuity of direct client services.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Service Area provides career and workforce development services for individuals with multiple and complex disabilities at WWRC, a division of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). WWRC’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services offer assessment, transition, and industry ­driven training services in a residential living and learning environment that prepare clients for the workforce and successful employment

This service area directly aligns with WWRC’s mission to provide people with disabilities with comprehensive and individualized services to realize their personal independence through employment.

Authority:

Code of Virginia §51.5-131 Powers and Duties of the Commissioner

Vocational evaluation services identify appropriate career goals while addressing individual needs and local area job market opportunities. WWRC operates a “hands on”, experiential vocational evaluation lab with testing and diagnostic work samples. Vocational evaluation services result in a written report that facilitates effective vocational planning.

Pre-Employment Transition services and transition services are delivered to facilitate better employment outcomes for youth with disabilities through collaboration with DARS and local school divisions across the Commonwealth. The Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition (PERT) Program offers a comprehensive vocational, independent living and residential/leisure skill assessment to help facilitate successful school to work transition planning and service coordination for youth with disabilities. The Workplace Readiness Program provides explicit instruction to youth and young adults with multiple and complex disabilities to workforce expectations and acceptable workplace behaviors.

WWRC operates a well-equipped vocational training school.   WWRC includes a state operated program by the Virginia Department of Education.  Services include pre-apprenticeship training, vocational training, education support services, transition services  , and preparation for industry recognized credentials and workforce certifications.

WWRC’s vocational rehabilitation services also include rehabilitation counseling services and comprehensive supports including mental health and behavioral services.. Vocational rehabilitation services may be provided at WWRC, in a community-based setting, or at an employment site. An integrated approach to simultaneous provision of these services, along with individualized employment and independent living goals, improve outcomes for both vocational rehabilitation and public secondary school clients.

The Admissions Department provides timely processing of incoming applications and works with the DARS vocational rehabilitation counselor to facilitate client admissions.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Service Area is 23% general funds, including a General Fund transfer from DOE for the State-Operated Education Program, and 77% non­general funds.

Medical Rehabilitation Services (Work Readiness Services) provides rehabilitation for individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory and/or emotional disabilities.  Services provided by WWRC include: ancillary services in support of a vocational outcome.

Supported Work Readiness :

• Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech/Language Pathology (S/L), Audiology, Behavioral health services including mental health providers, and Recreational Therapy Services.


• A Student Health Clinic.


• Nursing services offered at the student health clinic as overseen by the manager of the Supported Work Readiness division.    


• Assistive Technology Services provided by interdisciplinary Assistive Technology Teams.


• Specialized Drivers Training program for people with disabilities.

This service directly aligns with WWRC’s mission to provide persons with disabilities comprehensive individualized services to realize personal independence through employment.

WWRC’s Supported Work Readiness Division provides programs and assistive technologies to address the complex needs of consumers with physical, cognitive, and/or sensory disabilities that result in improved independence and employability.   Wrap around services include nursing, physical, occupational, speech/language, and cognitive therapies as well as behavioral health services. Evaluation services by the above disciplines are provided to consumers.   Clients with acute medical needs and emergencies are transferred to the local medical center. A physician assistant is available on an “on call” basis 24 hours 7 days a week.

Health Clinic services are provided to support residential clients and their comprehensive needs.

The Medical Service Area is 18% General Funds and 82% Non-General Funds.

The Admissions Department provides the timely processing of approximately 2000 referrals annually.  They assist with maintaining the center’s utilization by working with the DARS vocational rehabilitation counselors to facilitate consumer admissions.  They work with center ancillary supports to facilitate pre-admission reviews for more challenging cases and assist in the scheduling of the wraparound supports for consumers upon their arrival at WWRC.   The Admissions Department is responsible for the consumer’s Day One experience and enrollment to WWRC.

Analytic, Evaluation, and WIOA planning services direct Workforce Investment Act (WIOA) documentation and reporting protocols.  They also direct and maintain the agency performance management system, which includes analytics, evaluation, system development, and the maintenance and reporting of performance data for strategic planning, federal/state and accreditation requirements.   

These services directly align with WWRC’s mission to provide persons with disabilities comprehensive individualized services to realize personal independence through employment.  They do this by providing leadership and monitoring the internal and external environments.

The DARS Information Technology (IT) staff housed at WWRC are responsible for providing technical assistance on all information systems including Instruction Technologies, staff and consumer classroom technologies and staff development technologies used for classroom and virtual instructions.

This service area directly aligns with WWRC's mission by supporting the program areas that provide people with disabilities comprehensive, individualized services to realize personal independence through employment.

DARS IT provides support to WWRC in the following areas: applications and systems development, website services, video teleconferencing, client related technology services, voice, data and wireless networks, and network and computer hardware services.

The WWRC Police and Campus Safety Department is a full-service sworn law enforcement and campus safety department dedicated to the welfare of the WWRC campus, clients, staff, visitors and the local community.  The department is located within part of the student living area.  This presence demonstrates WWRC's strong commitment to consumers and their parents that safety is of paramount importance to WWRC and the Agency.  Like many college campuses, WWRC now has additional security measures, including video cameras, building automation systems, key card access, door controls, and emergency management strategies across campus.  WWRC has revamped its emergency notification process and can send messages to alert individuals, including family members, to campus situations.  Staff and students appreciate the drills that provide guidance on what to do in such scenarios as severe weather and intruder events.   WWRC has certified campus police officers holding specialized certification to serve as school resource officers.  A full time Safety Coordinator position was created and filled in late FY 22.  This position, reporting under the Policy and Campus Safety Department, provides leadership, drills/training, oversight, and general guidance in campus safety matters, protocols, and requirements.

This service directly aligns with WWRC’s mission to provide persons with disabilities comprehensive individualized services to realize personal independence through employment.

The Police and Campus Safety Department provides campus police patrols and emergency response for the entire Center. The department also provides consultation with center consumer rehabilitation teams and serves on the Center’s conduct review board.

Residential services at WWRC provide an integral part of the comprehensive services required to provide a safe, positive living and learning environment. WWRC maintains living areas with approximately 360 beds, common lounge areas, and outdoor common green space. These living areas are staffed and monitored twenty-four hours per day when WWRC is in session. This service is considered an essential function and will be provided regardless of other emergent circumstances.  Recreational Services at WWRC provide community-based recreation activities, targeted therapeutic recreational services, and interpersonal skill development with the goal of improving vocational outcomes for WWRC consumers.

This service area aligns with WWRC and DARS’ mission by supporting the program areas to provide people with disabilities comprehensive, individualized services to realize personal independence through competitive, integrated employment.

Residential Services provide clients with room and board, recreational therapy, and social skill development. Community based  services provide local community support to enhance the success of meeting the employment and inclusive, independent living goals of clients.

WWRC Contracts with Aladdin Food Management Services inc. to provide approximately 16,000 meals per month to WWRC consumers. This service is considered an essential operation and expected to provide meals for WWRC consumers regardless of weather or other emergent factors.

In addition to providing consumers meals this service area directly aligns with WWRC's mission by supporting the program areas that provide people with disabilities comprehensive, individualized services to realize personal independence through employment.  The Food and Dietary Services provides on the job training for consumers enrolled in WWRC training programs.

Food and Dietary Services is accomplished through a contract with Aladdin Food Management Services Inc. of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Nineteen meals per week are served on site in the dining room of the Watson Activities Building. In addition to meal service, Aladdin also provides dietary consults from a certified dietary manager and/or a corporate dietitian to accommodate any dietary needs of consumers.

This service area provides management administrative support, and technical assistance to programs for WWRC facility services.

This service area directly aligns with WWRC's mission by supporting the program areas that provide people with disabilities comprehensive, individualized services to realize personal independence through employment.

Physical Plant Services offers maintenance shops, equipment, and vehicles suitable for the support of a 223 acre campus (497,000 sq. ft. operational building space). Services include facility maintenance, grounds care, housekeeping, and student transportation services. WWRC collaborates with other state agencies for road maintenance (Department of Transportation), forestry management (Department of Forestry), and lake/surrounding grounds maintenance (Departments of Game and Inland Fisheries and Corrections).

WWRC operates in a state-owned facility and administers Capital Construction and Renovation Services. Among these services are comprehensive planning, new construction and renovation, a Maintenance Reserve Program, administration/coordination of multiple energy savings and conservation initiatives, and coordination of the Facility’s Master Plan.

In addition to enhancing life safety and security of WWRC clients, Capital Improvements allow for better utilization of campus space in accord with the WWRC Master Plan and WWRC Mission.  This contributes to improved services for clients and increased feasibility of new programs and services for an increasing client population.