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The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to equal employment opportunities for all, including persons with a disability. A person with a documented disability resulting in a barrier to employment as determined by a DARS Certified Rehabilitation Counselor is eligible for participation in the Alternative Hiring Process (AHP). These applicants must attach their Certificate of Disability (COD) to their state employment application. Individuals do not need to be receiving DARS services to request or receive a COD.

Acceptable documentation that an AHP applicant can provide to a DARS Certified Rehabilitation Counselor for review may include, but is not limited to:

  • Veterans Administration Medical/Mental Health Records
  • Social Security Administration Documentation
  • Departments of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services
  • All documentation pertaining to your disability will be kept secure and confidential.
  • For further information about the Alternative Hiring Process, please visit Alternative Hiring Process Guidance.
  • For additional questions about the AHP, please visit the FAQ's at FAQ.

To get a Certificate of Disability, complete the information below: