Section 8: Application for Services, Eligibility, Elibility Extension

SECTION 8: APPLICATION FOR SERVICES, ELIGIBILITY, ELIBILITY EXTENSION

An application is a signed and dated request for services. It may be an agency form, an Internet application, a letter or other equivalent. Evidence of signature may be, as appropriate, a witnessing mark, audiotape or TTY (TDD) record.

The formal date of application is the date that the Rehabilitation Counselor or Rehabilitation Technician receives the application. A date stamp will be affixed to the application upon receipt. Any lag time between the receipt of the application (mailed in, handed in after orientation, etc.) and intake interview is counted toward the 60-day* eligibility determination timeframe.

A Rehabilitation Counselor or designee may review and screen an applicant, who is seeking service, preferably within 30 calendar days* (from the date the application is received), to learn if the person would be more suitably served by another employment-focused or social services program. Referrals to other appropriate outside entities will be made. If an application is submitted, a standardized intake summary will be completed. Referrals to other appropriate outside entities will be made if the individual is found to be ineligible, or if the individual decides that appropriate services would be better provided through another service provider.

The qualified rehabilitation professional will determine whether an individual is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services or accepted for an extended evaluation within a reasonable period of time not to exceed 60 calendar days* after receipt of an application or from the date the individual is available to participate in the assessment process. The qualified rehabilitation professional will notify the applicant that exceptional and unforeseen circumstances exist beyond the control of the Bureau precluding the completion of the determination within the prescribed time frame and if the applicant agrees the time period can be extended. The Rehabilitation Counselor and participant attest to the extension as evidenced by both of their signatures on the eligibility extension form.

The Participant Bill of Rights will be provided to each applicant during intake.

*(If the final 30/60th day falls on a holiday or weekend, then an extension is allowed to the next business day)

PARTICIPANT SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL Bureaus of Vocational Rehabilitation & Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired Revised: 2006 Page 10 Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Division Program Services Bureaus of Services to the Blind & Visually Impaired and Vocational Rehabilitation

PARTICIPANT BILL OF RIGHTS

A vision of the Rehabilitation Division is for participants to be responsible for, and to actively participate in, their own rehabilitation. Rehabilitation staff assists participants to reach their goals by helping them explore their options and supporting them with appropriate services.

As a participant, you can expect: . To have reasonable access to Rehabilitation staff, and to have your calls returned and commitments honored; . To have complete and accurate information about the application process, eligibility, VR program goals, and planning and service policies; . To be actively and fully involved in the entire rehabilitation process; . To receive assistance from the Rehabilitation Counselor in identifying interests, aptitudes and skills; . To know the range of available service options, and to be supported in your choices within the range of service options available based on program policy; . To be provided opportunities for adjusting to your disability and for exploring work options before being asked to set vocational goals or make employment commitments; . To have decisions made, plans developed and services provided in a timely manner; . After determination of eligibility and the identification of rehabilitation needs, there will be an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) written. The IPE will be developed together by the Rehabilitation Counselor and the participant or the participant and their parent, guardian or authorized representative, including other suitable professionals and informed advisors. The IPE must be mutually agreed upon by both, between the participant and the Rehabilitation Counselor; . To be treated equally, without regard to the nature or severity of your disability, age, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation; . To have all decisions and their reasons communicated in an understandable manner, using an appropriate mode of communication; . To have the process for resolving service problems fully explained and to receive assistance in accessing this process, if necessary; . To have Rehabilitation staff follow the *Rehabilitation Division Code of Ethics which requires Rehabilitation Counselors to conduct themselves in a legal, ethical and moral manner with respect, courtesy, honesty and fairness.

As a participant, I understand that the Rehabilitation staff expect me: . To actively participate in my own rehabilitation program; . To follow through and honor the commitments I have made; . To work towards goals and objectives that have been agreed on and to make preparing and looking for work a full time effort; . To develop and maintain a positive and effective working relationship with Rehabilitation staff; . To communicate honestly and give complete and accurate information; . To respond to communications from Rehabilitation staff in a timely manner; . To cooperate with Rehabilitation staff regarding rules and procedures under which they have to work; . To resolve problems honestly and openly using the existing problem resolutions options (mediation, informal review, impartial hearings); . To conduct myself appropriately with Rehabilitation staff. I also recognize that I am expected to conduct myself in a legal, ethical and moral manner with respect, courtesy, honesty and fairness The Rehabilitation Division has adopted the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. The following organizations have adopted the same Code for the memberships: the American Rehabilitation Counseling association, the National Rehabilitation Counseling association, and the National Council of Rehabilitation Education. Portions of the Code are derived from the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principals of Psychologists.

PARTICIPANT SERVICES POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL Bureaus of Vocational Rehabilitation & Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired Revised: 2006 Page 11