A Fact Sheet From
The
This
fact sheet is intended as a brief introduction to the rights of disabled
individuals under the federal Rehabilitation Act. This information does not constitute legal
advice because each individual's case is different and the law is constantly
subject to change. This fact sheet is
based on
Background Information:
In
State Services for the Blind (SSB) provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind or visually-impaired.
After RS or SSB decides you are eligible to receive services, you and your counselor will develop an individualized plan for employment
(EP or IPE). The EP specifies your employment goal, as well as what services and equipment you will need to achieve your employment goal.
Neither RS nor SSB can provide you with any services until after the EP is developed. Once the EP is developed, RS and SSB are only required
to provide those services and equipment necessary to make you employable and to achieve your employment goal as agreed to and written in the EP.
Services Funded Under the Rehabilitation Act:
Your EP may include one or more of the following services funded by RS or SSB (to the extent they are not available through other resources):
1. assessment to determine eligibility and/or need for services;
2. vocational counseling, guidance, and referral services;
3. job placement services;
4. physical and mental restoration services;
5. vocational and training services, including tuition, fees, books, and materials;
6. income maintenance for additional costs incurred (beyond normal living expenses) while participating in the vocational rehabilitation program;
7. transportation, in connection with any vocational rehabilitation service;
8. personal assistance services (including training in managing, supervising, and directing personal assistance services) while an individual is
receiving vocational rehabilitation services;
9. interpreter services for individuals who are deaf and reader services for individuals who are blind;
10. orientation and mobility services;
11. occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies;
12. technical assistance and consultation services for individuals pursuing self-employment, telecommuting, or establishing a small business;
13. telecommunications, sensory, and other assistive/rehabilitation technology;
14. services to assist students with disabilities to transition from school to work;
15. supported employment services;
16. services to family members, as needed, to help you get and keep a job; and/or
17. post-employment services to help you retain, regain, or advance in employment.
The Client Assistance Project (CAP):
If you are a client or applicant of RS or SSB, you can call the Client Assistance Project (CAP) for help if you have questions, concerns, or complaints
about RS or SSB services. CAP does not provide direct vocational rehabilitation services, such as education, training, or equipment. In general,
a CAP advocate MAY be able to help you in any of the following ways:
1. help you or advocate on your behalf to obtain appropriate vocational rehabilitation services from RS or SSB;
2. review and challenge eligibility decisions made by RS or SSB;
3. inform you of your rights and services available under the Rehabilitation Act;
4. advise you in developing an EP; or
5. advise or help you in pursuing legal, administrative, or other appropriate remedies when a determination has been made by CAP that
your case has legal merit.
For more information about CAP or
to apply for CAP services, call (612) 332-1441 (metro area office); (218)
722-5625 (
1-800-292-4150 (statewide); or (612) 332-4668 (TTY).
This fact sheet may be reproduced, if reproduced in
its entirety, with credit to the