Section 110. Participation of individuals in use of comparable services and benefits

A. Prior to providing any vocational rehabilitation services to an eligible individual, or to members of the individual's family, DBVI shall determine whether comparable services and benefits, as defined in 22VAC45-51-10, exist under any other program and whether those services and benefits are available to the individual unless such a determination would interrupt or delay the following:

1. The progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome identified in the IPE;

2. An immediate job placement; or

3. The provision of vocational rehabilitation services to any individual who is determined to be at extreme medical risk, based on medical evidence provided by an appropriate qualified medical professional.

B. The following vocational rehabilitation services shall be exempt from a determination of the availability of comparable services and benefits and financial need consideration:

1. Assessment for determination of eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs and priority of vocational rehabilitation services;

2. Counseling and guidance, including information and support services to assist an individual in exercising informed choice;

3. Referral and other services to secure needed services from other agencies;

4. Job-related services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services, follow-up services, and follow-along services;

5. Post-employment services consisting of services listed under subdivisions 1 through 4 of this subsection;

6. Reader service for eligible individuals enrolled in college or in a vocational training program;

7. Adjustment training and evaluations provided at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired in Richmond;

8. Prevocational adjustment training, such as rehabilitation teaching, provided to eligible individuals receiving vocational rehabilitation services from DBVI staff;

9. Interpreter services for eligible individuals who are deafblind;

10. Orientation and mobility training;

11. Summer work experience for high school and college students;

12. Work evaluation up to 30 days;

13. Community evaluation training program with rehabilitation teaching;

14. Work experience for adults up to three months;

15. Work adjustment training up to three months;

16. On-the-job training up to 30 days;

17. Supported employment services; and

18. Personal assistance services.

C. If comparable services and benefits exist under any other program and are available to the individual at the time needed to ensure the progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome in the individual's IPE, DBVI shall use those comparable services and benefits to meet, in whole or part, the costs of the vocational rehabilitation services.

D. If comparable services and benefits exist under any other program, but are not available to the individual at the time needed to ensure the progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome in the individual's IPE, DBVI shall provide vocational rehabilitation services until those comparable services and benefits become available.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 33, Issue 02, eff. October 19, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§ 51.5-66 of the Code of Virginia.