Section 70. The Individualized Written Independent Living Rehabilitation Program (IWRP)

A. Initial plan development.

1. The IWRP shall be initiated and periodically updated for individually provided independent living services.

2. Independent living services shall be provided in accordance with the IWRP and approved by DVH staff member. A copy of the IWRP and any amendments shall be provided to the blind individual or his parents, guardian, or other representative.

3. The IWRP must be initiated after certification of eligibility for independent living services.

B. IWRP review. The IWRP shall be reviewed as often as necessary but at least on an annual basis. Each blind individual or his parents, guardian, or other representative shall be given an opportunity to review the IWRP and, if necessary, jointly modify the IWRP.

C. Determination of ineligibility under IWRP. If it becomes necessary to terminate services for any reason under an IWRP, the following conditions and procedures shall be met and carried out:

1. The decision shall be made only with the full participation of the blind individual, or his parents, guardian, or other representative, unless the individual has refused to participate, the individual is no longer residing in Virginia, or his whereabouts are unknown. When the full participation of the individual or a representative of the individual has been secured in making the decision, the reviews of the individual shall be recorded in the IWRP.

2. The basis for the ineligibility decision shall be recorded as an amendment to the IWRP, certifying that the provision of independent living services has not enabled the individual to function more independently in family or community or engaging or continuing employment. A certification of ineligibility is then completed.

3. There shall be at least an annual review of the ineligibility decision in which the individual is given an opportunity for full consideration in the reconsideration of the decision, except in situations where a periodic review would be precluded because the individual has refused services, has refused a periodic review, the individual is no longer living in Virginia, or his whereabouts are unknown. The first periodic review of the ineligibility decision shall be initiated by DVH staff. Any additional reviews shall be provided at the request of the individual.

D. Coordination with vocational rehabilitation, developmental disabilities and education program. The development of the IWRP for independent living services will be coordinated with the IWRP for vocational rehabilitation services if there is such a program, as well as with any individualized written rehabilitation program for the individual prepared under Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act or with any individualized education program for the individual.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR670-03-4 § 3.5, eff. August 3, 1988; amended, Volume 06, Issue 11, eff. March 28, 1990.

Statutory Authority

§§ 51.5-23 and 51.5-65 of the Code of Virginia.