The administrative review must be scheduled at a convenient time and place which is accessible and allows the individual to participate fully in the review. The review must be conducted within 15 days of receipt of the written request. The review may include the individual and a representative if the individual desires, the counselor and other appropriate staff. If the decision is adverse to the individual, the written decision will reiterate the individual's right to an impartial hearing, which will continue as scheduled unless the consumer requests otherwise in writing. Individuals are encouraged to use the mediation process because it is often less formal and adversarial and results in quicker and better satisfaction with results than an impartial hearing.
Mediation is voluntary on the part of each party.
Mediation is not a prerequisite to nor should it delay the review process. If mediation does not resolve the issue, the individual can continue to seek satisfaction through an impartial hearing. The mediation session will be scheduled as quickly as possible to occur at a site and time accessible and convenient to the parties. Mediation Participants - The mediation will be conducted by a trained and impartial mediator, knowledgeable in the laws relating to the provision of vocational rehabilitation services under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act. Individuals may bring representatives to mediation.