reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.6 - DEAF SERVICES PROGRAM › Section 32-22-3.6.3 - Referrals

Current through June 25, 2024
Deaf and hard of hearing clients are served by specially trained rehabilitation counselors for the deaf (RCDs) and crossover counselors. RCDs normally serve hearing impaired clients who are coded severely disabled and crossover counselors normally serve non-severely disabled hearing-impaired clients.
Clients may be referred to RCDs and crossover counselors located within each of the ten vocational rehabilitation districts. Clients whose communication requires American Sign Language to communicate should be referred to the RCD. Clients whose communication is less difficult should be referred to the crossover counselor. After the RCD or crossover counselor obtains an audiogram, or is otherwise reasonably sure of the severity of the loss, the case will be retained and served or transferred as is appropriate.
Referrals of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities
When a client has two or more disabling conditions, one of which is
deafness
and his /her primary means of communication is manual the client would be served by the RCD and deafness will be considered the primary disabling condition.
When a client has two or more disabling conditions, one of that is
hard of hearing
, the case normally will be staffed with the RCD to determine which disability will be listed as the primary disability. This staffing can be in person or via telephone, according to the situation. The counselor assigned to handle that disabling condition would then serve the case. If it is determined that the case should remain on the general VR counselor's caseload, periodic staffing with the RCD at the general counselor's discretion is recommended. The RCD's expertise in audiometric, ENT medicine and hearing aid recommendations will ensure consistency of service provision.
Referrals of Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind
Individuals who should be referred for these services are those who would meet the above Agency definition for deaf-blind or have a progressive loss having a prognosis leading to deaf- blindness as described in this
Resource Guide.
Referrals of deaf-blind clients can be made directly to each district's RCD, rehabilitation counselor for the blind (RCB), or District Manager's office. In order to insure that client needs are met, a district team--composed of the RCD, RCB, staff interpreter, and Supported Employment counselor--will staff the case to determine the appropriate counselor to receive the referral. Individuals who are deaf-blind and communicate manually will be served by each district's RCD.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.6 - DEAF SERVICES PROGRAM › Section 32-22-3.6.4 - Services

Current through June 25, 2024
The type of hearing loss indicates the nature and extent of rehabilitation services that may be necessary.
I. Conductive losses often suggest two
				alternatives:
A. Make the original sound
				louder with amplification, or
B.
				Correct the conductive disorder by medical treatment or otological
				surgery.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.6 - DEAF SERVICES PROGRAM › Section 32-22-3.6.5 - Initial Interview

Current through June 25, 2024
Consumers who are deaf and hard of hearing and are referred to vocational rehabilitation will have a variety of communication abilities. Communication levels that may be encountered include:
* Understandable speech and some speech skills (adventitiously deaf or hard of hearing)
* Limited expressive or receptive communication skills, relying on expressions and visual cues
* Limited manual skills without speech
* Fair to good expressive manual skills with or without understanding speech.
Due to the different levels of communication skills of clients, the following should be considered when interviewing a client:
* Arrange seats facing each other
* Ensure proper light in room
* Avoid distractions and interruptions (i.e., telephone calls and smoking)
* Keep language simple to ensure understanding
* Use gestures, pantomimes, and expressions freely
* Use written language or pictures
* Be patient
If your manual communication skills are inadequate, utilize the services of a qualified interpreter.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.6 - DEAF SERVICES PROGRAM › Section 32-22-3.6.7 - Psychological/Vocational Testing

Current through June 25, 2024
Deaf clients needing psychological testing should be referred to the appropriate psychometrist. Specially trained psychometrist provides special and appropriate testing as needed. When a manually communicating client is referred for either psychological or vocational testing, an interpreter should always be provided to enhance communication.
The procedure for evaluating the vocational and psychological characteristics for the Deaf and hearing impaired are comparable to any other disability with the following exceptions:
The psychologist's interpretation of the personality tests is based on the understanding of the client and his/her language level.
*
Aptitude Testing
Aptitude testing is very important in determining the manual dexterity, mechanical aptitudes and spatial relation of individuals who are deaf
*
Interest Testing
Since interest tests are generally highly verbal, a close evaluation of their results should be made.
*
Communication Skills
Before making recommendations from psychological and vocational results, a careful review of the client's communication skills should be made, keeping in mind that communication ability does not indicate the intelligence of a client.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.7 - DENTAL SERVICES/CONSULTATION

Current through June 25, 2024
For cases involving dental care, oral surgery, or orthodontic services, the counselor must adhere to the following instructions:
A dental consultation (Dental Form-1) form is used to ensure programmatic accountability in the provision of planned dental services. This form will be completed for all VR clients for whom employment is the anticipated outcome and it appears the desired vocational goal cannot be achieved without essential dental services.
Transmittal Procedure:
Section 1 When there is a need for planned dental services, the VR counselor will complete Section 1 of the dental consultation form. The dental consultation form, a legible copy of the general dental examination form, which includes a proposed treatment plan, and supporting information (radiographic X-rays, cost estimate, etc.) should be sent to the district manager for review.
Section 2 Once approved by the district manager, the form and attachments (radiographic X-rays, dental cost, dental treatment plan, etc.) should be submitted to the state program coordinator for dental services for review; the state program coordinator will present the request to the state dental consultant for review.
Section 3 After the state dental consultant has reviewed and taken appropriate action on the request, the information will be returned to the state program coordinator for dental services. The program coordinator will forward the information back to the counselor.
Dental services for a primary or secondary disability must not be promised, planned, or provided prior to review by the district manager and treatment recommendations obtained from the state dental consultant. If dental services are being requested even as a secondary condition, do not complete a certificate of eligibility prior to the completion of the review process.
Questions regarding this process should be discussed with the district manager.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.10 - HOSPITAL REHABILITATION CENTERS & OTHER HOSPITAL SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.10.1 - Hospital Rehabilitation Centers › Section 32-22-3.10.1.1 - HRC Screening Committee

Current through June 25, 2024
The District Screening Committee reviews referrals to the hospital rehabilitation centers, using the Inpatient Referral Assessment form, to determine the appropriateness of the referral for services at one of the five centers.
Upon approval by the District Screening Committee, the referral will be forwarded to the State Screening Committee for review and processing. Referrals to the committee should be directed to the attention of CHAIRPERSON, HOSPITAL REHABILITATION CENTERS SCREENING COMMITTEE, P. O. BOX 1698, JACKSON, MS 39215-1698. Referrals should be received by Friday afternoon prior to Monday morning review. Referral information should include the following:
* Referral Assessment Form
* Referral (MDRS-VR-24) form
* AACE Personal Information/Application reports
* Medical Records
* A narrative that will address the following items:
a. primary purpose or need in referring the
				  case to the rehabilitation center
b. medical stabilization
c. projected functional limitations
d. psychological status
e. circumstances of injury, i.e., evidence of
				  substance abuse
f. high school
				  grades if the referral is a minor or young adult
g. client's attitude and motivation
h. indicate stability of work
				  history
i. recency of
				  work
j. possibility of returning to
				  previous employment ("Letter of Intent" from employer, if
				  appropriate)
k. list of current job
				  skills
l. client's potential for
				  retraining
m. educational
				  level
n. transferable skills to
				  other employment
o. Labor market in
				  local area
p. client's ability to
				  relocate
q. family support
				  status
r. client's resources and
				  comparable benefits
Once the screening committee has approved a client for
					 services at a center, the client does not have to be referred to the committee
					 for any subsequent admissions.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.10 - HOSPITAL REHABILITATION CENTERS & OTHER HOSPITAL SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.10.1 - Hospital Rehabilitation Centers › Section 32-22-3.10.1.2 - HRC Inpatient Procedure

Current through June 25, 2024
The screening committee approval report will be sent to the referring counselor and the appropriate liaison counselor. The referring counselor will be advised by the liaison counselor as to when the case is to be transferred. All cases must be in Service Status at the time of transfer. The liaison counselor will authorize all inpatient services from HRC funds. Upon completion of inpatient services, the liaison counselor will transfer the case electronically, effective the day of discharge. The paper file will be mailed to the referring counselor within seven working days after discharge.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.10 - HOSPITAL REHABILITATION CENTERS & OTHER HOSPITAL SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.10.1 - Hospital Rehabilitation Centers › Section 32-22-3.10.1.4 - HRC Medical Information Requests

Current through June 25, 2024
To obtain medical records from one of the Hospital Rehabilitation Centers (HRC), send to the liaison counselor Consent to Disclose Information (MDRS-VR-19) form, which will contain the following:
* Client's medical record number
* Full name
* Address
* Date of birth
* Social Security number
* Date(s) of the medical report(s) being requested
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD CLIENT CONSENT TO DISCLOSE FORM BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE HRC. SEND ONLY TO THE LIAISON COUNSELOR.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.10 - HOSPITAL REHABILITATION CENTERS & OTHER HOSPITAL SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.10.2 - Hospital/Other Medical Records

Current through June 25, 2024
Medical information from the records of a hospital, clinic, or a physician should be obtained when it:
* will assist the counselor in establishing eligibility
* is needed/helpful in assessing the client's medical history, current status, and/or prognosis for employment
When requesting medical records, the counselor should contact the vendor to determine whether an independent copying service is involved. (This would be particularly true for larger hospitals.)
If hospital, clinic, or physician has charges for summaries or copies of records, an authorization form may be issued for the amount established by the Agency Fee Schedule. In most instances, you should enclose Consent to Disclose Information Form.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.11 - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.11.1 - Statewide Business Development Services

Current through June 25, 2024
The Statewide Business Development Services (BDS) staffs goal is to identify opportunities and to make available a broad range of occupational choices for VR clients. The BDS staff works closely with the VR counselor and the client to identify employment prospects that represent for the client entry or re-entry into a meaningful career. The BDS staff canvases the constantly changing Mississippi job market through individual and group business contacts to identify potential linkage of client qualifications and employer needs.
Another focus of the business development efforts of the BDS staff is providing services to employers. The BDS staff educates employers about the capabilities of persons with disabilities to be successful in employment with or without supports.
The BDS staff is comprised of a state director who supervises the work of two regional employment managers. The regional employment managers or REMs are responsible for a variety of workforce development activities including but not limited to corporate level employer development and coordination of business development initiatives in their respective regions. REMs also provide leadership and training to staff; manage and implement contracted Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth services; and, supervise the BDS Employment Coordinators.
A BDS Employment Coordinator (EC) is assigned to each of the MDRS districts. The function of the EC is to call on businesses in their respective districts and develop relationships with them. Once a relationship is developed, the EC establishes the business as an employer account and continues to call on the business to provide services and conduct business development and follow-up. The EC develops specific job leads from businesses and a variety of other sources resulting in placement of clients. The EC also serves as a consultant to businesses for on-the-job accommodations, community-based job tryout (through AbilityWorks LINCS), on-the-job training, Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and any other incentives that may be available to employers who hire VR clients.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.11 - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.11.2 - Community Based Job Tryout (LINCS Through AbilityWorks)

Current through June 25, 2024
A job tryout may be used as part of the clients evaluation or as a placement tool. The purpose of a job tryout is to determine the clients readiness for a specific employment goal, or employment in general. It also provides the employer with an incentive to try out an individual with a disability while AbilityWorks pays the clients salary, workers compensation, and other fringe benefits. For detailed instructions on a job tryout refer to Section 3.4.1.3.8 AbilityWorks LINCS Linking Innovative Networks of Community Services.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.11 - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.11.3 - On-The-Job Training

Current through June 25, 2024
On-the-job training (OJT) can provide an excellent opportunity for VR clients to display their capabilities to a prospective employer. The training program should be designed to meet both the client's as well as the employers needs. The employer should provide reasonable assurance that the client will be employed at the successful termination of the OJT program.
When completing an OJT Program for a client, an On-the-Job Training Agreement Form (MDRS-VR-26) must be completed, a copy of the completed form placed in the client's file and a copy given to the employer before beginning the training.
An adequate supply of the Training Progress Report Form (MDRS-VR-28) for the OJT period covered by an authorization for services should be sent to the employer. A letter should be included requesting that the MDRS-VR-28 be completed monthly (or at more frequent intervals, if desired) and forwarded to the VR office for case file documentation.
Suitable records of attendance, performance, and progress of the client should be maintained by the employer and made available to the VR counselor when requested. Verbal reports should be documented in a case note and placed in the client's case file.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.11 - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.11.5 - Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

Current through June 25, 2024
The Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 created a nationwide one-stop delivery system of employment services, known as the Workforce Investment Network (WIN) in Mississippi. MDRS is a mandated partner in WIA, or WIN in Mississippi, and plays an active role at the State and local levels. The MDRS partnership within the system is formalized through Memorandums of Understanding with the State, each of the four Local Workforce Investment areas, and through cost-sharing agreements with operators of the centers where Agency staff is located. MDRS is represented on the State Workforce Investment Board and each of the Local Workforce Investment Boards that govern the WIN system. MDRS has vocational rehabilitation counselors and other program staff located in some WIN Job Centers on a full-time basis. At WIN Job Center sites where a counselor is not co-located, information and referral services pertaining to MDRS is available. A WIA Director, with assistance from a One-Stop Coordinator, coordinates WIA activities for MDRS.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.11 - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.11.6 - WIA Employability Skills Training Program

Current through June 25, 2024
The Employability Skills Training (EST) Program is a service designed to assist VR counselors in placing clients in competitive employment. This program is funded by grants from the WIA. The purpose of the WIA funded program is to prepare youth for entry into the labor force. An individual may be eligible for the program if he/she is economically disadvantaged and a youth between the ages of 16 and 22 years.
Referral Process
To receive services from the EST program, an individual must be determined eligible for VR services must meet WIA eligibility criteria, and must demonstrate potential for entry into a competitive work situation. Counselors should refer any individual to the program who meets the age requirements and is a high school dropout, an individual who has completed high school, or any individual not currently receiving educational services that needs assistance with preparing for entry into employment. A referral should be initiated by case staffing between the EST counselor and the referring VR counselor. Required documentation for eligibility will be discussed at the time of referral.
{A list of specific documents required for referral will be provided to counselors when the WIA provides instructions regarding documentation of eligibility.}
Services Provided
Eligible youth who are assessed as needing any one or all of the following required program elements may be provided those services by the MDRS EST Program or suitable arrangements may be made with other service providers to ensure that the participant obtains them:
* Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completion of secondary school, including dropout prevention strategies
* Alternative secondary school services, as appropriate
* Summer employment opportunities that are directly linked to academic and occupational learning
* Internships and job shadowing
* Occupational skill training, as appropriate
* Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging personal responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours, as appropriate
* Supportive services
* Adult mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months
* Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation, as appropriate
* Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.11 - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.11.7 - Workforce Investment Act Youth Disability Coordinator

Current through June 25, 2024
Recognizing the unique challenges faced in providing appropriate services to youth with disabilities to overcome barriers to employment, MDRS and the Mississippi Partnership Workforce Area and the Delta Workforce Investment Area work as partners to provide consultation and guidance to providers of services for youth. This partnership is led by a youth disability coordinator who functions as trainer for the Local Workforce Investment Area and who identifies services for youth with disabilities that are available from a variety of sources in the community including vocational rehabilitation.
Services provided by the Workforce Investment Act Youth Disability Coordinator include the following:
* Coordination and referral for services among current youth providers and other social services providers depending on the particular needs of the individual
* Training to youth providers on disability issues such as disability awareness, etiquette, terminology, and communication
* Technical assistance regarding disability specific issues both on and off the job and while in training
* Assistance with job placement.
*
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.12 - OFFICE OF SPECIAL DISABILITY PROGRAMS › Section 32-22-3.12.2 - Services

Current through June 25, 2024
The services provided include a broad range of assistance designed to help individuals to function more independently in their families and communities. Because funds are limited, all possible resources for services are utilized, including Medicare, Medicaid, insurance, client involvement, state and federal funding, etc.
The following assistance can be provided and/or coordinated by the Independent Living Counselor:
Assistive Technology
Purchase of artificial limbs, hearing aids, communication equipment, environmental control units, magnifiers, low vision aids, etc.;
Home and Vehicle Modifications
Residential accessibility of homes, including provision of ramps, widening doorways, lifts for vans, etc.;
Durable Medical Equipment
Purchase of wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, lift equipment, etc.;
Daily Living Skills
Instruction in cooking, cleaning, accident prevention, money management, self-advocacy, etc.;
Mobility Orientation
Assistance in the use and maintenance of assistive equipment, utilization of transportation system, etc.;
Peer Counseling
Guidance provided by persons who are disabled to assist individuals in problem-solving skills, adjustment to disability, and social integration;
Personal Care Attendant Services
Assistance with daily living needs (e.g. bathing, dressing, ambulation);
Physical/Mental Evaluations
General medical, psychological exams, special diagnostic reports and assessments, etc.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.12 - OFFICE OF SPECIAL DISABILITY PROGRAMS › Section 32-22-3.12.3 - Independent Living Services › Section 32-22-3.12.3.1 - Eligibility Requirements

Current through June 25, 2024
The individual must be of working age (generally between 18 and 62); have a diagnosis that involves a severe physical disability (functional loss of lower and upper extremities); be mentally capable of living independently and managing his/her own affairs; and not be eligible for Personal Care Attendant (PCA) services through other resources.
Priority Groups:
* Eligible persons who are ready for employment but cannot realistically seek employment without the availability of attendant care services;
* Eligible persons who are employed and require assistance with the cost of attendant care services in order to maintain employment;
* Eligible persons who require attendant care services to live independently; avoid undesirable and inappropriate nursing home placement; or to move from an institution (i.e., nursing home).
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.12 - OFFICE OF SPECIAL DISABILITY PROGRAMS › Section 32-22-3.12.3 - Independent Living Services › Section 32-22-3.12.3.2 - Referral Procedures

Current through June 25, 2024
The Independent Living Rehabilitation counselors accept referrals from public and private agencies and/or self-referrals from individuals needing assistance with attendant care services. This counselor must complete the application process by signing and dating the application for attendant care services. The existing medical and/or psychological records necessary for determining eligibility will be obtained with the applicant's permission.
If the existing records are not adequate or current, applicants may be asked to undergo a medical and/or psychological examination. The Agency will incur the cost of any examinations that are required to determine eligibility. The eligibility determination will be made after a thorough review of the records and will be based on the counselor's assessment.
Once a person has been determined eligible for attendant care services, the counselor and the client will develop an IPE or IWILP which identifies the type(s) of attendant care services to be provided, the duration of services, and the degree of responsibility for the cost of services each party agrees to accept. This agreement shall be clearly stated with signed documentation in the client's file. The agreement may be renegotiated at any time; however, clear documentation of any change must be present in the client's file.
The purpose of this program is to
assist
the client with the cost of attendant care services while he/she works toward achieving the objectives outlined in his/her plan. Therefore, the client is expected to take responsibility for active participation in the planned services.
For referral of a client to the appropriate Independent Living rehabilitation counselor, refer to the chart below:
District I ILS Counselor
District IV ILS Counselor
District VII ILS Counselor
51 County Road 166 P. O. Box 1415 Oxford, MS 38655 (662) 234-6086
1003 College Drive P. O. Box 4339 Meridian, MS 39304 (601) 483-5394
1400-A Harrison Drive P. O. Box 1408 McComb, MS 39649 (601) 249-4646
District II ILS Counselor 1244½ West Main Tupelo, MS (662) 840-9947
District V ILS Counselor 18 John Merle Tatum Road Hattiesburg, MS 39404 (601) 544-4860 or (601) 545-4405
District VIII ILS Counselor 300 Capers Avenue Jackson, MS 39203 (601) 351-1490 or (601) 351-1472
District III ILS Counselor 207 Industrial Park Road P.O. Box 824 Starkville, MS 39760 (662) 324-9646
District VI ILS Counselor 625 Courthouse Road Suite 113 P.O. Drawer 6889 Gulfport, MS 39506 (228) 897-7612
District IX ILS Counselor 706 Highway 49-82 Bypass P. O. Box 543 Greenwood, MS 38935 (662) 455-2706
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.14 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.14.1 - Post-Secondary Training Sponsorship Guidelines

Current through June 25, 2024
Post-secondary training may be appropriate for some carefully selected individuals whose disabilities result in substantial impediments to employment. In addition to the VR eligibility criteria, the following guidelines are to be used when identifying a client who may reasonably be expected to benefit from the training in terms of an employment outcome.
* The client has completed or terminated his/her secondary education (high school diploma/GED).
* The training is required for the client to enter into or engage in his/her chosen employment objective.
* Documentation must show that the client can be expected to succeed in the training program. This documentation may include psychological testing, college transcripts, high school grades, scores on college entrance examination(s) or any other information which, in the counselor's professional judgment, has a direct bearing on the individual's ability to succeed in the training program.
* Cases being considered for an academic degree program must be staffed with the District Manager and peer counselors before developing a plan for post-secondary education. (District Managers, at their discretion, may exempt senior counselors from this requirement. This does not exclude them from participating if they feel it is helpful in making a decision on a particular case.)
* Only one semester should be planned initially for students beginning college (community/senior) for the first time. Further plans may be made after the successful completion of this trial semester. The mid-semester grades should be used to project this since the final grades will not be available in time to plan for the next semester.
Graduate School
If the client's chosen employment objective requires an advanced degree for the entry level of his/her employment objective, the Agency may assist him/her in a graduate program. This should be planned for on the IPE when the employment objective is agreed upon between the client and counselor. Again, this employment objective should reflect the individual's interests and informed choice
to the extent these factors are consistent with his/her strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.14 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.14.3 - Client's Responsibility

Current through June 25, 2024
At the time a plan for post-secondary education is written, the client is to be provided a copy of the Standards for the Agency Sponsorship in Post-Secondary Education (PSED-01) form explaining what is expected of him/her during the training period. The counselor should explain the information listed on the form and ensure the client thoroughly understands his/her responsibilities and that any exceptions must be approved by the counselor before registration. The client is to sign the form acknowledging his/her agreement. The original form is to be kept in the case file and the client provided a copy.
Individual exceptions for disability accommodations and special circumstances may be considered on a semester by semester basis
.
Any exceptions made to the standards require a written justification by the counselor and must be reviewed by the District Manager
.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.14 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.14.4 - Liaison Counselors/Case Transfer

Current through June 25, 2024
Mississippi State University (MSU), the University of Mississippi (UM), and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) have designated liaison counselors. A rehabilitation counselor for the deaf (RCD) is assigned to serve as liaison for deaf and hard of hearing clients attending Hinds Community College (HCC). A client's case is to be transferred to the liaison counselor only if he/she needs ongoing (other than academic) vocational rehabilitation services while attending school. Otherwise, the client's case is to be kept by the counselor serving his/her hometown area.
Exceptions: Case files on all OVRB clients attending MSU and all deaf and hard of hearing clients attending HCC are to be transferred to the appropriate liaison counselor. Additionally, OVR clients outside the local district who are attending MSU and receiving support services through our contract with MSU's Student Support Services Office are to be transferred to the OVR liaison counselor.
Cases being transferred to a post-secondary liaison counselor are to be peer staffed, the IPE developed, and the client explained his/her responsibilities before the transfer. The case is to be sent to the liaison counselor at least one month prior to the start of school to allow time for him/her to issue all required authorizations.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.14 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.14.6 › Section 32-22-3.14.6.2 - In-State Public PSED Institutions/Schools

Current through June 25, 2024
*
Academic, Business, Technical or Vocational Training
(Approved fees, provided by the Institutions of Higher Learning and Community College Board, will be transmitted in memorandum form annually.) The Agency will pay the actual costs allowed for tuition, dorm, and books less comparable benefits/client participation.
*
Housing - Off Campus
If the client relocates to attend the institution and chooses to live off campus, the Agency will pay the housing cost less comparable benefits. The Agency payments for the combined total of housing and transportation are not to exceed the dormitory fee allowed at that particular institution.
Individual exceptions for disability accommodations and special circumstances may be considered on a semester by semester basis. Any exceptions made to these guidelines for payment require a written justification by the counselor for case file documentation and must be reviewed by the District Manager
.
Housing costs not paid directly to the school should be authorized under the service area -Maintenance: Room/Board/Personal Items-Housing/Lodging. Only housing costs paid to the institution should be charged to the service area - Maintenance: Training-Related -Dormitory.
*
Transportation - Day Students
Agency may authorize the cost of transportation up to the current state authorized rate per mile less comparable benefits. The Agency payments for the combined total of housing and transportation are not to exceed the dormitory fee allowed at that particular institution.
Individual exceptions for disability accommodations and special circumstances may be considered on a semester by semester basis
.
Any exceptions made to these guidelines for payment require a written justification by the counselor for case file documentation and must be reviewed by the District Manager
.
*
Other Training Related Expenses
Course-required books, training materials (audio cassettes, video cassettes, and special software), tools, and fees may be provided at the actual cost less comparable benefits/client participation. Documentation verifying the need for these items is required from the school.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.14 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.14.6 › Section 32-22-3.14.6.3 - Private or Out-of-State PSED Institutions/Schools

Current through June 25, 2024
*
Academic ,Business, Technical or Vocational Training
- Agency will pay the institutions fees up to the maximum that would be allowed for that individual for tuition, dorm and/or books if taking a comparable program at a Mississippi public institution, less comparable benefits. The client is responsible for any balance.
Examples:
1.
3000
1200
500
700
Institution's Tuition
Max In-State Tuition
Comparable Benefits
Agency Pays
2.
400
500
100
300
Institution's Dorm
Max In-State Dorm
Comparable Benefits
Agency Pays
*
Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
- These are the only national, fully accessible post-secondary institutions for the deaf They are funded by federal legislative appropriations for this purpose. Gallaudet is a liberal arts college located in Washington, D. C. NTID is a technical school located at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. There are no comparable institutions in the State. The Agency will treat them as it does an in-state university. The Agency will pay the actual costs of tuition, dorm, and books less comparable benefits/client participation.
* The guidelines listed under
In-State Public Institutions
are to be applied to all other fees.
NOTE: The Mississippi Institutions for Higher Learning may provide financial assistance to individuals attending out-of-state programs if that particular curriculum is not available in Mississippi.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.14 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.14.6 › Section 32-22-3.14.6.4 - Non-Semester Programs

Current through June 25, 2024
All in-state, public institutions operate on a semester schedule. In order to determine the allowable costs for programs that operate on a different schedule (quarter, trimester, etc.), the following procedure should be followed:
a. Divide the
				  maximum allowable in-state fee by 16 (number of weeks in a semester) to get a
				  weekly rate.
b. Multiply this
				  weekly rate by the number of weeks in the private or out-of-state program to
				  get the amount allowed for the quarter, trimester, etc.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.14 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.14.6 › Section 32-22-3.14.6.5 - Summer Sessions

Current through June 25, 2024
Unless State Office advises otherwise by May 1 each year, summer sessions will be allowed. The same guidelines are to be applied to summer sessions that are required for a regular semester.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.14 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.14.6 › Section 32-22-3.14.6.6 - Correspondence Courses

Current through June 25, 2024
A client may be sponsored in a correspondence course(s) if it is approved by the Department of Education within the state out of which it operates. (The State Coordinator for Post-secondary Education Services will assist in determining the course's approval status.) If the course is offered at an in-state public institution, the counselor is to staff the case on an individual basis with the District Manager. Approved in-state fees for a comparable program (community or senior college) should not be exceeded.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.15 - PROGRAM EVALUATION SYSTEM

Current through June 25, 2024
Program evaluation is a systematic method of analyzing the degree to which the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) is complying with its approved State Plan to carry out the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. In carrying out these federally mandated requirements for monitoring and review, the following activities and/or reviews are indicated.
* Compile quarterly and annual statewide assessments of the rehabilitation needs of individuals with significant disabilities
* Conduct statewide case reviews for compliance with state and federal regulations
* Evaluation of state policy/procedures relevant to MDRS
* Quarterly review of the strategic management plan for program evaluation
* Participation in the development of the state plan and attachments
* Review of special programs and other projects/case evaluations as requested by MDRS Administration
* Caseload management and follow-up reviews for implementation of corrective actions
* Conduct OVR/OVRB Quarterly and Annual Evaluation Report
* Conduct ILS-OVRB Quarterly and Annual Evaluation Report
* Analyze caseload data
* Evaluate compliance with standards and performance indicators
* Participate in annual casework training for new OVR and OVRB counselors
* Participate in other casework training sessions for various MDRS programs as requested by administration
* Conduct annual OSDP Consumer Satisfaction Survey
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.16 - PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.16.1 - Report Retention

Current through June 25, 2024
Psychological reports generated by vocational rehabilitation psychometrists or the Agency psychologist may be destroyed once the reports are three years old, provided the psychometrist or psychologist has not been notified that the report(s) is in litigation or under review. Work papers such as test answer sheets or work sheets may be destroyed after they are one year old provided the report(s) is not in litigation or under review.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.16 - PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.16.2 - Guidelines for Retesting

Current through June 25, 2024
Vocational rehabilitation clients with appropriate psychological on file only need to be retested when an area in which they were tested earlier may have changed. For example, a client previously tested who has since had a head injury, stroke, etc., would need to be retested with the intelligence test (Wechsler), as well as with the achievement test (Wide Range Achievement Test), the Adaptive Behavior Test (ABAS), and the Bender Gestalt Test to see if there has been a decrease in functioning in any of these areas. If academic achievement level is a pertinent factor in the case, a client who has had additional education or academic training since the last psychological would also need to be retested with the achievement and adaptive behavior tests to see if functioning in these two areas has changed.
Regarding secondary students in special education who are referred to VR or are VR clients, VR will rely on the schools for test results for eligibility purposes. The school psychological/psychometric report as well as a current certification or re-certification form should be included in the clients case file. Former special education students (no longer in school) who are self-referred to VR or are referred from a source other than school, should be retested if test results are not available or are out-of-date (the client has had at least one year of additional schooling since the last evaluation). Clients who have had personality measures should be retested as the various conditions dictate. The large number of psychological disorders requires that each case be handled individually. Generally, the counselor may request the client be retested with the psychological measure if he/she feels the client's condition has changed.
Theoretically, one's Intelligence Quotient (IQ) remains relatively unchanged throughout life. An IQ Score obtained from the WISC-R or WISC-III (given ages 6 through 16) is just as accurate as an IQ score obtained from the WAIS-R or WAIS-III (given ages 16 through 74). Counselors may use Stanford-Binet IQ scores. However, clients who are to be evaluated by VR evaluators may require retesting, upon request, by a VR psychometrist so the evaluator will have the Wechsler Subtest Scaled scores necessary to run the McCarron-Dial computer program.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.16 - PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES › Section 32-22-3.16.4 - Eligibility Guidelines (ADHD & SLD)

Current through June 25, 2024
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
The following guidelines shall be considered when determining eligibility for VR services for individuals diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
I. The diagnosis must be made and the
				accommodations prescribed by a professional trained in the diagnosis and
				treatment of ADHD (i.e., school psychologist, certified or licensed
				psychologist, psychiatrist, pediatrician, or psychologist employed by a state
				agency).
II. The ADHD must pose a
substantial impediment
to employment (i.e.; without
				accommodations person was unable to maintain a "C" average in
				school).
III. There must be a
				documented history of the person receiving the necessary, prescribed
				treatment/accommodations and, with such, being able to succeed (maintain a "C"
				average) in high school for at least one year prior to application for VR
				services.
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD):
The following should be considered when determining
				  eligibility for VR services for someone who is diagnosed as SLD:
I. Generally, SLD is identified when the
				achievement test score(s) is fifteen (15) points or more below the Full Scale
				IQ score.
II. The area of the SLD
				poses a substantial impediment to employment. Reading is an example of the most
				common and vocationally limiting learning disability. Other examples of areas
				of SLD that may be served are Reading Comprehension or Written Expression. A
				client with an SLD in arithmetic may be served on rare occasions. A client with
				an SLD in spelling will rarely, if ever, be considered to have a substantial
				impediment to employment.
III. The
				SLD is significant enough to justify the Agencys help. The achievement standard
				score in the area of the SLD is no higher than 84 on individual achievement
				tests such as the Wide Range Achievement Test - III (WRAT-III) or at least one
				standard deviation below the mean on individual achievement tests with standard
				deviations other than 15.