Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 22 - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, Resource Guide › Section 32-22-3.2 - ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY › Section 32-22-3.2.5 - Customized Services › Section 32-22-3.2.5.5 - Vehicle Accommodation

Current through June 25, 2024
Motor vehicle modifications may be provided, when necessary, to enable clients to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment or achieve independent living goals. Motor vehicle modification services can be provided when a specific employment goal has been identified on the IPE and subsequent rehabilitation services are required and will result in gainful employment or when identified as an approved/appropriate goal as part of an individuals ILP. MDRS will only participate financially in the purchase of AT devices, adaptive equipment, and vehicle modifications. MDRS will not purchase or lease a vehicle.
Driver Evaluation
If a client will be driving a vehicle modified by MDRS, and MDRS will be providing adaptive driving equipment, that client must have a driving evaluation performed to determine if the client has acceptable physical and cognitive abilities to drive.
NOTE: If the client has been a consistent driver for an extended period of time and is updating his vehicle with comparable adaptations to those used previously, an evaluation may not be required.
If the client has had a driving assessment in the last five years, an exception can be made. In order for the client to forego a driving assessment, the counselor must have:
* a copy of the previous driving assessment, and
* a letter from the clients doctor stating there have been no changes in the last five years that would negatively affect this clients ability to drive a vehicle
A copy of these documents should be included with the medical information sent with the AT referral.
NOTE: The client must hold a valid drivers license or a valid learners permit to receive a driving assessment.
Vehicle Consultation - When a client is considering purchasing a new or used vehicle, it is beneficial for the client and MDRS if they are referred to AT prior to that purchase. The consultation will assist the client in acquiring a vehicle that meets his or her needs.
Vehicle Assessment
Vehicle Standards for Agency Approval - MDRS has established policies for the age and mileage of a vehicle that the Agency will modify. The requirements are different depending on the type of modifications that the client will need. The age/mileage requirements are necessary because adaptive equipment is often expensive. Older vehicles are subject to more frequent malfunctions and have a shorter operating life than newer vehicles.
It is recognized there are some vehicles that, because of excellent care and condition, may warrant consideration even though they exceed the age and mileage restriction and/or there may be hardship situations. So, even if the clients vehicle does not explicitly meet the above requirements, a referral can be made for vehicle modifications.
All vehicles must be in good working order. Used vehicles must have a vehicle inspection and mechanics inspection in addition to meeting these requirements.
Modification Level
Vehicle Age / Mileage Requirements
Level I
None
Mechanical gas/break (hand controls), unoccupied wheelchair/scooter loader/carrier, trailer hitch, steering devices, portable ramps, power and manual wheelchair tie-downs, simple non-driver devices, left foot accelerator, pedal extensions, secondary driving aids (non electrical), upgraded suspension.
Level II
<7 years old or have < 140,000 miles
Occupied wheelchair/scooter lift, power transfer seat, manual transfer seat, automatic door openers, low and zero effort steering systems, low and zero effort breaking systems, power seat bases, electronic secondary controls.
Level III
<3 years old or have < 60,000 miles
Modifications to the structure of the vehicle (raised doors, raised roof), power pan, electronic driving equipment, electronic secondary controls, lowered floor for a full size van.
Level IV
< 30,000 miles
Lowered floor minivan conversions.
NOTE: This listing is not exclusive. Any item that is not on this list should be approved by an AT professional to determine what level of modification that item would fall into.
Vehicle modifications are provided under State contract rates. The client will be informed of vendors who are under contract to provide modifications, repairs, and installation of adaptive equipment to vehicles (See Vehicle Modification Fee Schedule).
MDRS will not provide vehicle modifications without proof of ownership and insurance coverage for both the vehicle and the installed equipment. The intended driver must possess a valid drivers license.
Repairs and Maintenance - The Agency will neither repair nor replace motor vehicle modifications damaged by accident, vandalism, or fire.
The client should sign the new MDRS-AT-02 before the authorization is issued and the MDRS-AT-03 when the vehicle is delivered and before the statement of account is paid. Agency AT professionals are available for assistance with all aspects of this process.
The vehicle modifications will be inspected for quality assurance. For all vehicle modifications, the counselor should notify the AT professional upon completion of the modifications so the AT professional can make arrangements for final inspection before acceptance. The AT professional should secure the signature of the client on the MDRS-AT-03. A signed copy should be given to the client and the original must be retained in the case file.
If a modified vehicle is sold, the client is responsible for seeing that the adaptive equipment is transferred to the replacement vehicle, if practical. The Agency's AT professionals are available to assure that the transfer and refitting of the adaptive equipment is performed correctly and is deemed safe for normal operation.