Code of Maine Rules › 12 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR › 152 - BUREAU OF REHABILITATION SERVICES › Chapter 1 - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Rules › Section 152-1-1 - PURPOSE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
				  program assists eligible individuals with physical or mental disabilities to
				  prepare for and achieve an employment outcome. "Employment outcome" means
				  entering or retaining full-time employment, or, if
				  appropriate
,
part-time competitive employment in the
				  integrated labor market, supported-employment, or any other type of employment
				  in an integrated setting, including self-employment, telecommuting, or business
				  ownership, that is consistent with an individual's strengths, resources,
				  priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.
				  Note: Integrated, with respect to an employment outcome, means a setting
				  typically found in the community in which applicants or eligible individuals
				  interact with non-disabled individuals, other than non-disabled individuals
				  providing services to those applicants or eligible individuals, to the same
				  extent that non-disabled individuals in comparable positions interact with
				  other personnel.
The DVR process is based upon an individualized plan (IPE)
				  for employment which is oriented to the achievement of a vocational goal.
				  Services provided to individuals with disabilities must be necessary to
				  overcome the vocational impediment and must be provided as cost effectively as
				  possible, and will be of sufficient quality to meet individual needs.
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) program is
				  operated in compliance with the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
				  and codified at
				  29
				  U.S.C.§
										720
et seq.
				  ("Act");
Title 34 CFR 361 issued in the Federal Register August 19,
				  2016; and Title
				  26 M.R.S.A.
				  §1411.
1. Eligibility is determined without regard
				to sex, race, creed, age, color, national origin or type of disability. There
				is no residency requirement, durational or other, which would exclude from
				services an otherwise eligible individual who is living in the state.
2. Throughout the eligible individual's
				rehabilitation program, every opportunity will be provided to the individual to
				make informed choices regarding the rehabilitation process. Documentation of
				opportunities for making informed choices will be kept in the individual's case
				record.
3. Maine DVR will establish
				and maintain a case record for each applicant, and recipient of vocational
				rehabilitation services, which includes data necessary to comply with Maine DVR
				and federal Rehabilitation Services Administration requirements.
4. In the purchase of goods or services for
				persons with disabilities, counselors shall comply with applicable regulations
				of the Maine Department of Labor and the Department of Administration and
				Finance.
A. Case service expenditures require
				written authorization prior to the initiation of the service or the purchase of
				any equipment. Oral authorizations are permitted in emergency situations, but
				must be confirmed promptly in writing and forwarded to the provider.
B. Goods and services will be provided
				subject to the statewide availability of funds. Goods and services will be
				explored by the individual, with assistance from the DVR counselor, and the
				individual will be involved in the choice of who will provide goods and
				services. DVR reserves the right to use community rehabilitation providers who
				meet state or national accreditation standards.