Code of Maine Rules › 12 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR › 150 - BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED DIVISION › Chapter 101 - RULES GOVERNING VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED › Section 150-101-1 - PURPOSE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE DIVISION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM (hereinafter referred to as "DBVI" or the "Division")

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
All printed information produced by the Division for the
				  Blind and Visually Impaired will be available, upon request, in accessible
				  formats based on the client's documented visual impairment.
The Maine DBVI Vocational Rehabilitation ("VR") program
				  assists eligible individuals who have a visual impairment (and in addition may
				  include physical and/or mental impairment) prepare for and achieve an
				  employment outcome. "Employment outcome" means entering, retaining or advancing
				  in full-time competitive integrated employment; part-time competitive
				  integrated employment (including customized and supported employment); the
				  practice of a profession; or self-employment. The VR process is based upon an
				  Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) which is oriented to the achievement
				  of a suitable vocational goal consistent with the individual's strengths,
				  resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and
				  informed choice. Services provided to individuals with visual impairment must
				  be necessary to overcome the vocational impediment and must be provided as cost
				  effectively as possible, and shall be of sufficient quality to meet individual
				  needs.
The DBVI VR 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.
				  §1418.
1. Eligibility is determined without regard
				to sex, race, creed, age, color, gender identification or national origin.
				There are no residency requirements, 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. The VR
				program shall establish and maintain a case record for each applicant for, and
				recipient of, vocational rehabilitation services, which include data necessary
				to comply with VR program and federal requirements.
4. In the purchase of goods or services for
				persons with visual impairment, counselors shall comply with applicable
				regulations of the Maine Department of Labor and the Department of
				Administrative and Financial Services.
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 DBVI
				VRcounselor and the individual will be involved in the choice of who will
				provide goods and services. DBVI reserves the right to use community
				rehabilitation providers who meet state or national accreditation
				standards.