reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-5-5 - Eligibility › Section 32-10-5-5.9 - Determination Of Ineligibility

Current through June 25, 2024
If an OVR/OVRB counselor determines that an applicant is ineligible for VR services or determines that an individual receiving services under an IPE is no longer eligible, the counselor must:58
1.
				Make the determination only after full consultation with the individual or, as
				appropriate, the individual's representative;
2. Inform the individual in writing,
				supplemented as necessary by other appropriate modes of communication, of the
				ineligibility determination, including the reasons for the determination, and
				the means by which the individual may express and/or seek remedy for any
				dissatisfaction (see Hearing Policy, Section 4 of this manual);
3. Provide the individual with the contact
				information and a description of services available from the CAP;
4. Refer the individual to other workforce
				programs and/or service providers best suited to meet his/her rehabilitation
				needs, and
5. Review, within 12
				months and annually thereafter if requested by the individual or, if
				appropriate, by the individual's representative any ineligibility determination
				that is based on a finding that the individual is incapable of achieving an
				employment outcome.
This review need not be conducted in situations where the individual has refused a review, he/she is no longer present in the State, and his/her whereabouts are unknown, or his/her medical condition is rapidly progressive or terminal.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-6-6 - Order Of Selection › Section 32-10-6-6.0 - Order Of Selection

Current through June 25, 2024
It is the intent of OVR/OVRB/OBD to provide comprehensive VR services to all eligible individuals who apply. However, any time VR resources are not sufficient to serve all eligible individuals, an Order of Selection (OOS) for services shall be implemented. The OOS establishes a system of criteria for selecting individuals with the most significant disabilities giving them priority to receive services.
The OOS does not discriminate against any eligible individual on the basis of gender, age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, type of disability, duration of residence in Mississippi, public assistance status, source of referral, expected employment outcome, need for specific services, anticipated cost of services or income level of an individual or the individual's family. 59
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-6-6 - Order Of Selection › Section 32-10-6-6.1 - Definitions

Current through June 25, 2024
Priority Category
: Classification to which eligible individuals are assigned based on the significance of their disability and the resulting functional limitations.
Delayed Status:
When an individual is determined eligible to receive VR services but is assigned to a closed priority category in the OOS, the individual's name is placed on a federally sanctioned waiting list, until the agency has sufficient resources available to provide the services.
Individual with a Significant Disability:
Someone who has one or more physical or mental disabilities resulting from amputation, arthritis, autism, blindness, burn injury, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, deafness, head injury, heart disease, hemiplegia, hemophilia, respiratory or pulmonary dysfunction, mental illness, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, musculo-skeletal disorders, neurological disorders (including stroke and epilepsy), spinal cord conditions (including paraplegia and quadriplegia), sickle cell anemia, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, end-stage renal disease or other disability or combination of disabilities determined on the basis of an assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs to cause comparable substantial limitation. 60
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-6-6 - Order Of Selection › Section 32-10-6-6.2 - Priority Category Assignment

Current through June 25, 2024
After a determination of eligibility, each individual will be classified and assigned to a Priority Category. The OOS system will in no way restrict the provision of diagnostic and evaluation services required for a determination of eligibility.
Priority Category 1 Most Significantly Disabled (MSD)
An individual with a most significant disability:
* Has a severe physical or mental impairment that seriously limits three (3) or more functional capacities (such as mobility, communication, self-care, selfdirection, interpersonal skills, work tolerance or work skills) in terms of an employment outcome, and
* Will require multiple VR services for an extended period of time.
Priority Category 2 Significantly Disabled (SD)
An individual with a significant disability: 61
* Has a severe physical or mental impairment that seriously limits one (1) or two (2) functional capacities (such as mobility, communication, self-care, selfdirection, interpersonal skills, work tolerance or work skills) in terms of an employment outcome, and
* Will require multiple VR services for an extended period of time.
Priority Category 3 Disabled (D)
An individual with a disability: 62
* Has a physical or mental impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment and who can benefit, in terms of an employment outcome, from the provision of VR services.
SSDI beneficiaries or SSI recipients are not afforded any special consideration in establishing the priority categories of the order, notwithstanding the automatic classification of such an individual as an individual with a significant disability'.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-6-6 - Order Of Selection › Section 32-10-6-6.3 - Implementation OF The Order Of Selection

Current through June 25, 2024
When it is determined that VR does not have the resources to serve all eligible individuals in all Priority Categories, OVR/OVRB administration, in consultation with the SRC, will make the decision to begin closing Priority Categories beginning with Priority Category 3. The MDRS Executive Director will notify staff by Executive Director Memorandum when the OOS is to be implemented or withdrawn.
When MDRS implements an OOS, it will: 63
* Do so on a statewide basis;
* Notify all eligible individuals, in writing, of the priority categories in the OOS and their assignment into a particular category and the right to appeal their category assignment, and
* Continue to provide all necessary services to all individuals who started receiving services prior to the effective date, regardless of the severity of the individuals' disabilities.
When an OOS is implemented, an IPE cannot be developed for individuals in a closed Priority Category. However, OVR/OVRB will provide all eligible individuals who do not meet the OOS criteria with information about, and referral to, other Federal or State programs that can assist those individuals in terms of an employment outcome. 64
An individual may request an informal review, mediation, or fair hearing to appeal his/her Priority Category assignment. An individual's assignment to a Priority Category shall not be changed pending the outcome of the appeals process.
Furthermore, OVR/OVRB/OBD will elect to provide services, regardless of any established OOS, to eligible individuals who require specific services or equipment to maintain employment. 65
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-6-6 - Order Of Selection › Section 32-10-6-6.4 - Students And The Order Of Selection

Current through June 25, 2024
Students with disabilities are not exempt from any of the OOS requirements. A student with a disability who requires Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and any additional VR services must apply and be determined eligible for VR services and have an IPE.
If a potentially eligible (PE) student with a disability begins one or more Pre-ETS, the PE student may continue to receive any and all Pre-ETS even if the student applies, is determined eligible, and placed in a closed priority category. 66 In addition to Pre-ETS, the student may participate in group transition services while in a closed priority category; however, the student may not receive any other individualized VR services, including transition services, until his/her turn for receiving VR services comes up under the OOS.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-7-7 - Individualized Plan For Employment › Section 32-10-7-7.0 - Individualized Plan For Employment (IPE)

Current through June 25, 2024
OVR/OVRB must ensure that an IPE is developed for each individual determined eligible for VR services, or if the agency is operating under an Order of Selection (OOS), for each eligible individual in an open priority category.
An IPE is a formal written agreement between an eligible individual, or as appropriate his/her representative, and his/her VR/VRB counselor. The intended purpose of the IPE is to document and describe the required rehabilitation services necessary for an eligible individual to prepare for, secure, retain, regain, or advance in employment.
Individuals have the option of developing their IPE, on MDRS approved forms, with or without assistance from their counselor, representative, or chosen advocate;67 however, the IPE does not go into effect until agreed upon and signed by the individual, or as appropriate, his/her representative, and his/her MDRS VR/VRB counselor. 68
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-7-7 - Individualized Plan For Employment › Section 32-10-7-7.1 - Informed Choice

Current through June 25, 2024
Individuals will have the opportunity to exercise informed choice throughout the VR process. Informed choice allows individuals to become active participants in their rehabilitation by assisting them in making meaningful decisions about their VR needs and in selecting the most appropriate employment outcomes, the services needed to achieve the outcomes, entities providing such services, and the methods by which they can be secured.
In addition, informed choice will ensure the selection of a specific employment outcome based upon an objective assessment of the individual's specific situation, including his/her location, and current labor market trends. Informed choice will ensure that the specific employment outcome chosen by the individual is realistic and achievable given his/her unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and career interests.
See Section 1.3 for additional information.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-7-7 - Individualized Plan For Employment › Section 32-10-7-7.2 - IPE Development

Current through June 25, 2024
IPEs need to be developed as soon as possible, but no later than ninety(90) days following the determination of eligibility, unless the counselor and the individual agree to a specific extension of time.69
The eligible individual or his/her representative will be provided information in writing and, if appropriate, in a suitable mode of communication, regarding: 70
1. The individual's available options for
				developing the IPE with or without assistance;
2. The full range of components that shall be
				included in an IPE as defined in Section 7.3;
3. As appropriate:
* An explanation of OVR/OVRB guidelines and criteria for
				  determining an individual's financial participation in his/her IPE;
* Information on the availability of assistance in completing
				  the designated agency forms required in developing an IPE;
* A description of the rights available to the individual and
				  information on the availability of the Client Assistance Program (CAP);
				  and
* Any additional information the eligible individual requests
				  or OVR/OVRB determines to be necessary to the development of the IPE;
4. An IPE for a student with a
				disability receiving special education services is developed: 
				71
* In consideration of the student's Individualized Education
				  Program (IEP) or 504 services;
* In accordance with the plans, polices, procedures, and
				  terms of the interagency agreement between MDRS and the local school
				  district;
* As early as possible in the transition planning process to
				  ensure its completion before the student leaves the educational setting;
				  and
* In consultation with and signed approval from the student's
				  parent and/or legal guardian.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-7-7 - Individualized Plan For Employment › Section 32-10-7-7.3 - IPE Content

Current through June 25, 2024
Each IPE must include:
1. The specific employment outcome chosen by
				the eligible individual that represents a goal of competitive integrated
				employment;
2. The specific VR
				services that are:
* Needed to achieve a specific employment outcome, including,
				  as appropriate, the provision of assistive technology devices and services, and
				  personal assistance services, including training in the management of such
				  services; and
* Provided in the most integrated setting that is appropriate
				  for the service involved and is consistent with the informed choice of the
				  eligible individual.
3.
				Timelines for the initiation of the services and achievement of the employment
				outcome.
4. The entity(ies) chosen
				by the eligible individual or, as appropriate the individual's representative,
				that will provide the VR services and the methods used to procure such
				services;
5. The criteria to
				evaluate progress toward achieving the employment outcome;
6. The terms and conditions of the IPE,
				including as appropriate, information regarding the responsibilities of MDRS
				and the responsibilities of the eligible individual, including:
* The responsibility the individual will assume in relation
				  to the employment outcome;
* The participation of the individual in paying for the cost
				  of services, if applicable; and
* The responsibility of the individual with regard to
				  applying for and securing comparable benefits.
7. For an eligible individual with the most
				significant disabilities for whom an employment outcome in a supported
				employment setting has been determined to be appropriate, information
				identifying: 
				72
* The supported employment services to be provided by the
				  agency;
* The expected extended services needed by the individual;
				  and
* The source of extended services or, to the extent that the
				  source of the extended services cannot be identified at the time of IPE
				  development, a description of the basis for concluding that there is a
				  reasonable expectation such a source will become available.
8. An assessment of the anticipated need for
				post-employment services.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-7-7 - Individualized Plan For Employment › Section 32-10-7-7.4 - Amendments And Annual Reviews

Current through June 25, 2024
If there are substantive changes in the employment outcome, the VR services to be provided, or the providers of the services, the IPE must be amended or revised. The individual or, as appropriate, his/her representative, in collaboration with a designated representative of MDRS or a qualified VR counselor will determine the specific changes needed. 73Plus, as with the initial IPE, amendments will not take effect until agreed to and signed by the individual or, as appropriate, his/her representative and by a qualified VR/VRB counselor employed by MDRS. 74
Furthermore, a qualified VR/VRB counselor and the individual, or the individual's representative must review the IPE at least annually. This annual review is required to assess the individual's progress toward achieving the identified employment outcome. 75
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-9-9 - Transition And Youth Career Services › Section 32-10-9-9.0 - VR Transition Coordination

Current through June 25, 2024
To effectively meet the needs of students/youth with disabilities, OVR/OVRB collaborates with education and other workforce programs to assist students with the transition from school to postsecondary education and/or to competitive integrated employment (CIE). To accomplish this, counselors are assigned to work with specific school districts to provide transition services, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Furthermore, MDRS maintains a Memorandum of Understanding' (MOU) with the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and an Agreement of Cooperation' for Transition Services with local educational agencies (LEAs) to help continue this collaboration.
This MOU with MDE is not intended to reduce the obligation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of a LEA to provide or pay for any transition services that are also considered special education or related services that are necessary for ensuring a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities within Mississippi.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-9-9 - Transition And Youth Career Services › Section 32-10-9-9.1 - Definitions

Current through June 25, 2024
Transition Services
are defined as a coordinated set of activities for students and youth with a disability which: 77
* are designed within an outcome-oriented process that promotes movement from school to postsecondary activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, Competitive Integrated Employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation and Supported Employment;
* are based upon the individual student's or youth's needs, taking into account the student's or youth's preferences and interests;
* include instruction, community experiences, the development of employment and post-school goals, and, if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation;
* promote or facilitate the achievement of the employment outcome identified in the student's or youth's Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE); and
* include outreach to and engagement of the parents, or as appropriate, the representative of such a student or youth with a disability.
Student with a disability
refers to an individual with a disability enrolled in a secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program who is no younger than fourteen (14) and no older than twenty-one (21) years of age, and is eligible for and receiving special education or related services under IDEA or is an individual with a disability for purposes of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. 78
Youth with a disability
refers to an individual with a disability who is not younger than fourteen (14) years of age and is not older than twenty-four (24) years of age. 79
Potentially Eligible
(PE) refers to students who:
* meet the definition of"student with a disability" and
* have not applied for and been determined eligible or ineligible for VR services.
PE students are not required to apply for and be determined eligible for VR services to receive Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). However, they can only receive Pre-ETS; should they need any additional VR services they must go through the application and eligibility determination process.
Pre-Employment Transition Services
(Pre-ETS) is a specific set of services that are only available to eligible and potentially eligible students with disabilities. These services are intended to be the earliest set of services available to students with disabilities, and are designed to help students begin to identify career interests.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-9-9 - Transition And Youth Career Services › Section 32-10-9-9.3 - Personal Devices And Services For Participation In PRE-ETS

Current through June 25, 2024
OVR/OVRB will help ensure that no student with a disability is denied the benefit of Pre-ETS because of the student's disability, impairments, or barriers. If an eligible or potentially eligible student requires reasonable accommodations/auxiliary aids or services to access or participate in any of the required Pre-ETS, OVR/OVRB must provide for such costs when no other public entity is required to provide such aid or service.
However, personal devices and services do not meet the definition of auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Therefore, if a student with a disability requires personal devices, services, or individually- prescribed assistive technology, such as prescription eyeglasses or hearing aids, readers for personal use or study, or services of a personal nature, OVR/OVRB must work with the student to determine if he/she meets the eligibility criteria to receive VR services and develop an IPE for the provision of the needed individualized services.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-9-9 - Transition And Youth Career Services › Section 32-10-9-9.4 - Completion Of PRE-ETS

Current through June 25, 2024
Pre-ETS shall be discontinued once an individual no longer satisfies the definition of a student with a disability'. At the time of service discontinuation, the counselor will notify the student in writing.
Pre-ETS shall end for PE and VR eligible students when one of the following circumstances occurs:
* the student reaches 22 years old;
* the student is no longer participating in a secondary or postsecondary training program;
* the student chooses not to participate in, or continue participating in Pre-ETS, as confirmed by the student and/or guardian either verbally or in writing;
* the student has completed all of the requested Pre-ETS; or
* the PE student applies for VR services and an ineligibility decision is made.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-9-9 - Transition And Youth Career Services › Section 32-10-9-9.5 - Services For Youth With The Most Significant Disabilities

Current through June 25, 2024
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by WIOA, has put a heightened emphasis on the provision of services to youth with disabilities, especially those with the most significant disabilities.
OVR/OVRB serves youth with the most significant disabilities through VR's Supported Employment (SE) program. The SE program receives supplemental grant funds dedicated to the provision of SE services. MDRS is required to reserve and expend no less than fifty (50) percent of these funds to provide SE services, including extended services, to youth with the most significant disabilities. 87, 88
Please refer to Section 11.1 of this manual for a description of SE and extended services.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-10-10 - Financial Accountability › Section 32-10-10-10.0 - Financial Accountability

Current through June 25, 2024
MDRS is committed to ensuring all funds are handled using sound financial management and proper accounting practices. Only those funds necessary for diagnostic, evaluation and other services, which lead to the attainment of an employment outcome, should be expended.
Policies are applied uniformly to all individuals in similar circumstances.
Policies do not require different levels of need for different geographic regions in the state, and policies ensure that the level of an individual's participation in the cost of VR services is: 89
* reasonable;
* based on the individual's financial need, including consideration of any disability-related expenses paid by the individual; and,
* not so high as to effectively deny the individual a necessary service.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-10-10 - Financial Accountability › Section 32-10-10-10.1 - Financial Needs Analysis

Current through June 25, 2024
OVR/OVRB calculates an individual's financial participation rate by conducting a Financial Need Analysis (FNA). MDRS sets the annual cost of living allowance (COLA), used in the FNA calculations, at three (3) times the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines are established by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and published annually in the Federal Register.
MDRS chooses to consider the financial need of applicants who are receiving services through Trial Work Experiences (TWE) for purposes of determining the extent of their participation in the costs of VR services. 90
Other VR services that require a financial needs test are:91
* Tuition, housing, and meals for academic training at a university, college or community college;
* All computers and software purchased for basic education or college training;
* Hearing aids;
* Home Modifications;
* Vehicle Modifications;
* Services to family members, and/or
* Post-employment services in the six (6) aforementioned service areas.
MDRS does not apply a financial needs test or require the financial participation of the individual as a condition for providing the following VR services: 92
* Assessments for determining eligibility, priority for services, and VR needs;
* VR counseling and guidance;
* Referral and other services;
* Any auxiliary aid or services (e.g. interpreter or reader services);
* Job-related services;
* Personal assistance services; or
* As a condition for providing any VR service for individuals who have been determined eligible for Social Security benefits under Title II or Title XVI of the Social Security Act.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-10-10 - Financial Accountability › Section 32-10-10-10.2 - Comparable Services And Benefits

Current through June 25, 2024
Comparable services and benefits means services and benefits, including accommodations and auxiliary aids and services, that is: 93
* Provided or paid for, in whole or in part, by other Federal, State, or local public agencies, by health insurance, or by employee benefits;
* Available to the individual at the time needed to ensure progress toward achieving the employment outcome in the individual's IPE; and
* Comparable to the services the individual would otherwise receive from MDRS.
NOTE: Comparable services and benefits do not include awards and scholarships based on merit.
VR services will be provided after a determination that comparable services and benefits are not available under any other program, unless such a determination would interrupt or delay: 94
* The progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome stated in his/her IPE;
* An immediate job placement; or,
* The provision of VR services to any individual at extreme medical risk, based on medical evidence provided by an appropriate, qualified medical professional.
The following services are exempt from the determination of comparable services and benefits: 95
1. Assessment for determining eligibility and
				VR needs by qualified personnel,
2.
				Counseling and guidance, including information and support services to assist
				an individual in exercising informed choice;
3. Referral and other services to secure
				needed services from other agencies including components of the statewide
				workforce development system, if such services are not available through this
				agency;
4. Job-related services,
				including job search and placement assistance, job retention services,
				follow-up services, and follow-along services;
5. Rehabilitation technology, including
				telecommunication, sensory, and other technological aids and devices;
				and,
6. Post-employment services
				consisting of the aforementioned services (in items 1- 5 in this
				list.)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-10-10 - Financial Accountability › Section 32-10-10-10.3 - Out-Of-State Services

Current through June 25, 2024
If out-of-state services are requested when there are comparable services available in the state, the services must meet the same criteria in terms of comparable benefits, financial need, and determination of cost as in-state services.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-10-10 - Financial Accountability › Section 32-10-10-10.4 - Fee Schedule

Current through June 25, 2024
Federal cost principles require that costs for purchased VR services be allowable, reasonable, allocable to the program, and be relative to the benefit received. In keeping with these principles, OVR/OVRB has an established Fee Schedule to ensure the most cost effective use of federal funding and a statewide consistency of client service purchases. The Fee Schedule represents the "maximum allowable fee" for medical services, equipment, supplies, and the like. Rates of payment for services provided in agency-operated facilities shall be determined by MDRS's facility cost reporting system.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-10-10 - Financial Accountability › Section 32-10-10-10.5 - State Vendor Contracts And Purchasing Regulations

Current through June 25, 2024
The State of Mississippi enters into contracts with vendors for certain goods and services on an annual basis. When state contracts are in effect, these items must be obtained from the vendor indicated on the contract. No bids are required.
Items not covered by the Fee Schedule or a state contract are subject to the Mississippi Public Purchases law.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-10-10 - Financial Accountability › Section 32-10-10-10.6 - Authorizations

Current through June 25, 2024
Authorizations and expenditures for services will be made in accordance with all applicable:
* OVR/OVRB fee schedules;
* Operating agreements and contracts;
* State contract rates;
* Vendor's usual and customary charges; and
* State/federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
NOTE: OVR/OVRB cannot supplement payments from any other source(s) in excess of the prevailing fee for services being purchased.
Authorizations will be issued only after a case has been placed in application status. A written authorization for services shall be made either before or at the same time as the purchase of the services. However, for individuals who have been determined eligible, in rare situations that might cause extreme medical risk or loss of placement, or like circumstances, an authorization may be made verbally. In such instances, there must be prompt documentation and the authorization must be confirmed in writing and forwarded immediately to the provider of the services.
Payment of a valid obligation may be approved when the eligible individual or authorized agency personnel have received the authorized goods or services and the vendor has signed, returned the authorization, and supplied an invoice when required. State purchasing law requires payment within forty-five (45) days of receipt of authorized goods and services.
Documentation supporting the decision to obligate funds, change amounts obligated, and recommend payment must be present in the service record.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-11-11 - Employment › Section 32-10-11-11.0 - Purpose

Current through June 25, 2024
The goals of the VR program are to help individuals with disabilities achieve equality of opportunity, full inclusion, and integration into the labor market to ensure an employment outcome, thereby creating opportunities for independence. The VR program intends to accomplish these goals by increasing employment opportunities and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities through encouraging meaningful input from employers on successful and prospective employment and placement strategies.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-11-11 - Employment › Section 32-10-11-11.2 - USE Of Subminimum Wage

Current through June 25, 2024
Under Section 511 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, OVR/OVRB is obligated to provide Career Counseling and Information and Referral (CCIR) services to all individuals working in the state in subminimum wage employment. The purpose of the mandate is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to information and services that will enable them to achieve CIE.
Section 511 establishes two (2) requirements that must be met in order for a worker with a disability to be paid a subminimum wage, and they are:
1. Individuals with disabilities
				age 24 and younger (youth) must be provided with various services designed to
				improve their access to competitive integrated employment (CIE)
before
they are employed at a subminimum wage;
				and
2. All workers, including
				youth, must be regularly provided with career counseling and information as a
				condition of continued employment at a subminimum wage.
Youth and Subminimum Wage
102
Before a youth with disabilities can begin employment in a subminimum wage position, OVR/OVRB must provide him/her with documentation verifying the completion of three (3) requirements, which are:
1. Receipt of Pre-Employment Transition
				Services (Pre-ETS) under the VR program or Transition Services provided under
				the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
2. Proof the youth applied for VR services
				and was found ineligible or documentation showing the youth applied for VR
				services, was found eligible, had an approved IPE, worked toward a suitable
				employment outcome for a reasonable period of time without success, and the VR
				service record was closed as non-rehabilitated; and
3. Receipt of Career Counseling and
				Information and Referral Services (CCIR).
Individuals (regardless of age) and Subminimum
				  Wage
103
Employers may not continue to employ an individual with a
				  disability, regardless of age, at subminimum wage unless the individual
				  receives CCIR at the appropriate intervals as established in Section
				  511.
CCIR, provided by , OVR/OVRB must be delivered in a manner
				  that facilitates independent decision-making and informed choice, and shall be
				  carried out once every six (6) months for the first year of the individual's
				  employment at a subminimum wage, and annually thereafter for the duration of
				  such employment.
It is the responsibility of the employers, who pay subminimum
				  wages, to ensure their workers are referred to OVR/OVRB and receive CCIR as
				  needed.
Employers with less than fifteen (15) employees must also refer individuals with disabilities to OVR/OVRB to receive information on selfadvocacy, self-determination, and available peer-mentoring training opportunities before continuing to pay subminimum wages.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-11-11 - Employment › Section 32-10-11-11.3 - Services To Employers

Current through June 25, 2024
MDRS' Office of Business Development (OBD) strives to set the stage for sustainable success for both individuals with disabilities and employers. To accomplish this, OBD focuses on developing ongoing relationships with, and providing a variety of services to, both public and private sector employers in an effort to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
OBD assists individuals with disabilities and employers by: 104
* Providing disability awareness training and education to promote inclusion in the workplace, as well as assist with the employment and retention of individuals with disabilities;
* Increasing opportunities for recruitment of skilled, qualified individuals with disabilities through work-based learning experiences (including job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, and on-the- job training);
* Providing consultation, technical assistance, and support on the use of accommodations and assistive technology in the workplace to aid in the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of individuals with disabilities; and by
* Aiding in the utilization of incentives and other financial support, such as tax credits, that are available for the hiring or accommodating of individuals with disabilities.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-12-12 - Closures › Section 32-10-12-12.0 - Closures

Current through June 25, 2024
Closure of an individual's service record occurs when the individual achieves: an employment outcome in a competitive integrated setting; declines services or refuses to participate; is not available to participate or is determined ineligible for services; does not meet the current order of selection priority and does not wish to remain on a waiting list; received services but did not achieve an employment outcome; or has completed post-employment services.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-12-12 - Closures › Section 32-10-12-12.1 - Criteria For Closing Service Records As Rehabilitated [105]

Current through June 25, 2024
The record of services of an individual who has achieved a competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcome may be closed as rehabilitated only if
all
of the following requirements are met:
1. The individual received VR
				counseling and guidance throughout the life of record.
2. The individual has achieved the employment
				outcome that is described in the individual's IPE and is consistent with the
				individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities,
				capabilities, interests, and informed choice.
3. The individual has maintained the
				employment outcome for an appropriate period of time (a minimum of 90 days) to
				ensure stability, and it has been determined the individual no longer needs VR
				services.
4. At the end of the
				appropriate period of time, the individual and the qualified rehabilitation
				counselor employed by MDRS consider the employment outcome to be satisfactory
				and agree that the individual is performing well on the job.
5. The service record contains documentation
				that the services provided under the individual's IPE, whether provided
				directly by OVR/OVRB/OBD or through service providers, contributed to the
				achievement of the employment outcome.
6. The individual is informed through
				appropriate modes of communication of the availability of post-employment
				services.
7. Additional Supported
				Employment provisions related to closure are:
* The individual received supported employment services, as
				  indicated in his/her IPE, prior to closure; and
* The individual has transitioned to extended services that
				  are not paid for with agency funds, but are provided through a comparable
				  benefit or service. 
				  106
There must be supporting documentation in the service record to document the individual's hourly wage at exit from the VR program. This information is required to verify the individual is compensated at a rate that meets the definition of CIE.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-12-12 - Closures › Section 32-10-12-12.2 - Closure Without Eligibility Determination [107]

Current through June 25, 2024
A counselor may not close an individual's record of services prior to making an eligibility determination unless:
* The individual declines to participate in, or is unavailable to complete, an assessment for determining eligibility and priority for services, and
* The counselor has made a reasonable number of attempts to contact the individual or, if appropriate, the applicant's representative to encourage the individual's participation.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-12-12 - Closures › Section 32-10-12-12.3 - Closure Due To Ineligibility [108]

Current through June 25, 2024
If a counselor determines that an applicant is ineligible for VR services or determines that an individual receiving services under an IPE is no longer eligible, the counselor must:
* Make the determination only after providing an opportunity for full consultation with the individual or, as appropriate, with the individual's representative;
* Inform the individual in writing, supplemented as necessary by other appropriate modes of communication, of the ineligibility determination, including the reasons for that determination, and the means by which the individual may express and seek remedy for any dissatisfaction;
* Provide the individual with a description of services available from the Client Assistance Program (CAP) and information on how to contact the program;
* Refer the individual to other programs in the statewide workforce development system, or other federal, state or local programs and/or service providers best suited to meet his/her rehabilitation needs; and
* Review, within 12 months and annually thereafter if requested by the individual or his/her representative, any ineligibility determination that is based on a finding that the individual is incapable of achieving an employment outcome. This review need not be conducted in situations in which the individual has refused it, the individual is no longer present in the State, the individual's whereabouts are unknown, or the individual's medical condition is rapidly progressive or terminal.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-12-12 - Closures › Section 32-10-12-12.4 - Closure In Extended Employment [109]

Current through June 25, 2024
Some individuals are placed in extended [sheltered] employment earning less than minimum wage under a sub-minimum wage certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. This is legal and appropriate for some individuals, but this type of employment outcome is not considered CIE.
Criteria:
1. Before
				an individual's service record is closed in extended employment, the counselor
				must include documentation that the individual is unable to achieve CIE or that
				the individual made an informed choice to remain in extended
				employment.
2. A semi-annual review
				and reevaluation of the status of the individual must occur for two years after
				the individual's record of services is closed (and annually thereafter) to
				determine the interests, priorities, and needs of the individual with respect
				to achieving or training for CIE.
3. The counselor must enable the individual
				or, if appropriate, the individual's representative to provide input into the
				review and reevaluation and must document that input in the record of services.
Documentation must also include:
* The individual's or, as appropriate, the individual's
				  representative's signed acknowledgment that the review and reevaluation have
				  been conducted; and
* A description of the efforts to identify and provide VR
				  services, reasonable accommodations, and other necessary support services, to
				  assist the individual in engaging in CIE.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-12-12 - Closures › Section 32-10-12-12.5 - Closure As Non-Rehabilitated

Current through June 25, 2024
If, for intervening reasons, an applicant does not reach a CIE outcome and no further services can be justified or are appropriate, the individual's service record is closed as non-rehabilitated.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 10 - MDRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL › Sec2 32-10-12-12 - Closures › Section 32-10-12-12.6 - Closure From Delayed Status

Current through June 25, 2024
Closures in this category are for individuals who were determined eligible for VR services but did not meet the current Order of Selection criteria, and the service record never advanced to service status.
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 11 - Vocational Rehabilitation Regulations › Part 361 - STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM › Subpart A - General › Section 32-11-361-A-361.1 - Purpose

Current through June 25, 2024
Under the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program (Program), the Secretary provides grants to assist States in operating statewide comprehensive, coordinated, effective, efficient, and accountable programs, each of which is--
(a) An
				  integral part of a statewide workforce investment system; and
(b) Designed to assess, plan, develop, and
				  provide vocational Rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities,
				  consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities,
				  capabilities, interests, and informed choice, so that they may prepare for and
				  engage in gainful employment.
Authority: Section
					 100(a)(2) of the Act;  29
					 U.S.C. 720(a)(2)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 11 - Vocational Rehabilitation Regulations › Part 361 - STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM › Subpart A - General › Section 32-11-361-A-361.2 - Eligibility for a grant

Current through June 25, 2024
Any State that submits to the Secretary a State plan that meets the requirements of section 101(a) of the Act and this part is eligible for a grant under this Program.
Authority: Section
					 101(a) of the Act;  29 U.S.C.
					 721(a)
Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 32 - Rehabilitation And Disabilities › Part 11 - Vocational Rehabilitation Regulations › Part 361 - STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM › Subpart A - General › Section 32-11-361-A-361.3 - Authorized activities

Current through June 25, 2024
The Secretary makes payments to a State to assist in--
(a) The costs of providing
				  vocational rehabilitation services under the State plan; and
(b) Administrative costs under the State
				  plan.
Authority: Section
					 111(a)(1) of the Act;  29
					 U.S.C. 731(a)(1)