Code of Maine Rules › 12 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR › 152 - BUREAU OF REHABILITATION SERVICES › Chapter 7 - INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES PROGRAM › Section 152-7-1 - PURPOSE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES PROGRAM

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Summary
: The Independent Living Services
				  Program, hereinafter referred to as the (ILS Program), in conjunction with the
				  Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services,
				  (BRS) assists people who have significant disabilities to live more
				  independently in their homes and communities. The program provides and arranges
				  needed IL services subject to the availability of funds. The program is also an
				  advocacy program for people with disabilities and their families.
The ILS Program assists eligible persons with significant
				  disabilities to overcome substantial barriers to functioning independently in
				  family or community. The IL process is based upon an Independent Living Plan
				  (ILP) which is designed to achieve or maintain independence. Services provided
				  to people with disabilities must directly relate to the removal of barriers to
				  independent living, as identified in the Certificate of Eligibility. Services
				  must be provided in a cost effective and responsible manner.
The ILS Program is operated in compliance with the Federal
				  Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended. The legal authorities for the policies
				  contained in the ILS Services Policy Manual are Title
				  29 U.S.C.
				  720
et seq
.; Title 34 CFR
				  Part 365 in the Federal Register, and Title 26 M.R.S.A., Chapter 19, section
				  1411,
et seq
.
The consumer is the foundation of the ILS Program. All
				  services shall be consumer planned and developed within the scope of the
				  program guidelines. The direct and active participation of the eligible
				  consumer is required within this program to the maximum extent feasible for the
				  individual. Each phase of the service delivery process shall be documented
				  within the case record.
1. Eligibility
				is determined without regard to sex, race, creed, age, color, national origin
				or type of disability.
2. There is
				no residency requirement which would exclude from services a person living in
				Maine.
3. The ILS Program shall
				process referrals in an equitable and expeditious manner.
4. The ILS Program shall establish and
				maintain a case record for each applicant for, and recipient of, IL Services.
				The case record will contain all required documentation.
5. Case service expenditures shall require
				written authorization by the ILS Program administrator prior to the initiation
				of the services or the purchase of any goods.
6. When appropriate, ILS Program staff shall
				provide advocacy or referral necessary to support people with significant
				disabilities in securing needed services or goods from other agencies and
				organizations.
7. Each applicant or
				individual provided IL services shall be informed of the procedure for
				requesting a review and/or a re-determination of agency action concerning the
				furnishing or denial of services, including the names and addresses of
				individuals with whom appeals may be filed and of the availability of the
				Client Assistance Program.