12-152 C.M.R. ch. 1, § 8 - COMPARABLE SERVICES AND BENEFITS AND THE PARTICIPATION BY INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE COST OF DVR SERVICES

1. If an eligible individual wishes to financially participate in a service consistent with the IPE, it will be documented in the IPE.

2. If comparable services and benefits are available to the eligible individual, they must be utilized to meet, in whole or part, the cost of vocational rehabilitation services. If comparable services or benefits exist under any other program, but are not available to the individual at the time needed to satisfy the rehabilitation objectives in the individual's IPE, DVR shall provide vocational rehabilitation services until those comparable services and benefits become available. The utilization of comparable services and benefits do not apply in the following situations:

A. if the determination of the availability would delay the provision of vocational rehabilitation to any eligible individual who is at extreme medical risk, based on medical evidence provided by an appropriate qualified medical professional;

B. if an immediate job placement would be lost due to a delay in the provision of comparable benefits.

3. The following categories of service are excepted from a determination of the availability of comparable services and benefits:

A. assessment for determining eligibility, priority for services, and vocational rehabilitation needs;

B. vocational rehabilitation counseling, guidance, and referral services;

C. (Not in use)

D. restricted awards and scholarships based on merit;

E. rehabilitation technology , including telecommunications, sensory and other technological aids and devices;

F. job-related services, including job search and placement assistance , job retention services, follow-up services and follow-along services;

G. post-employment services that would be included under (A) - (F) above.

Notes

12-152 C.M.R. ch. 1, § 8