6A-18.051. Exit Review Panel (Transferred to 38K-1.051)

To ensure that individuals participate as much as possible in the cost of their vocational rehabilitation, the Division shall consider the resources available to the individual and the family for rehabilitation purposes.

(1) The Division shall ensure that similar benefits from other programs or agencies are utilized before using vocational rehabilitation funds to pay for such services, provided that use of such benefits does not delay or hamper the person’s rehabilitation.

(2) Services that may be provided as needed without consideration of family income are:

(a) Diagnostic services to determine the individual's abilities and limitations;

(b) Counseling and guidance;

(c) Tuition or fees for vocational training, except that other sources of grants or scholarship funds must be used first for training in universities, colleges, technical, or vocational schools. If a client chooses to attend a nonpublic or out-of-state institution, the maximum tuition payable by the Division shall be equal to the fees for Florida residents at State universities or community colleges;

(d) Reader services and interpreter services for deaf-blind;

(e) Orientation and mobility training;

(f) Rehabilitation teacher services;

(g) Placement in suitable employment and follow-up on job performance.

(3) Before providing additional services, the Division shall take into consideration the income and financial resources of the individual and the family as well as availability of similar benefits. These additional services are:

(a) Treatment for physical or mental disabilities, including surgery, hospitalization, medications, prostheses, and other treatment-related services;

(b) Transportation;

(c) Financial assistance to meet minimum living requirements if necessary to enable the client to participate in vocational rehabilitation services;

(d) Books, training materials, equipment, and technological aids for training or employment;

(e) Occupational licenses, tools, equipment, supplies, and initial stock needed for self-employment or a business;

(f) Services to members of the client’s family when necessary to the individual’s vocational rehabilitation;

(g) Other goods and services required for the individual’s rehabilitation except those listed in subsection 6A-18.051(2), F.A.C.

(4) Eligibility for these additional services shall be established as follows:

(a) The client shall complete the Application for Services Based on Economic Need (DBS-007) showing income from all sources for the family group and any other resources available for rehabilitation services;

(b) If the gross monthly income is below the normal living requirements for the number of persons in the family group, the individual is eligible for these additional services;

(c) If the gross monthly income is above the normal living requirements, the individual will not be eligible for these services unless there are unusual circumstances which would make it impossible to provide or obtain the needed services. In such cases, the counselor shall document these unusual financial circumstances and request an exception which must be approved by the program director or designee before the services may be purchased.

(5) Equitable application of standard. Counselors will be provided with training and supervision in obtaining financial information, the dollar amounts for measuring normal living requirements, and instructions for giving consideration to unusual circumstances. These instructions and procedures shall provide for equitable treatment of all clients.

Rulemaking Authority 20.05(1), 20.15(7), 120.53(1), 229.053(1), 413.011(1)(l) FS. Law Implemented 120.53(1), 413.011(1) FS., 34 C.F.R., Part 361.47. History–New 2-13-84, Formerly 6A-18.36, 6A-18.036, 38K-1.036.