6A-18.049. General Description of Services and Procedures

The nature and extent of services needed to assist a client towards suitable employment vary with the individual’s circumstances.

(1) When an individual applies to the Division for vocational rehabilitation services, eligibility shall be determined in accordance with Rule 6A-18.050, F.A.C.

(2) The individual shall be eligible for those services needed to determine employability and reach an appropriate vocational goal.

(3) The Division may either purchase needed vocational rehabilitation services or assist the individual in obtaining them from other programs or agencies.

(4) As necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of the individual, the Division shall make the following services available to eligible clients:

(a) Evaluation of employment potential in accordance with subsection 6A-18.050(2), F.A.C.;

(b) Counseling and guidance;

(c) Referral to other community agencies;

(d) Medical treatment and related services;

(e) Vocational and other training services, including personal adjustment training;

(f) Reader and interpreter services;

(g) Orientation and mobility training;

(h) Transportation needed to participate in vocational rehabilitation services, including relocation for employment;

(i) Financial aid to meet normal living requirements while in training, treatment, or other program of services;

(j) Technological aids or equipment;

(k) Placement in appropriate employment;

(l) Post-employment services necessary to maintain suitable employment;

(m) Services to members of a client’s family group when necessary to the vocational rehabilitation of the client.

(5) The Division shall provide licenses, tools, equipment, initial stocks and supplies for self-employment in an owner-operated small business when the following conditions are met:

(a) The client has the abilities and aptitudes required for the management and operation of the business;

(b) The client has had successful business management experience or training, and has knowledge of purchasing, marketing, and aspects of the particular business chosen, including licensing, insurance, taxes, and relevant legal requirements;

(c) The client’s own financial resources and funding available from other sources are utilized to the maximum extent possible;

(d) A prospectus for the proposed business enterprise is prepared by the client with assistance and guidance of the counselor and submitted to the program director for approval. This prospectus shall cover the various facets of the business, including but not limited to, suppliers, licensing and other legal requirements, needed stock and equipment, market for the products, foreseeable operating costs, a time frame for start-up assistance from the Division, and anticipated profits;

1. When assistance from the Division is expected to be ten thousand (10,000) dollars or more, the counselor and client shall select a committee of persons competent to assess the local market, financing, location, and factors likely to impact on the success of the business. This committee shall review the prospectus and other information. It shall meet with the client, counselor, and program director or designee to determine the feasibility of a successful business operation;

2. When the committee makes a negative recommendation, the Division shall give no further consideration to providing financial assistance for the establishment of the business but shall assist the client in selecting and preparing for an alternate vocational goal. When the recommendation is positive, a statement shall be prepared detailing the need for initial stock and equipment, financial accounting, and other services deemed necessary to supplement the resources available for successful operation of the business.

(e) When an owner-operated small business is deemed to be an appropriate vocational goal, the completed rehabilitation plan must be submitted to the program director for review and approval before any commitments are made to the client or vendors.

(6) The Divisions’s financial contribution to the establishment of a small business shall be limited to funds available and the need to serve all clients equitably.

(7) A client shall be deemed to be rehabilitated, after an appropriate stabilization period, when a vocational rehabilitation goal suitable to the individual’s physical and mental abilities and limitations and other personal circumstances has been achieved.

Rulemaking Authority 413.011(3)(l), (x), 1001.02 FS. Law Implemented 413.011(3)(b) FS. History–New 2-13-84, Formerly 6A-18.33, 6A-18.033, 38K-1.033, Amended 8-20-17.