|
|
|
|
 |
|
CAP
Publications
|
CAP Frequently Asked
Questions
How does an individual receive VR services?
Does the eligible individual have to pay for VR services?
Based on the individual's available financial resources, the State VR agency may require an eligible individual to help pay for services. However, the following services are available to all eligible individuals, regardless of their financial resources, without charge:
What are comparable services and benefits?
"Comparable services and benefits" are those benefits or services that are: 1) paid for, in whole or part, by another Federal, State or local public agency or employee benefits; 2) available at the time the individual needs them; and 3) comparable to the services that the individual would receive from the VR agency. Merit-based awards and scholarships are not considered "comparable services and benefits." Before providing certain VR services, the counselor must determine whether another source, such as medical insurance or Medicaid, etc., can pay for the service. However, the counselor is not required to look for a "comparable service or benefit" if it would delay: 1) the individual's progress toward achieving an employment outcome; 2) an immediate job placement; or 3)the provision of services to an eligible individual who is at extreme medical risk. Who has the primary obligation to provide reasonable accommodations if an individual requires these to work, VR or the employer?
ADA indicates the employer should provide auxiliary aids and
services. 1) Auxiliary aids and services. --The term "auxiliary
aids and services" includes (A) qualified interpreters or other
effective methods of making aurally delivered materials
available to individuals with hearing impairments; (B) qualified
readers, taped texts, or other effective methods of making
visually delivered materials available to individuals with
visual impairments; If the employer provides needed financial documentation, the burden shifts to OVR to provide the accommodations. Where can an OVR find information stating what training is required in today’s labor market for their specific vocational goal?The client has the responsibility to do some research to provide OVR clear, supporting documentation of the training that is necessary to meet the training requirements for their chosen goal. Some websites that may help a client in gathering this information are Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Dictionary of Occupational Titles.
Is
an OVR client allowed to attend school part-time?
Although OVR encourages
full-time status, exceptions may be made if a client’s
functional limitations are such that part-time is necessary to
accommodate the student’s disability.
What G.P.A. must a client maintain in order to continue with OVR
funding?
A client must maintain at least
a “C” (2.0) cumulative average. However, a client must maintain
a higher average if required by the school or course major. This
should be written on the client’s IPE.
How
will a client’s federal financial aid be affected if they have a
poor G.P.A.?
Students must maintain federal
academic progress to be eligible for federal and OVR aid. This
is determined by the school.
Will OVR pay for a client to attend summer school?
OVR may pay for summer school
if it will allow a student to graduate earlier or if course work
is unavailable at any other time. The client must provide
evidence of these circumstances.
Is
a client required to seek out merit scholarships?
No, however if the client
receives a scholarship, the financial aid office may report it
and the counselor will use it in calculating OVR’s contribution.
CAP has some resources on financial aid for students with
disabilities.
How
can a client find out about financial aid/grants resources?
A CAP advocate may be able to
provide you with some financial aid resources for students with
disabilities. The financial aid office at the school may also be
a good place to visit.
Who
has the responsibility to seek out/apply for financial aid
information?
It is the client’s
responsibility to seek out/apply for financial aid and to notify
his/her counselor he/she has done so.
If
a client is in default status, can they receive financial aid?
Students in default must
produce written evidence from the lender that they have
attempted to resolve their default status before OVR can provide
financial assistance for training. If a client agrees to
repayment terms, he/she must not default on such repayments.
Is a client required to attend an in-state
college?
No, a client may choose training
out-of-state once the client and VR counselor verify with that
state’s vocational rehabilitation agency that the school has
appropriate state accreditations
Out-of-state training is a choice that
will be considered if an in-state training program does not
provide the specific program and/or disability services the
client requires to achieve his/her vocational goal.
The financial needs test is used to determine financial eligibility for VR cost services and any family contribution toward those services. Not all VR services are subject to a financial needs test. For example, diagnostic testing is not. If you have a question about whether the FNT applies to your services, contact CAP.
No, the FNT cannot be applied to those receiving SSI/SSDI benefits. It is necessary to complete an OVR FNT if you are a non SSI/SSDI client. In those instances the family contribution towards training shall be applied to and deducted from any FNT contribution.
FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The results of filing this application will help determine OVR's contributions to your academic training.
If you are interested in receiving assistance from OVR for training it is necessary to file a FAFSA. The FAFSA may also determine that you are eligible for other grants.
Please refer to www.fafsa.ed.gov for further questions.
If you are a client
of the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services homemaker is a
viable goal to perform the majority of activities of household
management, so that another family member may work outside the
home.
Then independent
homemaker may be considered if the individual is the sole
caregiver for his/her minor children or if the individual is
the primary caregiver for other family members who require care
in the home due to illness or disability.
How
can I be eligible for CAP services?
You are eligible for all CAP services if you are applying for or
receiving services from programs funded under the Act such
as the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), the Bureau of
Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) and the Centers for
Independent Living (CIL). Is there a fee for CAP services?
No. All CAP services are free.
CAP can help solve problems that affect many
individuals through “systemic advocacy”. This often
involves making changes to state rules and policies and
participating on councils such as the State Rehabilitation
Council. When is it appropriate to contact CAP?
You should contact CAP whenever you have a question about your rights/responsibilities under the Act or if you are unhappy about the services you are receiving from a program funded under the act.
The section of the ADA that the Center for Disability Law and Policy handles is Title 1- Employment Discrimination. CAP handles Title I and VI of the Rehabilitation Act which focuses on Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living Services. What is the Workforce Investment Act?
The Workforce Investment Act is a federal law that deals with employment. The Rehabilitation Act falls under it. How do I find the OVR office that is the closest to me?
You can find the closest OVR office by looking in the blue pages of your telephone directory. It will be listed under the disability section
Yes, in order to receive vocational rehabilitation services in Pennsylvania under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, you must have a “most significant disability”. What does it mean to have a “most significant disability”?
Under OVR policy in Pennsylvania, you meet the definition of a person with a “most significant disability” if you fit within three or more “functional capacities” because of your disability, and will require services for a “lengthy” period of time. “Functional capacities” are things like physical tolerance, personal behaviors and environmental interaction. You should contact your OVR counselor if you have questions about functional capacities. Must I hMust I have more than one disability in order to receive VR services?
No, you must fit within 3 or
more “functional capacities”. “Functional capacities” are
explained more above. What is the maximum amount that OVR will contribute toward my college education per semester?
What is an individual Plan for Employment?
An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is a document developed by you and your VR counselor. It states your vocational or job goal and lists the vocational rehabilitation services you will receive, as well as who will provide each service. It is signed by you and your counselor What can I do if I need a vocational Rehabilitation service that is not listed on my IPE?
What can I do if my VR counselor and I do not agree on the vocational goral to be written on my IPE?
Is every person with a disability Eligible for VR services?
Do I have to be unemployed in order to receive OVR services?
Where can I find resources that will assist me in choosing my vocational goals?
What are some of the vocational rehabilitation services that OVR offers?
What can I do if I disagree with my counselor's decision?
You should discuss your concerns with your counselor’s
supervisor. You can also call the Client Assistance
Program. The sooner you contact CAP, the more likely CAP
will be able to help you. What if my concerns are still not resolved after talking to my counselor's supervisor?
What is the Client Assistance program (CAP)?
If I am determined eligible by OVR do I automatically receive VR services?
Once I apply for OVR services, how long does OVR have to determine if I am eligible?
How do I develop my advocacy skills?
|
