Your Bridge To Disability Services

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The following is a summary of the steps described in the OVR Appeal Process to seek review of any determination made by OVR/BBVS personnel that affects the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to you. It is not intended to constitute legal advice regarding your appeal. It is recommended that you review OVR’s Due Process Procedures Policy, which is included below for your review.

1. To request review, you must write a letter to OVR that:

• Describes the determination with which you are dissatisfied.

• Includes the date, if know, when the determination was made.

• Identifies who made the determination, and

• State what you want or what action will satisfy you.

2. Send the letter to:

If you are appealing an OVR decision:              If you are appealing a BBVS decision:

Director, Bureau of Program Operations                            Director, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation                                     Office of Vocational  Rehabilitation

1521 N. 6th Street                                                              1521 N. 6th Street

Harrisburg, PA 17102                                                         Harrisburg, PA 17102

3. It is not required, but recommended that the letter be sent registered mail, return receipt requested to confirm OVR’s receipt.

4.If you were notified in writing of the Appeal Process, including the availability of the Client Assistance Program, when you applied for services, at the time an Individualized Plan of Employment was developed with you, or upon reduction, suspension or cessation of services, your appeal must be postmarked within thirty(30) calendar days of the determination with which you are dissatisfied. Failure to file a timely appeal under these circumstances may result it being dismissed.

5.Once OVR or BBVS receive’s your letter, you may be given the option of having an informal administrative review of your case or mediation prior to an impartial due process hearing is held. If you receive a green post card to select a pre-hearing option, it is important respond to OVR as directed.  

6.You have the right to be represented during the appeal process. This includes a family member, friend, advocate, Client Assistance Program or an attorney. Designation of a representative must be made in writing to OVR. You also have the right to review and reproduce your case record prior to or during the  appeal process.

7.It is also important to know that except under very limited circumstances, OVR cannot suspend, reduce or terminate your services during the appeal process.

8.The attached OVR Appeals policy sets out in detail the steps you need to follow to file an appeal. It also includes a description of the different levels of the appeal process, how each is conducted and your rights.

9.If you have any questions regarding the appeal process, you may contact the Client Assistance Program at 1-888-745-2357, by email at admin@equalemployment.org, or by mail at CAP, 1515 Market St., Ste. 1300, Philadelphia, PA 19102.