Your Bridge To Disability Services
YOU CAN COUNT ON THE CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) TO HELP YOU;
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Access pre-employment transition services
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Obtain the services you need to pursue a meaningful career and live independently
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Understand how the Office Of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and Centers for Independent Living (CIL) provide these services
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Know your rights and responsibilities under these programs, and Title 1 of the ADA
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Navigate The OVR program to achieve a successful employment outcome
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Resolve any concerns you may have with OVR or CIL
Staff
Executive Director
Stephen S. Pennington, Esq.
Francella Porter
Office Manager
Senior Advocate
Margaret Passeo-McKenna
Advocate/Case Manager
Lannette D. Suarez
ADVOCACY
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CAP is an advocacy program for people with disabilities administered by the Center for Disability Law & Policy.
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CAP helps people who are seeking services from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Blindness and Visual Services, Centers for Independent Living and other programs funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
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CAP help is provided to you at no charge, regardless of income.
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The Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program is dedicated to ensuring that the rehabilitation system in Pennsylvania is open and responsive to your needs.
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CAP is Independent from OVR and Centers for Independent Living
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CAP will ADVISE,INFORM,ASSIST and ADVOCATE on behalf of the individual needs of our clients!
SELF ADVOCACY
At CAP we strive to educate customers of Vocational Rehabilitation and Centers for Independent Living about the importance of self advocacy. CAP wants to prepare each individual to enter these systems with an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as well as the role the individual plays while seeking services needed to live independently and find community integrated employment. Click the links below to find a detail of rights and responsibilities in the rehabilitation handbook as well as a step by step guide to VR services prepared by CAP.
OVR Appeal Process
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:
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Describes the determination with which you are dissatisfied.
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Includes the date, if know, when the determination was made.
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Identifies who made the determination, and
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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.
Resources
CONTACT
Inquiries
For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please call: (888) 745-2357 or fill out the following form
CAP is located at:
1515 Market Street
Suite 1300
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Tel: (215) 557-7112
Toll Free: (888)745-2357
