1. (a)

   1. (1) The counselor will follow the state purchasing guidelines.

   2. (2) Purchase and installation of special equipment and/or vehicle modification may be provided to enable the individual to drive their vehicle or an immediate family member or a designated attendant to provide the individual transportation if:

      1. (A) The individual or vehicle operator has:

2. (i) A current operator license;

   1. (ii) Proof that insurance will cover equipment; and

      1. (iii) Proof of vehicle ownership;
      2. (B) Equipment is purchased from an approved vendor;

      3. (C)

         1. (i) Equipment purchase and/or vehicle modification is made to enable an individual to participate in an approved full-time VR training program or employment.
         2. (ii) Needed equipment must be established as a criterion for evaluation of progress toward the employment outcome or covered on an IPE amendment;

      4. (D)

         1. (i) A vehicle more than five (5) years old and/or a vehicle with more than fifty thousand (50,000) miles that has been determined mechanically sound.
         2. (ii) This requirement does not apply to vehicles less than five (5) years old or with less than fifty thousand (50,000) miles;
      5. (E) An evaluation from the Access and Accommodations Section has been completed upon a counselor’s request;
      6. (F) The individual has been instructed in safe operation and/or use of equipment through a training course; and

      7. (G)

         1. (i) A threshold of five thousand dollars ($5,000) has been established for van modifications, including lift.
         2. (ii) For an exception form refer to Appendix G.

3. (b)

   1. (1) In certain situations, the counselor should consider referral of the individual for a driving evaluation to determine their eligibility to drive and the necessary vehicle modifications required to operate a vehicle.
   2. (2) This evaluation should be completed before the vehicle modifications are approved by the counselor.

   3. (3) Driver’s training is available at Arkansas Career Training Institute or Arkansas Rehabilitation Services may purchase driver training from an approved instructor or agency.

      1. (c) Procedures — Special equipment and modification for motor vehicles.
   4. (1) Documentation of the action to be taken will be made in the case note.
   5. (2) Complete referral procedures to the Access and Accommodations Section for an evaluation/assessment.
   6. (3) Counselor will meet with individual to discuss findings of assistive technology evaluation in accordance with informed choice and similar benefits.

   7. (4)

      1. (A) The counselor will follow the state purchasing guidelines. (B) See Services, 20 CAR § 835-601 et seq.
   8. (5) Refer to the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services vendor list or secure W-9 from new vendor.
   9. (6) The case management system will generate the status move after required data is keyed for appropriate status.
   10. (7) Key required information into the case management system for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services purchase authorization.

   11. (8)

       1. (A) When device/service is received, verify the individual received device/service and can use device.
       2. (B) Document in the ECF.

   12. (9)

       1. (A) When billing statement is received, key required information into the case management system for payment.
       2. (B) Support staff will be responsible for making payments.

       3. (C) Payment will not be processed without an attached bill from the vendor.

          1. (d) Note. This service cannot be planned on the IPE or amendment until the assistive technology evaluation has been performed.

Codification Notes: “ECF” means electronic case file. "IPE" means individualized plan for employment. "VR" means vocational rehabilitation.