1. (a)

   1. (1) Arkansas Rehabilitation Services will only provide assistance when modifying an individual’s place of residence if the individual owns, is buying, or is a long-term renter or in an extended lease of the property.
   2. (2) Modifications to the structure of the home will be consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., recommendations.
   3. (3) In situations where the person is not the owner or buyer the individual will be responsible for providing in writing landlord approval to make modifications.
   4. (4) Modifications to rental property will be restricted to a ramp for the purpose of access/egress.
   5. (5) Modifications to an individual’s place of residence will be limited to a one-time occurrence, whether IL or VR, regardless of the times an individual’s case is reopened.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Except for ramps to assist with access/egress, any changes (remodeling) to the home will occur inside the structure’s footprint.
   2. (2) Additions to the home are excluded.
   3. (3) If the individual, a family member, or caregiver is insistent on an addition to the existing structure it will be the individual’s responsibility to provide payment for the addition, including all plumbing and electrical costs.
   4. (4) Arkansas Rehabilitation Services can provide technical assistance regarding how to make the addition accessible.

   5. (5) If the counselor is in agreement, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services can provide support in the purchase of fixtures and related items to assist with:

      1. (A) Toileting;
      2. (B) Bathing; and
      3. (C) Related activities of daily living.

3. (c)

   1. (1) Modifications to modular/mobile homes will be limited to construction of wheelchair ramps to assist with access/egress.
   2. (2) No construction will be approved inside a mobile home as it may compromise structural integrity.
4. (d) The individual and or family member will be asked to be part of the solicitation of bids for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services-approved home modifications.

5. (e) Procedures — Home modifications.

   1. (1) Check for appropriate status in the case management system.
   2. (2) Documentation of the action to be taken will be made in the case note.

   3. (3)

      1. (A) Complete referral procedures to the Access and Accommodations Section for an evaluation/assessment.
      2. (B) See Forms, Appendix E, and Special Programs, Appendix B.
   4. (4) Counselor will meet with individual to discuss findings of assistive technology evaluation in accordance with informed choice and with similar benefits.
   5. (5) Refer to the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services vendor list or secure W-9 from new vendor.
   6. (6) Key required information into the case management system for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services purchase authorization.

   7. (7)

      1. (A) When the home modification is completed the counselor will verify the individual’s need has been met.
      2. (B) Document in ECF.

   8. (8)

      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.
   9. (9) Refer to out-of-state policy limitations, if necessary.
   10. (10) Adhere to the IL procedure, including obtaining a copy of the contractor’s business license.
   11. (11) All submitted bids are to be reviewed by the Access and Accommodations Section.

Codification Notes: “ECF” means electronic case file.