1. (a) An individual may be referred to the OIB program:

   1. (1) By letter;
   2. (2) By telephone;
   3. (3) In person; or
   4. (4) By other means.

2. (b)

   1. (1) When a consumer is referred to the Division of State Services for the Blind, the DSB 8065 (referral form) should be completed at the time of initial contact.
   2. (2) This form should be used to complete the referral in the AWARE Referral Module.
   3. (3) This information should be entered immediately upon receipt of a referral.
3. (c) Once entered, the referral will be assigned to the appropriate Area Manager by the person entering the referral.

4. (d)

   1. (1) The paper referral is then sent to that Area Manager and their administrative assistant by email, notifying them that the referral has been entered in AWARE.
   2. (2) The Area Manager will review the referral and assign it to the VR counselor for that area within one (1) business day.

5. (e)

   1. (1) The VR counselor then has one (1) business day to contact the consumer and arrange an orientation meeting for the consumer.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) This meeting should occur within ten (10) business days of the first contact.
      2. (B) If for any reason the consumer cannot meet within ten (10) business days, the request for a later appointment must be documented in AWARE with the justification.
   3. (3) The purpose of this meeting is to provide the consumer with information to allow them to make an informed choice about applying for OIB services.
   4. (4) This is required for any new cases in AWARE.

   5. (5) This meeting should include:

      1. (A) Information on eligibility criteria;
      2. (B) Expectations; and
      3. (C) Information on OIB services.
6. (f) The consumer may then decide whether or not to apply for OIB services.
7. (g) An individual who is fifty-five (55) years of age or older becomes a referral to the division when contact is made to the OIB program to request information or services.

8. (h) The following information should be obtained at the time of referral:

   1. (1) Name;
   2. (2) Address;
   3. (3) Telephone number;
   4. (4) Reported disability;
   5. (5) Gender;
   6. (6) Social Security number (if possible);
   7. (7) Referral source name and phone number; and
   8. (8) Date of referral.

Codification Notes: “OIB” means older individuals who are blind. "VR" means vocational rehabilitation.