1. (a) Orientation and mobility.

   1. (1) Orientation consists of instructing blind and visually impaired persons in the use of their remaining senses to understand their relationship to their environments and how to move about safely within them.
   2. (2) Mobility services are designed to provide instruction in the use of aids, methods, and skills that enable blind and visually impaired persons to move from one (1) place to another with confidence, safety, and purpose.

   3. (3)

      1. (A) Orientation and mobility training can be provided by contracting with a certified O&M specialist.
      2. (B) This service can be negotiated between the VRC and the certified O&M specialist using the Division of State Services for the Blind fee schedule.
      3. (C) The number of hours and duration of training must be indicated on the Service Agreement Form.
      4. (D) Hourly rates include travel.
      5. (E) Therefore, vendor will provide an invoice:

2. (i) Showing the number of hours door to door; and

   1. (ii) Stating how much of that time was designated to direct training.

      1. (F) The vendor will provide a follow-up training report to the counselor.

3. (b) Communication skills.

   1. (1) The provision of this service is designed to increase the consumer’s abilities to adapt in a sighted society by utilizing basic communication methods.

   2. (2) This may include:

      1. (A) The teaching of braille; and

      2. (B) Training in the use of:

         1. (i) Telephones;
         2. (ii) Readers;
         3. (iii) Newspaper reading services;
         4. (iv) Radio and talking book services; and
         5. (v) Other communication skills and technologies.
   3. (3) Communication aids and supplies may be purchased, when necessary, as a part of the provision of this service.

   4. (4)

      1. (A) This service includes keyboarding and computer literacy.

      2. (B) However, training in the use of specialized computer software, such as screen reading software, and adaptive equipment should be reported under assistive technology (25 CAR § 1-129).

         1. (c) Daily living skills.
   5. (1) Independent living services entail the instruction of consumers in the skills that enable them to adapt and readjust to methods of caring for their daily living needs.

   6. (2) This service includes training in the use of blindness and low vision alternative techniques for:

      1. (A) Telling time;
      2. (B) Food preparation;
      3. (C) Grooming and dress;
      4. (D) Household chores;
      5. (E) Medical management;
      6. (F) Shopping; and
      7. (G) Recreational activities.

   7. (3) Recreational helps may include the purchase of games, adaptive equipment, transportation, supplies, or other services that will enhance the consumer’s social interaction.

      1. (d) Advocacy training and support networks. Advocacy training includes anything for which you expose your participant to training, gatherings, or “consumer organization meetings” to promote personal development.

4. (e) Counseling — Peer, individual, and group.

   1. (1) Counseling services are those services provided to assist the consumer with adjusting to visual impairment or blindness.
   2. (2) These ongoing services may be provided during any stage of the rehabilitation process.
   3. (3) Counseling may be provided individually or in group settings as appropriate.
   4. (4) Counseling from the VR counselor occurs when the counselor provides guidance and support for the consumer in determining their needs/services to successfully be independent.

5. (f) Information, referral, and community integration services.

   1. (1) Information and referral services are those services that assist a consumer in accessing other agencies or resources to enhance:

      1. (A) Adjustment;
      2. (B) Independent living; and
      3. (C) Integration into the community.
   2. (2) These services are provided according to the individual needs of the consumer.

Codification Notes: “O&M” means orientation and mobility. "VR" means vocational rehabilitation. "VRC" means vocational rehabilitation counselor.