(a)

1. (1) Individuals are not required to be Arkansas residents or to show documentation of residency to receive an eligibility determination or services.
2. (2) However, individuals must be present in Arkansas and be available to receive and participate in services.
3. (3) Examples of being present in Arkansas, but not a state resident, may include post-secondary students and migrant workers.

(b) When an individual moves out of state after their individualized plan for employment (IPE) is developed and approved, it may be advantageous for the individual to continue receiving services from the Division of State Services for the Blind if the:

1. (1) Individual plans to return to Arkansas; or
2. (2) Provision of services would be jeopardized if the individual applied for services in the other state (e.g., through order of selection delays or unique state policies).

(c) There may be times when it would be beneficial for the individual to apply for services in their current state of residence:

1. (1) If the individual desires regular access to face-to-face communication with a rehabilitation counselor; or
2. (2) If the IPE requires extensive coordination of services.

(d)

1. (1) In these situations, the division can coordinate services with other state vocational rehabilitation agencies.
2. (2) It is important to ensure both states are not providing the same services.

(e)

1. (1) There are times when individuals come from out of state to attend World Services for the Blind.
2. (2) It may be to the individual’s benefit to apply for services at the division, especially if they plan to stay in the state after finishing their program.