1. (a)

   1. (1) An individual is considered an applicant when the individual or individual's representative, as appropriate, has completed and signed the Division of State Services for the Blind application form (DSB-8006).
   2. (2) It is the responsibility of the counselor to complete the application with the consumer and have the consumer sign the application.
   3. (3) Any applications that are received by mail must be date stamped upon receipt by the division, and this date will be the formal date of application.
   4. (4) The application with date stamp must be scanned into AWARE and placed in the case file.

2. (b) The purpose of the application is to gather diagnostic information to make a determination of one (1) of the following:

   1. (1)

      1. (A) Eligibility for placement in trial work experience.
      2. (B) See 25 CAR § 2-402(f); or

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Eligibility status.
      2. (B) See 25 CAR § 2-401 et seq.

3. (c) Applying for services.

   1. (1)

      1. (A) After completing their orientation meeting, the consumer may choose to apply for VR services.
      2. (B) See 25 CAR § 2-301(h).
      3. (C) This intake meeting may be conducted at the same time as the orientation or may be scheduled for a later date, no more than thirty (30) business days from the original referral.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) An individual has the right to:

4. (i) Apply for vocational rehabilitation services;

   1. (ii) Have an intake interview with a rehabilitation counselor; and

      1. (iii) Have a decision made regarding their eligibility for services.
      2. (B) The refusal to accept an application or to interview the individual constitutes a “denial of access” to a public program and is a violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq., as amended.

   2. (3)

      1. (A) All individuals referred for vocational rehabilitation services must be informed that services are for individuals who intend to achieve a competitive integrated employment outcome.
      2. (B) This means work, with or without supports, in a competitive labor market making at least minimum wage.

   3. (4)

      1. (A) During the application process the applicant will provide the information necessary to initiate an assessment to determine eligibility and be available to complete the assessment process.

      2. (B) The VR counselor will assist the consumer in obtaining the information necessary to determine eligibility.

         1. (d) Consumer resources and information. At the time of their application, the VR counselor is responsible for providing the consumer with information on:

   4. (1)

      1. (A) The Client Assistance Program.
      2. (B) See 25 CAR § 2-107(c);
   5. (2) Arkansas Information Reading Services for the Blind;
   6. (3) Talking Book Services;
   7. (4) Consumer groups, including ACB and NFB;
   8. (5) Voter registration;
   9. (6) The VR process;

   10. (7)

       1. (A) Consumer’s rights.
       2. (B) See 25 CAR § 2-101 et seq.; and
   11. (8) Additional relevant resources as necessary.

5. (e) Sixty-day timeline.

   1. (1) The United States Rehabilitation Services Administration requires that eligibility for services be determined within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of application.
   2. (2) Any extension requires approval of the consumer and area manager.
   3. (3) See 25 CAR § 2-402(d).

6. (f) Documentation required. When documenting the application process, the following items must be included in the AWARE case record:

   1. (1) DSB Application (DSB 8006) signed by the consumer;
   2. (2) Release of Information (DSB 8021) to obtain medical/psychological information signed by the consumer;
   3. (3) CAP Form (DSB 8033) signed by the consumer;
   4. (4) Medical insurance information;

   5. (5)

      1. (A) Documentation of the consumer’s legal authority to work.
      2. (B) See 25 CAR § 2-403;

   6. (6)

      1. (A) Initial narrative.
      2. (B) See 25 CAR § 2-303;
   7. (7) Voter registration form signed by the consumer, or consumer’s documented decline of form;

   8. (8)

      1. (A) Visual Acuity Report (DSB 8012) from a visit within the last twelve (12) months, required prior to eligibility determination.
      2. (B) See 25 CAR § 2-402;
   9. (9) Medical documentation related to either primary or secondary disability;
   10. (10) Any additional relevant documentation as part of the process; and
   11. (11) Authorizations necessary for assessment and justification narratives for each authorization.

Codification Notes: “ACB” means American Council of the Blind. "NFB" means National Federation of the Blind. "VR" means vocational rehabilitation.