1. (a) Determining priority category.

   1. (1)

      1. (A) Once an applicant is determined eligible for VR services, the VR counselor will use the AWARE Disability Priority Page to indicate the number of functional limitations.
      2. (B) Based on information provided during assessment of the applicant, the VR counselor will determine if extensive services are necessary over an extended period of time on the AWARE Disability Priority Page.
      3. (C) The consumer will then be assigned a disability priority category based on the definitions in 25 CAR § 2-501(f).

   2. (2)

      1. (A) In determining the priority category, the consumer will be placed in the category with the most functional limitations for which he or she qualifies.
      2. (B) However, if a consumer's disability condition changes or additional documentation becomes available after being assigned a priority category, reevaluation may cause a reclassification to a higher or lower priority.

   3. (3)

      1. (A) Individuals will be assigned to the appropriate priority category when eligibility determination is made prior to being placed on any waiting list for services if the assigned priority category is currently closed.
      2. (B) Once the individual’s category is open and they are able to be served, they will be immediately placed in eligibility status and ready to work with their VR counselor in developing their career goals and services needed on an IPE.

   4. (4)

      1. (A) Consumers will be notified of their disability priority category, and their status on the waiting list in their eligibility for VR services notification letter.
      2. (B) Any applicant or eligible consumer who is dissatisfied with the order of selection category assigned them may request an administrative review for reevaluation.
      3. (C) Both VR counselors and the eligibility determination letter will inform consumers of this right and how to contact the Client Assistance Program for further assistance.

2. (b) Preemployment transition services for waitlisted students.

   1. (1)

      1. (A) VR-eligible students are not exempt from order of selection or the waiting list.
      2. (B) However, they may be able to receive pre-ETS while on the waiting list.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) If a student received any of the five (5) required pre-ETS, through the Division of State Services for the Blind or as part of a joint program between the division and the local education agency, prior to applying for vocational rehabilitation services, they can continue to receive the five (5) required pre-ETS while on the waiting list.
      2. (B) They cannot receive any other services while on the waiting list.

   3. (3)

      1. (A) If a student did not receive any pre-ETS from the division prior to applying for vocational rehabilitation services, they can only receive services to groups while they are on the waiting list.
      2. (B) Services to groups are those services that are available to all individuals with disabilities and require no authorization.
      3. (C) For example, a student on the waiting list can attend a division-hosted career expo or mentorship fair.

Codification Notes: “ETS” means employment transition services. "IPE" means individualized plan for employment. "VR" means vocational rehabilitation.