1. (a)

   1. (1) Individuals must be notified about OOS during the referral, orientation, and intake process.
   2. (2) Definitions of priority categories and the criteria used in assigning individuals to these categories will be provided to the individual in writing and will be explained by Division of State Services for the Blind staff.

2. (b)

   1. (1) At the time an individual is determined eligible for services, the vocational rehabilitation counselor will assign the individual to the priority category with the most functional limitations for which they are qualified.
   2. (2) The priority category and the rationale for the decision will be documented in the case record.
   3. (3) A detailed description of how the functional limitations restrict the individual's capacity to obtain, maintain, advance in, or prepare for employment must be included in the case file.

3. (c)

   1. (1) The individual will be notified in writing of their assigned priority category and which priority categories are currently being served.
   2. (2) The individual will be notified in writing of their right to appeal the decision and will be given information about the Client Assistance Program (CAP).

4. (d)

   1. (1) Once assigned to a specific priority category, an individual cannot be moved from that priority category unless changes in the individual’s functional limitations occur that would put them in a different priority category.
   2. (2) If such a change results in placement in a different priority category, the individual will be advised in writing of the change.
   3. (3) The individual will also be notified in writing of their right to appeal that decision and will be given information about the CAP.

5. (e)

   1. (1) All individuals without an IPE prior to the date the OOS is implemented will be advised in writing of its implementation and their assignment to a specific priority category.

   2. (2) Individuals will be:

      1. (A) Notified in writing of their right to appeal the decision; and
      2. (B) Given information about the CAP.
6. (f) The division will inform all consumer groups, referral sources, and vendors in a timely manner of the start date OOS will be implemented.
7. (g) The OOS vocational rehabilitation counselor will be responsible for reviewing assignments of individuals to priority categories and monitoring the provision of services to individuals based on the principles of the OOS.

8. (h)

   1. (1) Priority categories will be opened on the basis of the availability of resources.
   2. (2) Individuals within categories will be served in order of their date of application for services.
9. (i) The Director of the Division of State Services for the Blind will monitor the activities of the OOS to determine any needed changes of the number of individuals served by opening or closing additional priority categories.

10. (j)

    1. (1) Information and referral services will be made available and provided to all eligible individuals on a waiting list.
    2. (2) These services are designed to ensure that individuals on a waiting list are provided accurate vocational rehabilitation information and guidance to assist them in preparing for, securing, advancing in, or regaining employment.
    3. (3) Individuals will be appropriately referred to other federal and state programs, including other components of the statewide workforce investment system.

Codification Notes: “IPE” means individualized plan for employment. "OOS" means order of selection.