1. (a) Blind clients shall be eligible to receive the training offered at the Orientation Center for the Blind (OCB) only if they have been accepted by the Admissions Committee, defined in subsection (d). Before deciding acceptance, the Admissions Committee shall make a careful review of the case file, the contents of which is specified in section 7262.5(a)(1), to determine if the client:

   1. (1) Meets the referral criteria specified in subsection (b).

   2. (2) Has a need for and is likely to benefit from the comprehensive, intensive services provided by the OCB preparatory to engaging in a vocational rehabilitation program. Services include:

      1. (A) Assistance in adapting socially and psychologically to blindness and developing daily living and prevocational skills.
      2. (B) Instruction, as appropriate, in a residential setting in the areas of mobility, braille, industrial arts, grooming, typing, shopping, abacus, sewing, physical conditioning and training in the use of technological aids and devices such as computers.

2. (b) A client shall meet at least one of the following conditions before a Counselor makes a referral to the Admissions Committee for review. The results of examinations performed by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist shall be submitted to demonstrate that the client:

   1. (1) Is blind within the meaning set forth in Section 19153, Welfare and Institutions Code.
   2. (2) Has a serve visual impairment which significantly limits the individual's ability to function visually.
   3. (3) Has a prognosis which indicates that vision is diminishing, and legal blindness is anticipated.

3. (c) Referral priority shall be given to a recently blinded client providing that the client's general physical and psychological condition would permit full participation in the learning process and the client shows a strong desire to undertake the orientation program.

   1. (1) “Recently blinded” means any individual who has become blind within a period of three years prior to his/her application for enrollment.

4. (d) The Admissions Committee consisting of the OCB Administrator, the OCB Rehabilitation Counselor, the OCB Medical Consultant and one faculty member shall:

   1. (1) Consider each case using the criteria specified in subsections (a), (b) and (c) within two weeks of referral unless the Committee has questions which cannot be answered by examining the case file and shall then either:

      1. (A) Request additional information from the referring Counselor, or
      2. (B) Arrange for the client to visit the Center at no expense to the client.

   2. (2) Place a client selected for admission on a waiting list who shall then be accepted into the OCB in referral date order after such consideration as:

      1. (A) Available space for applicants who will fully participate in the program on a residential basis.
      2. (B) Available dormitory space for males and females.
      3. (C) Immediate need for service to retain current employment.
      4. (D) Medical needs of the client population currently residing at the Center.
   3. (3) Prepare a written summary of the Committee's reasons if a client is denied admission and send such summary to the referring Counselor within one week of that decision. The referring Counselor shall provide the client with a copy of the Committee's summary upon the client's request.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 19006 and 19016, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: Sections 19153 and 19500-19506, Welfare and Institutions Code; 34 CFR Section 361.42.

History

1. New Article 2 and section filed 2-10-93; operative 3-12-93 (Register 93, No. 7).