PURPOSE: This rule establishes the standards for vehicle modification services provided by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for individuals with disabilities pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Code of Federal Regulations.

1. (1) Vehicle modification as defined in the federal act and/or applicable regulations may be provided to eligible individuals who meet the financial need guidelines.
2. (2) Eligible individuals may be required to participate in a driver’s evaluation provided by a qualified independent organization or individual, to determine the need for vehicle modification and/or adaptive equipment. The driver’s evaluation should reflect the minimum modification required for safe operation of the vehicle.
3. (3) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
4. (DVR) only authorizes vehicle modification(s) to enable the eligible individual to enter and exit the vehicle, ride in it and operate it if necessary. Optional equipment, or modifications and accessories not required as indicated by a driver’s evaluation, will not be purchased by DVR.
5. (4) The eligible individual or immediate family member/guardian of the eligible individual must own the vehicle, capable of passing state inspection, prior to any vehicle modification. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will not purchase an automobile, truck, van, or other powered vehicle that requires licensing by the state.
6. (5) The eligible individual must have a valid driver’s license. If the disability and resulting functional limitations have occurred since the driver’s license was issued, the eligible individual should complete appropriate driver training. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation may assist in providing driver’s education training.

7. (6) The eligible individual is responsible for the following:

   1. (A) Providing the maintenance of the vehicle, adaptive equipment and all required city and state licenses; and
   2. (B) Payment of the costs of the vehicle (including loan payments) and insurance premiums.

AUTHORITY: sections 161.092, 178.600, 178.610 and 178.620, RSMo 1994.* Original rule filed Dec. 17, 1999, effective Aug. 30, 2000. *Original authority: 161.092, RSMo 1963, amended 1973; 178.600, RSMo 1963; 178.610, RSMo 1963; and 178.620, RSMo 1963.