1. (1) Older blind services are services determined by qualified staff to be necessary to assist a consumer with maintaining or increasing independence consistent with a consumer's priorities, concerns, abilities, interests, and choice.

2. (2) Older blind services include:

   1. (a) outreach;
   2. (b) low vision assessment, instruction, and assessment equipment;
   3. (c) low vision aids and equipment;
   4. (d) services and equipment fostering mobility and self-sufficiency;
   5. (e) mobility training, Braille instruction, and other services and equipment to help an older individual who is blind adjust to blindness;
   6. (f) independent living skills training;
   7. (g) information and referral services;
   8. (h) peer counseling;
   9. (i) individual advocacy training;
   10. (j) supportive services;
   11. (k) rehabilitation teaching services;
   12. (l) training necessary for living in the community and participating in community activities; and
   13. (m) any other appropriate service designed to assist with daily living activities.

3. (3) Services may be made available in the discretion of the program to enhance a consumer's independence, productivity, and to further the quality of life, and independence of consumers as a group. Those services include, but are not limited to:

   1. (a) community awareness programs to enhance understanding and integration into society; and
   2. (b) activities to help improve public understanding of problems of consumers.
4. (4) Services provided to an individual consumer must be provided in accordance with the independent living plan.

Authorizing statute(s): 53-2-201, 53-7-102, 53-7-302, 53-7-315, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 53-7-301, 53-7-302, 53-7-303, 53-7-306, MCA

History: NEW, 2007 MAR p. 475, Eff. 1/12/07.