1. (a) Purpose. The purpose of programs and services provided by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DSBVI) is to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society by operating statewide comprehensive, coordinated, effective, efficient, and accountable vocational rehabilitation programs, each of which is an integral part of a statewide workforce development system. Vocational rehabilitation programs are designed to assess, plan, develop and provide vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, consistent with their unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice, so that they may prepare for and engage in competitive integrated employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

2. (b) Basic philosophy. DVR and DSBVI vocational rehabilitation programs are carried out in accordance with the principles stated in Section 101 (a) of the Rehabilitation Act as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (P.L. 113-128), signed into law on July 22, 2014 seeks to empower individuals with disabilities.

   1. (1) Individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, are generally presumed to be capable of engaging in competitive integrated employment and the provision of individualized vocational rehabilitation services can improve their ability to become gainfully employed.
   2. (2) Individuals with disabilities must be provided the opportunities to obtain competitive integrated employment performed on a full-time or part-time basis in integrated settings.
   3. (3) Individuals with disabilities must have the opportunity to be active and full partners in their vocational rehabilitation process.
   4. (4) Qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors and other qualified and specialized rehabilitation personnel are necessary to facilitate the accomplishment of the employment outcomes and objectives of an individual.

Added at 10 Ok Reg 4633, eff 9-1-93 (emergency)

Added at 11 Ok Reg 2449, eff 7-1-94

Amended at 16 Ok Reg 1711, eff 4-13-99 (emergency)

Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2590, eff 7-1-99

Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2228, eff 7-1-01

Amended at 20 Ok Reg 1771, eff 7-1-03

Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1832, eff 7-1-11

Amended at 32 Ok Reg 1278, eff 8-27-15

Amended at 34 Ok Reg 1994, eff 9-11-17

Amended at 37 Ok Reg 2135, eff 9-11-20

Amended at 38 Ok Reg 1463, eff 8-26-21