(1) Counseling and guidance services, based on needs of the individual, shall be available throughout all phases of the rehabilitation process to assist the participant with:
- (a) Adjustment to blindness and other disabilities; understanding the importance of developing and using adaptive skills of blindness; and, identifying strategies to overcome negative social attitudes regarding disability;
- (b) Identifying the participant's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities related to planning for and achieving a competitive and integrated employment outcome;
- (c) Identifying and overcoming potential barriers to achieving a competitive and integrated employment outcome, including disability-related, personal, and social factors;
- (d) Selecting a competitive and integrated employment outcome consistent with the participant's abilities, capabilities, and interests;
- (e) Obtaining and utilizing resource information to make meaningful and informed choices regarding selection of vocational rehabilitation goals, objectives, services, and providers;
- (f) Overcoming potential barriers and achieving a competitive and integrated employment outcome through development of skills such as: Study and work habits; grooming; management of finances; preparation for job interviews and tests; self-advocacy; and effective interpersonal relationships.
(2) Counseling and guidance services may also be provided to:
- (a) Assist family members to effectively participate in the rehabilitation process;
- (b) Assist prospective employers to develop positive attitudes regarding hiring and accommodating individuals who are blind.
- (3) Counseling and guidance shall be provided without consideration of comparable services and benefits in accordance with WAC 67-25-283.
[Statutory Authority: P.L. 113-128 and 34 C.F.R. Part 361. WSR 18-14-101, amended and recodified as § 67-25-273, filed 7/3/18, effective 8/3/18. Statutory Authority: Chapter 74.18 RCW. WSR 05-08-097, § 67-25-380, filed 4/4/05, effective 5/5/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 74.15 RCW. WSR 95-06-057, § 67-25-380, filed 2/28/95, effective 3/31/95. Statutory Authority: 1983 c 194 § 18. WSR 84-01-042 (Order 83-08), § 67-25-380, filed 12/15/83. Formerly WAC 67-20-380.]