INTRODUCTION This is an overview of MRC Who the program is for What the services are How it works How the Mass Office on Disability, Client Assistance Program can assist if issues arise

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE ON DISABILITY The State Advocacy Agency that Serves People with Disabilities of All Ages PROVIDE INFORMATION AND AREFERRAL TO APPROPRIATE AGENCIES/PROGRAMS INFORM ON HOW DISABILITY RIGHTS APPLY TO A SITUATION PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IF SEEKING A REASONABLE ACCOMODATION IN HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT AND PLACES OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION RE-ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION WITH THIRD PARTIES TO REMOVE DISABILITY-RELATED BARRIERS AND RESTORE SERVICES WORK TO RESOLVEDISABILITY-RELATED DISCRIMINATION AND DENIAL OF SERVICE ISSUES ADA COORDINATING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY FOR THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND

THE CLIENTS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Provides legal help to individuals with disabilities applying for or receiving services under the Rehabilitation Act, from the MRC Vocational Rehabilitation Program, the MCB Vocational Rehabilitation Program and Independent Living Services. Inform and advise all clients and client applicants of all available benefits under the Act Upon request of clients and applicants, assist and advocate in their relationship with any program, project or service provided under the act Pursue legal, administrative, or other appropriate remedies to ensure the protection of right under the Act Facilitate access to the services funded under the Act through individual and systemic advocacy Just like MRC, CAP is funded under the Act, through the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration and is in every state and territory

MRC AREA OFFICE Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Disabilities Call 617 204 3600 for your local area office Additional Statewide Services at MRC Turning 22 Independent Living Program; Supported Living Program; Home Care Assistance Program; Independent Living Centers; Consumer Involvement Program; Statewide Head Injury Program; Protective Services Program; Assistive Technology Program; Assistive Technology Loan Program; Home Modification Loan Program; The Accessible Housing Registry; Disability Determination Services

MRC /VR AGENCY DESCRIPTION Funded through the U.S. Department of Education (OSERS) Authorized through the Rehabilitation Act as amended, 29 U.S.C. Section 721 In every State and Territory in the Country In Mass under EOHHS 25 Area Offices Title IV of WIOA

WIOA REAUTHORIZATION UNDER Title IV Services to Youth are expanded Pre-Employment Services are now a required service Job exploration counseling Work-based learning experiences Work –based learning experiences Workplace readiness training Instruction in self-advocacy Must reserve not less than 15%

ELIGIBILITY There must be a disability Must cause a barrier to employment Must need services in order to gain, maintain, regain or advance in employment SSI or SSDI automatically eligible

SERVICES Vocational Rehabilitation Services provided by MRC are any services described in an individualized plan for employment necessary to assist an individual with a disability in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome that is consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individual, including: Assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs Counseling and guidance, including information and support services to assist in exercising informed choice Referral and other services to secure needed services from other agencies if such services are not available under MRC Job related services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services, follow up services, and follow along services Vocational and other training services, including books, tools and other training materials Diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental impairments to the extent that financial support is not readily available Home Modification Vehicle Modification Maintenance in the form of financial assistance with any additional costs incurred while participating in an assessment or while receiving services under a plan

SERVICES continued Transportation On-the-Job or other related personal assistance services provided while an individual is receiving other services Interpreter services Occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies Technical assistance and other consultation services to conduct market analyses, develop business plans Rehabilitation technology Transition Services for high school students transitioning for high school to adult services or high school to work including pre-employment services Supported Employment Customized Employment Services to family members Post Employment Services

INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN FOR EMPLOYMENT Agreed upon Job Goal/Transition goals Services Must be Consistent with the individual’s Capacities Abilities Unique strengths Priorities Concerns Resources Interests Informed Choice

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS COMPARABLE SERVICES AND BENEFITS PARTICIPATION IN COSTS UNLESS ON SSI OR SSDI DURATION

ALL STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES SHOULD CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL BENEFIT OF VR Students with IEPs Students who are 688 eligible Students who have a 504 plan Any student with a disability Can be with VR even if another agency is the lead agency under 688

WHEN TO REFER Within 2 years of leaving the school system Transition planning from school to adult services and work and pre-employment services Determine eligibility/rehab ilitation needs/vocation and services Use existing information Plan development

PROCESS Referral Assessment/Info gathering/Eligibility Individualized Plan for Employment development Services provided Employment secured Case closed after successful for 90 days Post Employment if needed Supported Employment

CLIENT RIGHTS AT MRC/VR The most significant right is if someone is dissatisfied with any determination made by personnel of the MRC VR program that affects the provision of you VR services you can ask for a review of that determination People have the right to a fair and complete evaluation to determine if they are eligible for MRC services People have the right to a determination of eligibility within 60 days of application People who are on SSI or SSDI are to be presumed eligible for VR People have the right to have their plan written within 90 days of eligibility People have the right to be a partner in the development of that plan regarding rehabilitation goals and services The individual’s goals and services must be consistent with their capacities, abilities, unique strengths, priorities, concerns, resources, interests and informed choice People have the right to receive written notice of important decisions made in their case, including notice of appeal rights and the availability of the Client Assistance Program at MOD

SHOULD ISSUES ARISE Discuss the issue with the agency rep. If not resolved Contact CAP 617 727 7440 Advocacy Representation

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