2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. MRC AREA OFFICE
Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Call 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

6. 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

7. 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%

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. questions