34CFR Section 361.48 requires the Department for the Blind to develop and maintain current policies covering the nature and scope and the criteria under which each service is provided.
A. Nature and Scope
The Department will provide rehabilitation technology services including the systematic application of technologies, engineering, methodologies, or scientific principles to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in areas such as education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, independent living, and recreation. This includes rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services when such rehabilitation technology is needed for assessment purposes or to achieve an employment outcome.
B. Criteria
Before rehabilitation technology is planned, a thorough assessment of the need for and potential effectiveness of rehabilitation technology, including the individual’s circumstances, needs, options, alternative techniques, abilities, and employment goals, will be conducted. Based on this assessment, the individual and the counselor will jointly plan rehabilitation technology services as one component of a comprehensive set of services designed to complete assessments or to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment consistent with the individual’s unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.
Revised: 09/11/01