�~ Assessing Client’s Independent Living Goals and Needs
Introduction
The ILRP or Waiver form should be developed within 90 days after eligibility determination in a majority of cases. If more time is needed, be sure to thoroughly document the cause in a case note. The first steps in developing an ILRP or Waiver are assessing the client’s independent living needs and determining the services required to meet those needs.
Taking time to carefully perform these tasks ensures that the client is fully informed about choosing his / her independent living goal and about the services and responsibilities required to achieve that goal.
Assessing the Client’s IL Goal and Needs
Prior to developing an ILRP or Waiver, you must assess the individual�s IL rehabilitation needs. This assessment can include factors such as:
- Adjustment to blindness.
- Educational background.
- IL skills.
- Medical history and prognosis (impact of other disabilities such as hearing loss, diabetic complications, mental health).
- Individual�s unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice.
- Need for aids & devices and/or training.
- Personal and family income.
- Other factors which might affect the IL outcome.
Generally, you can find most, if not all, of this information by interviewing the individual and reviewing the case file. If you need more information, you can authorize diagnostic tests, medical examinations, and anything else you may need.
Waiver or ILRP?
Those individuals who apply for and are determined eligible for substantial IL services can choose to develop a formalized Independent Living Rehabilitation Plan (ILRP) or they may sign a Waiver stating the plan is not needed to meet their IL objectives. Individuals on an ILRP or Waiver will set IL goals and objectives. The IL teacher and individual will decide on services and training to meet those goals. The choice of whether to complete an ILRP or Waiver will be made after assessing client’s needs and determining goals.
The client can choose to:
- Identify supportive objectives and develop an action plan in the form of an ILRP; or
- Waive the development of a formalized plan and simply list objectives.
Some clients feel they benefit from the structure the ILRP offers since it identifies specific criteria for review. Other clients prefer a more loosely structured approach and want to forgo the ILRP with its review dates and review criteria.
Next Steps
At this point you and the client have determined that his / her IL goal is realistic and achievable and you have identified whether the client wants to develop an ILRP or proceed with a Waiver.
- If the client wants to develop an ILRP, the next step is to determine the services required to meet those needs. �Go to
ILRP Service and Objective Planning.
- If the client chooses to waive the plan, the next step is to define the objectives and complete the Waiver form. Go to Completing the Waiver Form & Case Note.