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 supported employment services to an eligible individual with a most significant disability for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, or for whom competitive employment has been interrupted or intermittent as a result of a significant disability.
Supported employment is competitive employment in an integrated setting or employment in integrated work settings in which individuals are working toward competitive employment consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individuals with ongoing support services for individuals with the most significant disabilities.
These services will be provided for a period of time that will not exceed eighteen (18) months, except for special circumstances when the counselor and the eligible individual jointly agree to extend the time to achieve the employment outcome identified in the Individualized Plan for Employment.
The Department will provide intensive supported employment services and extended services after transition, as well as transitional employment for individuals with the most significant disabilities due to mental illness.
Supported employment services may include: an assessment of the need for supported employment; the provision of skilled job trainers who accompany the individual for intensive job skill training at the work site; job development and placement; social skills training; regular observation or supervision of the individual; follow-up services including regular contact with the employers, the individuals, the parents, family members, guardians, advocates or authorized representatives of the individuals, and other suitable professional and informed advisors in order to reinforce and stabilize the job placement; facilitation of natural supports at the work site; and, any other service necessary to achieve an employment outcome.
B. Criteria
The eligible individual, the counselor, and when appropriate, other extended service providers will jointly plan supported employment services. Extended supported employment services shall be provided by other agencies, organizations, employers, or other available sources with whom cooperative arrangements will be made. Comparable services and benefits will be used to the maximum extent appropriate. Services will be provided in the most integrated setting possible consistent with the individual’s informed choice.
Revised: 08/10/01