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 vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance services to all applicants and eligible individuals. This includes personal adjustment services and information and support services to assist an individual in exercising informed choice.
B. Criteria
Vocational rehabilitation involves assisting individuals in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining employment. Counselors will explain the effects of work on individuals who are receiving disability benefits and will discuss techniques and adaptations that can be used in the work environment. The Department believes that blind persons constitute a cross section of the population and that the average blind person having obtained training and opportunity can do the average job in the average place of business. Counselors will help instill a positive attitude toward blindness and will assist an individual in seeking employment in a position that is consistent with the individual’s unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. The counselor will maintain an ongoing counseling relationship with the individual throughout the duration of the rehabilitation process.
Revised: 08/10/01