808.43 Referrals to Vocational Rehabilitation SR 97-19, 06/97 (FAM-A)

NHEP team members may refer individuals with a physical or mental impairment affecting their employability to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). For an activity provided by VR to be approved as an NHEP activity, it must meet NHEP requirements for that activity. In order to determine if a referral for VR services is appropriate, the NHEP team member must consider the conditions that VR uses to determine eligibility. The following conditions must be met for an individual to be eligible for VR services:

• A determination that an individual has a physical or mental impairment;

• A determination that an individual’s physical or mental impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment;

• A determination that the individual requires VR services to prepare for, enter into, engage in, or retain gainful employment consistent with the applicant’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and informed choice; and

• A presumption that the individual can benefit from the provision of VR services.

If a referral to VR has been determined appropriate, use Form 213, Interagency Referral/Work Registration, to refer the individual. The NHEP team member must work with the VR counselor to coordinate services. For individuals referred to VR, the NHEP team member must:

• Complete and maintain Form 228, Employability Plan, to indicate participant steps, approved activities and support services. When appropriate, reference VR’s Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP);

• Monitor that the individual is making satisfactory progress and meeting participation requirements; and

• Complete Form 214, Return Results Report, for all approved NHEP activities.