Section 150-101-8 - COMPARABLE SERVICES AND BENEFITS AND PARTICIPATION BY INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN THE COST OF VR SERVICES1. If an eligible individual wishes to financially participate in a service consistent with the IPE, it shall be documented in the IPE.2. If comparable services and benefits are available to the eligible individual, they must be utilized to meet, in whole or part, the cost of vocational rehabilitation services. If comparable services or benefits exist under any other program, but are not available to the individual at the time needed to satisfy the rehabilitation objectives in the individual's IPE, DBVI shall provide vocational rehabilitation services until those comparable services and benefits become available. The utilization of comparable services and benefits do not apply in the following situations: A. if the determination of the availability would delay the provision of vocational rehabilitation to any eligible individual with visual impairment who is at extreme medical risk, based upon medical evidence provided by an appropriate qualified medical professional; orB. if an immediate job placement would be lost due to a delay in the provision of comparable benefits.3. The following categories of service are exempt from a determination of the availability of comparable services and benefits: A. assessment for determining eligibility, priority for services, and vocational rehabilitation needs;B. vocational rehabilitation counseling, guidance, and referral services;C. Non-restricted awards and scholarships based on merit from civic, professional or social organizations;D. rehabilitation technology services; including telecommunications, sensory and other technological aids and devices;E. job-related services, including job search and placement services; job retention services, follow-up services and follow-along services;F. post-employment services that would be included under (A) - (E) above.12- 150 C.M.R. ch. 101, § 8