Section 150-105-1 - PURPOSE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE BLIND INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES PROGRAMThe Program assists eligible blind persons to overcome substantial barriers to functioning independently in family or community. The process is based upon a Service Plan which is a written document oriented to the achievement of independent living goals which will enable a blind or visually impaired individual to secure a level of independent living consistent with his or her current capacities and abilities. Services provided to blind or visually impaired individuals must be necessary and must be provided as cost effectively as possible. All services require participation of the consumer. The Program is operated consistent with the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
1. Eligibility is determined without regard to sex, race, creed, age, color or national origin. There is no residency requirement, durational or other, which would exclude from services an otherwise eligible individual who is living in the state.2. The Program shall process referrals in an equitable and expeditious manner, and shall provide services consistent with agency resources.3. The Program will establish and maintain a case record for each applicant for, and recipient of, independent living rehabilitation services. The case record will contain all required documentation.4. The Program staff shall be responsible for providing any and all data necessary to comply with Maine and federal agency reporting requirements.5. In the purchase of goods or services for blind or visually impaired individuals, DBVI staff who manages Program funds shall comply with the prevailing fee schedule and applicable regulations of the Maine Department of Labor and the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. Case service expenditures require written authorization of case managers prior to the initiation of the services or the purchase of any commodities. The Program will purchase goods and services only from vendors who meet state licensure or certification requirements, where applicable. Education and training institutions must be accredited by an authorized organization or approved by appropriate state or federal agencies. When appropriate, the Program staff shall provide the referral necessary to support blind individuals in securing needed services from other agencies and organizations.6. Each applicant or individual being provided independent living services shall be informed of the procedure for requesting a review and a redetermination of agency action concerning the furnishing or denial of services, including the names and addresses of individuals with whom appeals may be filed and of the availability of the Client Assistance Program.12- 150 C.M.R. ch. 105, § 1