12- 152 C.M.R. ch. 7, § 1

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024

Section 152-7-1 - PURPOSE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES PROGRAM

Summary: The Independent Living Services Program, hereinafter referred to as the (ILS Program), in conjunction with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, (BRS) assists people who have significant disabilities to live more independently in their homes and communities. The program provides and arranges needed IL services subject to the availability of funds. The program is also an advocacy program for people with disabilities and their families.

The ILS Program assists eligible persons with significant disabilities to overcome substantial barriers to functioning independently in family or community. The IL process is based upon an Independent Living Plan (ILP) which is designed to achieve or maintain independence. Services provided to people with disabilities must directly relate to the removal of barriers to independent living, as identified in the Certificate of Eligibility. Services must be provided in a cost effective and responsible manner.

The ILS Program is operated in compliance with the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended. The legal authorities for the policies contained in the ILS Services Policy Manual are Title 29 U.S.C. 720et seq.; Title 34 CFR Part 365 in the Federal Register, and Title 26 M.R.S.A., Chapter 19, section 1411, et seq.

The consumer is the foundation of the ILS Program. All services shall be consumer planned and developed within the scope of the program guidelines. The direct and active participation of the eligible consumer is required within this program to the maximum extent feasible for the individual. Each phase of the service delivery process shall be documented within the case record.

1. Eligibility is determined without regard to sex, race, creed, age, color, national origin or type of disability.

2. There is no residency requirement which would exclude from services a person living in Maine.

3. The ILS Program shall process referrals in an equitable and expeditious manner.

4. The ILS Program shall establish and maintain a case record for each applicant for, and recipient of, IL Services. The case record will contain all required documentation.

5. Case service expenditures shall require written authorization by the ILS Program administrator prior to the initiation of the services or the purchase of any goods.

6. When appropriate, ILS Program staff shall provide advocacy or referral necessary to support people with significant disabilities in securing needed services or goods from other agencies and organizations.

7. Each applicant or individual provided IL services shall be informed of the procedure for requesting a review and/or a re-determination 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- 152 C.M.R. ch. 7, § 1