32 Miss. Code. R. 1-13.4.1
The area of computer access is very broad and encompasses any accommodations related to computer hardware or software that a client may need to accomplish his/her goal. It is imperative that the client and the Counselor have a clearly defined goal, and this goal should be noted in the service authorization.
Computer Literacy
A client must possess basic computer literacy to be eligible for an AT evaluation. The Assistive Technology program within MDRS does not provide computer literacy training for MDRS clients. Basic computer literacy can be obtained through community colleges, the Addie McBryde Center, the REACH Center, or other sources outside of MDRS. In addition, the AT program can only provide limited training (approximately four hours) on computer technology that is purchased for a client. If the AT professional determines that a client needs additional training, that information will be included in the AT report.
Purchasing Computer Based AT Equipment
The need for computer equipment and related software should be carefully evaluated by an AT professional prior to preparation of equipment specifications to be certain of equipment compatibility. Companion equipment/software should be thoroughly tested to make this determination.
After securing the recommendation for computer systems from the AT professional, Counselors should send a copy of the recommendation to the District Manager for approval. Once the District Manager approves the request, the Counselor should send the recommendation to Management Information Systems (MIS). MIS staff will obtain a list of approved vendors and price quotes and send it to the Counselor. The IPE/ILP containing this equipment should not be written until this information is returned to the Counselor. The Counselor should secure the signature of the client on the MDRS-AT-02 before the authorization is issued. A signed copy should be given to the client and the original must be retained in the case file.
The Counselor should request the vendor to ship the computer equipment to the AT professional handling the case. The Counselor should send a copy of the authorization to the AT professional and Management Information Systems (MIS). When delivering the computer or computer systems to the client, the AT professional shall secure the signature of the client on the MDRS-AT-03. A signed copy should be given to the client and the original must be retained in the case file.
Computer Repair
MDRS does not provide routine maintenance or computer repair. Referrals for AT service should not be made for routine maintenance or repair. The client should contact a local computer service or the manufacturer directly.
32 Miss. Code. R. 1-13.4.1