Section 192-1-010 - Home Modifications010.01.PURPOSE. Home modifications are strictly limited to removal of barriers to access and function within the home environment and other limited modifications that are necessary to convert ordinary living space into space essential to achieve the employment outcome of the recipient.010.02.PRICE QUOTATIONS. Price quotations are required for the purchase of home modifications costing over $500. Price quotations may be according to the requirements in Section 005.02.010.03.ERECTION OF STRUCTURES. Home modifications cannot constitute the erection of new rooms, units, or structures.010.04.SCOPE. Scope and extent of home modifications include: 010.04A.ENTRANCE AND EGRESS. A single exterior ramp may be provided to enable the recipient to enter and leave the home, provided that the recipient will be engaging in services necessary to achieve an employment outcome. If circumstances such as small lot size, lot grades, excessive comparative costs, etc., preclude the use of a ramp, a single exterior stair glide or elevator may be provided instead.010.04B.EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DOORWAYS. A single interior doorway may be widened and the outer doors replaced, if necessary to permit the recipient to enter and leave the home. An interior doorway may be widened to permit the recipient to enter and leave rooms in the house essential to independent functioning and to achieve the goals on the individualized plan for employment; such as bathroom, kitchen, or personal bedroom.010.04C.ROOM MODIFICATIONS. Modifications to rooms within the house is strictly limited to those which will be used for purposes directly related to enabling the recipient to function independently in self-care, daily living or housekeeping, and to achieve the goals on the recipient's individualized plan for employment.010.04D.HEATING AND COOLING. Modifications to heating and cooling systems are strictly limited to those specifically required by the recipient's disabling condition and may include an air conditioner, air purifier, humidifier, and dehumidifier which attaches to the primary system or single room units sufficient for the room in which the recipient will perform most of the activities related to the individualized plan for employment.010.04E.PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. Home modifications involving plumbing and electrical systems are strictly limited to those required to connect disability related equipment and appliances, or relocated appliances and fixtures, into existing systems within the existing structure.010.04F.BUILDING CODES AND SAFETY. All home modifications must conform to applicable local building codes and generally recognized design standards. However, in-home safety is the responsibility of the recipient or his or her family, not NCBVI. The recipient is responsible for providing smoke detectors, additional exits, and related personal safety features.010.05.NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION. In situations where the recipient plans to, or is in the process of, constructing a new home or is building an addition to an existing home, assistance is strictly limited to the purchase of disability-related equipment. The recipient is responsible for all installation costs.010.06.RENTAL OR LEASED PROPERTY. Accommodations or modifications to individually occupied rental or leased property may only be made if the owner refuses to make the modifications him/herself; the owner has given all appropriate clearances and approvals; building permits, and other pre-modification consents have been obtained; and, the recipient has no plans to move or otherwise vacate the premises.010.07.EXCEPTIONS. NCBVI's Deputy Director has the authority and discretion to make reasonable exceptions to home modification regulations based on individual circumstances. Exceptions may be granted if he or she determines there is no alternative to accomplish the necessary accommodation in a safe manner.192 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 1, § 010
Amended effective 7/2/2019