Statutes, codes, and regulations
Rhode Island Administrative Code
Title 218 - Department of Human ServicesChapter 50 - Rehabilitation ServicesSubchapter 00 - N/A
Part 1 - Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Section 218-RICR-50-00-1.1 - PURPOSE

218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-50-00-1.1

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Current through December 3, 2024
Section 218-RICR-50-00-1.1 - PURPOSE
A. These rules establish the requirements for implementation, based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L. No. 93-112 as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-128 of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program and the Supported Employment (SE) Program. Under the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) is responsible for administering this program. These regulations will:
1. define required information for application
2. define eligibility requirements
3. specify scope of services
4. specify standards for continued eligibility
5. specify mediation and appeals process for denial of services/ineligibility
6. specify criteria for case closure
B. Programs: ORS, through three (3) distinct programs, provides vocational rehabilitation, social services and independent living services, and disability determination to Rhode Island residents. This document will focus on the regulatory requirement of the VR Program of ORS.
1. The VR program is a State/Federal program whose major function is to access, plan, develop, and provide access to employment opportunities to eligible individuals with physical, emotional and/or intellectual disabilities. ORS has long elected to base its minimum personnel standards for vocational rehabilitation counselors on the requirement of a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.
2. The VR Program is able to provide a wide array of services designed to assist eligible Rhode Islanders to become employed which include: counseling and guidance; medical, social, psychological and educational evaluations; physical restoration; medical services; personal adjustment; training; rehabilitation engineering services; job training; job exploration; job placement; and post-employment services.
3. The VR Program has two units that work with youth and adults with sensory impairments: Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Unit.

218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-50-00-1.1

Amended effective 6/4/2023