Section 218-RICR-50-00-1.12 - INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN FOR EMPLOYMENT (IPE)A. An IPE will be developed and implemented in a timely manner for each individual determined eligible for vocational rehabilitation services who meets the Order of Selection (OOS) criteria when ORS is operating under an Order of Selection. The IPE must be designed to achieve the specific employment outcome that is selected by the individual consistent with the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice based on the required assessment of the individual's vocational needs.1. The IPE must be developed within ninety (90) days of determining that the individual is eligible and meets the OOS criteria.2. There may be circumstances where the period of time needed is significantly shorter or longer, depending upon the nature of the individual's situation as documented. Both the individual with a disability and ORS must agree to an extension of the deadline to a specific date by which the IPE must be completed. That extension agreement must be in writing.3. Implementation includes an annual review of individual plans and appropriate amendments, as needed to support the achievement of the employment goal.B. ORS must provide the following information to each eligible individual or individual's representative, in writing or appropriate mode of communication: 1. The individual, or the individual's representative, may develop all or part of the IPE independently; with assistance from an ORS Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; a Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor not employed by ORS; a disability advocacy organization; or other resources than those previously listed.2. Additional information regarding requirements provided to assist eligible individuals with developing their IPE accurately include: a. IPE must be developed on ORS forms;b. A description of the full range of components that must be included in the IPE: (1) Description of specific employment outcome that is consistent with the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice, or if student, the projected post-school employment outcome;(2) Specific rehabilitation services, including settings, needed to achieve employment outcome;(3) Timelines for initiation of services and achievement of employment outcome;(4) Description of entity/entities providing services and the methods used to secure those services;(5) Description used to evaluate program towards achievement of employment outcome;(6) Description of both ORS and eligible individual's responsibilities that will be assumed in order to achieve employment outcome.3. An explanation of ORS guidelines and criteria for developing an individual's financial commitment under an IPE;4. Information with regard to eligible individual applying for and securing comparable services and benefits;5. Information on the Appeals process, and contact information for and a description of the Client Assistance Program;6. When a supported employment outcome has been identified, a description of the time-limited on-going supports provided by the ORS, as well as those extended services provided by other State, Federal, or private programs or the basis for determining that such continuing support is available, must be provided.C. The IPE is agreed to and signed by the eligible individual or, as appropriate, his/her representative, and approved and signed by a Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor employed by ORS.D. An IPE is amended only with the individual's participation to reflect changes in goal, services, and/or service provider(s), and it reflects all services planned.E. The IPE, along with economic need, must be reviewed at least annually by the individual and an ORS Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, or may be reviewed at any time upon the request of the consumer.F. Any subsequent policy changes will require all IPE's to be amended if applicable.218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-50-00-1.12
Amended effective 6/4/2023