Client Assistance Program (CAP) Michael Thomas-Region one Leilani Pfeifer-Region two

Client Assistance Program (CAP) Michael Thomas-Region one Leilani Pfeifer-Region two

Agenda Overview of the Client Assistance Program 1 2 3 4 Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Process Client Assistance Program Client Assistance Program (CAP) Regions 5 Appeals Process slide2

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended The Rehabilitaion Act of 1973, as amended (The Act) The act authorized the Client Assistance Program (CAP) to provide information and assistance to individuals with disabilities. Federal Regulations 34 CFR 370.10 (b) authorizes CAP agencies to advise clients all benefits available to them under Federal and State Programs. Rehabilitation Act Amendment 1986 The Act authorize the state rehabilitation agencies to provide employment services to individuals with severe disabilities. Rehabilitation Act Amendment of 1992 The amendment emphasized the importance of empowering people with disabilities being involved in the development of their Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) Slide 3

Rehabilitation Services Act (RSA) RSA Title I VR Vocational Program Provides direction and guidance to state vocational rehabilitation agencies on implementation of Title I Vocational Rehabilitation Programs (VR) tttt Title I VR programs are to help individuals with disabilities become employed and self-sufficient. To help prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment Each state and territory of the US has a public VR system Title I of the Rehabilitation Act is a federally funded program. Slide 4

Vocational Rehabilitation Agency The role of the state agency: Department of Rehabilitation in CA Administers the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs in a manner that supports the individual and the VR counselor. The state program must provide applicants and individuals eligible for service opportunities to exercise informed choice throughout the VR process. Making decisions about employment goals, VR services and service providers settings for employment and service provisions. The VR system is not an entitlement program. VR can provide services necessary to assist in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome that is consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individual. Slide 5

Vocational Rehabilitation Services What Services Can they Provide Information and Referral Assessments to determine eligibility and needs Counseling, guidance, and job placement services Interpreter services, readers, orientation and mobility services Personal assistance services while receiving VR services Training: purchase of tools, materials and books Tuition for vocational training and other post secondary education, but the student must make maximum effort to secure grant assistance from other sources Transportation required for training or to participate in other VR services Rehabilitation Technology: assistive devices, assistive services, rehab. engineering, vehicle modification. Slide 6

Client Assistance Program (CAP) The Client Assistance Program (CAP) at Disability Rights California serves as a vital link between the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and the disability community. Slide 7

Client Assistance Program (CAP) CAP is designed to help the consumer and their representative understand their rights and responsibilities and assist them in presenting their concerns to DOR. CAP advocates are not employees of DOR, they serve as independent advocates. CAP may assist clients preparing for Administrative Review, Mediation and or Fair Hearing. You may request for CAP s assistance at any point from the time you apply for services, until after you stop receiving services. CAP advocates may provide you with information, advice and representation, including assistance in pursuing legal administrative, or other appropriate remedies to ensure the protection of your rights and to help access appropriate services. CAP is a short term assistance program. Slide 8

CAP Regions Service Areas Service Areas 1 3 Northern Sierra: Sacramento, Northeast Sacramento, Laguna Creek, Auburn, Placerville, Roseville, South Lake Tahoe, Woodland, Yuba City, Susanville, Grass Valley, Modoc and Chico 2 Redwood Empire: Santa Rosa, Ukiah, Napa, Crescent City, Eureka, Lakeport, Red Bluff, Redding and Yreka. San Francisco and San Jose: San Francisco, Menlo Park, San Bruno, San Mateo, San Rafael, San Jose, Salinas, Capitola, Gilroy, and Piedmont Hills. 6 7 8 Van Nuys/Foothill and Santa Barbara: Van Nuys, Canoga, Park/Granada Hills, Glendale/Burbank, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard-Ventura, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo. Greater Los Angeles and South Bay: Los Angeles, Culver City, City of Commerce, East Los Angeles, Norwalk, Long Beach, Bay Cities, (Lawndale), Mid-Cities, PacGateway (Gardena), Bell and Compton. Orange/San Gabriel: Anaheim, Santa Ana, El Monte, and West Covina. 4 Greater East Bay: Concord, Oakland, Antioch, Richmond, Fairfield, Fremont, and Berkeley. 9 Inland Empire: Riverside, El Centro, palm Desert, Blythe, Temecula, San Bernardino, Ontario, Victorville. 5 San Joaquin Valley: Fresno, Merced, Visalia, Bakersfield, Southwest, Ridgecrest, Stockton, Modesto, and Sonora. 10 San Diego: San Diego, North County Inland, (Escondido), North County Coastal (Encinitas), East County (La Mesa), South County (Chula Vista, and Laguna Hills. Slide 9

Appeal Process Supervisor Administrative Review & Mediation Fair Hearing CAP If you encounter problems with the services provided by DOR you may request assistance from the Client Assistance Program. Slide 10

Administrative Review and Mediation Consumer must try to resolve at the local level with counselor and the supervisor If concerns are not resolved, consumer can request an administrative review from the District Administrator (must be requested within one year of the decision which you disagree). Mediation is voluntary, assisted by qualified, impartial mediators from outside DOR. If DOR agrees mediation will be held within 25 calendar days from receipt of request. Requests for mediation may also be made at the same time a request for fair hearing is filed with the Rehabilitation Appeals Board. Slide 11

Fair Hearing Within one year of the action or decision which you disagree you may request a fair hearing (within 30 days if you had an administrative review). The board is composed of seven members who are citizens from the community appointed by the Governor. You have the right to present information to the board, explaining why you feel the Department should change a decision it has made. The Department of Rehabilitation is also allowed to provide information to the board. A written, final, decision will be made by the board after the hearing. The hearing is scheduled within 45 days of your request, unless you agree to a delay. If you do not agree with the board s decision you have the right to file a petition with the California Superior Court (within 6 months) to review the matter. Slide 12

Disability Rights California Process 1800-776-5746 Slide13

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