Current through Reg. 50, No. 187; September 24, 2024
The nature and extent of services needed to assist a client
towards suitable employment vary with the individual's circumstances.
(1) When an individual applies to the
Division for vocational rehabilitation services, eligibility shall be
determined in accordance with Rule
6A-18.050, F.A.C.
(2) The individual shall be eligible for
those services needed to determine employability and reach an appropriate
vocational goal.
(3) The Division
may either purchase needed vocational rehabilitation services or assist the
individual in obtaining them from other programs or agencies.
(4) As necessary and appropriate to meet the
needs of the individual, the Division shall make the following services
available to eligible clients:
(a) Evaluation
of employment potential in accordance with subsection
6A-18.050(2),
F.A.C.;
(b) Counseling and
guidance;
(c) Referral to other
community agencies;
(d) Medical
treatment and related services;
(e)
Vocational and other training services, including personal adjustment
training;
(f) Reader and
interpreter services;
(g)
Orientation and mobility training;
(h) Transportation needed to participate in
vocational rehabilitation services, including relocation for
employment;
(i) Financial aid to
meet normal living requirements while in training, treatment, or other program
of services;
(j) Technological aids
or equipment;
(k) Placement in
appropriate employment;
(l)
Post-employment services necessary to maintain suitable employment;
(m) Services to members of a client's family
group when necessary to the vocational rehabilitation of the
client.
(5) The Division
shall provide licenses, tools, equipment, initial stocks and supplies for
self-employment in an owner-operated small business when the following
conditions are met:
(a) The client has the
abilities and aptitudes required for the management and operation of the
business;
(b) The client has had
successful business management experience or training, and has knowledge of
purchasing, marketing, and aspects of the particular business chosen, including
licensing, insurance, taxes, and relevant legal requirements;
(c) The client's own financial resources and
funding available from other sources are utilized to the maximum extent
possible;
(d) A prospectus for the
proposed business enterprise is prepared by the client with assistance and
guidance of the counselor and submitted to the program director for approval.
This prospectus shall cover the various facets of the business, including but
not limited to, suppliers, licensing and other legal requirements, needed stock
and equipment, market for the products, foreseeable operating costs, a time
frame for start-up assistance from the Division, and anticipated profits;
1. When assistance from the Division is
expected to be ten thousand (10, 000) dollars or more, the counselor and client
shall select a committee of persons competent to assess the local market,
financing, location, and factors likely to impact on the success of the
business. This committee shall review the prospectus and other information. It
shall meet with the client, counselor, and program director or designee to
determine the feasibility of a successful business operation;
2. When the committee makes a negative
recommendation, the Division shall give no further consideration to providing
financial assistance for the establishment of the business but shall assist the
client in selecting and preparing for an alternate vocational goal. When the
recommendation is positive, a statement shall be prepared detailing the need
for initial stock and equipment, financial accounting, and other services
deemed necessary to supplement the resources available for successful operation
of the business.
(e) When
an owner-operated small business is deemed to be an appropriate vocational
goal, the completed rehabilitation plan must be submitted to the program
director for review and approval before any commitments are made to the client
or vendors.
(6) The
Divisions's financial contribution to the establishment of a small business
shall be limited to funds available and the need to serve all clients
equitably.
(7) A client shall be
deemed to be rehabilitated, after an appropriate stabilization period, when a
vocational rehabilitation goal suitable to the individual's physical and mental
abilities and limitations and other personal circumstances has been
achieved.
Rulemaking Authority
413.011(3)(l),
(x),
1001.02 FS. Law Implemented
413.011(3)(b)
FS.
New 2-13-84, Formerly 6A-18.33, 6A-18.033,
38K-1.033, Amended
8-20-17.
