Code of Maine Rules
12 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
152 - BUREAU OF REHABILITATION SERVICES
Chapter 1 - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Rules
Section 152-1-7 - INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN FOR EMPLOYMENT
Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
1. An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
The IPE shall be agreed upon, and signed by the individual with a disability, and, as appropriate, a parent, family member, guardian, advocate or authorized representative and the DVR Counselor within a counseling and guidance relationship. The IPE shall be designed to achieve an employment outcome of the individual, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, career interests and informed choice of the individual. The case record must support the selection of the vocational goal. Counselors shall provide a copy of the IPE, and any amendments, to the eligible individual. VR goods and services may only be provided in accordance with the IPE. The IPE is not a legal contract between Maine DVR and the eligible individual. Individuals will receive written notification of appeals rights, including the name and address of the person with whom an appeal may be filed, and the availability of the Client Assistance Program during IPE development, and whenever VR services are denied, reduced, suspended or terminated.
2. Standards for Development and Review of the IPE
The IPE will be developed within 90 days after the eligibility determination, unless the DVR Counselor and the eligible individual agree to the extension of that deadline to a specific date by which the individualized plan for employment must be completed . If there is a waiting list, the IPE will be developed within 90 days from the date the individual comes off the waiting list. The IPE will be reviewed at least annually by a qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor and the eligible individual, or as appropriate, the individual's representative to assess the individual's progress in achieving the identified employment outcome.
3. Options for Developing an Individualized Plan for Employment
The eligible individual, or the individual's representative, will be provided information on the individual's options for developing an Individualized Plan for Employment. Maine DVR will not pay for an agency, or a representative, to develop an IPE. The options for developing all or part of the Individualized Plan for Employment include the following:
4. Required Components of an Individualized Plan for Employment
Regardless of the approach selected by an individual to develop an IPE, the IPE shall include the following: