New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10 - HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 95 - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM OF THE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Subchapter 4 - INFORMED CHOICE
Section 10:95-4.3 - Implementation of informed choice

(a) The Commission shall apply the principles of informed choice at the determination of eligibility and at plan development/plan amendment.

(b) The consumer shall be an active participant to the extent feasible in evaluating potential programs and services. Such active participation shall ensure that informed choice occurs.

(c) Counselors shall provide to the consumer, to the extent that the information is available, the costs of programs, qualifications of the service provider, consumer satisfaction, and the degree that the program is provided in an integrated setting.

(d) The consumer shall have the opportunity to compare and evaluate programs, with the assistance of the vocational counselor.

(e) Prior to the establishment of a vocational goal, preference shall be given to in-State programs in order to establish and maintain close communication among the client, counselor and service provider. If a client elects to attend a comparable program out-of-State, the client shall be responsible for the additional costs related to attending that program. After a vocational goal has been established, preference shall be given to in-State programs to maintain fiscal responsibility and maintain the close working relationship between client and counselor. Clients shall be responsible for any additional costs related to attending out-of-State programs. The Commission's financial needs test and comparable benefits shall be applied to training services in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10:91-3.

(f) Counselors and consumers shall together evaluate current labor market trends to determine the likelihood of an employment outcome following training. Consumer preference shall also be considered when the determination of a vocational goal is made.