Assistive Technology Public Funding

 

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

VR Benefits


What agency runs the program?

 

The Office of Rehabilitation Services ("ORS") within the state Department of Human Services runs the Vocational Rehabilitation ("VR") program in Rhode Island. To apply for Vocational Rehabilitation services, you should contact:

 

Office of Rehabilitation Services
40 Fountain Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903-1898
Voice (401) 421-7005
TDD (401) 421-7016
Website: http://www.ors.state.ri.us/
E-mail: steveb@ors.ri.gov


Who can get services from the program?

 

You can get services from the VR program if:

 

- you have a physical or mental disability, and - you need help to prepare for work, train for a job, find a job, or keep a job.

 

If ORS is not sure that you can benefit from VR services, they may evaluate you during a period called "extended evaluation."

 

ORS can start providing VR services while you are in high school.

ORS prioritizes VR service to people with more severe disabilities. If your disability is not severe, you may be placed on a waiting list for some services.


What kinds of AT help can the program provide?

 

VR can help you obtain an evaluation to see if AT could help you while you are training for a job, looking for a job, or working at a job. This evaluation is sometimes called a "rehabilitative engineering" evaluation.

If the evaluation recommends that you use AT, VR can help you get the AT device that you need. VR can also help you obtain any training you need in order to learn to use the AT device.

VR can help pay for AT services and devices like the following: modifications to the vehicle that you will use to get to training or to work; evaluations to see if there is technology that would help you to perform your job duties; and home modifications that will help you to be more independent so that you can participate in training or work.


What is the cost for AT?

 

VR provides evaluations to see whether you need AT free of charge. VR may help pay for the AT device or service you need. Depending upon your income, VR may pay for all or only a part of the AT service or device you need.


How can I make a request for AT?

 

While you are being evaluated to see if you could benefit from VR services, and/or after you are found eligible for VR services, you will be assigned a counselor at ORS. If you think you could benefit from AT services or devices, you should ask your ORS counselor for an AT evaluation . If you have already identified an AT device or service you need, you may request the AT without going through an evaluation.


How can I appeal a denial of AT?

 

ORS should give you a written decision if the VR program will not help you obtain an AT evaluation, device or service. You have the right to appeal this denial. You must request an appeal within 45 days of ORS written decision. There are two types of review on appeal:

 

- An "informal review" is a meeting between you, your ORS counselor, and an ORS administrator. You can bring a representative to this meeting. The ORS administrator will review the ORS counselor's decision to see if the decision was correct. The "informal review" meeting is optional -- you do not have to go through this step.

- If you are not happy with the informal review meeting (or if you want to skip that step), you can request an "administrative hearing." The administrative hearing will be run by a Hearings Officer from the state Department of Human Services. You have the right to bring a representative or an attorney with you to this hearing. You also have a right to bring witnesses, and to ask questions of any ORS staff at the hearing. After the hearing, the Hearings Officer will write a decision, which contains his opinion about whether ORS' denial was legally correct. This decision will become the "final" agency decision within 20 days, unless the Director of ORS decides to review the Hearing Officer's decision and issues a new "final" decision.

 

If you are not satisfied with the "final" agency decision, you may file and appeal in state court. You have 30 days from the date the"final" decision was mailed to file in court.


Where can I get legal help?

 

The Rhode Island Disability Law Center, Inc., (formerly RIPAS), can provide free legal services if you have questions or need help getting VR services.

More information about VR services in general can be found in a booklet published by Disability Law Center called: A Consumer's Guide to Rhode Island State Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

For more information or help contact:

RI Disability Law Center, Inc.
349 Eddy Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Voice (401) 831-3150, (800) 733-5332
TDD (401) 831-5335

Website: http://www.ridlc.org/
E-mail: info@ridlc.org


 

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