Division Policy 2.13

SUBJECT

Substantial Impediment to Employment for Employed Applicants

EFFECTIVE DATE

May 4, 2004

REVIEW DATE

January 18, 2013

EXPIRATION DATE

This policy will be reviewed and updated as needed.

PURPOSE

To provide definition to “substantial impediment to employment” and guidelines as to the eligibility determination for employed individuals who are seeking further vocational rehabilitation services.

AUTHORITY

34 CFR 361.45

POLICY

For those applicants who are employed and who apply for vocational rehabilitation services, an eligibility determination will be based in part on whether or not the applicant has a visual impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment.

A visual impairment results in a substantial impediment if one of the following conditions exists:

• As a result of the impairment, loss of employment is imminent.  An applicant should not be made eligible solely to obtain a promotion (advancement) unless loss of job will result without it.
• Employment is not in an integrated setting.
• Employment is sub-standard.
• The applicant is under-employed.

Original signed by Joyce Hildreth, Director, on October 14, 2009.