Section 17b-653-13 - Rehabilitation technology services(a) Rehabilitation technology services are provided only insofar as they will benefit the client in removing, adjusting, or adapting to functional limitations that are barriers to required assessments in accordance with subsections (a), (b) or (e) of section 17b-653-8 or the achievement of an employment outcome, in accordance with section 17b-653-9(g). Functional limitations that are not expected to adversely affect the attainment of the vocational objective are not to be addressed through the provision of rehabilitation technology services by the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.(b)Scope of Services - Rehabilitation technology services may include one or more of the following: (1) rehabilitation engineering services(2) assistive technology services(3) assistive technology devices(c)Modification/Adaptation of a Motor Vehicle - Subject to the conditions listed herein, motor vehicle modification may be authorized when vehicle modifications are necessary in order for the client to enter, maintain or regain competitive employment.(1) Vehicle modifications should be considered only after every other transportation option has been explored and only after it has been determined that vehicle modification is the most cost efficient approach for the client and the bureau.(2) Vehicle modifications are only provided to those clients who have been determined eligible for vocational rehabilitation services and are entering, maintaining or regaining competitive employment.(3) The bureau shall not participate financially to equip a vehicle with anything that was available to the client as a factory/dealer option at the time the vehicle was ordered and was recommended to the client by the bureau.(4) The bureau may arrange for a thorough mechanical inspection of any vehicle before determining whether or not it is feasible for the vehicle to be modified, remodified or adapted.(5) The financial participation and expenditure of the bureau shall be as follows: (A) first time up to 100%(B) remodification of same vehicle or another vehicle may be provided under the following conditions, provided the client has maintained appropriate insurance on the original adaptive equipment: (i) within three (3) years and 54,000 miles following the most recent modification funded by the bureau, the client shall be expected to bear the complete cost. The bureau shall bear none of the cost.(ii) more than three (3) years and at least 54,000 miles following the most recent modification- the bureau may provide up to 50% of the transfer or remodification. The client shall bear the cost of the balance.(iii) more than five (5) years and at least 90,000 miles following the most recent modification funded by the bureau, the bureau may provide up to the entire cost.(6) The bureau's participation in modifying or adapting a vehicle will be limited to the least expensive type of vehicle modification that will accomplish the goal of enabling the client to enter, maintain or regain employment, based on evaluations performed by the bureau's central office consultant and the Department of Motor Vehicle's handicapped drivers consultant or other entity deemed qualified by the bureau.(7) The client shall cooperate in undergoing evaluation and testing as necessary to determine the client's ability to drive and needs for special equipment and vehicle modification. The bureau may deny the provision of vehicle modification services where a client fails to cooperate in such evaluations.(8) Vehicle modification shall be provided only in conjunction with and to support the attainment of a specific vocational goal.(9) Basic vehicle repairs and routine maintenance including special adaptive equipment shall be the sole responsibility of the client.(10) Insurance on the vehicle, including any insurance on the vehicular adaptive equipment, shall be the sole responsibility of the client.(11) If the client or the client's family have entered into negotiations or contracts for services with particular vendors, it shall not be binding upon the bureau to provide services through said vendor(s). Any work that has been initiated or equipment that has been installed or ordered prior to approval under an employment plan will not be retroactively authorized by the bureau.Conn. Agencies Regs. § 17b-653-13
Adopted effective June 6, 2000