Current through September, 2024
Section 17-402-2 - Case finding(a) Case finding shall be conducted to acquaint the public with the branch's services in order that eligible persons are located and provided appropriate services.(b) Case finding activities shall accomplish the following: (1) Enable blind and visually handicapped persons to utilize branch services; and(2) Locate recently visually impaired persons before deteriorating effects of disability and dependency make rehabilitation difficult.(c) Priority shall be directed towards those capable of benefiting from vocational rehabilitation services with a potential for gainful occupation, and youngsters ready for vocational development. However, every possible effort shall be extended to seek out and serve those persons not eligible for the federally-funded vocational rehabilitation program (known as general service cases), and prospective low vision clinic clients.(d) The branch shall maintain an organized case finding program in all districts on Oahu with emphasis on major sources of referral.(e) All professional staff shall locate, encourage and assist blind and visually impaired persons to avail themselves of the branch's services.(f) The branch shall use the following case finding methods: (1) Disseminate information of the branch's services and objectives to the public;(2) Maintain an open door policy for new referrals and encourage referral sources to make appropriate referrals;(3) Maintain contacts with optometrists and ophthalmologists in the State;(4) Provide referral forms for use by referral sources;(5) Maintain good channels of communication with referral sources; promptly report back to referral sources on action taken; and periodically review sources of referral to assure a continuing flow of cases from all potential community sources;(6) Establish and maintain cooperative working relations with public and private agencies to provide for coordinative services to blind and visually handicapped persons;(7) Develop written cooperative working agreements to include case finding arrangements; and(8) Conduct glaucoma screening and other prevention of blindness activities.(g) The branch shall use public information media to acquaint individuals of the branch's services and how to secure them.(h) The department's information specialist shall be utilized when appropriate.(i) The division administrator and director shall be notified of any public information provided to the media.[Eff. NOV 5 1981] (Auth: HRS §§ 347-3, 347-4, 348-3; 29 U.S.C. §721; am 45 C.F.R. §1361.2) (Imp: HRS §§ 347-3, 347-4, 348-3; 29 U.S.C. §721; am 45 C.F.R. §1361.2 )