Section 17-403-8 - Evaluation and training(a) Any person who is blind and eligible for vocational rehabilitation Services under chapter 17-401.1, Hawaii Administrative Rules, shall be informed of the vending facilities program and the availability of training in all aspects of vending facility Operation, upward mobility training for all blind licensees, and post-employment Services for blind vendors as vocational rehabilitation Services.(b) The goal of the training program is to provide training adequate for participants to attain and sustain successful businesses. Instructors and mentors shall take into consideration trainees' prior education and experience and shall ensure that Instruction is trainee-friendly.(c) Evaluation of blind individuals for the vending facilities program shall be conducted by VR Services in consultation with the vending facilities program. Evaluation criteria shall include, but is not limited to, whether the individual: (2) Is a Citizen of the United States;(3) Demonstrates to the State Licensing Agency (SLA) an ability to operate a vending facility, including but not limited to the ability to make business decisions, to attain at least average proficiency in computational mathematics, and to maintain good interpersonal relationships with customers and building authorities;(4) Has a basic understanding of the vending facilities program, process, and training requirements;(5) Is interested in participating in the training program and becoming a vendor; and(6) Other criteria that would indicate suitability for the vending facilities program.(d) The following are grounds for automatic expulsion from the training program: (1) Use of alcoholic beverages or other chemical substances not prescribed by a medical doctor while in a training setting or Coming to training under the influence of such substances;(2) Abusive language, cursing, racial or sexual slurs, or failure to respond to the SLA's or a mentor's reasonable request related to the training program; and(3) Theft of property or funds from the SLA, a vendor, or a member of the public.(e) Training in all aspects of vending facility Operation shall be available for persons who are blind who meet the above evaluation criteria.(f) Training shall include: (1) Basic training - What vending is all about, the functional areas of operating a vending facility, including but not limited to merchandising, sanitation and safety, licenses and taxes, customer service, product mix, rotation and accessibility, signage and lighting, public relations, record keeping, including inventory and profit and loss report and analysis, cashiering and banking, marketing (including advertising and pricing), care of perishable and non-perishable products, personal appearance and hygiene, specialized topics needed or required by type of vending facility, and financial management;(2) Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 100 hours of on-the-job training for those individuals with similar work experience, and such other on-the-job training as determined by the SLA ;(3) In-service training (placement in a vending facility) for a six month period;(4) Upward mobility training, including further education and additional training or retraining for improved work opportunities; and(5) Overview of the Act and sections 102-14 and 347-12.5, HRS, and these rules.(6) On-the job training may include mentoring, which may be provided by a licensed vendor (who will periodically evaluate the trainee's progress, and report to the SLA) (A) A licensed blind vendor, acting as a volunteer mentor, is responsible to guide the trainee through the daily routine of operating a facility, noting the trainee's progress and setting goals with the trainee, and reporting to the SLA.(B) A trainee's responsibilities to the mentor include following the mentor's Instructions, acceptance of constructive criticisms, attendance at the vending facility a minimum of 30 hours per week to meet the on-the-job training requirements, unless excused for medical reasons or family obligations of an emergency nature such as bereavement, and maintaining a professional demeanor.[Eff ; am and com NOV 13 2010] (Auth: HRS § 102-14, 34 C.F.R. 395.11 ) (Imp. 34 C.F.R. section 395.11 )