Okla. Admin. Code § 612:10-7-205

Current through Vol. 42, No. 7, December 16, 2024

Section 612:10-7-205 - Services to persons who are deaf-blind

(a)Overview of services. Because of the overwhelming impact upon the individual with a combination disability of deafness and blindness, a multiple disciplinary approach is needed to adequately serve these individuals. Unique problems in mobility and communication can cause severe social, recreational, academic deprivation and long term prevocational training may be necessary. Persons who are deaf-blind are capable of competitive employment and the counselor will carefully evaluate expected employment outcomes.

(b)Deaf-Blindness Specialist. To promote and coordinate appropriate services for persons with dual losses of vision and hearing, the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired employs a Deaf-Blindness Specialist. This specialist works with counselors, rehabilitation teachers and others who provide services directly to clients who are deaf-blind. A major role served by this specialist is coordinating services and ensuring dialogue among schools, programs, agencies and organizations serving the deaf and blind.

(c)Support Service Providers. Support Service Providers (SSPs) promote independence by providing deaf-blind individuals with visual and auditory access to the environment. SSPs facilitate interpersonal communication and provide environmental information and sighted guide services to deaf-blind individuals during assessment for eligibility determination and IPE-related activities as requested by DRS. IPE related activities may include, but not be limited to, all contacts with the DRS, IPE related activities may include, contacts with DRS staff including meetings; job interviews, job site orientation, non-emergency medical appointments (scheduled or authorized by DRS) and community events pertaining to the client's vocational goal, such as job fairs, networking events, community-based training, filling out job applications or other paperwork. Services may include driving client to the IPE related activity and home again, reading client's mail and transmitting it in a mode that is accessible to the client. DRS should not be involved in payment for SSP services that are arranged without agency knowledge, or are used for purposes not directly connected with the client's DRS case including assessment for eligibility determination, IPE-connected services or job readiness or placement activities.

Okla. Admin. Code § 612:10-7-205

Added at 10 Ok Reg 4633, eff 9-1-93 (emergency); Added at 11 Ok Reg 2449, eff 7-1-94; Amended at 14 Ok Reg 3738, eff 9-10-97 (emergency); Amended at 15 Ok Reg 2904, eff 7-1-98; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 1711, eff 4-13-99 (emergency); Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2590, eff 7-1-99; Amended at 20 Ok Reg 1771, eff 7-1-03

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 32, Issue 23, August 17, 2015, eff. 8/27/2015

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 34, Issue 24, September 1, 2017, eff. 9/11/2017

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 37, Issue 24, September 1, 2020, eff. 9/11/2020

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 39, Issue 24, September 1, 2022, eff. 9/11/2022