Okla. Admin. Code § 612:10-7-222

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

Section 612:10-7-222 - Rehabilitation technology, assistive technology devices and assistive technology services

(a) Rehabilitationengineering means the systematic application of engineering sciences to design, develop, adapt, test, evaluate, apply, and distribute technological solutions to problems confronted by individuals with disabilities in functional areas, such as mobility, communications, hearing, vision, and cognition, and in activities associated with employment, independent living, education, and integration into the community.

(b) Rehabilitation technology is the systematic application of technologies, engineering methodologies, or scientific principles to meet the needs of, and address the barriers confronted by, individuals with disabilities in areas which include education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, independent living and recreation. The term includes rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services.

(1) Home and vehicular modification, telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices, other assistive devices including, but not limited to hearing aids, low vision aids and wheelchairs. This includes the hardware portion of neuroprosthetic devices, such as cochlear implants, visual prosthetics, and motor prosthetic devices.

(2) Does not include medical and surgical procedures required for implantation of neuroprosthetic devices.

(c) Rehabilitation technology services, including prescribed adaptive aids and devices, must be provided by qualified persons. Prescriptions/recommendations for nonmedical adaptive technology may be accepted from individuals listed in 74 O.S. 85.7(12) including physicians, rehabilitation engineers, qualified rehabilitation technicians or sensory aids specialists and from qualified assistive technology specialists and assistive technology professionals.

(d) Under ADA title II, 35 CFR 104 Definitions, "auxiliary aids and services" includes; Qualified interpreters on-site or through video remote interpreting (VRI) services; note takers; real-time computer-aided transcription services; written materials; exchange of written notes; telephone handset amplifiers; assistive listening devices; assistive listening systems; telephones compatible with hearing aids; closed caption decoders; open and closed captioning, including real-time captioning; voice, text, and video-based telecommunications products and systems, including text telephones (TTYs), videophones, and captioned telephones, or equally effective telecommunications devices; videotext displays; accessible electronic and information technology; or other effective methods of making aurally delivered information available to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(e) Assistive Technology Devices are any items, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a VR customer.

(f) Assistive Technology Services are any services that directly assist an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Services may include:

(1) the evaluation of the needs of an individual, including a functional evaluation of the individual in his/her customary environment;

(2) purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition by an individual of an assistive technology device;

(3) selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing assistive technology devices;

(4) coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs;

(5) training or providing technical assistance for an individual or, if appropriate, the family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individual; and

(6) training or providing technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or others who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of individuals with disabilities, to the extent that training or technical assistance is necessary to the achievement of an employment outcome.

(g) Rehabilitation technology services such as assessment or consultation are not based on financial need; however equipment, appliances, and aids will be based on available financial resources of the client.

(h) Rehabilitation technology services, including prescribed adaptive aids and devices, must be provided by qualified persons. Prescriptions/recommendations for nonmedical adaptive technology may be accepted from individuals listed in 74 O.S. 85.7(12) including physicians, rehabilitation engineers, qualified rehabilitation technicians or sensory aids specialists and from qualified assistive technology specialists and assistive technology professionals.

(i) Assistive technology devices, including prescribed adaptive aids and devices, may be purchased commercially or designed and manufactured by a rehabilitation engineer, assistive technology or sensory aids specialist depending on individual need.

(j) Counselors and rehabilitation teachers may refer clients with visual disabilities to the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired assistive technology laboratory for blindness and low vision which may provide or procure:

(1) assistive technology evaluations;

(2) recommendation of assistive technology devices and services to meet individual needs;

(3) training in use of technology and devices, referral to training sources and information on training options;

(4) information on technologies and devices to meet specific individual needs;

(5) technical assistance for installation and operation of select applications and devices; and

(6) demonstration and loan of adaptive aids, devices, electronic and computer technologies and other assistive technology products.

Okla. Admin. Code § 612:10-7-222

Added at 28 Ok Reg 1832, eff 7-1-1

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 38, Issue 23, August 16, 2021, eff. 8/26/2021