Section 1240-08-12-.03 - ELIGIBILITY FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING(1) The Rehabilitation Teacher determines eligibility for Independent Living and Independent Living Older Blind services based on: (a) The presence of a significant disability related to the loss of vision;(b) The presence of a severe limitation in the ability to function independently in family and/or community; and(c) There is a reasonable expectation that Rehabilitation Teaching services will significantly assist the individual to improve his/her ability to function independently in the family, and/or community.(2) For purposes of determining eligibility for services, an individual is considered to be significantly disabled if one of the following criteria is met:(a) Blindness, both eyes, no light perception.(b) Blindness, both eyes, with correction no more than 20/200 in the better eye or limitation in visual field within 20 degrees.(c) Blindness, one eye, other eye defective (better eye with correction 20/60 or less, or corresponding loss in visual field (60 degrees or less).(d) Other visual impairment wherein the corrected vision will not permit the individual to obtain a driver's license for visual reasons.(3) Referrals of individuals whose goal is competitive employment should be coordinated with the appropriate VR staff.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-08-12-.03
New rules filed February 29, 2024; effective 5/29/2024.Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 49-11-601, et seq., and 71-1-105(a)(12); Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Sections 751-753, as amended (codified in 29 U.S.C. 796j-7961 ); 34 C.F.R. Parts 361, 364, 365, and 367; 45 C.F.R. Part 1329 ; and Executive Order No. 43 (1983).