8.39 TRAINING IN COMMUNITY REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
Introduction
Community rehabilitation programs provide a wide array of services for individuals with disabilities. CBVH purchases services from both private agencies serving the blind, and from generic agencies.
Agencies Serving the Blind
A private agency for the blind is an agency which states in its Articles of Incorporation that one of its organizational purposes is to provide rehabilitation services to people who are blind.
Generic Agency
The term generic agency is used to define a community rehabilitation program that provides rehabilitation services to individuals with a variety of disabilities. Services are generally not specifically designed for individuals who are blind, however, Individuals who are blind may benefit from and may choose to receive services from a generic agency.
Establishing Rates and/or Fees
Rates and/or fees for services purchased from community rehabilitation programs are established by:
1. CBVH for private agencies serving the blind
2. NYS Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) for generic agencies
Approval of Community Rehabilitation Programs for CBVH Use
CBVH Central Office has responsibility for approving the use of both private agencies for the blind and generic agencies. In order to serve CBVH consumers, a community rehabilitation program must meet the requirements for approval set forth below. In addition, CBVH will utilize only those private agencies for the blind which have signed contracts with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and generic agencies having letters of agreement with CBVH.
Requirements for Approval of Agencies Serving the Blind
To be considered for approval, a private agency for the blind must submit the following information to the CBVH Central Office.
1. a copy of the Articles of Incorporation indicating that they are an agency serving people who are blind
2. a description of the services provided and the duration (in weeks) of each service as applicable
3. a resume of each person providing services that would be available to CBVH consumers
4. a listing of any special requirements or selection criteria for each service to be utilized
Requirements for Approval of Generic Agencies
To be considered for approval, a generic agency must submit the following information to the local district manager:
1. a copy of a letter or other documentation indicating that the agency is an approved rehabilitation agency is used by the NYS Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)
2. a description of each service available to CBVH consumers and the duration (in weeks) of each service
3. a listing of any special requirements or selection criteria for each service to be utilized.
In addition, the district manager must prepare a statement indicating the agency's willingness and ability to use assessment tools and training methods appropriate for people who are blind.
Contracts with Private Agencies for the Blind
CBVH has entered into outcome based contracts with the private agencies for the blind in New York State. The Comprehensive Services Contract has the following components:
1. Outreach to Unserved and Underserved Individuals
2. Adaptive Living Program
a. Assessments for individuals not seeking employment
b. Services to older individuals who do not have a vocational goal
c. Services to older individuals who have a vocational goal of homemaker
3. CORE integrated services for individuals seeking employment in the areas of safe travel, personal care, communications and social adjustment
4. Employment Skills and Placement
a. Vocational Assessment
b. Academic Instruction
c. Vocational Skills Training
d. Placement
The Comprehensive Services Contract Manual contains the requirements and guidelines for services provided through these contracts.
Agreements with Generic Agencies
CBVH has entered into agreements with most generic agencies in New York State based upon each agency's ability to meet the established requirements for approval. In order to use agencies not on the List of Approved Generic Agencies the district manager must request approval using the guidelines in this chapter.
Payment for Community Rehabilitation Programs Services
Contract services purchased from private agencies for the blind are authorized using the OCFS-4226. Additional and ancillary services provided by private agencies for the blind and all services from generic agencies are purchased using the DSS-335.