[nfbmi-talk] Maintenance Agreement Wording for 9-15-10 meeting.doc

[Elizabeth]

Hello Fred,
 
It does not surprise me that the agency is looking into changing this policy as it directly relates to the adoption of the new college policy. The current maintenance policy includes information about providing room and board for college students. However, if the new college policy does not say anything about providing room and board for college students, and if the new maintenance policy does not say anything about it either, then I would imagine that this would be a service that the Commission would not want to provide for college students.
 
In addition, I do not believe the example cited in the second example would qualify as adhering to the Rehabilitation Act. I cannot remember the exact citation, but if I recall correctly, I believe any service that is used for assessment purposes is a non-comparable benefit and is the responsibility of the agency. It really concerns me that the agency keeps on trying to adopt policies that only seem to restrict the services they deliver to consumers.
 
Elizabeth
 
> From: f.wurtzel at comcast.net
> To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:46:53 -0400
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Maintenance Agreement Wording for 9-15-10 meeting.doc
> 
> Hello,
> 
> Here is the Maintenance Policy as presented, yesterday, at the C I C
> meeting. We need to discuss it at the convention and get input for the C I
> C. Please take a few minutes to read it and consider ways, if any, which
> will make it understandable and clear to consumers. Remember, this policy
> applies to almost every client for small or large items from cab fares to
> mortgage payments in the event someone needs to be away for training and
> cannot work. This is a powerful policy and ought to be user-friendly.
> 
> Our C I C representatives are Sarah Norwood, Sheila Latham, Georgia Kitchen
> and Geer Wilcox. Talk to them about your ideas on this policy. Thank you for
> your input.
> 
> Warmest Regards,
> 
> Fred 
> _____ 
> 
> Maintenance Agreement Wording for 9-15-10 CIC meeting
> 
> (35) Maintenance means monetary support provided to an individual for
> expenses, such as food, shelter, and clothing, that are in excess of the
> normal expenses of the individual and that are necessitated by the
> individual's participation in an assessment for determining eligibility and
> vocational rehabilitation needs or the individual's receipt of vocational
> rehabilitation services under an individualized plan for employment.
> 
> (Authority: Sections 12(c) and 103(a)(7) of the Act; 29 U.S.C. 
> 709(c) and 723(a)(7))
> 
> (i) Examples: The following are examples of expenses that would meet the
> definition of maintenance. The examples are illustrative, do not address all
> possible circumstances, and are not intended to substitute for individual
> counselor judgment.
> Example 1: The cost of a uniform or other suitable clothing that is
> required for an individual's job placement or job-seeking 
> activities.
> Example 2: The cost of short-term shelter that is required in 
> order for an individual to participate in assessment activities or 
> vocational training at a site that is not within commuting distance of an
> individual's home.
> Example 3: The initial one-time costs, such as a security 
> deposit or charges for the initiation of utilities, that are 
> required in order for an individual to relocate for a job placement.
> Example 4: The costs of an individual's participation in 
> 
> enrichment activities related to that individual's training program.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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