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Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service

           
           Applying for State Vocational Rehabilitation Services  
     
     


      Applying for State Vocational Rehabilitation Services

      Andrea Rizor, Employment Advocate

      Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) are both state vocational rehabilitation agencies designed to assist individuals with disabilities prepare for, secure, and maintain employment. Each agency has created its own policies and procedures in order to comply with state and federal law. There are times when the staff working for these agencies may make mistakes or not follow these policies. Therefore, it is very important that you know and understand your rights. Listed below are just a few concerning application and eligibility:

      ¨      You have the right to apply for MRS/MCB services. Neither agency can deny you the right to apply simply because you can't produce medical documentation of a disability or because you have been served in the past.

      ¨      Once you have applied, you have the right to a decision on eligibility. If you are denied eligibility, you must be informed in writing of that decision. Along with that eligibility decision, you must be provided with written information on your appeal rights.

      ¨      You have a right to challenge an ineligibility decision and any other decision made by the agency in the form of an appeal.



      I think I should qualify for services, but I am not sure

      If your disability creates barriers for you at any stage of your employment process, MRS or MCB are a good place to start. There is no fee for their services, unlike many private rehabilitation programs. The first thing you are required to do with MRS or MCB is to complete an application. You should ask for an application if your counselor does not have you complete one at the beginning of your request for services. Many timelines depend upon the date you sign your application, so it is very important that the application be completed immediately. Once you submit an application, MRS or MCB will have to decide whether or not you qualify for services. Listed below are the policies that each agency is required to follow when they determine your eligibility. 



      MRS eligibility is based on the following three criteria:

      ¨      You have a mental or physical impairment that creates a substantial barrier to employment,

      ¨      You require vocational rehabilitation services to help you prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment consistent with your strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and interests, and

      ¨      You can benefit from MRS services (which is presumed).

      MRS has 60 days (from the date of your signed application) to determine your eligibility. If you are receiving Social Security (SSI) benefits, you are presumed eligible. This means that MRS will still gather information, but now presumes that you meet all categories of their eligibility criteria. 



      MCB eligibility is based on:

      ¨      You must have a visual impairment defined as:

      Visual acuity with best correction of 20/200 or worse in the better eye or visual fields must subtend an angle of less than 20 degrees in each eye, or visual acuity with best correction 20/100 or worse in the better eye, with a prognosis of rapid deterioration,

      ¨      The impairment results in a substantial barrier to employment and/or independent living,

      ¨      You require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter into, engage in, or retain gainful employment that is consistent with your strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests, and 

      ¨      You can benefit from services (which is presumed).

      MCB must determine your eligibility (from the date of your signed application) within a reasonable time, not to exceed 60 days. As with MRS policy, if you are receiving Social Security (SSI) benefits, you are presumed eligible.



      I have applied, but I was turned down, now what?

      If MRS or MCB tells you that they cannot open a case for you, cannot help you, or say you're ineligible for services, they are required to provide you with this decision in writing, along with information on your appeal rights. You have the right to challenge this decision by filing an appeal and/or contacting the Client Assistance Program (CAP). 

      Contact the Client Assistance Program (CAP) anytime you have questions regarding your rights as a customer of MCB or MRS at 800.288.5923. 

     
        

     Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc.  
      Lansing (517) 487-1755 | TOLL FREE 1-800-288-5923 (Voice or TTY) 
      Fax (517) 487-0827 | Email MPAS 
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