CHILDREN’s SERVICES PROGRAM
POLICY MANUAL
CHAPTER 2 - ELIGIBILITY/INELIGIBILITY
ELIGIBILITY
1. Eligibility for the Children’s Services (CS) program is based upon the following criteria:
A. The applicant meets RSB’s visual disability requirement by exhibiting:
(1) a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with best correction, or central acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a field defect such that the peripheral diameter of central visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees, or
(2) a central visual acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better eye with best correction, or has near vision that is decreased to the extent that the applicant cannot read print that is smaller than Jaeger nine (J9) with best correction, or
(3) a visual efficiency (visual acuity and visual field) that does not exceed sixty four percent (64%), or
(4) functional limitations caused by the visual condition (i.e., inability to fixate and follow, limitations on the applicant's educational performance due to vision) that are consistent with the best corrected acuities/fields expressed in 1-3 above, or that result in the client receiving vision services under a 504 or IEP.
B. The applicant claims to be legally present in the state of Missouri with an intent to remain;
C. The applicant requires CS services to improve his or her ability to function in family, educational and/or community settings.
D. The applicant must be less than 21 years of age, or in the final year of secondary education that the 21st birthday falls within.
2. Eligibility should be determined within 90 calendar days of the receipt of the dated application (date). In the event that eligibility cannot be established within 90 calendar days, a narrative entry should be made explaining the cause for delay in establishing eligibility.
3. To the degree possible, the staff member will use existing information to determine visual eligibility. A diagnostic eye examination may be required for an applicant specifically for the purpose of determining eligibility for CS services only if available information is not complete, relevant or current. The following proofs of eye condition will be accepted for determination of eligibility and should be included in the case record:
A. A written or verbal report from a health care professional or representative that indicates that the applicant’s eye condition meets the agency’s visual eligibility requirements;
B. A near or distance vision chart (consistent with standards reflected in the Snellen chart) as utilized by the staff member;
C. Any other similar documentation that contains appropriate visual diagnostic/corrected visual acuity readings of applicant.
D. A review and assessment of existing data (including both verbal and written) provided by the client or client’s family.
4. A written notification of eligibility will be provided to the client and his/her parent, guardian or legal caretaker acknowledging that eligibility requirements have been met. This notification must be dated and signed by the staff member.
INELIGIBILITY
1. The determination of ineligibility can be made only after full consultation with the applicant or, where appropriate, the applicant’s parent, guardian or legal caretaker, or after giving a clear opportunity for such consultation. This consultation, or the opportunity for it, must be documented in the case file.
2. When a staff member determines on the basis of clear evidence that an applicant is ineligible for services because one or more of the criteria for eligibility are not met, or are no longer met, the applicant and his/her parent, guardian or legal caretaker must be notified in writing of the action taken and the specific reason for the determination. This notification must be dated and signed by the staff member and must include information about the applicant’s review rights. Referrals to other programs or agencies, including vocational rehabilitation programs, will be completed as appropriate.