INDEPENDENT LIVING REHABILITATION
POLICY MANUAL
Chapter 2 - ELIGIBILITY/INELIGIBILITY
Eligibility for the Independent Living Rehabilitation (ILR) program is based upon the following criteria:
A. The applicant meets RSB’s visual disability requirement;
B. The applicant is present in the state of Missouri;
C. The applicant has a physical or mental impairment that constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to independent living; and
D. The applicant requires ILR services to improve his or her ability to function independently in family and/or community.
Eligibility should be determined within 60 calendar days of the receipt of the dated application (date). An extension of the determination period may be agreed to and signed by the staff member and the applicant, or applicant’s representative as appropriate. This will be signed and placed in the case record prior to the 60-day determination period. The case file will contain the following documentation substantiating client’s eligibility:
A. 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 ILR services only if available information is not complete, relevant or current.
The following proofs of eye condition will be accepted for determination of eligibility:
1. 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;
2. A near or distance vision chart (consistent with standards reflected in the Snellen chart) as utilized by the staff member;
3. Any other similar documentation that contains corrected visual acuity readings of applicant.
4. A review and assessment of existing data (including both verbal and written) provided by the client or client’s family.
B. An evaluation was completed which determines the ILR service needs of the applicant.
C. There will be written notification of eligibility provided to the client acknowledging that eligibility requirements have been met. This notification must be dated and signed by the staff member. Client will also be moved to Status 10.
INELIGIBILITY
The determination of ineligibility can be made only after full consultation with the applicant or, where appropriate, the applicant’s parent, guardian or other representative, or after giving a clear opportunity for such consultation. This consultation, or the opportunity for it, must be documented in the case file.
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 following will be documented in the case file:
A. Written Notification: The applicant 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 and the assistance available through the Client Assistance Program (CAP). Referrals to other programs or agencies, including vocational rehabilitation programs, will be completed as appropriate.
B. Annual Review: When an applicant has been determined ineligible for ILR services because one or more of the criteria for eligibility are not met, or are no longer met, a case review will be conducted. The review will be conducted no later than 12 months after determination unless refused by the applicant, the applicant no longer resides in Missouri or the applicant cannot be located.