You should be very satisfied with the decisions or services you receive from RSB.  However, sometimes a concern or problem may occur.  If this happens, you should:

 

Ø               Discuss the situation with your counselor or your counselor’s supervisor; they may be willing to consider other possibilities and give valid reasons if alternatives are not appropriate.  Most issues can be resolved at this level.

 

Ø               If the problem cannot be resolved, ask in writing for an administrative review (an informal meeting) with the RSB deputy director or designee.

 

Ø               If the problem cannot be resolved with an administrative review, you may request mediation.

 

Ø               If the problem is still not resolved after mediation, you may request a fair hearing.

 

(NOTE:  It is not required that an administrative review or mediation be conducted in order for you to request and receive a fair hearing.  However, an administrative review and/or

 

mediation can, in many situations, result in a faster solution of your problem.)

 

To request an administrative review, mediation or fair hearing, you must:

 

Ø               Request the review, mediation, or hearing in writing to the Deputy Director of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, P. O. Box 2320, 615 Howerton Court, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102

 

Ø               Describe the decision or action you need to have resolved.

 

Ø               Include your name, address, and telephone number.

 

Administrative reviews are held as expeditiously as possible after the receipt of your request.  Most appeals are resolved by the administrative review.   If the problem cannot be resolved, mediation may then be requested.  A fair  hearing is a more formal process conducted by an impartial hearing officer of your choice, selected from a pool of approved hearing officers.  The impartial hearing officer hears both sides of the issue, weighs the facts of your case, and makes a decision.  A fair hearing decision report is provided to you within thirty calendar days of the date of your hearing.

 

At the administrative review or fair hearing, you should:

 

Ø               Clearly state your concerns and possible solutions.

 

 

Ø               Have a clear idea of what the issues are and the desired remedy to your problem/request.

 

Ø               Bring documentation that supports your position, if appropriate or available.

 

Ø               If you choose, have a representative (family member, friend, attorney or CAP representative) present.

 

Ø               Before the review or fair hearing begins, you must present written authorization to discuss confidential information in the presence of counsel or witnesses.

 

You should notify the impartial hearing officer in advance if you plan to have a representative or witness(es) at your fair hearing.