​​Chapter 6.07 Contents:

Chapter 6.07. - REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT

1. Rehabilitation Technology Assessment

[REVISED: 9/15/22​]

  1. Rehabilitation technology includes rehabilitation engineering, and assistive technology (AT) devices and services (per 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.5 (c) (45)). For definition of AT devices and services, see Chapter 8.02, Rehabilitation Technology, Policy 1. See Chapter 8.14, PHYS RES for prosthetic and orthotic appliances, telecommunications and sensory and other technological aids and devices, corrective lenses and eyeglasses, hearing aids, and wheelchairs.

  2. All rehabilitation technology goods and services shall (per 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.45 (b)) require Rehabilitation Technology Assessment.

  3. The counselor and client shall (per 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.42, 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.45 (b), 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.46, 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.48, and 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.55) consider whether referral for Rehabilitation Technology Assessment is needed to determine eligibility, assess service needs during Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) development and review, and when reviewing a case closed as disability too severe or employed earning less than minimum/customary wage.

  4. Candidates for Rehabilitation Technology Assessment are individuals with functional limitations in (per 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.5 (c) (44) and (45)) mobility, communications, hearing, vision, and cognition, and in activities associated with employment, independent living, education, transportation, and integration into the community. A client with a work history is a candidate for rehabilitation technology or job restructuring solutions required to maintain, regain or advance in employment.
 
 

2. Conducting Rehabilitation Technology Assessment

[REVISED: 11/22/16]

  1. The client must actively participate in the Rehabilitation Technology Assessment. 

  2. Personnel qualified (per Federal Register Vol. 66, No. 11, pp 4430 – 4431 guidance on 2016 Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 361.51 concerning standards for vendors) to conduct Rehabilitation Technology Assessment includes (per agency policy) individuals skilled in rehabilitation technology or rehabilitation engineering, occupational therapists (OT), therapists who have documented expertise in assistive technology (AT), the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center Computer Accommodations Lab (CAL) engineer, etc. The equipment sales vendor may provide product information and demonstration but is not an objective evaluator and is therefore not qualified to conduct the Rehabilitation Technology Assessment. 

  3. Rehabilitation Technology Assessment may be provided at Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC), another rehabilitation facility, or the environment in which the client requires the rehabilitation technology. 

  4. The Rehabilitation Technology Assessment and purchase specifications (or recommendations) must:

    1. Rule out low cost low technology options before recommending higher cost higher technology options, and 
       
    1.  Be intended to reduce or remove client disability-related impediments to accessing VR services and achieving an employment outcome, and                  
       
    1.  Provide recommendations and purchase specifications and client training needs

  5. The assessor shall provide the information and purchase specifications to the counselor and the counselor shall review it with the client. To purchase services and goods, see Chapter 8.02, REHABILITATION TECH, Policy 1.
​
​