RSA-227 for FY-2025: Submission #42

3. Describe training presented by the staff. Include the following information: In collaboration with the Governor’s Commission on Disability (GCD), CAP continues to concentrate on social media campaigns as well as the GCD website for information delivery via technology resulting in webinars and remote meetings. Requests for presentations have lightened and the use of social media continues to be an effective tool in providing information and resources to the public as well as VR participants. The CAP continues to utilize an electronic packet to provide necessary information about CAP and obtain essential signatures. The packet includes explanations of services, client rights and responsibilities, release of information, the grievance process, and a demographic sheet aligning with federal reporting requirements. The packet can be sent and signed electronically, which has expedited the process and allowed easier electronic filing and record keeping of CAP case files

CAP continues to provide technical assistance relative to employment matters to both internal and external agencies and individuals. The NH CAP routinely fields inquiries from the public relative to employment & accommodations, available resources for employment seekers, and independent living programs. The complexity of calls continues to increase and has required more research and investment of time to address issues and provide useful resources. Many callers inquire about employment accommodations and employment rights for those with disabilities. However, this last year the calls also involved multiple issues along with employment such as availability of financial resources, housing challenges, and potential legal pursuit of discrimination claims. The GCD has added an ADA Coordinator position who focuses on ADA requests within state government. The NH CAP has collaborated with the ADA Coordinator on several cases and this partnership has been beneficial for both parties.
Field-based ADA training
The CAP attended a GCD hosted field-based training event on building accessibility. This hands-on, in-person training focused on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design Checklist in a practical way. Using a local building, the CAP participated in a real-time walk-through with demonstrations on measurement techniques and accessibility best practices. This event also featured a presentation on disability etiquette as presented by the New England ADA Center, a grant provider to the GCD.



ADA 35 celebration
The CAP participated in developing and executing a recognition of the 35th anniversary of the passage of the ADA. Website and social media postings focused on various aspects of ADA and how accessibility has evolved in all arenas of daily life.
Accessibility and State leases
The GCD hosts an Accessibility Specialist who answers questions about the built environment and ensures state leases are ADA compliant. The Accessibility Specialist routinely informs CAP of leases with respect to VR offices. CAP does participate in selected site visits to leased property in collaboration with the Accessibility Specialist.
CAP individual meetings
In addition to routine CAP cases and calls, CAP has spent increased time meeting individually with both VR participants and VR staff. CAP spent time meeting with participants who had formerly been served by VR but with a resulting case closure. CAP offered policy interpretation, expectation discussion, and alternative resources as available. CAP also enjoyed some robust discussions with VR Counselors who were seeking guidance on challenging or complex cases, general program administration, and services offered by CAP.


The NH CAP continues to work with the Governor’s Commission on Disability (GCD) Executive Director and the NH State Treasurer to educate NH citizens about NH ABLE Savings Plan and ABLE accounts. ABLE savings plans remain one of CAP’s top priorities as the ability to save money without losing means tested benefits removes a significant barrier to employment for many individuals with disabilities. ABLE savings plans are discussed in the context of employment and relevant additional resources.

State Rehabilitation Council
NH CAP attends regular SRC meetings and policy committee meetings. As a member of the policy committee, CAP has the opportunity to review and comment on any policy changes or new policies authored by Vocational Rehabilitation.

Legislative Committee
NH CAP serves on the internal legislative committee of the GCD and provides support to the GCD standing committee. NH CAP participates in the routine identification and tracking of proposed NH legislation which may impact those individuals with disabilities and employment matters.


Telecommunications Equipment Assistance Program (TEAP)
The NH CAP participated in various activities regarding the TEAP contract and internal work group. TEAP provides accessible devices such a landline phone for NH residents who experience vision loss, hearing loss, or challenges to speech and mobility. The TEAP is contracted to a vendor through a competitive bidding process.

Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)/State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)
Given that the SILC Program Assistant is housed within the GCD, opportunity exists for a close relationship between the SILC and the NH CAP. At the request of the GCD Executive Director, NH CAP joins the Executive Director & meets with the SILC Assistant on a regular basis to receive updates on current activities and to support the SILC’s mission.

Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative
NH’s Recovery Friendly Workplace project “…promotes individual wellness for Granite Staters by empowering workplaces to provide support for people recovering from substance use disorder. The Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative gives business owners the resources and supports they need to foster a supportive environment that encourages the success of their employees in recovery.” The NH CAP & GCD provides technical assistance to educate around the intersection of the ADA and individuals in recovery from substance abuse disorders. The CAP provides technical assistance to individuals and businesses asking about accommodations in the workplace for those in recovery from addiction.

2. Describe the agency's on-going and completed systemic litigation activities involving individual representation. N/A

1. Provide a description of all CAP positions Responsible to coordinate the provision of statewide information and referral, negotiation, medication, and advocacy services for individuals with disabilities seeking or receiving vocational services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (the Act).
One full time position dedicated entirely to CAP activities–Ombudsman. See attached job description – end of this narrative.

Executive Director of the Governor’s Commission on Disability (GCD) also provides oversight of NH CAP and participates in mediation and fair hearings as necessary when warranted.

Business Administrator of the GCD provides financial oversight of funds and reconciles monthly expenses to internal reports. Business Administrator also attends to monthly drawdowns of funds and reconciling said funds into state system to cover CAP expenses.

Administrative Support is also provided to the NH CAP by the GCD Administrative Secretary by way of answering and routing phone calls, assisting with mailings and conference preparation, and routine office business relative to CAP activities.

Summary:
Under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director of the Governor's Commission on Disability (GCD), as the designated agency to conduct the Client Assistance Program (CAP), the successful candidate will be responsible to coordinate the provision of statewide information and referral, negotiation, mediation and advocacy services for individuals with disabilities seeking or receiving vocational services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (the Act).

CAP Ombudsman

Responsibilities:
Maintains basic statutory and regulatory compliance with Section 112 of the Act, 34 CFR 361.70 and the Governor's Assurances submitted to the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
Reviews complaints pertaining to the delivery of rehabilitation services provided under the Act. Exercises judgment and provides individual and/or systemic advocacy to resolve consumer complaints. Ensures that individuals with disabilities receive Rehabilitation Act funded services to which they are entitled.
Researches and maintains information about laws and regulations pertaining to the Act in order to advise, assist, or represent individuals with disabilities who pursue administrative or legal remedies and to ensure the protection of their right to services authorized under the Act and under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, where appropriate.
Supervises and trains staff who assist with the provision of services to individuals with disabilities in order to ensure that program policies and procedures are uniformly applied to all applicants for services.

Identifies, analyzes, and monitors problem areas in the delivery of rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. May meet with state agencies and other entities to articulate problem areas and to recommend policy changes or other methods of improving agency performance.
Informs and advises individuals with disabilities of services available under the Act in order to increase awareness of and access to rehabilitation services authorized under the Act.
Develops and implements policies and procedures in order to report to federal and state agencies the activities of and services provided by the Client Assistance Program.
Conducts oneself with a cooperative and courteous demeanor. Adheres to the Executive Director's standards on attendance, quantity of work, quality of work, job knowledge, communications, dependability, initiative, safety and personal appearance.
Prepares weekly reports to the Executive Director of the GCD including, but not limited to a summary of complaints, incidences, and work schedule for the following week, and provides annual, quarterly and other allied reports.
Works with all members of the GCD and other state and federal programs within the GCD to assist in the fulfillment and compliance of the GCDs statutory responsibilities.
At the request of the Executive Director, may participate on any committee affiliated with the GCD, as well as seminars, presentations, etc.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Master’s degree from a recognized college or university with major study in law-related studies, nursing, public health, human services, education, behavioral sciences, social work, social sciences, rehabilitation counseling, public administration, gerontology, or a related field. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.
Experience: Four years experience: working as an advocate or representing clients in adversary hearing proceedings; conducting civil rights investigations; coordinating programs for the disabled, elderly, disadvantaged, and/or mentally ill; or related experience.
OR
Education: Bachelors degree from a recognized college or university with major study in law-related studies, nursing, public health, human services, education, behavioral sciences, social work, social sciences, rehabilitation counseling, public administration, gerontology, or a related field.
Experience: Five years experience: working as an advocate or representing clients in adversary hearing proceedings; conducting civil rights investigations; coordinating programs for the disabled, elderly, disadvantaged, and/or mentally ill; or related experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate or Masters Degree preferred.