RSA-227 for FY-2025: Submission #44

Provide some examples of some interesting cases during the past fiscal year. 1.
CAP assisted a male individual in his early 20s with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder who was employed in the financial services sector and seeking additional driver training through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The individual experienced difficulty navigating road closures and detours due to disability-related challenges. Initially, OVR denied the request for additional driver training services, citing that similar services had been previously provided prior to the individual’s employment. Public transportation was offered as an alternative accommodation.
Following a review of the case, CAP determined that the proposed alternative was not appropriate. CAP consulted with the individual and his support system and identified that reliance on public transportation would require the individual to arrive at work significantly earlier than necessary, creating an undue burden. Additionally, while prior driver training enabled the individual to obtain a driver’s license, it did not address navigating road disruptions or traveling the specific route to his place of employment.
CAP presented these findings to OVR and advocated for additional driver training focused on navigating the individual’s work route and managing unexpected road conditions, emphasizing the necessity of this service to support the individual’s employment outcome. Upon further discussion, OVR approved and authorized the requested driver training services.
As a result, the individual successfully completed the training, maintained independent transportation, and retained competitive employment without reliance on public transportation or family assistance.
2.
CAP assisted a visually impaired woman in her 50s who sought vocational rehabilitation services to return to competitive employment as a Human Resources specialist. The individual was receiving services through the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) and required updated computer training and assistive technology to perform essential job functions.
Due to staffing shortages, the case was managed on an overtime basis, resulting in limited counselor availability and delays in service provision. The individual expressed concern that her case was not progressing and that necessary services were not being implemented to support her employment goal.
CAP intervened by coordinating with BBVS to address service delays and identify appropriate supports. CAP advocated for updated computer training and evaluation for assistive technology, including Meta smart glasses. Because the technology was newly emerging, BBVS required additional guidance from central office to determine justification and provider availability.
As a result of CAP’s advocacy, BBVS obtained clarification and convened a joint meeting with the individual and CAP. During this meeting, an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) was developed and signed, incorporating both assistive technology evaluation and computer training services. Services were initiated shortly thereafter.
Through CAP’s involvement, barriers to service delivery were resolved, enabling the individual to engage in vocational rehabilitation services and move forward toward her employment goal as a Human Resources specialist.
3.
CAP assisted an individual who became blind in his late twenties and has co-occurring mental health conditions. He received services through the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) and required multiple vocational rehabilitation services, including computer training, assistive technology (AT), orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation, and adjustment-to-blindness training to support realistic employment goals.
The client and his mother contacted CAP due to concerns regarding an assistive technology provider who conducted an AT assessment and whom they believed discriminated against the client. Following this experience, the client experienced increased depression and reluctance to engage in services. His mother was highly distressed and focused on pursuing a complaint against the provider. This situation exacerbated the client’s mental health symptoms and created barriers to progressing with necessary rehabilitation services.
CAP intervened by coordinating multiple meetings with BBVS to rebuild trust between the client and the vocational rehabilitation counselor and to identify alternative service options. During the initial meeting, BBVS clarified that it was unable to address or investigate the discrimination allegation. CAP provided the client and his mother with appropriate contact information should they wish to pursue the matter independently.
As a result of CAP advocacy, the focus shifted toward forward-looking rehabilitation planning. The client gained a clearer understanding of the importance of engaging in training, assistive technology, and support services to promote independence and vocational readiness. CAP also assisted the client’s mother in understanding BBVS requirements regarding financial documentation, resulting in improved cooperation and progress toward compliance. An amended Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) will be developed to include a new AT provider and additional services needed.
Through CAP’s involvement, barriers to service delivery were reduced, communication and trust between the client and BBVS improved, and the client demonstrated increased engagement in his rehabilitation process. The client’s mother also reported greater understanding of the value of focusing on vocational rehabilitation services rather than the prior service dispute.
4.
CAP assisted an individual who initially contacted the program seeking support with an appeal of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (OVR) denial of tools and equipment. The client had recently been released from incarceration and was highly motivated to reestablish stability and obtain employment. He was found eligible for OVR services based on a substance use disorder but had not yet developed an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The client held construction-related certifications and identified a vocational goal of working as a handyman.
The client reported that a friend who owned a handyman business was willing to offer him employment but required the client to purchase specific tools and equipment prior to hire, including a chainsaw, miter saw, concrete saw, and scaffolding. The client requested that OVR fund these items. Following discussion and clarification of OVR’s Placement Equipment Policy, OVR determined that the request did not meet policy requirements and was not an appropriate option given the employment arrangement, resulting in the denial.
During CAP’s discussion with the client regarding the appeal, alternative vocational options were explored. One option identified was for the client to establish his own handyman and salvage business. To support informed decision-making, CAP provided the client with OVR’s recently amended Small Business Policy and reviewed its requirements and expectations.
CAP engaged in multiple follow-up discussions with the client, during which he determined that self-employment was a more appropriate and sustainable option. CAP advocated this approach and assisted the client throughout the Small Business Policy process. This included facilitating OVR’s connection with the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC), identifying additional available resources, and participating in meetings with the client, OVR, and the SBDC to support development of the business plan. CAP also assisted the client in responding to policy-related questions and participated in feedback sessions leading up to the client’s presentation to the Small Business Committee.
CAP attended the Small Business Committee presentation to provide support and clarification as needed. Following revisions, the client’s business plan was approved.
As a result of CAP advocacy, the client received approximately $30,000 in equipment necessary to establish his remodeling and salvage business, including the tools previously identified. These tools are now owned by the client and directly support his independent business operations. With CAP’s guidance, the client withdrew his appeal and is currently progressing successfully as a small business owner, representing a positive outcome for both the client and the vocational rehabilitation program.