Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 585 - COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 585 is dedicated to the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB). The OCB is a state agency that provides a wide range of services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, with a strong focus on vocational rehabilitation and independent living.
The OARs in Chapter 585 establish the legal framework for the Commission's operations, defining eligibility, outlining services, and setting standards for various programs.
Here's a breakdown of the key divisions and areas typically covered in OAR Chapter 585:
I. Foundational and Administrative Rules:
Division 1 - Procedural Rules: This division covers the general administrative procedures for the OCB, including:
Rules regarding public meetings.
The process for adopting, amending, or repealing administrative rules (rulemaking).
Procedures for contested cases and hearings.
Division 5 - Criminal Records Check and Fitness Determination Rules: This division is crucial for ensuring the safety and suitability of individuals involved in OCB programs, especially those working directly with vulnerable clients. It outlines the requirements for:
Conducting criminal background checks.
Making fitness determinations for staff, contractors, and potentially certain clients or participants in OCB programs.
II. Core Services for Eligible Blind Clients:
Division 10 - Services for Eligible Blind Clients: This is a comprehensive division that details the various services the OCB provides. Key aspects include:
Definition of Blindness for Vocational Rehabilitation: This rule is fundamental, providing the specific medical and functional criteria for an individual to be considered "blind" or "visually impaired" for the purpose of receiving OCB services. This typically includes central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with best correction, or a limitation of visual field. It also distinguishes between vocational rehabilitation services and independent living services, with differing eligibility criteria for each.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Rules for assisting eligible individuals in preparing for, obtaining, or retaining employment. This can include:
Vocational counseling and guidance.
Training (e.g., adaptive technology, orientation and mobility, daily living skills).
Job search assistance and placement services.
Paid work experience programs.
Support for post-secondary education.
Provision of adaptive equipment and technology.
Independent Living Services: Rules for services aimed at helping individuals achieve greater independence in their daily lives, particularly for older individuals with vision loss (often 55 and older), including:
Training in daily living skills (e.g., cooking, cleaning, personal care).
Orientation and mobility training (how to travel safely and independently).
Information and referral to other community resources.
Financial Support Policies: Rules regarding financial assistance for clients, such as for higher education, self-employment ventures, or other rehabilitation needs.
Confidentiality and Disclosure of Records: Regulations on protecting client information and the conditions under which records can be disclosed.
Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE): The rules governing the development and implementation of an IPE, a personalized plan that outlines the vocational goal and the services needed to achieve it.
III. Specialized Programs:
Division 15 - Business Enterprise Program Rules (BEP): This division outlines the regulations for the BEP, a federal-state program that trains and licenses individuals who are legally blind to operate vending facilities and other businesses on federal, state, and private property. This includes rules on:
Eligibility and training for BEP vendors.
Management and operation of BEP facilities.
Vendor rights and responsibilities.
Division 20 - Equipment Policy: This division details the OCB's policies regarding the provision, maintenance, and ownership of equipment provided to clients to aid in their rehabilitation or independent living.
Division 30 - Dispute Resolution: This division establishes the formal process for resolving disputes between clients and the OCB, ensuring that clients have a mechanism to appeal decisions regarding their services.
Overall Purpose:
OAR Chapter 585 serves to ensure that the Oregon Commission for the Blind operates effectively and transparently in fulfilling its mission. It provides clarity for eligible individuals on the services available, sets standards for service delivery, and establishes accountability for the Commission's programs. The rules reflect a commitment to empowering Oregonians who are blind or visually impaired to achieve their employment, educational, and independent living goals.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult the official Oregon Secretary of State's website for the Oregon Administrative Rules or the Oregon Commission for the Blind's official website.
RELATED Blog
0 comments