Definitions

The terms used in 107 CMR 5.00 shall have the same meanings ascribed in 107 CMR 3.00 unless otherwise specified in 107 CMR 5.02. Assessment refers to the determination of vocational rehabilitation needs that will be made on the existing data that was used to establish eligibility or priority category and only if necessary will include a more comprehensive process to determine the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests of the eligible individual. Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) refers to an initial written plan for rehabilitation services and subsequent amendments developed either independently or jointly with technical assistance from a Commission qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor or other source. An IPE must be developed and implemented in a timely manner. Informed Choice means that an eligible individual will be given the necessary information to make meaningful choices in conjunction with his or her Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (QVRC) in both the selection of an employment outcome and in the specific vocational rehabilitation services needed to reach that employment outcome. These choices would include who would provide the services, the setting where they would be provided and how those services would be procured. While the decision making process is a collaborative one, the final decision must reflect the QVRC’s application of professional judgement, applicable laws, regulations and policies, as well as the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and interests of the eligible individual. Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (QVRC) means that the counselor possesses the highest entry-level academic degree needed to meet the licensure requirements of the Commonwealth.