Rule 3304-2-51 | Vocational rehabilitation program.
(A) Definitions
(1) "Individual's representative" means any representative chosen by an applicant or eligible individual with a disability, as appropriate. Includes a parent, guardian, other family member, or advocate, unless a representative has been appointed by a court to represent the individual, in which case the court-appointed representative is the individual's representative.
(2) "Appropriate mode of communication" means specialized aids and supports that enable the individual with a disability to comprehend and respond to information that is being communicated. Appropriate modes of communication include, but are not limited to the use of interpreters, open and closed-captioned videos, specialized telecommunication services and audio recordings, brailed and large print materials, materials in electronic formats, augmentative communication devices, graphic presentations and simple language materials.
(B) OOD shall provide vocational rehabilitation services for the individual with a disability, consistent with their unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice, including the need for supported employment, so that they may prepare for, secure, retain, advance in, or regain competitive integrated employment.
(C) OOD shall not require a duration of residency to provide services to an applicant who is present in Ohio. To obtain OOD services, an applicant shall establish either United States citizenship or as a legal entrant into the United States. OOD may require an applicant to provide a verification of employment authorization.
(D) OOD shall provide information to a vocational rehabilitation applicant or recipient of vocational rehabilitation services about rights and duties, rights of persons with a developmental disability, informed choice, confidentiality, methods of appeal, and the client assistance program. All required information and materials, including the individualized plan for employment and any amendments, shall be provided to the individual and, as appropriate, the individual's representative, in writing and, when appropriate, to the maximum extent possible, in the individual's native language and/or through an appropriate mode of communication. The individual with a disability shall also be provided information on OOD's civil rights compliance.
(E) This rule is designed to implement the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 29 U.S.C. 32, and resulting regulations.
Last updated September 29, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Supplemental Information