Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act is the Federal law that provides state vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, independent living, and client assistance programs. It also authorizes training and service grants administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
Federal law guarantees client involvement in every step of the rehabilitation process. Important choices you need to make include: choosing your employment or independent living goal, identifying the services you need, and deciding where you will go to receive those services. You and your counselor together develop an individualized plan for employment or IPE. You have the right to have a copy of the plan in the format of your choice. Your plan can be amended if you need additional services or your employment goal changes. Since no services can be purchased without a signed plan, the better you are prepared when you meet with your counselor, the faster your services can be provided.
All assessments conducted by your rehabilitation agency are free. You may request that an interpreter be provided at all meetings with your counselor.
You have the right to choose a person to accompany and assist you throughout the rehabilitation process. If at any point in the process, you do not agree with a decision made by the counselor, you may attempt to resolve your concerns with the counselor’s supervisor. You may also seek assistance from the client assistance program (CAP) and/or from any other advocate at any time in the rehabilitation process. You always have the right to file a formal appeal and to request formal mediation.
Click here for more information on the Rehabilitation Act.
Maryland Rehabilitation Services
The Maryland Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services provides leadership and support in promoting the employment, economic self-sufficiency and independence of individuals with disabilities. The Office for Blindness & Vision Services publishes A Guide to Rehabilitation Services and Resources for Individuals who are Blind or Severely Visually Impaired.
For additional information, contact the Office for Blindness & Vision Services at:
2301 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
Phone: 410-554-9277
Toll free: 866-614-4780
Click here for specific information on DORS policies and procedures or click here for information on the Client Assistance Program.
Federal funds are available for rehabilitation services only if they are matched by state funding. HB1163/SB589 became law in 2024. This law improves the funding for the Division of Rehabilitation Services because it states that the governor may include the matching funds to obtain federal money. This includes federal matching funds that are at different times of the year. We hope that rehabilitation services will improve in Maryland. Read HB1163 in Word format. Read HB1163 in PDF format.
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