11.1 Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)Development

An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) shall be developed and implemented in a timely manner for each individual determined to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services or, if DVR is operating under an Order of Selection, each individual to whom DVR is able to provide services.

The employment outcome and the nature and scope of rehabilitation services included in the IPE shall be determined based on the data used for the assessment of eligibility and priority for services and the data obtained during comprehensive assessment activities.

The DVR Counselor shall use the agency form to provide information about the options for IPE development to each individual or, as appropriate, the individual’s authorized representative. This information shall be provided in writing and, if appropriate, in the preferred language or mode of communication of the individual or the individual’s authorized representative.

An individual or, as appropriate, their authorized representative may develop all or part of the IPE:

1. Without assistance from a DVR Counselor or another entity or

2. With assistance from:

● The DVR Counselor.

● A qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor not employed by DVR.

● A disability advocacy organization.

● Any other resource.

The DVR Counselor shall provide information to assist the individual or, as appropriate, the individual’s authorized representative in developing the IPE, including:

● Information describing the full range of components that shall be included in an IPE.

● A description of the individual’s rights under an IPE and their appeal rights.

● A description of the availability of and how to contact the Client Assistance Program.

If the individual chooses to develop their IPE alone or with assistance from someone other than the DVR Counselor, a written comprehensive assessment summary shall be provided to the individual or their authorized representative that includes:

● The chosen employment outcome.

● The type of employment outcome and, if a supported employment outcome, the agreed upon number of hours for a weekly work goal or, if self-employment, the anticipated breakeven date.

● The vocational rehabilitation needs identified as necessary for achievement of the employment outcome including, for supported employment, the need for extended services.

● The individual’s financial monthly contribution to goods and services identified in the IPE, if any.

When an individual or someone other than the DVR Counselor develops the IPE, additional information and assistance shall be provided to the individual or their authorized representative including, but not limited to:

● DVR forms and written instructions about how to complete the IPE including information on special requirements for supported employment or self-employment outcomes.

● A written description of vocational rehabilitation services and the policies governing their use.

● A DVR Financial Need Analysis Form.

● Lists of providers of needed services who are registered with DVR and information about their locations, costs, accessibility, qualifications, and the types of service settings typically used, consistent with the request of the individual.

● Technical assistance in preparing all or part of the eligible individual's Individualized Plan for Employment, including but not limited to, assistance in understanding and applying DVR’s policies and requirements and assistance in conducting a required comparable services and benefits search.

DVR shall not pay a professional fee to the individual or any other individual or organization for the preparation of an IPE.