Appendix A - Provider Standards

The following organizations appear throughout the “Provider Standards” appendix:

• Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) – certifies individuals who provide rehabilitation and education services to persons with vision loss or blindness.

• Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists for the Disabled (ADED) – certifies individuals who teach persons with disabilities to drive using adaptive equipment or adapted vehicles.

• Board for Evaluation of Interpreters” (BEI) - the program operated by the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing under the Texas Department of Health and Human Services which tests and certifies individuals in sign language interpretation.

• Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) – conducts on-site reviews to look at a provider's overall organizational structure, management, governance, qualifications of staff, as well as each service component. CARF ACCREDITATION accredits specific program area(s) surveyed.

• Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) – certifies rehabilitation counselors (CRCs) and maintains the certification for vocational evaluators (CVEs).

• National Association of the Deaf (NAD) – offered certifications to providers of interpreting and transliteration services to persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing between the early 1990s and late 2002. To continue to maintain certification, NAD credentialed interpreters must be registered with RID and comply with all aspects of RID’s Certification Maintenance Program.

• National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) – qualifies dealers of equipment used to adapt vehicles for persons with disabilities through its "Quality Assurance Program."

• Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) – a national organization with stringent standards that certifies American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters.

• Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) – certifies professionals assisting in the selection of appropriate assistive technology for persons with disabilities and providing training in the use of the selected device(s).

• Rehabilitation Services Accreditation System (RSAS) – accreditor that conducts on- site reviews to evaluate the overall performance outcomes of the service provider. It also requires monthly service outcome data from the service provider, which is made available to the Division for monitoring service provider effectiveness and consumer satisfaction.

• Testing, Evaluation, and Certification Unit (TECUnit) – establishes and maintains national standards for the profession of cued language transliteration.

For most goods and services, there is a range of acceptable qualifications that may vary, depending on whether the provider is a multiple-employee outfit or an individual.The standards are organized in the following order:

I. Non-Medical Assessment

II. Training

III. Communication Services

IV. Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology

V. Occupational Licenses, Tools, and Equipment

VI. Job Search and Placement

VII. Self-Employment

VIII. Other Services

Standardized Vocational Evaluations

• CARF accreditation in the area of Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services and/or

• RSAS accreditation

The individual providing the vocational evaluation service possesses one or more of the following:

• CVE certification

• Occupational Therapy license

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, or closely related field

Situational Assessments: Facility-Based

• CARF accreditation in the area of Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services or Community Employment Services and/or

• RSAS accreditation

The individual providing the situational assessment service(s) possesses one or more of the following:

• CVE certification

• Certification in Occupational Therapy

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, or closely related field

Situational Assessments: Community-Based

• CARF accreditation and/or

• RSAS accreditation

The individual performing the situational assessment service(s) possesses one or more of the following:

• CVE certification or Occupational Therapy License

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, or closely related field

Personal Adjustment Evaluations (VI)

The individual performing the personal adjustment evaluation service(s) possesses at least one of the following:

• CARF accreditation in the area of Personal, Social and Community Support Services

• RSAS accreditation

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services or closely related field

• Eligibility for certification through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Orientation and Mobility services

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy or Vision Services

• One year of full-time work experience providing the service which demonstrates to the Division's satisfaction the skills and experience necessary to provide the service(s)

Adaptive Driving Evaluation

• ADED certification

Rehabilitation Technology Evaluations

The Individual performing the evaluation possesses at least one of the following:

• CARF accreditation in the area of Assistive Technology for Employment or in Assistive Technology for Living and/or

• RSAS accreditation

• Possesses RESNA Certification

• Is a Registered Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist or is a designer engineer

• Possesses a degree in rehabilitation technology 

• Possesses a degree in speech pathology

• The individual performing the evaluation for an individual must have a minimum of one year of full-time work or personal experience using adaptive devices and/or other assistive technology accommodations designed for use for individuals that demonstrates to the Division’s satisfaction that they possess the skills and experience necessary to effectively evaluate an individual's rehabilitation technology needs.

The individual performing the work adjustment training possesses at least one of the following:

• CARF accreditation in the area of Employee Development Services, Community Employment Services, or Organizational Employment Services

• RSAS accreditation

• CVE

• Occupational Therapy License

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, or closely related field

Work Adjustment Training: Community-Based

The individual performing the work adjustment training must possess at least one of the following:

• CARF accreditation in the area of Employee Development Services or Community Employment Services and/or

• RSAS accreditation

• Vocational evaluation Certification (CVE) or work adjustment certification (CWA), which are currently overseen by the CRCC;

• Occupational Therapy License;

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, or closely related field.

• Minimum of one year's full-time work experience providing the service that demonstrates to the Division’s satisfaction that they possess the skills and experience necessary to provide valid and useful work adjustment training.

Personal Adjustment Training (Non-VI)

• CARF accreditation in the area of Personal, Social & Community Support Services and/or

• RSAS accreditation

The individual performing the personal adjustment training services possesses a Bachelor’s degree or higher in one or more of the following areas of study:

• Rehabilitation Services

• Rehabilitation Counseling

• Social Work

• Occupational Therapy

• Closely related field

Personal Adjustment Training (VI)

• CARF accreditation in the area of Personal, Social and Community Support Services and/or

• RSAS accreditation

The individual performing the personal adjustment training services possesses a bachelor’s degree or higher in one or more of the following areas of study:

• Rehabilitation Services

• Rehabilitation Counseling

• Social work

• Occupational Therapy

• Vision Rehabilitation Therapy

• Orientation and Mobility

• Eligibility for certification through ACVREP

• Closely related field

Cognitive Training

• Speech-Language Pathology Certification

• Colorado license to practice occupational therapy

• Colorado license to practice psychology

• Colorado Department of Education License Endorsement in School Psychology

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Special Education with a current teaching certificate

Communication Skills Training

Augmentative Communication

• Demonstrated proficiency in training in communication techniques or devices

Braille Training

• Proficiency in Grade 2 or higher Braille

English as a Second Language

• The individual providing the training has training in English language instruction and/or possess a current Colorado educator license in the appropriate area

Sign Language: Certified Interpreter, including Certified Deaf Interpreter

(Reviewed October 2021)

The individual providing the service must possess one of the following:

• Certification with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID); or

• NAD certification at the advanced (NAD IV) or master level (NAD IV) under RID’s Certification Maintenance Program; or,

• BEI Certification, advanced level and above, including specialty certificates (or maintenance of Level III and above under the former BEI system)

Driver’s Training (Non-Adaptive)

• In Colorado, the instructor must be state-certified.

Training Institutions

Training institutions must be accredited and/or authorized under one of the following:

• The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) – authorizes certain types of institutions to offer degrees or degree credits: (1) accredited private, degree-granting colleges and universities; (2) postsecondary seminaries and religious training institutions; and (3) out-of-state, public institutions with a Colorado presence. 

• The Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS) – a division of CCHE, approves and regulates Colorado private occupational schools.

• The U.S. Department of Education, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs – contains information reported to the directly by recognized accrediting agencies and state approval agencies. The database reflects additional information as it is received from recognized accrediting agencies and state approval agencies.

• The Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) – is a list of vocational training providers approved by a state to offer training to individuals eligible to receive WIOA funds. The providers on the ETPL assists in selection of approved training programs that help prepare individuals to obtain training for a job in a locally high-demand field.

GED Preparation

• Demonstrates to the Division’s satisfaction that the individual providing the service is capable of instructing adults in the acquisition of the academic skills necessary to pass the GED examination.

Other Skill Training

• CARF accreditation in the area appropriate to the training location and content and/or

• RSAS accreditation

The individual performing the skill training must possess at least one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, special education, or closely related field

• Demonstrated skills to the Division's satisfaction that can provide the specific skills training required by the individual

Books, Supplies, and Materials

• A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

Non-Adaptive Training Equipment

• A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

• The individual providing the non-adaptive training equipment can demonstrate to the Division's satisfaction that they possess the skills and any certifications or licenses necessary to legally provide the service(s).

Tutorial Services

• The individual providing the service is capable of instructing adults in the acquisition of the skills necessary to achieve the objective and employment outcome identified on the Individual’s Plan for Employment.

Other Training Services

On-the-Job Training

• The trainer providing the training services possesses the education and skills necessary to enable the individual to acquire the skills and knowledge for successful performance of the job duties identified as the employment outcome.

(Reviewed October 2021)

Sign Language: Certified Interpreter

The individual providing the service must possess one of the following:

• Certification with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID); or

• NAD certification at the advanced (NAD IV) or master level (NAD IV) under RID’s Certification Maintenance Program; or,

BEI Certification, advanced level and above, including specialty certificates (or maintenance of Level III and above under the former BEI system)

Sign Language: Communication Assistant, including Deaf Communication Assistant

A qualified provider or family member who can demonstrate accurate understanding of what an individual says or who can accurately communicate to the individual what is being said

into the preferred mode of communication.

Cued Language Transliteration

Individuals providing service must possess TECUnit certification.

Foreign Language Interpreter

Individual providing service must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in the language to be spoken, or a counselor and the individual may also choose the following two options:

• A non-family member who is able to facilitate accurate communication with the individual in the individual’s native language

• Family members who can demonstrate accurate communication with the individual in his or her native language as well as in English.

General Reading

Individual providing the reading service possesses either:

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED); and,

• Assures that the reading accurately communicates the printed text.

Technical/Complex Reader Services or Reader Services with Technology Access

Individual providing reading of technical/complex material possesses:

• Education or verifiable expertise in highly technical, industry-specific area; or,

• Verifiable experience providing access to technology and electronic information that is not accessible to individuals with disabilities; and,

• Assures that the reading accurately communicates the printed text.

Note Taking

Individual providing note taking services possesses either:

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED); and,

• Assures that the reading accurately communicates the printed text

Vehicle Modification

Individuals or businesses providing the vehicle modification must be a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA).

Residence Modification

Meets local city and county licensing and building requirements.

Job Site Modification

Individual or organization possesses at least one of the following qualifications:

• CARF accreditation in the area of Assistive Technology for Employment or in Assistive Technology for Living

• RSAS accreditation

• RESNA certification

• Physical Therapy license

• Occupational Therapy license

• Experience as a rehabilitation engineer Degree in Rehabilitation Technology

• Degree in Speech Pathology

• Supervision or working at the direction of a DVR rehabilitation counselor or an otherwise qualified individual

• Commitment to meet local city and county licensing and building requirements when construction is involved

Purchase of Assistive Technology Devices

• A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

• The individual providing the assistive technology devices can demonstrate to the Division's satisfaction that they possess the skills and any certifications or licenses necessary to legally provide the service(s).

Rental and Repair of Assistive Technology Devices

• A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

• The individual providing the rental or repair of assistive technology devices can demonstrate to the Division's satisfaction that they possess the skills and any certifications or licenses necessary to legally provide the service(s).

Professional Rehabilitation Technology Services

Individual performing the service possesses at least one of the following:

• CARF accreditation in the area of Assistive Technology for Employment or in Assistive Technology for Living

• RSAS accreditation

• RESNA certification

• Physical Therapy license

• Occupational Therapy license

• Experience as a rehabilitation engineer Degree in Rehabilitation Technology

• Degree in Speech Pathology

• Supervision or working at the direction of a DVR rehabilitation counselor or an otherwise qualified individual.

• Minimum of one year of full-time work or personal experience using adaptive devices and/or other assistive technology accommodations designed for use for individuals, which demonstrates to the Division's satisfaction that they possess the skills and experience necessary to effectively meet an individual's rehabilitation technology needs.

Purchase of Non-Adaptive Occupational Tools and Equipment

• A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

• The individual providing the non-adaptive occupational tools and/or equipment can demonstrate to the Division's satisfaction that they possess the skills and any certifications or licenses necessary to legally provide the service(s).

Rental and Repair of Non-Adaptive Occupational Tools and Equipment

• A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

• The individual providing the rental or repair of occupational tools and/or equipment can demonstrate to the Division's satisfaction that they possess the skills and any certifications or licenses necessary to legally provide the service(s).

Occupational Licenses and Fees

Meets the appropriate state and other associated requirements necessary to administer tests and issue licenses.

Job Seeking Skills Training (JSST)

Individual providing JSST possesses at least one of the following:

• CARF accreditation in the area of Employee Development Services or Community Employment Services; or,

• RSAS accreditation

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, human resources, marketing, job placement, or closely related field; or,

• Nationally recognized supported employment training certificate or certification; or

• Minimum of one-year full-time work experience providing the service which demonstrates to the Division's satisfaction the skills and experience necessary.

Job Club

Individual performing the job club services possesses at least one of the following:

• CARF accreditation in the area of Community Employment Services; or,

• RSAS accreditation

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, human resources, marketing, job placement, or closely related field; or,

• Nationally recognized supported employment training certificate or certification; or,

• Minimum of one-year full-time work experience providing the service that demonstrates to the Division’s satisfaction that they possess the skills and experience necessary to provide job club services

Job Placement Service Provider, Supported and Non-Supported Employment

• An individual performing the job coaching possesses one or more of the following:

• CARF accreditation in the area of Community Employment Services; or,

• RSAS accreditation

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, special education, or a closely related field; or,

• Nationally recognized supported employment training certificate or certification 

• One year or more of full-time work experience providing satisfactory job placement services

Customized Employment (CE)*

Providers of customized employment must have successfully completed a performance-based certification within the identified area of customized employment (i.e., Discovery, Customized Job Development, and/or Systematic Instruction). Acquisition of the performance-based certification requires supervision by an approved mentor to demonstrate competency in the identified area of customized employment. Training certification is specific to the Employment Specialist and not to the agency with which the individual is employed.

* Providers enrolled in a DVR-approved or sponsored CE training are eligible for CE rates while providing services necessary to complete the performance-based certification.

Employment Stipend

A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

Purchase of Non-Adaptive Occupational Tools and Equipment

• A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

• The individual providing the occupational tools and/or equipment can demonstrate to the Division's satisfaction that they possess the skills and any certifications or licenses necessary to legally provide the service(s).

Rental and Repair of Non-Adaptive Occupational Tools and Equipment

• A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

• The individual providing the rental or repair of occupational tools and/or equipment can demonstrate to the Division's satisfaction that they possess the skills and any certifications or licenses necessary to legally provide the service(s).

Initial Stock and Inventory

A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

Self-Employment Services and Consultation

• A business must be licensed in the state of purchase.

• The individual providing the self-employment services can demonstrate to the Division's satisfaction that they possess the skills and any certifications or licenses necessary to legally provide the service(s).

Behavioral Plan Assessment; Consultation and Counseling

The behavior analyst performing the behavioral plan assessment or providing consultation and counseling shall have a Master’s degree or higher in behavioral sciences and be nationally certified as a “Board Certified Behavior Analyst” (BCBA).

Benefits Counseling

• The individual providing benefits counseling must be a certified Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) or Community Partner Work Incentives Coordinator (CPWIC) through Virginia Commonwealth University or a Credentialed Work Incentives Practitioner (WIP) through Cornell University.

• The individual providing benefits counseling must demonstrate to the Division that they possess the skills necessary to legally provide the service, including; Maintaining current knowledge base of federal, state, and local benefits through completion of continuing education requirements, and

• The Division expects individuals providing benefits counseling to consult with technical assistance liaisons as needed for complex benefits situations.

Individual performing Pre-Ets possesses at least one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, or a closely related field, OR

• A minimum of one-year full-time work experience providing employment services, transition services to youth, or related services demonstrating the skills and experience required.

Proficiency in Transition Readiness Toolkit (TRT)

Effective July 1, 2025, all service providers that provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) will be required to utilize the Transition Readiness Toolkit (TRT). Pre-Ets providers must take the TRT on-demand training and demonstrate proficiency. Current providers will be given six months to complete the on-demand training.  

Standardized Progress Report for Documenting Services

Pre-Ets Providers are required to use a specific progress report for documenting the Pre-ETS services being provided.