Let’s Learn About the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is an advocacy program established by Section 112 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act)*. Each State and Territory of the United States has a CAP to help individuals with disabilities get the services they need to prepare for, keep or get employment from programs funded under the Act. In Oklahoma CAP is administered through the Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns, located at P.O. Box 25352 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125. The purpose of this program is to:

1. Advise and inform clients and client applicants of all services and benefits available to them through programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Act), as amended;
2. Assist and advocate for clients and client applicants in their relationships with projects, programs, and community rehabilitation programs providing services under the Act; and
3. Inform individuals with disabilities in Oklahoma, especially individuals with disabilities who have traditionally been unserved or underserved by vocational rehabilitation programs, of the services and benefits available to them under the Act and under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. 12101-12213.

CAP is an advocacy program for applicants and clients of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Centers for Independent Living (CIL) and other programs authorized under the Act. An individual with a disability who is not applying for or receiving services from a program funded under the Act is eligible only for information and referral services.

CAP is not a part of Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) the agency that provides VR service in Oklahoma. There are two organizations in DRS that serve people with disabilities seeking employment. They are:

• The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and
• The Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI).

Both DVR and DVS provide services that help people with disabilities prepare for, keep, or get a job. Some of the services are:

• Evaluations and tests;
• Medical services;
• Counseling and guidance;
• Work training (including college, technical schools, on-the-job training, etc.);
• Assistive technology services and devices;
• Interpreter services (if you have a hearing impairment);
• Orientation and mobility training (if you have a visual disability);
• Supported employment (job coaches and other supports on a job);
• Transportation (to get to services);
• Personal assistance services (on- or off-the-job); and
• Other services to reach a work goal.

A work goal usually is a job in the community with an established business, but can be a job at home or self-employment. If a client’s goal is to work in a regular job in the community then the VR agency can assist in preparing for this goal.

CAP can help a DRS client or applicant better understand the Vocational Rehabilitation system. The program helps settle complaints informally, but it can also help a client or applicant with representation during an administrative review or a mediation or fair hearing. Clients are not required to use the Oklahoma Client Assistance Program to dispute any actions affecting their rehabilitation program or appeal a decision of the Department of Rehabilitation Services staff. Client options also include acting as their own representative, asking a friend or family member to act as their representative or hiring legal counsel at their own expense.

Clients of DRS should receive a CAP brochure notifying them of the client’s appeal rights when they apply for services, when a change is made in the plan of services or when services are delayed or denied.

Reminder of Responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act:

"...vital issue that affects students in school - harassment based on disability."