APPENDIX F

Criteria for Purchasing Adaptive Equipment

FOR TRAINING OR EMPLOYMENT

Adaptive equipment may be purchased when the customer needs this equipment for employment or to participate in a vocational training program. Adaptive equipment may also be purchased if the customer is job ready and has a vocational objective for which he/she will utilize the equipment. Job ready does not necessarily mean that a job has been offered, but a vocational objective has been established for which the equipment can be utilized as a tool to enhance accessibility in the workplace and/or to make him/her more marketable in the job search. Non-computer related adaptive equipment may include, but not necessarily be limited to, braillewriters, low vision aids, adaptive tools, talking calculators, and light probes (for discussion of low vision aids see Chapter 8D). Adaptive equipment for operating a computer may include a voice synthesizer, an image enlargement or speech program, or a braille output system; the basic computer is considered an adaptive device when it is a component of the adaptive system.

When considering the purchase of adaptive equipment, the counselor should use judgment as to whether the request for the equipment is appropriate. In making this decision, the following questions should be answered:

1. Is the equipment necessary for the customer's participation in the training program or ability to satisfactorily perform the job?
2. Are there any alternative means which would be more effective in enabling the customer to accomplish the task?
3. Does the customer have the skills (or the ability to acquire the skills with proper training and instruction) to use the equipment?

When the above questions result in a favorable consideration to purchase the adaptive equipment, the following factor(s) must be considered and documented by the counselor:

1. The employer, with just cause, will not purchase the equipment.
2. The training facility does not have the appropriate equipment and is unable to provide it.

1. FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION
   Financial need will not be considered when purchasing adaptive equipment essential for a VR customer to participate in a vocational training program or to enter employment. Financial participation will also not be considered for the training required to enable the customer to use the adaptive equipment.
   Financial need must be considered when purchasing equipment or tools which are not adaptive.
2. EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR VR
   The VR program will not purchase, upgrade, or repair adaptive equipment for a visually impaired worker who is already successfully employed, unless that individual meets the basic VR eligibility criteria (see Chapter 2). Technological advancements or changes in job duties and responsibilities do not alter eligibility. Purchase, upgrade, and repair of the equipment, for non-VR eligible persons, remains the responsibility of the worker or employer.
   DBVI can, however, assist with adaptive equipment evaluations and recommendations for visually impaired individuals who are not eligible for VR. Designated DBVI staff may provide these assessments without cost to the individual or the employer.
   VRCBVI may also provide hardware and software training to visually impaired individuals who are not eligible for VR services on a fee for service basis.
3. RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT
   In some training or employment situations, it may be more appropriate to rent equipment for a short period. This decision would need to be made on an individual customer basis. When purchasing or renting adaptive equipment, counselors must follow applicable state purchasing procedures.
4. COLLEGE AND OTHER VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
   The VR program will not ordinarily purchase computer adaptive equipment to be used by students in high school. The VR program, however, may purchase adaptive equipment for a high school student at the end of his/her junior year if it is determined the individual will be entering college after graduation and needs the senior year to become proficient in the use of the equipment. Adaptive equipment may also be purchased at the end of the junior year if the student is preparing for employment after graduation where use of a computer is essential. The high school Junior must have received an evaluation and recommendation by DBVI staff or a qualified community service provider. Equipment for college students may be purchased following an appropriate evaluation and recommendation. When purchasing computer adaptive equipment, the following factors must be considered:
   1. Physical Limitations and Abilities
      The visual, auditory, and tactual/motor abilities of the customer must be assessed. These assessments will be considered on an individual customer basis, and may include a thorough low vision examination, audiological testing, and direct experience with various types of communication technology, including computer access systems. If it is determined that a computer system is needed, the decision needs to be made about the most appropriate access mode; i.e., visual, tactual, auditory, or a combination of the three.
   2. Performance Using Adaptive Computer Access Equipment, and Application Software or Electronic Braille Devices Not all customers who want and/or need computer access or electronic braille devices have the ability to master the procedures required to operate such equipment. An assessment is necessary to identify the most appropriate access equipment and to determine if the customer has the potential to learn the adaptive hardware/software as well as standard computer operations.
   3. Assessments
      Customers who do not have computer skills must be evaluated by either a DBVI staff person in the regional office, a qualified service provider in the community, or VRCBVI. Community service providers must be approved by DBVI as a vendor and paid in accordance to the fee established by DBVI.
   4. VRCBVI Assessment Evaluations
      Individuals requesting computer access equipment can be evaluated at VRCBVI:
      1. During a pre-college assessment;
      2. Following a general four-day assessment; or
      3. As part of a special program (two-week communication technology assessment provided if typing/braille skills have already been assessed).
      4. Upon special request.
5. CRITERIA FOR ACQUISITION OF CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISIONS
   Closed circuit televisions (CCTV) may be purchased as a low vision aid for training or employment on an individual customer basis. The VR program will not purchase CCTVs for use by high school students unless the CCTV is needed for vocational purposes. In order to purchase such equipment, counselors must adhere to the following conditions:
   1. A CCTV should be considered when conventional low vision aids have proven ineffective/inefficient in performing a desired task.
   2. A CCTV should only be purchased for a customer after a low vision examination.
   3. Written justification reflecting input from the low vision examiner and consultation with the director of low vision services.