Chapter IX - O

Training Programs - GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHEDULE A APPOINTMENTS TO FEDERAL AGENCIES

1. DBVI policy on schedule A Appointments:
   The DBVI counselor may refer clients for Schedule A appointments that are currently open, and the counselor has direct knowledge of the client's skills and abilities. However, if the client has recently been closed, and the same knowledge base exists, the counselor may refer this individual after staffing the case with his/her supervisor. Cases that are referred after VR closure must be placed in post-employment.
   If the individual seeking a Schedule A appointment is not known to the agency, the counselor would need to establish eligibility of VR services. Services that may be provided to the individual who is pursuing a Schedule A appointment may include, but not be limited to, job analysis, consultation regarding adaptation and modification, auxiliary aids, rehabilitation engineering services, O&M, low vision services, training, utilization of adaptive equipment, etc.
   Please adhere to and implement the guidelines presented following this DBVI policy section.
2. Schedule A  Appointments:
   One of the primary factors in determining eligibility for a Schedule A
   Appointment is the severity of the physical impairment. A severe physical disability is one that is usually permanent and seldom fully corrected by medical treatment, replacement, or surgical means. Consideration is also given to the relationship of the disability to a particular job; and each case is individually determined.
   In considering eligibility for the Schedule A Appointment, the federal agency will consider other factors than those related solely to physical disability. One significant factor is the circumstances which put the handicapped individual at an unfair disadvantage in taking written examinations or other selection procedures. The individual may have been unsuccessful in obtaining employment due to such non-job related as attitudinal barriers, or because site modification, special equipment, and other accommodations had not been considered.
3. Certification for Schedule A Appointments:
   Certification may be made by a DBVI counselor.
4. The Medical Report:
   The medical report may consist of a single document or several reports, signed by a physician.
   The eye and other medical data provided by the counselor must describe the current functional limitations and potential to perform the duties of the position. As appropriate, the DBVI counselor may supplement the official medical information with narrative descriptions of the specific or practical and job-related ways in which the individual is affected or limited by the disability (see Narrative Statement).
5. Confidentiality:
   Copies of the medical report(s) will be provided to the federal employing agency as part of the overall certification process. The counselor must have the client sign the "consent to release information form.
6. Narrative Statement:
   The narrative statement is the report of the evaluation conducted by the counselor. It is based upon medical information (eye report), information about the individual, and information about the job. A copy of the Federal Application for Employment, and a copy of the position description should be obtained from the federal agency. The counselor with the duties of the proposed job and its environment analysis at the site, when appropriate.
   The narrative statement should be developed outline:
   1. The Presence of a Severe Disability
      1. Diagnosis (from the eye/medical report).
      2. Functional limitations are related to the job (based upon the eye report).
      3. Barriers to obtaining employment through regular channels.
   2. Ability of the Person to do the Job
      1. Summary of the job description and environment.
      2. The individuals assets: education, past experience, aptitudes, interests, special techniques, and devices, results of work evaluation, etc.
      3. Recommendations for job modification, if needed.
      4. Recommendations for auxiliary aids and devices, if needed.
      5. Recommendations for worksite modifications, if needed.
      6. Limitations of the proposed appointee which would affect work.
      7. A statement that in the counselor's judgment, the client is able to perform the duties of the position and is physically qualified to do the work without hazard to himself or to others.
      8. Other information which would be helpful in a successful job placement such as unique abilities or job requirements, or planned follow-up services by the VR agency.
7. The Certification Form
   The counselor must complete the certification form as needed. This form is shown on the following page. A copy must be filed in the client's casefolder.
8. Documentation Requirements
   The certification includes: (1) certification form, (2) narrative statement, and (3) signed medical report(s).