Thanks, Kaye, for
expanding the CAP acronym. I had to use the CAP to get my case transferred
from my initial incompetent counselor to a counselor with more knowledge and
experience. You are putting it mildly regarding DVR's feelings regarding
CAP inquiries. They hate them, especially the incompetent or marginal
counselors as it makes them accountable for all of their actions or
inactions.
In Georgia, there
is a 5 point scale (at least there used to be) which determines priority of
service and the amount of funding a client is eligible to receive, 5 being the
highest and 1 being the lowest (I may have this
backwards). Quads usually rate a 5 as they need more assistance
than someone who needs a cane for walking and would likely rate a 1. This
enabled my counselor to get my training expenses approved relatively quickly
even though the expenses were substantially higher than average.
Of course, the DVR
client MUST do their part by completing any forms, applications, etc. and any
other requirements for training or educational opportunities on a timely
basis. I also think some clients forget that the whole purpose of the DVR
is to get you employed, not just buy you a van or adaptive equipment for it, or
get you out of the house and keep you from being bored. Not all DVR
assisted training or education will result in employment, but DVR clients should
make every attempt to gain employment if they accept assistance. I have
seen several DVR clients in my own community milk the system for several years
with no intentions of ever going to work.
Steve
Steve is right on, don't give up. CAP is Client Assistance Program and if you aren't getting what you need, they should check it out for you. Btw, DVR doesn't like CAP inquiries :-)
From: kaye allard [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, December 16, 2005 11:02 PM
To: Steve Oldaker
Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] college
I had a condescending counselor (actually 2 of them) who didn't want to do crap for me. One has been fired because she was so bad. I had another one who made sure my tuition was paid and got a van for me. That guy was Johnny on the spot and he wanted things done on time, so if you get someone who's good like that, which you should, make them happy too, by doing what you're supposed to do (I feel bad because I wasn't always on time but I'm the one who suffered the repercussions).
Persistence is the key. The money is there for motivated people like you. Good luck!
Kaye
--
Life is 440 horsepower in a 2-cylinder engine.
-Henry Miller
On 12/16/05, Steve Oldaker <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Luke...I don't know where you live, but my experience with GA Vocational Rehab Services came down to the dog who barks loudest gets the most food. Unfortunately, many Vocational Rehab counselors are over tasked and pressured to close cases as quickly as possible. Your counselor should be advocating for your educational arrangements and the necessary funding. If they are encouraging you to make arrangements and pledging to cover the expenses, get it in writing. If he/she is not representing your interests adequately, contact their supervisor and address the issue. If you get nowhere with the supervisor, speak to the supervisor's supervisor. Most if not all states have a CAPs program (can't recall what the acronym represents) that provides ombudsman like services for Vocational Rehab clients who feel they are not receiving the assistance to which they are entitled. It sucks that we must become self advocates in spite of the programs and the associated staff that are supposed to advocate for us.Hang in there and be persistent. It will pay off in the long run. I speak from experience. Vocational Rehab Services paid for my computer programming training including housing, transportation and tuition but not before substantial haggling with Vocational Rehab counselors and managers. This included getting my case transferred from my initial completely incompetent counselor to an experienced counselor who is extremely knowledgeable about SCI since she also has a SCI.Training and education is the ticket to a better life, especially if you have a disability like a SCI.Good luck!Steve
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Friday, December 16, 2005 4:13 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [QUAD-L] collegehey guysi'm having some trouble getting financial aid for school. i have recieved $2025 PELL Grant but it doesn't quite cover the tuition and fees. i still need another $3000 to pay the dorm fee, food ticket, and books. my only income is social security. some people have told me that i shouldn't have any trouble getting it all paid for. Voc. rehab is beating around the bush on telling me how everything is going to get paid for; they told me to go ahead and register for all my classes and put down the $150 deposit for the dormroom myself; then they say to just trust them. so far they have explained nothing and given me no reason to trust them. help please. i need advice.Luke
