THE NEW JERSEY CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP)
Established as part of the 1984 amendments to the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a federally funded program that advocates for and protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, who are seeking or receiving rehabilitation services.
CAP Is Federally Mandated to:
- Advise people with disabilities of their rights under the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Explain the nature of the various services available to people with disabilities from the different state agency rehabilitation programs including the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), the Centers for Independent Living (CILs), and other rehabilitation projects and programs.
- Advise and interpret agency policies and procedures to consumers as they relate to the individual's rehabilitation choices.
- Help to identify and resolve problems that may arise during the rehabilitation process.
- Advocate for and represent consumers in the appeals process.
- Work with rehabilitation agency staff to remedy problem areas in the rehabilitation process, through recommendations for positive change in policies and procedures.
CAP will assist:
- Anyone seeking information, applying for or receiving rehabilitation services from CBVI.
- Individuals who are dissatisfied with the rehabilitation services they are receiving or who have been denied services for which they might be eligible.
- Individuals needing intervention or assistance in their relationship with CBVI.
You are encouraged to contact CAP if:
- You have questions regarding the services available from CBVI.
- You have been denied or been deemed ineligible for services and you disagree with that decision.
- You are experiencing undue delays in the eligibility assessment process after referral to CBVI for services.
- You are experiencing delays in receiving CBVI services for which you have already been determined eligible.
- You have been refused services that you feel are necessary for you to reach your individual rehabilitation goal.
- You are having problems with CBVI that you have not been able to work out with your counselor.
- You disagree with the termination of a rehabilitation service or CBVI’s closure of your case.
- As a rehabilitation program participant you have certain rights and responsibilities that can help maximize your success in the program.
As a Consumer of CBVI Services, You Have the Right to:
- Apply or reapply for rehabilitation services.
- Receive a timely decision on your eligibility for services based on a complete assessment of your disability.
- Receive an explanation in writing, should you be determined ineligible for services, indicating the reasons why you have been denied.
- Receive an explanation about services that may be available to you.
- Be a partner with your counselor in making informed choices for your rehabilitation plan.
- Be assured of complete confidentiality of your case record.
- Review your rehabilitation case record with a staff member present.
- Participate with your counselor in any decision to close your case.
- Appeal a decision with which you do not agree.
- Be informed of the Client Assistance Program.
- Be provided information in a form of communication appropriate to accommodate your disability.
As a Consumer of CBVI Services, You Have the Responsibility to:
- Fully participate in your rehabilitation plan.
- Help set goals and participate in writing your rehabilitation plan with your counselor.
- Follow through with your plan for rehabilitation.
- Communicate with your counselor and ask questions when you do not understand services.
- Keep all appointments or let your counselor know beforehand if you cannot keep the appointment.
- Keep a copy of your plan and any amendments related to the plan.
- Notify your counselor of any change in your personal or work status.
- Be aware of financial eligibility requirements for some services.
Please use this link for further information on the NJ Clients Assistance Program: https://disabilityrightsnj.org/how-we-help/areas-of-assistance/employment/
To contact Disability Rights NJ call: 800-922-7233 (NJ only)
