The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a federally funded program authorized under the amended Rehabilitation Act of 1973. CAP's goal is to identify, explain, and resolve any problems you may be having with your rehabilitation program as quickly as possible.

  How Can CAP Help You?

CAP can provide the following services:

• Explain the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services and benefits available to you.  (CAP's handbook, Understanding the Vocational Rehabilitation Process, is also available on this web site.) 
• Advise you of your rights and responsibilities under the Rehab Act.
• Help you to resolve problems or disagreements you may have with VR so that you can get the services you need.
• Help you to appeal a decision if you are dissatisfied with the denial of VR or with the type of services offered.
• Refer you to other public or private agencies that may be able to help you if you are not eligible for VR services.
  

  Your Role In The VR Process

As a client or potential client of the Rehabilitative Services Division of the State of Montana, you have certain rights and responsibilities. Your VR program can only be successful if you make an effort.

  Your Rights

Freedom From Discrimination: If you have a physical or mental disability which limits you in your search for employment, you may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. You cannot be discriminated against because of your race, religion, sex, age, or disability.

Diagnostic Services: You have the right to medical, vocational, and other evaluations to determine if you are eligible for VR services.

Confidentiality: VR will not release any information in your file without your permission.

Appeals: If you do not agree with your VR counselor's recommendations or if you believe your rights have been violated, you have the right to appeal. CAP can assist you in this appeal process.

  Your Responsibilities

Keeping Appointments: You must keep appointments you make with your VR counselor. If you are unable to do so, be sure to call and notify your counselor. If you are in training or on the job, it is your responsibility to follow-up on your counselor's recommendations as best you can.

Working With Your Counselor: It is your responsibility to stay in touch with your VR counselor. Call or see your counselor as soon as you have a question or problem.

Rehabilitation Plan: Your rehabilitation plan is for your own benefit. You must participate in the plan in order for it to be successful. You should keep records of all documents regarding your VR plan. You will be expected to help pay for services when you are able to do so. Keep your counselor aware of your goals in your VR program.

  Resolving Problems Through Appeal

You have the right to appeal if you feel you have been denied VR services unfairly or if you do not agree with your VR program. However, you must follow all steps, which are:

Meet With Your Counselor
If you don't agree with the way your case is being handled, talk it over with your VR counselor. In most cases, the two of you will be able to solve the problem. If you wish, a CAP staff person can advise you in this process.

Administrative Review
The administrative review process has two steps:

• Meet With Your Counselor's Supervisor -- After discussing your problems with your VR counselor, you can talk it over with their supervisor. The supervisor will investigate your concern and let you know their decision. If you still are not satisfied, you may request a review by the administrative staff.
• Administrative Staff -- Your problem should be presented in writing to the administrative staff of the Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Division. Your VR counselor can help you with this. If you are dissatisfied with the response of the administrative staff's decision, you can request a fair hearing.

Fair Hearing

A fair hearing is a formal procedure held before the state agency administrator or representative. The fair hearing is your final opportunity to ask for a change in the way your VR case is being handled. In many cases, CAP can assist you in appealing your VR program.

  CAP Is Here To Help!

The Client Assistance Program is available to all applicants or recipients of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

You should contact CAP if you -

• are experiencing an undue delay in the processing of an application or services requested.
• have been denied eligibility and do not agree with the denial.
• have been denied services to which you feel you are entitled.
• have problems with your VR program that you have not been able to work out with your counselor.
• have questions regarding the services and benefits available from Vocational Rehabilitation
• have problems with other agencies or training facilities that are preventing you from reaching your rehabilitation goals
  

  How To Contact CAP

CAP services are available statewide. Staff members travel throughout the state to provide assistance and representation when needed.

To request CAP assistance for yourself or someone you know, call 406-449-2344 or 800-245-4743, and ask to speak with the Intake Unit.

  SATISFACTION

The staff of MAP's Client Assistance Program makes every effort to provide effective rights-related advocacy. However, if any individual is not satisfied with CAP's actions, he or she has the right to bring a complaint to the agency. A copy of the agency's grievance policy is available. This policy tells what must be done to file a complaint.

  
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This page was last updated on July 19, 2003