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The Client Assistance Program helps people understand and use rehabilitation services.  Established as part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, CAP:

• Helps people with disabilities to learn about rehabilitation programs

• Encourages rights and responsibilities for the consumer

• Shows people with disabilities how to obtain services

Who Does CAP Serve?
CAP serves applicants, clients, former clients, and those seeking the services of the:

• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

• Division of Services for the Blind

• Independent Living Rehabilitation Services

How Can CAP Staff Help?

• Answer questions about programs and services

• Work with the consumer and the counselor to resolve rehabilitation problems

• Advise and assist with the steps in the appeals process

• Help identify other resources

CAP assists applicants and consumers of rehabilitation services provided through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the Division of Services for the Blind, the Independent Living Rehabilitation Program, the N.C. Assistive Technology Program, and the Supported Employment Program.

CAP assists interested persons in understanding the rehabilitation process and advises them of their rights and responsibilities as consumers of these services. CAP can help the consumer communicate more effectively with program staff and can work directly with consumer and staff to resolve problems related to the individual’s rehabilitation plan. If these efforts should not succeed, CAP will assist the client through the rehabilitation agency’s formal appeals process.

If you are a consumer of a rehabilitation program and have questions or problems with your individual program, first you should try to resolve the problems with your counselor. If this is not possible, or if you are not satisfied with the results of your efforts, you are encouraged to contact CAP when the following circumstances exist:

• If you are experiencing undue delays in the processing of an application for eligibility with a rehabilitation program or in receiving services for which you have already been determined eligible

• If you have been determined ineligible for a rehabilitation program and do not understand or agree with that determination

• If you have been refused services which you feel are needed to help you reach your individual rehabilitation goal

• If you are having problems with your rehabilitation program that you have not been able to work out with your counselor

• If you have questions regarding the services and benefits available in a particular rehabilitation program

Steps for Success With Vocational Rehabilitation Programs In North Carolina

Vocational rehabilitation programs such as those offered through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services or the Division of Services for the Blind are available to help people with disabilities who have work-related needs.

If your disability causes you problems in either getting or keeping a job, and there are services that can help you overcome these work-related problems, you may be eligible for services through one of these agencies.

It’s important to understand that the rehabilitation process includes obligations and responsibilities for both the consumer and the agency counselor. Successful achievement of vocational goals depends on active consumer participation as well as the skills of the rehabilitation counselor. Here are some basics that you should expect with any vocational rehabilitation program and some tips on making the rehabilitation process work for you.

You Have the Right To—

• Apply or re-apply for vocational rehabilitation services and have your eligibility for the program evaluated

• Be informed of either a decision of eligibility that advises you of your status within the program or a decision of ineligibility that includes the reason for the decision

• Participate in the planning for those rehabilitation services that are necessary to meet your specific work related needs

• Be consulted about any changes or decisions that affect your individual rehabilitation program

• Have personal information protected as confidential

• Question and, if necessary, appeal decisions made or actions taken by your counselor which you do not understand or with which you disagree

You Have the Responsibility To—

• Tell your counselor about yourself and about your work-related goal

• Work with your counselor to develop a personal rehabilitation plan that will help you reach those goals

• Actively follow through on the plans you make with your counselor

• Stay in contact with your counselor

• Be on time for all appointments—if problems arise, call the agency office and let your counselor or a secretary know

If you have any questions or concerns about vocational rehabilitation programs or services, contact by e-mail at NCCAP@ncmail.net or by postal mail at 2806 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2801, or at (919) 855-3600 or (800) 215-7227 (voice or TTY) or through the Department of Health and Human Services Care-Line (800) 662-7030 Monday - Friday, 8 am—5 pm.