Sec. 13a.11.03.04. Eligibility

A. The eligibility requirements shall be applied by the Division without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, residence, physical or mental disability, or political affiliation.

B. An applicant's eligibility for independent living services shall be based upon:

(1) The presence of a significant physical or mental disability;

(2) The presence of a substantial limitation in ability to function independently in family or community or to engage or continue in employment; and

(3) A presumption that the delivery of independent living services will improve the individual's ability to function independently in family or community or to engage or continue in employment.

C. For purposes of determining an applicant's eligibility for independent living services, improvement in ability to function independently in family or community refers to a demonstration in functional and behavioral terms of an individual's greater independence or maintenance of independence in areas such as:

(1) Self-care;

(2) Activities of daily living;

(3) Access to personal transportation;

(4) Using public transportation;

(5) Shopping;

(6) Housekeeping;

(7) Communicating; or

(8) Living more independently.

D. The Division shall certify in writing the reasons for finding an individual eligible for independent living services and shall have pertinent documentation supporting the certification. The certification of eligibility shall be dated and signed by the rehabilitation counselor.

E. If the individual has an employment goal and is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, the individual shall be served through the vocational rehabilitation program (COMAR 13A.11.01).