When a TEA recipient alleges a long-term disability, the Case Manager will explain the ARS referral and assessment process as described above. Particular emphasis should be placed on the importance of attending the interview scheduled by ARS. The client should be made aware of the results for failure to attend the interview, provide required information, etc. PUB-391, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Orientation information, will be explained and given to the client during the application interview. PUB-391 provides the client with information regarding the ARS referral process, what ARS will do once the referral is received and his or her responsibility after being referred. The client will also be advised that supportive services will be provided if needed.

Form DCO-3350, Referral for Services, will be used for referring the client to ARS. An explanation of the disability and a request to receive a report of the diagnosis will be included on the referral. The county must include form DCO-81, Consent for Release of Information, signed by the client in order to receive a report back from ARS regarding the diagnosis. The address for submitting the referral is based on the county location. The county should also work with the ARS agency to develop communication procedures to ensure that the individual is receiving the necessary support services in order to comply with ARS services.

Upon receipt of the referral, ARS will contact the TEA recipient and schedule an appointment for an assessment. ARS will notify the local county office TEA Case Manager of the date of the assessment. If child care or transportation services are needed, ARS will provide notice at least two working days in advance of the assessment appointment. ARS will also notify the TEA Case Manager within two working days via the DCO-3300 following the date of the assessment if the individual fails to attend the assessment.

Through this assessment, an application for services will be completed and ARS will determine if the client can participate in a work activity or needs further ARS services. ARS will complete the assessment within 60 calendar days of the date the ARS application is signed. DCO will be notified of the results within 10 working days of completion of the assessment. A copy of the assessment results and a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or ineligibility (COI) will also be provided. The decision will state that the individual has been found to:

1. Not have a significant impairment and can participate in TEA work activities; or
2. Has an impairment and can benefit from ARS services; or
3. Has an impairment too severe for ARS services and should be deferred from TEA work requirements.

ARS will notify the county if an individual is not accepted for services and provide a reason for non-acceptance as follows.

Disability Not Significant

If ARS determines that the client’s alleged disability is not significant enough for ARS services, the Case Manager will send a notice to the client advising of the ARS decision and that he or she will have to comply with TEA work participation requirements. The Case Manager should schedule an appointment with the client to discuss work participation activities and to develop an Employment Plan or EP update.

Refused Services

ARS will notify the county if a client refuses services. The Case Manager will contact the client to discuss the reason for refusal. If it is determined that the client refused services without good cause, then the client will be required to engage in a regular TEA Work activity.

If it is determined that the client refused services with good cause, and that he or she does want to comply with the ARS activities, a referral will be made to ARS. The Case Manager will advise ARS that the individual is being re-referred for services and include an explanation of the referral.