Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Overview of NAC – Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI)
The NAC rules for CBVI govern:
Eligibility for services for blind and visually impaired Nebraskans.
Vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance.
Assistive technology and independent living services.
Financial assistance for training or equipment.
Compliance and reporting requirements for service providers and recipients.
The rules aim to enhance independence, employment, and quality of life for visually impaired individuals.
Case 1: Eligibility Determination for Vocational Services
Scenario
A 25-year-old individual with low vision applies for vocational rehabilitation services to obtain job training.
NAC Requirement
Applicants must provide medical documentation of visual impairment.
Eligibility is determined based on severity of visual limitation and potential for employment.
What Happens
CBVI reviews medical records and conducts an assessment of functional vision.
Individual is determined eligible for vocational services.
Result
Participant is enrolled in a training program with job placement support.
CBVI provides assistive technology and counseling to support employment.
Key Principle
Eligibility is based on verified visual impairment and employment potential.
Case 2: Assistive Technology Provision
Scenario
A visually impaired college student requests a screen reader and adaptive software to complete coursework.
NAC Requirement
CBVI may provide assistive technology if it enables education, employment, or independent living.
What Happens
Student submits a formal request with documentation from a vision specialist.
CBVI approves funding for adaptive devices.
Result
Student receives equipment and training on usage.
Academic performance improves, increasing employment prospects.
Key Principle
Assistive technology must directly support functional independence or vocational goals.
Case 3: Independent Living Services for Seniors
Scenario
An elderly individual with progressive vision loss struggles with daily tasks such as cooking, mobility, and bill-paying.
NAC Requirement
CBVI provides independent living services, including orientation and mobility training, home safety education, and adaptive equipment.
What Happens
CBVI staff conducts a home visit and assesses functional needs.
Customized services, such as talking appliances and mobility training, are provided.
Result
Individual regains independence in daily activities.
Reduced risk of falls and enhanced quality of life.
Key Principle
Services are personalized to promote safety and autonomy.
Case 4: Vocational Rehabilitation Non-Compliance
Scenario
A participant in CBVI vocational services repeatedly fails to attend training sessions without notifying counselors.
NAC Requirement
Participants must actively engage in training and employment programs to remain eligible.
What Happens
CBVI issues warnings and documents non-compliance.
Counseling is provided to address barriers to participation.
Result
If non-compliance continues, services may be suspended or terminated.
Participant is informed of appeal rights.
Key Principle
Active participation is required to ensure resources are used effectively.
Case 5: Employer Accommodation Assistance
Scenario
A visually impaired individual secures a job but requires screen magnification software and ergonomic adjustments.
NAC Requirement
CBVI may assist employers in providing reasonable accommodations under vocational rehabilitation programs.
What Happens
CBVI works with the employer to implement accommodations.
Staff provides training for both the employee and employer on software use.
Result
Employee maintains employment successfully.
Employer complies with reasonable accommodation standards.
Key Principle
CBVI facilitates employment sustainability through adaptive support.
Case 6: Funding Denial for Non-Documented Vision Loss
Scenario
An adult requests financial support for vision-related training but fails to provide medical documentation of their visual impairment.
NAC Requirement
CBVI cannot provide services without verified medical evidence of visual disability.
What Happens
CBVI requests additional documentation.
Applicant fails to provide it within the required timeframe.
Result
Request is denied.
Applicant is informed how to reapply once documentation is available.
Key Principle
Eligibility verification ensures resources are allocated to qualified individuals.
Case 7: Appeal of Service Denial
Scenario
A participant’s request for a high-cost assistive device is denied because it is not deemed essential for employment.
NAC Requirement
Participants may appeal service denials through CBVI’s administrative process.
What Happens
Appeal is submitted with supporting documentation and expert opinion.
CBVI review board evaluates the appeal.
Result
Device approval is overturned or maintained based on evidence.
Participant receives clear reasoning and alternative options if denied.
Key Principle
CBVI provides a formal process to ensure fairness and transparency.
Case 8: Misuse of CBVI Equipment
Scenario
A participant sells a device provided by CBVI for personal gain.
NAC Requirement
Equipment is provided for personal, educational, or vocational use only.
Misuse constitutes a violation of program rules.
What Happens
CBVI investigates and confirms misuse.
Participant is required to return equipment and may lose eligibility.
Result
Services are suspended, and participant must comply with restitution to regain eligibility.
Key Principle
Proper use of resources ensures equitable service delivery to all participants.
Summary of Core Principles in CBVI NAC Cases
Eligibility verification – services require documented visual impairment.
Vocational rehabilitation – programs support employment and independence.
Assistive technology – provided when it directly supports goals.
Independent living services – customized for safety and autonomy.
Participant compliance – active engagement is required.
Employer accommodation support – enables job retention.
Appeal and transparency – service denials have formal review processes.
Proper use of resources – misuse leads to suspension or termination.
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