SECTION 317:40-7-6. Center-based services

(a)   Center-based services are employment services provided where the majority of the people at the site have disabilities. These settings facilitate opportunities to seek employment in competitive settings and support access to the greater community.

(b)   Center-based services are pre-planned, documented activities that relate to the member's identified employment outcomes.

(c)   Examples of center-based services are active participation in:

(1)   learning and work experiences where the individual can develop general, non-job-task specific strengths and skills that contribute to employability in paid employment in integrated community settings;

(2)   team-prescribed therapy programs, such as speech, physical therapy, or a switch activation program implemented by employment provider staff in the workshop or other center-based setting;

(3)   computer classes, General Education Development preparation, job club, interviewing skills, or other classes where all participants have disabilities, even when the location is in the community; and

(4)   mealtimes where the majority of people with disabilities are employed.

(d)   Paid contract work is usually subcontracted, and the member receiving services earns commensurate wage according to Department of Labor regulations.

(e)   Participation in center-based services is limited to fifteen (15) hours per week for members receiving services through the Homeward Bound Waiver, unless approved through the exception process, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 317:40-7-21.

(f)   The provider agency must meet physical plant expectations, per OAC 340:100-17-13.

(g)   During periods in which no paid work is available despite the provider's documented good faith efforts to secure work, the employment-provider agency ensures each member participates in training activities that are age appropriate, work related, and consistent with the Individual Plan. Such activities may include, but are not limited to:

(1)   resume development and application writing;

(2)   work attire selection;

(3)   job interview training and practice;

(4)   job safety and evacuation training;

(5)   personal or social skills training; and

(6)   stamina and wellness classes.

[Source: Added at 15 Ok Reg 3873, eff 7-1-98 (emergency); Added at 16 Ok Reg 1445, eff 5-27-99; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2985, eff 5-17-01 (emergency); Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1090, eff 5-13-02; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 2531, eff 7-11-05; Amended at 26 Ok Reg 2151, eff 6-25-09; Amended at 34 Ok Reg 746, eff 9-1-17; Amended at 36 Ok Reg 962, eff 9-1-19]