<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 13A.11.03.04" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="11" chapter_num="03" heading="Eligibility.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>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.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>An applicant's eligibility for independent living services shall be based upon:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The presence of a significant physical or mental disability;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The presence of a substantial limitation in ability to function independently in family or community or to engage or continue in employment; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>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.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>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:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Self-care;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Activities of daily living;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Access to personal transportation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Using public transportation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Shopping;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Housekeeping;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Communicating; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Living more independently.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>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.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>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).</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>