(1) Interpreter services include sign language or oral interpretation services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and tactile interpretation services for individuals who are deaf-blind.
(a) Interpreter services must be provided by qualified personnel.
(b) Interpreter services shall be authorized, to the maximum extent possible, in accordance with the department of social and health services schedule of maximum allowances and program descriptions.
(2) Translation services are provided to non-English speaking individuals, and for the individual's representative if appropriate, during all phases of the rehabilitation process including mediation, fair hearing, and judicial review.
(a) Translation services include oral translation of English into the primary language of an individual.
(b) Upon request, the following written communication shall be translated into the primary language of an applicant or customer:
(i) Application for services;
(ii) Notification of eligibility or ineligibility;
(iii) Individualized plan for employment;
(iv) Notification of case closure;
(v) Notification of annual review, if appropriate; and
(vi) Any notice requiring a response or a signature from an individual to continue receiving services.
(c) The department shall translate the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regarding VR services or service providers into the primary language of an applicant or customer upon his or her request.
(d) Translation services shall be authorized in accordance with procedures and fee schedules established by the department.
(3) Vocational rehabilitation expenditures for interpreter or translation services for applicants, eligible individuals and participants will be authorized only after consideration of comparable services and benefits in accordance with WAC
67-25-283.
[Statutory Authority: P.L. 113-128 and 34 C.F.R. Part 361. WSR 18-14-101, amended and recodified as § 67-25-393, filed 7/3/18, effective 8/3/18. Statutory Authority: Chapter
74.18 RCW. WSR 05-08-097, § 67-25-412, filed 4/4/05, effective 5/5/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter
74.15 RCW. WSR 95-06-057, § 67-25-412, filed 2/28/95, effective 3/31/95. Statutory Authority: 1983 c 194 § 18. WSR 84-01-042 (Order 83-08), § 67-25-412, filed 12/15/83. Formerly WAC 67-20-412.]