The Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires that a state or territory establish a Client Assistance Program (CAP) to assist individuals who apply for or receive vocational rehabilitation or independent living services under the Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 732.
The purpose of the CAP is to advise and inform clients, client applicants, and other individuals with disabilities of all the available services and benefits under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and of the services and benefits available to them under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, the CAP may assist and advocate for clients and client applicants in relation to projects, programs, and services provided under the Rehabilitation Act.
Under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act, the CAP may provide assistance and advocacy with respect to services that are directly related to employment for the client or client applicant. The Iowa Client Assistance Program was created to satisfy the federal mandate. The CAP advocates for clients with disabilities in Iowa who are seeking or receiving services through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Commission for the Blind, and all Independent Living Programs and projects funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The Iowa Client Assistance Program exists to:
- advise clients of their rights and responsibilities in the process of obtaining rehabilitation services funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended;
- explain specific rehabilitation services and benefits available to an individual with a disability;
- help clients with the appeal process when requested if a client disagrees with the rehabilitation services being provided or if services are denied;
- refer clients to other agencies (public or private) when a client may not be eligible for rehabilitation services; • identify problem areas in the delivery of rehabilitation services to clients with a disability and suggests methods and means of making systemic changes; and
- assist clients with questions regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title I. 1
The Iowa Client Assistance Program currently resides in the Iowa Department of Human Rights. On April 4, 2023, Governor Reynolds signed into law SF 514, an act relating to the organization, structure, and functions of state government. SF 514 moves the functions, programs, and staff of the Iowa Department of Human Rights to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. With these changes to the Iowa Department of Human Rights and after a review, it is recommended that the administration of the CAP should be transferred to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Moving the CAP from the Iowa Department of Human Rights to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services necessitates a redesignation of the CAP as outlined by federal law. The Governor has determined there exists good cause to redesignate the CAP to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. With this letter, the Governor provides notice to the Iowa Department of Human Rights as the existing administrator of the CAP, the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Council, the Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services as required under federal law of the intention to redesignate the CAP to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
The Iowa Department of Human Rights has at least 30 days from receipt of the notice of proposed redesignation to respond in writing to the Governor. The estimated effective date of the proposed redesignation is July 28, 2023. A public hearing is scheduled for July 20, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. via livestream video conference
Persons wishing to comment upon the proposed action of the Governor’s Office may appear via livestream video at the scheduled public hearing.
Persons wishing to address their comments, data, views, or arguments in written or oral form may also do so via phone, email, or direct mail routed to:
Office of the Governor
RE: CAP Redesignation
1007 E. Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
e-mail: comms@dhs.state.ia.us
Telephone: 515.281.5211
Written and oral submissions must be received on or before July 21, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Copies of this notice will also be mailed to members of the public upon request.