Informed Choice Presented by: Wayne Dagel, MS, CRC 2012

34 CFR 361.52 Informed Choice The designated unit along with the Rehabilitation Council will develop and implement written policies and procedures that enable an applicant or eligible individual to exercise informed choice throughout the VR process. These policies must provide for:

1) Informing each applicant and eligible individual, through appropriate modes of communication, about the availability of and opportunities to exercise informed choice, including the availability of support services for individuals with cognitive or other disabilities who require assistance in exercising informed choice throughout the VR process.

2) Assisting applicants and eligible individuals in exercising informed choice in decisions related to the provision of assessment services; 3) Developing and implementing flexible procurement policies and methods that facilitate the provision of VR services and that afford eligible individuals meaningful choices among the methods used to procure VR services.

4) Assisting eligible individuals or, as appropriate, the individual’s representatives in acquiring information that enables them to exercise informed choice in the development of their IPEs with respect to the selection of the: i) Employment outcome ii) Specific VR services iii) Entity that will provide services iv) Employment setting & setting for services v) Methods available for procuring services

5) Ensuring that the availability and scope of informed choice is consistent with the obligations of the designated agency under this part.

My take Informed choice is the act of allowing the client to choose what works best for their needs, resources, and desires. The client’s voice is informed choice in every single case we have that is currently open and will be opened.

Counselors have to take caution that they do not drown out the client’s voice when making decisions in the case for work goals and/or services. Sometimes, the unimaginable takes place…counselors are wrong!!!! The client usually knows what they like best and what will work for their specific needs.

By the very nature of informed choice, clients become empowered By the very nature of informed choice, clients become empowered. The counselor can assist with this process simply by listening to the client and allowing the client to implement their own choices. Even if the counselor may think the choices are leading to disaster, the client has the right to choose that path. This does not mean counselors do nothing, they can continue to counsel to assist in the client’s understanding, but they cannot force change.

Questions, comments, and open discussion: I’m not good at just listening to myself.