1. Overview and Procedures
READERS AID PROGRAM
Overview and Procedures T

2. Program Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Students:
who are deaf, deaf-blind, or blind;
are residents of New York State; and
are matriculated in a college degree-granting program or certificate proprietary school program located in New York State.
The institution where the student attends may receive up to $4,000, per eligible student, per academic year, at $2,000 per semester to provide readers, note takers, sign language interpreters and assistive technology services to enable the student to access information vital to their academic studies.

3. READERS AID PROGRAM
Student Application

4. Student Application Information must be typed or legibly printed
Provide last four digits of a student’s social security number or provide reason why explaining absence.
Indicate student matriculated or certificate program status.
Indicate student affiliated either ACCES-VR or CVH vocational rehabilitation programs.
Submit medical documentation of hearing and/or visual disability with this application. An I.E.P. will not be accepted in lieu of medical documentation.
Student must sign actual application. Photocopies will not be accepted.

5. Medical Documentation of Hearing or Vision Disability
Audiologist Report-signed by audiologist
Vision Report-signed by medical doctor
High school individual education plan (IEP) will not be accepted in lieu of medical hearing or vision disability report.
One-time verification of disability is required at time of initial application. No further verification or application is required for subsequent semesters when the student remains at the same institution.

6. Student Accounting Form
Readers Aid Program
Student Accounting Form
VES 865

7. TOTAL Individual RAP $ Approved
Student Accounting Form VES 865
School Name:
STUDENT
(last name, first name)
(last 4 digits)
S.S.N.#
Deaf
Blind
Deaf & Blind
Matriculated/certificate
Sponsored by:
FALL 2018
(Round to Whole $ Figure)
SPRING 2019
SUMMER 2019
TOTAL Individual RAP $ Approved
$ Spent on Services
TOTAL
Individual RAP REFUND Due to ACCES
ACC ES
CVH
RAP $ Requested
ACCES Approved
TOTAL $ Spent
     
TOTAL $
Requested

8. Readers Aid Submission and Reconciliation/Refund Deadlines
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer
Reconciliation/Refund
November 1
March 1
Sept. 1
July 1

9. Readers Aid Program Student Accounting Form
1. Put college or training name on top of the form
2. Provide student’s last and first names
3. Provide last (4) digits of the student’s Social Security Number
4. Check disability- deaf, blind, or deaf-blind
5. Check ACCES-VR or CBVH status
6. Put RAP amount requested under the appropriate semester
7. Complete total amount requested at the bottom of form (please check your addition)

10. READERS AID PROGRAM Voucher VES 863

12. Summary
Readers Aid Student Application, Accounting Form and Voucher Is available on-line at:
Complete required forms: partial submission will not be accepted.
Student Application (with medical documentation), Student Accounting Form, and Readers Aid Voucher
Check all forms for accuracy
RAP funding totals on VES 863 and VES 865 must be equal to each other
VES 863 must have SFS# and original signatures on all forms

13. Call or email any questions, concerns you might have.
Summary
Mail Readers Aid semester request to Readers Aid Program
Request are for one semester at a time
Request are for a maximum $2,000 per semester
Student accounting form may be ed to Readers Aid for review purposes only before final submission.
and faxes of applications or vouchers will not be accepted
Submission and refund deadlines will be strictly adhered to
Retain copies of all submissions
Call or any questions, concerns you might have.

14. Contact Information
Donald McManus, Readers Aid Program Coordinator New York State Education Department – ACCES-VR 580 EBA 89 Washington Avenue Albany, NY (518)