WAC 67-25-412   Vocational rehabilitation services -- Interpreter and translations services.  (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 and customers will be authorized in accordance with WAC 67-25-360.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 74.18 RCW. 05-08-097, § 67-25-412, filed 4/4/05, effective 5/5/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 74.15 RCW. 95-06-057, § 67-25-412, filed 2/28/95, effective 3/31/95. Statutory Authority: 1983 c 194 § 18. 84-01-042 (Order 83-08), § 67-25-412, filed 12/15/83. Formerly WAC 67-20-412.]