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Massachusetts Client Assistance Program

If you have a disability and want to work but are having trouble getting vocational rehabilitation services, or want a lifestyle which is more self-reliant but are having trouble getting independent living services, contact the Massachusetts Client Assistance Program (CAP).

Privacy and Independence of CAP

All dealings with the Client Assistance Program (CAP) are free and strictly confidential. CAP will not discuss anything about you without your consent.

CAP is independent of the vocational rehabilitation and independent living agencies. It is run by the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD), an independent state agency. MOD is responsible for promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in Massachusetts.

CAP provides an unbiased source of information and referral and advocacy services for people who are having difficulties in obtaining rehabilitation and independent living related services. It is run within the Client Services Unit of MOD under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration. In order for the Commonwealth to be eligible for federal funds for vocational rehabilitation and independent living services, the Commonwealth must operate this program fully separate from, and independent of, any vocational rehabilitation agency.

The Governor has designated MOD to conduct the CAP because of its unique independent position outside of the Health and Human Services Secretariat where all other Rehabilitation funding is administered.

What can CAP do?

CAP provides advocacy and information services. It helps people get services from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and the Independent Living Centers in Massachusetts, all of which receive Federal money under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act.

Specifically, if you have requested services but have not received them, CAP can:

·               Discuss how the vocational rehabilitation and independent living systems can work best for you.

·               Inform you of your rights and responsibilities.

·               Advocate for you with the vocational rehabilitation or independent living agency, by representing you at appeals and hearings, as well as provide other legal representation if necessary, and by helping you locate other services or resources you may need.

What are rehabilitation services?

Among other things, the Commission for the Blind and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission provide vocational rehabilitation services, such as career guidance and counseling, and can provide funding for education or other training, adaptive equipment, transportation and equipment.

What are independent living services?

There are several independent living centers located across the Commonwealth. Among others, they provide four core services: information and referral, advocacy, independent living skills training and peer counseling.

Contact Information

Client Assistance Program
Massachusetts Office on Disability
One Ashburton Place, Room 1305
Boston, MA 02108

(617) 727-7440 (Voice/TTY)
(800) 322-2020 (Voice/TTY)

(617) 727-0965 (Fax)

Internet: http://www.mass.gov/mod/ClientAssistance.html

Additional Information

MOD has a number of publications that may be of interest to people with disabilities, including an extensive summary of disability laws in Massachusetts. Visit the MOD publication page at:
http://www.mass.gov/mod/publications.html

See Also

Massachusetts Disability Law Center

Protection and Advocacy Systems - Overview

Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Program

Source

Information for this topic was drawn from the MOD website at:
http://www.mass.gov/mod/ClientAssistance.html
http://www.mass.gov/mod/clientser.html

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