Title 29 › Chapter CHAPTER 16— - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND OTHER REHABILITATION SERVICES › § 705
Defines the key words used in this chapter so people know what each term means. Administrative costs — money spent to run the state vocational rehabilitation program, like planning, finance, information, staff, travel, buildings, and legal help. Assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs — the review of existing information and, if needed, tests, job trials, or other steps to decide if someone qualifies and what services they need. Assistive technology, assistive technology device, assistive technology service — same meanings as in section 3002, applied as stated for one or more people. Community rehabilitation program — a program that gives or helps provide many types of rehab services to help people with disabilities get and keep jobs. Competitive integrated employment — paid work (including self-employment) full- or part-time where pay meets federal or state minimums and is like pay and benefits for non-disabled workers, the worker interacts with non-disabled coworkers, and has chances to advance. Construction and cost of construction — building new, changing, or equipping buildings; cost can include architects’ fees and land but not offsite work. Customized employment — job placement shaped to a person with a significant disability and an employer’s needs using flexible strategies. Designated State agency/unit — the state agency or unit named under section 721. Disability — generally a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits employment; for some parts the meaning follows 42 U.S.C. 12102. Drug and illegal use of drugs — “drug” means a controlled substance in schedules I–V; illegal use means unlawful use, possession, or distribution but not use under medical supervision. Employment outcome — getting or keeping competitive work, meeting supported employment goals, or other outcomes like customized employment, self-employment, telecommuting, or business ownership. Establishment of a community rehabilitation program — making or adapting buildings and adding equipment and staff as allowed. Extended services — ongoing supports after transition from the state unit, based on a plan, to help people with the most significant disabilities keep supported jobs. Federal share — 78.7 percent, with special rules for some construction payments under section 731(a)(3). Governor — the state’s chief executive. Impartial hearing officer — a decision-maker who is not a public agency employee or council member, was not involved in the person’s rehab, has relevant knowledge, and has no conflict of interest; being paid to serve does not by itself make them an agency employee. Independent living core services — basic services like information, skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, and help moving out of institutions or staying in the community. Independent living services — the core services plus many others such as counseling, housing help, rehab technology, mobility training, personal assistance, recreation, transportation help, prevention, and community programs. Indian/Indian tribe — terms for tribal members and tribal governments as described in the statute. Individual with a disability — someone whose impairment substantially limits employment and who can benefit from rehab services; for some parts the definition follows 42 U.S.C. 12102 and certain specific exceptions are listed in the statute. Individual with a significant disability — a person with severe limits in work-related functions who needs many services over time and whose condition is listed or found to cause comparable limits; definitions vary for some subchapters and “most significant disability” is set by the State. Individual’s/applicant’s representative — a parent, family member, guardian, advocate, or authorized representative. Institution of higher education — as defined in section 1002 of title 20. Local agency — a local government or tribal agency that agrees with the state to run rehab services under the state plan and may use other local providers. Local workforce development board, State workforce development board, statewide workforce development system, workforce investment activities — as defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Nonprofit (for community rehab program) — a 501(c)(3) organization with no private shareholders. Ongoing support services — services for people with the most significant disabilities provided at least twice a month to assess worksite needs and deliver intensive help like job trainers, follow-up, and job supports. Personal assistance services — help with daily living tasks on or off the job to increase independence and control. Pre-employment transition services — services provided under section 733. Public or nonprofit — includes an Indian tribe. Rehabilitation technology — use of technology and engineering to help people with disabilities in education, work, transport, independent living, and recreation, including assistive tech. Secretary — usually the Secretary of Education, except in subchapter II or part A of subchapter VII where it means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. State — the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Student with a disability — a person who meets the IDEA transition-age minimum (or a lower state minimum if chosen) and is not older than 21 (unless state law sets a higher maximum), and who is eligible for special education or covered under section 794. Supported employment and supported employment services — individualized, often intensive work and job supports for people with the most significant disabilities; supported employment services are provided by the state unit for up to 24 months unless extended. Vocational rehabilitation services — the services listed in section 723 provided under this chapter. Youth with a disability — an individual age 14 through 24.
Full Legal Text
Labor — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
29 U.S.C. § 705
Title 29 — Labor
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73