Client Assistance Programs
A National Network of Advocacy in Rehabilitation
Client Assistance Programs (CAPs) were created in Section 112 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to help persons with disabilities obtain rehabilitation services. CAP provides assistance to persons with disabilities who seek or receive services under the Rehabilitation Act. Every CAP is authorized to:
- help people understand and access rehabilitation services;
- advise people about services and benefits available through rehabilitation programs and about their rights and responsibilities related to those services and benefits;
- upon request, assist people in their relationships with service providers;
- assist people in pursuing appeals and other remedies to ensure that their rights under the Rehabilitation Act are protected; and
- provide access to state and other rehabilitation programs to improve their delivery of services.
The CAP can help resolve issues such as:
- VR services have been denied or delayed
- Help getting VR services
- You have been told you cannot get help from VR
- No VR plan is being developed due to a disagreement about goals
- VR is not helping you find a job
- Your VR counselor is not returning calls or communicating with you
CAPs across the country carry out these activities in a variety of ways: direct client representation, information and referral, outreach, community training, development and distribution of self-advocacy materials, committee and council representation on behalf of the rehabilitation client population, public testimony and communication/advocacy to state and other agencies involved in the delivery of rehabilitation services.
For information about the Client Assistance Program in your area, call your state Vocational Rehabilitation agency.
Find the Client Assistance Project in your state
National Disability Rights Network
Note: CAP offices must make their information available in alternative formats such as Braille, large print or audiotape if needed by individuals with disabilities. Also, many CAPs have information available in Spanish.
CAP information from the Rehabilitation Services Administration
The above information was prepared by the Support and Training to Access Rights (STAR) Project. STAR was funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). Additional information gathered from the National Disability Rights Network web site.