Client Assistance Project (CAP)

The Client Assistance Project (CAP) is a statewide program that helps disabled Minnesotans who are having problems with the vocational rehabilitation system. CAP advocates can help you if you are applying for services or if you are already a client.

There are 2 vocational rehabilitation programs in Minnesota that help people with disabilities find, get or keep a job.

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) – for people with physical and/or mental disabilities
   
• State Services for the Blind (SSB) – for people who are blind or visually impaired

Call CAP if you have questions, concerns, or complaints about your vocational rehabilitation services. CAP does not provide vocational rehabilitation services like education, training or equipment.

A CAP advocate can tell you about your rights under the Rehabilitation Act and what services may be available to you. A CAP advocate MAY also be able to:

• help you get the vocational rehabilitation services you need
   
• advise you in writing or changing an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
   
• review the decision if you are denied services
   
• advise you or help you find solutions if you disagree with decisions made by VRS or SSB.

For more information about CAP or to apply for CAP services, call:

• Metro: (612) 334-5970
• Toll Free statewide: 1-800-292-4150

We are at:
Minnesota Disability Law Center
111 North 5th Street, Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55403

We get many phone calls from people asking, "What are my rights?" Everyone’s case is different. It is best to call our office for answers to your specific questions. We talk to you about your situation, review your VRS or SSB file, and talk with your VRS or SSB counselor or anyone else with information important to your case.

There are general basic rights. As a client or applicant of VRS or SSB, you have the right to:

• apply for services
• be evaluated to see if you are eligible for services
   
• see most of the information in your VRS or SSB case file (you may need to sign a release form first)
   
• keep your VRS or SSB file private
   
• an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that fits your needs
   
• appeal a decision if you don’t agree with it or if you feel that your rights have been violated