Client Assistance Program (CAP)

Disability Rights Florida is the home of Florida's Client Assistance Program (CAP)!

Please contact us with any issues you have related to Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, or Independent Living services.

  • The Client Assistance Program (CAP) provides information and assistance for people with disabilities and their families who are involved in vocational rehabilitation and independent living services. 
  • Disability Rights Florida administers the CAP in a manner that empowers people with disabilities to fully understand and exercise their rights to services.
  • CAP strives to ensure that people with disabilities are allowed to make informed choices throughout the vocational rehabilitation and independent living process and are treated with dignity and respect. 
  • The Client Assistance Program was established under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. 
  • It is a confidential program offered at no cost to you.

Who Does CAP Serve?

According to the federal Rehabilitation Act, CAP services are available to clients or applicants of the following programs:

  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR)
  • Division of Blind Services (DBS)
  • The Independent Living Rehabilitation Programs
  • Centers for Independent Living

When Should I Contact CAP?

When the application process is delayed, or you:

  • Have been denied eligibility and disagree with the reason for the denial
  • Need assistance with navigating the rehabilitation process
  • Are at least 14 years old and need guidance for transitional planning
  • Need help understanding your rights and responsibilities
  • Need assistance in resolving issues or disagreements
  • Need representation in the appeals process; supervisory reconsiderations, administrative reviews, mediations, and administrative hearings
  • Need technical assistance for self-advocacy
  • Want information about employment under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Contacting CAP

On your initial call to us, an intake specialist will ask for some general information about you and a brief summary of the issue that you are having with your rehabilitation/ independent living service provider. This information is then submitted to a director for review and assignment if your service request is accepted.

Public Forums: Share Your Thoughts

Both the Florida Rehabilitation Council and the Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind hold quarterly meetings that usually include a Public Forum. Both councils encourage public input on VR and DBS services in order to ensure client needs are being met and make any improvements to enhance the client experience. If you receive services from either VR or DBS, that includes you!

Success Stories

Christopher's Story 

Christopher encountered barriers when his VRC would not agree to Christopher’s job goal or help him create a plan to become an anesthesiologist. He reached out to us for assistance, and we helped him make a meaningful academic and employment plan.

Read Bringing Much-Needed Disability Representation to our Healthcare Settings. 

James's Story

Our staff helped James receive the funding and supports he needed to get his business started. Read: Employment Aspirations Become Reality.

Resources

Brochures

CAP Training Module

  • Our CAP Training Module video is for individuals with disabilities to learn more about services offered by the Client Assistance Program (CAP) and how Disability Rights Florida/CAP can assist you.

You First Podcast Episodes

Fact Sheet

Disability Rights Explains Video Series (on YouTube)