Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 795-12-1 — Administrative Codetextbook Benefits for Dependents of Blind Parents

795 Alabama Division of Rehabilitation Services

Ala. Admin. Code r. 795-12-1-.01 General Information

The Department of Rehabilitation Services administers a program to make textbooks conveniently available to children from families where the head of the household is blind and the family income is not greater than 1.3 times the current poverty income level, as determined by federal poverty guidelines based upon the number of family members.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Rehabilitation Services
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§16-33-4, 21-9-9.
• New Rule: Filed September 3, 2004; effective October 8, 2004.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 795-12-1-.02 Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except when the context otherwise requires:

(a) Blind or Blind Person - A natural person who has no vision or whose vision with correcting glasses is so defective as to prevent the performance of ordinary activities for which eyesight is essential, or who has central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting glasses, or whose central visual acuity is more than 20/200 in the better eye with correcting glasses but whose peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees. The condition of blindness may be proved by a blind person claiming any right or benefit provided under this chapter by certificate of a duly licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.

(b) Head of Household - A parent, by birth or adoption, or a legal guardian of a child.

(c) Family Income - The gross income of the family where the head of the household is blind as determined by a copy of the most recent U.S. individual income tax return or returns or other documentation that indicates the family's gross income.

(d) Textbooks - All books necessary for the length of a prescribed course of study.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Rehabilitation Services
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§16-33-4, 21-9-9.
• New Rule: Filed September 3, 2004; effective October 8, 2004.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 795-12-1-.03 Eligibility

The Department of Rehabilitation Services will provide all necessary textbooks for the length of a student's prescribed course of study when said student is a child in a family where the head of household is blind and the family income is not greater than 1.3 times the current poverty income level, as determined by federal poverty guidelines based upon the number of family members and the child has been a permanent resident of Alabama for at least five years prior to application and does either of the following:

(a) Attends any Alabama state institution of higher learning, college, or university for a period of four standard academic years of nine months each, not to exceed 36 months total; or

(b) Takes a prescribed course in any Alabama state trade school or technical college, for the length of the prescribed course of study of his or her choosing.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Rehabilitation Services
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§16-33-4, 21-9-9.
• New Rule: Filed September 3, 2004; effective October 8, 2004.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 795-12-1-.04 Limitations On Eligibility

(1) In order to be eligible for the textbook benefits of this chapter, training in any Alabama state institution of higher learning, college or university or enrollment in prescribed courses in any Alabama state trade school or technical college must:

(a) Be initiated within two years after high school graduation, but in no case after the twenty-third birthday of the child;

(b) Be completed within five years after its initiation, excluding any delays caused by military service; and

(c) Not extend beyond the thirtieth birthday of the child.

(2) The benefits of the Textbook Benefits for Dependents of Blind Parents program shall not extend beyond the lives of the immediate children of the blind person concerned.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Rehabilitation Services
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§16-33-4, 21-9-9.
• New Rule: Filed September 3, 2004; effective October 8, 2004.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 795-12-1-.05 Notification And Payment

The Department of Rehabilitation Services will notify the Alabama state institution of higher learning, college, university, state trade school or technical college that a student is eligible for the "AlabamaScholarships for Dependents of Blind Parents" and the "Textbook Benefits for Dependents Of Blind Parents." Upon receipt of appropriate documentation indicating that the student has received necessary textbooks, the Department of Rehabilitation Services will make payment for the cost of such textbooks.

History

• Author: Alabama Board of Rehabilitation Services
• Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§16-33-4, 21-9-9.
• New Rule: Filed September 3, 2004; effective October 8, 2004.