Page 3

BEM 230A 3 of 26 EMPLOYMENT AND/OR SELF-SUFFICIENCY RELATED ACTIVITIES: FIP BPB 2022-020 10-1-2022

BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

to accommodate persons with disabilities may include modifications to program requirements, or extra help, as explained below. Failure to recognize and accommodate disabilities undermines efforts to assist families in achieving self-sufficiency. When a client requests reasonable accommodation in order to par- ticipate, MDHHS and the employment service providers will consider the need for applying the above requirements. A disability as defined above that requires reasonable accommoda- tion must be verified by an appropriate source, such as a doctor, psychologist, therapist, educator, etc. A client may disclose a dis- ability at any time. Failure to disclose at an earlier time does not prevent the client from claiming a disability or requesting an accommodation in the future. Screening and Assessment Be alert to undisclosed or unrecognized disabilities and offer screening and assessment as appropriate. Help clients understand that MDHHS can only offer accommodations if a disability is verified. Clients are screened for disabilities on the DHS-619, Jobs and Self-Sufficiency Survey and the Family Automated Screening Tool (FAST), which ask questions about medical problems, special education and symptoms of mental illness. Inform clients requesting accommodation or deferral that they may be required to attend appointments with doctors, psychologists, or others to ensure that appropriate accommodations or deferrals are made. Explain that assessment is voluntary but failure to cooperate with assessment may prevent MDHHS from providing a deferral or accommodation. Also inform the client of the requirement to engage in self-sufficiency and family strengthening activities even if they are deferred from PATH or work activities and may be subject to penalties if they do not participate as required. Accommodation When information provided by an appropriate source indicates the need for reasonable accommodation, do the following: • Obtain a DHS-54A, Medical Needs, or the DHS-54E, Medical Needs-PATH, from a qualified medical professional listed on the form.