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BEM 230C 3 of 18 EMPLOYMENT AND/OR SELF-SUFFICIENCY RELATED ACTIVITIES: RCA BPB 2024-027 10-1-2024
BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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 refugee contractor 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 or educator. A client may disclose a disability 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 MDHHS-DHS- 1171, Assistance Application, and the MDHHS-1171-CASH, cash specific supplement form, which ask questions about medical problems and special education. 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 he/she is deferred from work participation program or work activities and may be subject to penalties if he/she does 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, form from a qualified medical professional listed on the form.