DPSS ePolicy

Revision of existing policy and/or form(s)

To provide clarification on existing policy for Learning Disabilities (LD) evaluations and updating CalSAWS when a participant is provided a disability accommodation.

Note:  Changes are shown highlighted in gray throughout the document.

All Greater Avenues of Independence (GAIN)/Refugee Employment Program (REP) participants must be offered LD Services, including 16 and 17-year-old non-parenting teens who are required to participate in Welfare-to-Work (WtW) activities because they lost their student status. LD is a voluntary program and is provided both virtually and in-person for Senate Bill (SB) 1232 participants. A signed GEN 853, Sworn Statement is needed if the participant chooses to have an in-person assessment.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), in conjunction with an Advisory Workgroup comprised of key representatives from the State, Counties, and other agencies, developed policy and procedures for the LD Program. The evaluation component of the program was implemented in February 2003. The diagnosis process was implemented in May 2005.

CDSS provided the following guidelines for the LD Program:

• Use the revised WTW 17, Waiver of CalWORKs Learning Disabilities Screening and/or Evaluation, WTW 18, Learning Needs Screening, and WTW 19, Learning Needs Screening - Client Copy forms to enhance the process for WtW participants who waive the LD screening.
• Add the Disability Accommodation Indicator (DAI) flag into CalSAWS to minimize the need for participants, who inform the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) of a disability and request an accommodation, to make the same request upon a return visit to the office.
• Provide the LD evaluation assessments both virtually and in-person for SB 1232 participants (a signed GEN 853 is needed if the participant chooses to have an in-person LD assessment). 

Reasonable Accommodations

Modifications to policies, practices, or procedures to ensure all programs and services administered by DPSS are accessible to participants with disabilities and they do not:

• Fundamentally alter the nature of the program, service, or activity; or
• Impose an undue financial or administrative burden considering all resources available to the program, service, or activity.
  

Learning Disabilities

Invisible disabilities can result in functional limitations that substantially limit one or more of the major life activities. The term is used to describe a variety of problems in reading, writing, math, organizing, and/or prioritizing.

Learning Disabilities Diagnosis

A diagnosis provided by a trained psychologist to formally identify the specific nature of LD and/or co- existing disorder that could extend beyond the testing and measuring of aptitudes, performance, and vocational interests that are associated with a LD evaluation.

Learning Disabilities Evaluation

An evaluation completed by a LD provider to determine whether an individual has a LD and/or other co-existing disorders and is unable to successfully complete or benefit from a current or proposed activity or assignment.

Learning Disabilities Needs Screening Tool WTW 18 and WTW 19

A questionnaire administered by trained GAIN/REP staff to determine if a potential LD exists. Participants are provided with a client copy of WTW 19 to read along. Suggested language and tips for LD screening can be found on Exhibit II, Suggested Language for Learning Disabilities Screening and Exhibit Ill, Tips to Promote Self-Advocacy.

Note: The WTW 18 is a validated tool that must not be revised, abbreviated, or translated.

Limited English Proficient (LEP)

A term that refers to a person who is not fluent in the English language.

Senate Bill (SB)1232

The SB exempts an applicant or recipient who is enrolled in a specified educational plan or program and making satisfactory progress from participating in specified work activities, revises applicable assessment requirements, and entitles an applicant to the payment or reimbursement and other necessary supportive services. 

To participate in LD Services, participants must complete an assessment and be determined to have a disability and/or accommodations by a contracted assessor. 

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