2009 Rhode Island Code
Title 37 - Public Property and Works
CHAPTER 37-2.2 - Disability Business Enterprises
§ 37-2.2-2 - Definitions.

SECTION 37-2.2-2

   § 37-2.2-2  Definitions. – As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings unless the context shall indicate another or different meaning or intent:

   (1) "Persons with disabilities" or "person with a disability" shall mean any individual who has a physical or mental impairment which constitutes a substantial barrier to employment as certified by the department of human services or the department of mental health, retardation, and hospitals.

   (2) "Products" shall mean any goods or merchandise provided by persons with disabilities if not less than sixty percent (60%) of the work hours or direct labor required for the products are performed by persons with disabilities.

   (3) "Rehabilitation facility" or "rehabilitation facilities" shall mean a facility which is operated for the primary purpose of providing vocational rehabilitation services to and gainful employment for persons with disabilities. The rehabilitation services, listed below, may be provided directly or by the facility's parent corporation. The facility must provide singly or in combination one or more of the following services for persons with disabilities:

   (i) Comprehensive rehabilitation services which shall include under one management: medical, psychological, social, and vocational services;

   (ii) Testing, fitting, or training in the use of prosthetic and orthotic services;

   (iii) Pre-vocational evaluation or recreational therapy;

   (iv) Physical and occupational therapy;

   (v) Speech and hearing services;

   (vi) Psychological and social services;

   (vii) Evaluation;

   (viii) Personal and work adjustment;

   (ix) Vocational training in combination with other rehabilitation services;

   (x) Evaluation or control of special disabilities; and

   (xi) Transitional or long-term employment for persons who have severe disabilities and cannot be readily absorbed into the competitive labor market.

   (4) "Services" shall mean any services provided by persons with disabilities if not less than sixty percent (60%) of the work hours or direct labor required for the services are performed by persons with disabilities.

   (5) "Small disadvantaged businesses owned and controlled by persons with disabilities " shall mean small business concern, which is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one or more person(s) with disabilities or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the stock of which is owned by one or more disabled person, whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more person(s) with disabilities, and have fifty or fewer employees.

   (6) "A physical or mental impairment" shall mean any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genito-urinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or any mental psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.

   (7) "Vocational rehabilitation services" shall mean any goods and services including diagnostic and related services necessary to render a person with a disability fit to engage in a gainful occupation and services to the families of persons with disabilities when those services will contribute substantially to the rehabilitation of those individuals.