Md. Code Regs. 13A.11.04.04

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 18, September 6, 2024

Section 13A.11.04.04 - Training

A. Establishment.

(1) The Division with the active participation of the Committee shall develop training, retraining, and upward mobility programs for blind persons who are vendors or potential vendors.

(2) The Division shall ensure that effective programs of vocational and other training services are provided to blind persons as vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

B. Training Curriculum and Materials.

(1) The Division shall develop training materials for the program and shall review annually and revise the materials, as necessary.

(2) Formal training shall include but not be limited to:

(a) Pertinent laws and regulations including the Randolph-Sheppard Act and these regulations;

(b) Customer service;

(c) Business math, money management, and budgeting;

(d) Merchandising;

(e) Merchandise-inventory control;

(f) Financial reporting and analysis;

(g) Housekeeping;

(h) Sanitation certification;

(i) Food preparation and menu planning;

(j) Safety;

(k) Taxes;

(l) Vending machine operations;

(m) Personnel management and employee relations;

(n) Practical training at a community college or other contractor;

(o) On the job training (OJT) with a licensed vendor or vendors; and

(p) Other training directly related to vending facility operations as requested by a vendor or the Division.

C. Training for Potential Vendors.

(1) Training for potential vendors shall be open to all blind persons who:

(a) Indicate a general capacity and desire to operate a vending facility;

(b) Wish to undertake specific training; and

(c) Meet the eligibility requirements established in Regulation .03 of this chapter.

(2) Classes.

(a) Trainees shall complete standardized classes and on-the-job training in accordance with procedures established in the Administrative Manual.

(b) Training shall be flexible enough to terminate training in a particular area once the trainee has demonstrated mastery of the area.

(c) Trainees may be given additional training in areas of deficiency.

(3) Training Standards.

(a) The Division with the active participation of the Committee shall establish and maintain standards to be met by trainees for entry into the training program, and for satisfactory completion of the training program.

(b) The Division shall certify as qualified to operate a vending facility all trainees who have met the standards.

(4) A trainee may be terminated from the training program for:

(a) Failure to satisfactorily complete the training curriculum in terms of academic achievement or demonstration of appropriate interpersonal skills for a retail environment, or both;

(b) Confirmed use of illegal drugs; or

(c) Confirmed abuse of legal drugs or alcohol, or both.

(5) Trainees terminated shall be advised of appeal rights and the Client Assistance Program in accordance with COMAR 13A.11.07.

D. Retraining and Upward Mobility Training.

(1) The Division shall provide an opportunity for retraining as needed:

(a) Upon a vendor's request; or

(b) Whenever the Division finds that retraining is necessary to enable a vendor to operate a vending facility successfully.

(2) The Division shall provide an opportunity for upward mobility training consistent with 34 CFR 395.11.

(3) Any vendor undergoing retraining for any purpose, including improvement of skills, or upward mobility training shall continue to have responsibility for the vending facility to which the vendor is assigned and the Operating Agreement shall remain in effect while the vendor receives retraining or upward mobility training.

E. In-Service Training.

(1) The Division and the Committee shall jointly sponsor and establish a specific agenda, time, and place for an in-service training conference for all vendors and licensed blind persons on the Ready-For-Assignment List.

(2) Funding for the conference shall be in accordance with funds budgeted by the Division and Committee for this purpose in the annual budget for the program. Conferences shall be designed to provide those attending with up-to-date information concerning developments and procedures within the program, changes in applicable laws, merchandising techniques, and such other matters as the Committee and the Division may determine to be desirable.

Md. Code Regs. 13A.11.04.04

Regulation .04 amended effective 42:14 Md. R. 881, eff.7/20/2015