WINTHROP — The Client Assistance Program, a federally funded, statewide, advocacy program, provides information, referrals and advocacy to people with disabilities, who are applying for or are receiving services the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Independent Living Program, according to a news release from C.A.R.E.S. Inc. In Maine, the CAP is administered by C.A.R.E.S., an agency independent from State government. There are no fees for CAP services.

The CAP can help by providing information on services available, time frames for services and explanations of the federal regulations and state rules. When there is a disagreement between the client and DVR/DBVI/IL, CAP can get directly involved and advocate on your behalf. CAP is required to resolve disagreements using informal methods, to the maximum extent possible, before resorting to administrative or legal remedies.

Those who want to utilize the program’s services or to learn more, contact C.A.R.E.S. Inc. at 800-773-7055, [email protected] or [email protected], or visit caresinc.org. C.A.R.E.S. Inc. is at 134 Main St., Suite 2C, in Winthrop.