Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in § 42-1-130, the provisions of this article apply to all officers and employees of the State and of any county, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof or any agency or institution of the State which has elected to participate under this article under the provisions of § 42-7-50.

In cases of officers or employees who are on a partial or total fee basis or whose official duties require only part time the director may fix, for the purpose of this article, the average weekly wage of this officer or employee, not in excess of forty dollars and collect charges from the employer of this officer or employee on the basis of the average weekly wage so fixed.

Any client of the state agency of Vocational Rehabilitation Department, while involved in a program of assessment or work adjustment as defined in this section, who suffers an injury for which compensation is specifically prescribed in this title, may be awarded and paid compensation under the provisions of this title. For purposes of this section, "a client involved in a program of assessment or work adjustment" is defined as any client performing work tasks which are part of the program of Vocational Rehabilitation services for the individual and who in turn receives wage payments from the agency for the work performed.

Students of high schools, state technical schools, and state-supported colleges and universities while engaged in work study, distributive education, or apprentice programs on the premises of private companies are also covered by the provisions of this title.