State Plan For
Independent Living
(SPIL)
Chapter 1, Title VII of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended
State Independent Living Services (SILS)
Program
Part B
Part I: Assurances
Section 1: Legal Basis and Certifications ............................................................................................ 3
Section 2: SPIL Development ........................................................................................................... 3
Section 3: Independent Living Services .............................................................................................. 5
Section 4: Eligibility ........................................................................................................................... 5
Section 5: Staffing Requirements ....................................................................................................... 5
Section 6: Fiscal Control and Fund Accounting .................................................................................. 6
Section 7: Recordkeeping, Access and
Reporting .............................................................................. 6
Section 8: Protection, Use and Release of
Personal Information ......................................................... 7
Section 9: Signatures.......................................................................................................................... 7
Part
II: Narrative
Section 1: Goals, Objectives and Activities......................................................................................... 8
Section 2: Scope, Extent, and Arrangements of
Services .................................................................. 12
Section 3: Design for the Statewide Network
of Centers .................................................................. 14
Section 4: Designated State Unit (DSU) .......................................................................................... 14
Section 5: Statewide Independent Living
Council (SILC) ................................................................. 15
Section 6: Service Provider Requirements ....................................................................................... 16
Section 7: Evaluation ....................................................................................................................... 17
Section 8: State-Imposed Requirements .......................................................................................... 17
PART I: Assurances
Section 1: Legal Basis and Certifications
1.1 The
designated State unit (DSU) eligible to submit the State Plan for Independent
Living (SPIL or the plan) and authorized under State law to perform the
functions of the State under the State Independent Living Services (SILS)
and Centers for Independent Living (CIL) programs
is Office of Rehabilitation Services.
34 CFR 76.104(a)(1) and (2); 34 CFR 364.22(a)
1.2 The
separate State agency eligible to submit the plan and authorized under State
law to provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to individuals who are
blind is N/A (insert name of separate State agency). Indicate N/A if not applicable. 34 CFR 76.104(a)(1) and (2); 34 CFR
364.20(d) and 364.22(c) N/A
1.3 The
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) that meets the requirements of
section 705 of the Act and is authorized to perform the functions outlined in
section 705(c) of the Act in the State is
1.4 The
DSU and, if applicable, the separate State agency authorized to provide VR
services to individuals who are blind, and the SILC are authorized to jointly
develop, sign and submit this SPIL on behalf of the State, and have adopted or
otherwise formally approved the SPIL. 34
CFR 76.104(a)(7); 34 CFR 364.20(c) and (d)
1.5 The
DSU, and, if applicable, the separate State agency authorized to provide VR
services to individuals who are blind, may legally carry out each provision of
the plan and will comply with all applicable Federal statutes and regulations
in effect with respect to the three-year period it receives funding under the
SPIL. 34 CFR 76.104; 34 CFR 80.11(c)
1.6 The
SPIL is the basis for State operation and administration of the program. All provisions of the SPIL are consistent
with State law. 34 CFR 76.104(a)(4) and (8)
1.7 The
representative of the DSU and, if applicable, of the separate State agency
authorized to provide VR services to individuals who are blind, who has the
authority under State law to receive, hold, and disburse Federal funds made
available under the SPIL and to submit the SPIL jointly with the SILC
chairperson is Raymond A. Carroll, Administrator, Office of Rehabilitation
Services. 34 CFR 76.104(a)(5) and (6)
Section 2: SPIL Development
2.1 The plan shall be reviewed
and revised not less than once every three years, to ensure the existence of
appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance
to appropriately address, on a statewide and comprehensive basis, the needs in
the State for:
– The provision of State independent living services;
–
The development and support of a statewide network of centers for
independent living; and
–
Working relationships between programs providing independent living
services and independent living centers, the vocational rehabilitation program
established under title I, and other programs providing services for
individuals with disabilities. 34 CFR
364.20(f)
2.2 The DSU and SILC conduct
public meetings to provide all segments of the public, including interested
groups, organizations and individuals, an opportunity to comment on the State
plan prior to its submission to the Commissioner and on any revisions to the
approved State plan. 34 CFR 364.20(g)(1)
2.3 The DSU and SILC establish
and maintain a written description of procedures for conducting public meetings
in accordance with the following requirements.
The DSU and SILC shall provide:
–
appropriate and sufficient notice of the public meetings (that is, at
least 30 days prior to the public meeting through various media available to
the general public, such as newspapers and public service announcements, and
through specific contacts with appropriate constituency groups and
organizations identified by the DSU and SILC);
–
reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities who rely on
alternative modes of communication in the conduct of the public meetings,
including providing sign language interpreters and audio-loops; and
–
public meeting notices, written material provided prior to or at the
public meetings, and the approved State plan in accessible formats for
individuals who rely on alternative modes of communication. 34 CFR
364.20(g)(2)
2.4 At the public meetings to
develop the State plan, the DSU and SILC identify those provisions in the SPIL
that are State-imposed requirements beyond what would be required to comply
with the regulations in 34 CFR parts 364, 365, 366, and 367. 34 CFR 364.20(h)
2.5 The DSU will seek to
incorporate into, and describe in, the State plan any new methods or approaches
for the provision of IL services to older individuals who are blind that are
developed under a project funded under chapter 2 of title VII of the Act and
that the DSU determines to be effective. 34 CFR 364.28
2.6 The DSU and SILC actively
consult, as appropriate, in the development of the State plan with the director
of the Client Assistance Program (CAP) authorized under section 112 of the
Act. 34 CFR 364.20(e)
Section
3: Independent Living Services
3.1 The State, directly or through grants or contracts, will provide IL services with Federal, State,
or other funds. 34 CFR 364.43(b)
3.2 Independent living services shall be provided to individuals with significant disabilities in accordance with an independent living plan mutually agreed upon by an appropriate staff member of the service provider and the individual, unless the individual signs a waiver stating that such a plan is unnecessary. 34 CFR 364.43(c)
3.3 All service providers will use formats that
are accessible to notify individuals seeking or receiving IL services under
chapter 1 of title VII about:
–
the
availability of the CAP authorized by section 112 of the Act;
–
the
purposes of the services provided under the CAP; and
–
how to
contact the CAP. 34 CFR 364.30
3.4 Participating service providers meet all applicable State licensure or certification requirements. 34 CFR 365.31(c)
Section 4: Eligibility
4.1 Any
individual with a significant disability, as defined in 34 CFR 364.4(b), is
eligible for IL services under the SILS and CIL programs authorized under
chapter 1 of title VII of the Act. Any
individual may seek information about IL services under these programs and
request referral to other services and programs for individuals with
significant disabilities, as appropriate.
The determination of an individual's eligibility for IL services under
the SILS and CIL programs meets the requirements of 34 CFR 364.51. 34 CFR 364.40(a), (b) and (c)
4.2 Service providers apply eligibility requirements without regard to age, color, creed, gender, national origin, race, religion or type of significant disability of the individual applying for IL services. 34 CFR 364.41(a)
4.3 Service providers do not impose any State or local residence requirement that excludes any individual who is present in the State and who is otherwise eligible for IL services from receiving IL services. 34 CFR 364.41(b)
Section 5: Staffing Requirements
5.1
Service provider staff includes personnel who
are specialists in the development and provision of IL services and in the
development and support of centers. 34
CFR 364.23(a)
5.2
To the maximum extent feasible, a service
provider makes available personnel able to communicate:
–
with individuals
with significant disabilities who rely on alternative modes of communication,
such as manual communication, nonverbal communication devices, Braille or audio
tapes, and who apply for or receive IL services under title VII of the Act; and
–
in the native languages of individuals with
significant disabilities whose English proficiency is limited and who apply for
or receive IL services under title VII of the Act. 34 CFR 364.23(b)
5.3
Service providers establish and maintain a
program of staff development for all classes of positions involved in providing
IL services and, if appropriate, in administering the CIL program. The staff
development programs emphasize improving the skills of staff directly
responsible for the provision of IL services, including knowledge of and
practice in the IL philosophy. 34 CFR
364.24
5.4
All recipients of financial assistance under
parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will take affirmative action
to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with significant
disabilities on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the
employment of individuals with disabilities under section 503 of the Act. 34 CFR 364.31
Section
6: Fiscal Control and Fund Accounting
6.1
All
recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title
VII of the Act will comply with applicable EDGAR fiscal and accounting
requirements and will adopt those fiscal control and fund accounting procedures
as may be necessary to ensure the proper disbursement of and accounting for
those funds. 34 CFR 364.34
Section 7: Recordkeeping, Access and
Reporting
7.1 In addition to complying with applicable
EDGAR recordkeeping requirements, all recipients of financial assistance under
parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will maintain records that
fully disclose and document:
–
the amount and disposition by the recipient
of that financial assistance;
–
The total cost of the project or undertaking
in connection with which the financial assistance is given or used;
–
the amount of that portion of the cost of the
project or undertaking supplied by other sources;
–
compliance with the requirements of chapter 1
of title VII of the Act and Part 364 of the regulations; and
–
other information that the Commissioner
determines to be appropriate to facilitate an effective audit. 34 CFR 364.35(a) and (b)
7.2
With respect to the records that are required
by 34 CFR 364.35, all recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of
chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will submit reports that the Commissioner
determines to be appropriate. 34 CFR
364.36
7.3
All recipients of financial assistance under
parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will provide access to the
Commissioner and the Comptroller General, or any of their duly authorized
representatives, to the records listed in 34 CFR 364.37 for the purpose of
conducting audits, examinations, and compliance reviews. 34 CFR 364.37
Section 8: Protection, Use, and Release of Personal Information
8.1 Each service provider will adopt and implement
policies and procedures to safeguard the confidentiality of all personal
information, including photographs and lists of names in accordance with the
requirements of 34 CFR 364.56(a)(1-6). 34 CFR 364.56(a)
Section 9: Signatures
After having carefully
reviewed all of the assurances in sections 1 - 8 of this SPIL, the undersigned
hereby affirm that the State of
The
effective date of this SPIL is
_____________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF SILC CHAIRPERSON DATE
_____________________________________________________________________________
Donald
K. Phelps,
_____________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF DSU DIRECTOR DATE
_____________________________________________________________________________
Raymond A. Carroll, Administrator – Office of Rehabilitation Services
Section 1: Goals, Objectives and
Activities
1.1 Goals
and
Describe the overall goals and mission of the State's IL programs and services. The SPIL must address the goals and mission of both the SILS and the CIL programs, including those of the State agency for individuals who are blind as they relate to the parts of the SPIL administered by that agency.
1.2
Objectives – 34 CFR 364.42(a)(1) and (d); 34 CFR 364.32; 34 CFR 364.33
1.2A Specify the objectives to be achieved and the time frame for achieving them.
To improve the lives of individuals with
significant disabilities through implementing the Independent Living Philosophy.
GOAL I:
Increase access to least
restrictive environment, based on informed choice of consumer.
OBJECTIVE 1:
Transition 75 individuals
with significant disabilities from nursing homes or other restrictive
environments to community living.
Need: Identified through CILs work plans, information and
referral calls, Long Term Care Plan and public testimony.
Evaluation: Measure number
transitioned and survey for increased independence.
Activities:
Year
One
1.
Increase capacity
of CILs to serve this population.
2.
Establish
baseline of numbers transitioned in Federal Fiscal Year 2007.
3.
Develop survey to
measure increased independence.
4.
Transition 15
individuals.
5.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a
written report and status presentation at the annual (September) RISILC
meeting.
Year Two
1.
Transition 25
individuals.
2.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a
written report and status presentation at the annual (September) RISILC meeting.
Year Three
1.
Transition 35
individuals.
2.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a
written report and status presentation at the annual (September) RISILC
meeting.
OBJECTIVE 2:
Participate in the development
of the Rhode Island Olmstead Plan for least restrictive environment.
Need: The Supreme Court ruling requires each state to have a
plan.
Evaluation: The
plan developed and practical applications further defined.
Activities:
Year One
1.
CILs participate
in planning commission.
2.
Legislative
advocacy to support plan as needed.
3.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a written report and status statement
presentation at the annual (September) RISILC meeting.
Year Two
1.
Continue the
planning process or adopt approved plan.
2.
Legislative advocacy
to support plan as needed or start implementation.
3.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a written report and status statement
presentation at the annual (September) RISILC meeting.
Year
Three
1.
Continue the
planning process or adopt approved plan.
2.
Legislative
advocacy to support plan as needed or start implementation.
3.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a written report and status statement
presentation at the annual (September) RISILC meeting.
OBJECTIVE 3:
Increase access to community
and achieve independent living goals through removing physical barriers in
residences and through increasing access to assistive technology.
Need: Identified
through waiting lists of CILs, public testimony at Governor’s Commission on Disabilities
annual public hearings and information and referral calls.
Evaluation: Independent living goals achieved in home and
community through physical barrier removal in residences and through increasing
access to assistive technology.
Activities:
Year One
1.
Publicity on
availability.
2.
Develop survey
measuring increased independence.
3.
Establish
baseline of Federal Fiscal Year 2007 goals that were met.
4.
Independent
Living goals met through physical access (25) and increased access to assistive
technology (35). Hearing aids are included in assistive technology.
5.
CILs advocate for
maintaining and increasing funds.
6.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide written
report and status presentation at second quarterly (March) RISILC meeting.
Review 704 Part II reports.
Year Two
1.
Goals met: Physical
access (25) and assistive technology (35).
2.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a written report and status presentation at
second quarterly (March) RISILC meeting. Review 704 Part II reports.
Year Three
1.
Goals met: Physical
access (25) and assistive technology (35).
2.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a written report and status presentation at the
second quarterly (March) RISILC meeting. Review 704 Part II reports.
GOAL II:
Increase access to independent
living services including health care for individuals with significant
disabilities.
OBJECTIVE 1:
Outreach to non-English
speaking Hispanics with significant disabilities and their families.
Need: Identified
through census data, demographics of 704 Part II reports and Department of Health
data.
Evaluation: Measure outreach efforts, information
and referral (I&R) and independent living skills training.
Activities:
Year
One
1.
Collaborate with
Department of Health, Office of Minority
and Disability Health Program and
community agencies serving non-
English speaking Hispanics to identify
culturally appropriate outreach
and any possible funding.
2.
Increase capacity
of CILs to serve this population.
3.
Identify and
serve 15 new consumers.
4.
Identify funding
sources for assistive technology including new technology.
5.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a written report and status presentation at the
third quarterly (June) RISILC meeting.
Year Two
1.
Increase capacity
to serve this population.
2.
Identify and
serve 25 new consumers.
3.
Identify funding
sources for assistive technology including new technology.
4.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a written report and status presentation at the
third quarterly (June) RISILC meeting.
Year
Three
1.
Increase capacity
of CILs to serve this population.
2.
Identify and
serve 25 new consumers.
3.
Identify funding
sources for assistive technology including new technology.
4.
Measure results
annually. The CILs will provide a
written report and status presentation at the third quarterly (June) RISILC
meeting.
OBJECTIVE 2:
Address barriers to
independent living through the provision of CIL core services and increase
access to transportation, communication, assistive technology, personal care
assistants and other support services.
Need: Identified
through multiple sources, including work plans of CILs and public testimony.
Evaluation: Measure
increased access to transportation, communication, assistive technology,
personal care assistance and other support services for individuals with
significant disabilities.
Activities:
Year
One
1.
Address the
barriers.
2.
Review annual 704
Part II reports.
3.
The CILs will
provide a written report and status presentation at second quarterly (March)
RISILC meeting.
Year Two
1.
Address the
barriers.
2.
Review annual 704
Part II reports.
3.
The CILs will
provide a written report and status presentation at second quarterly (March)
RISILC meeting.
Year Three
1.
Address the
barriers.
2.
Review annual 704
Part II reports.
3.
The CILs will
provide a written report and status presentation at second quarterly (March)
RISILC meeting.
1.2B Outreach Plans
Describe the steps planned
regarding outreach to populations in the State that are unserved or underserved
by programs under title VII, including minority groups and urban and rural
populations.
Populations: As indicated
in goals and objectives (1.1/1.2), outreach will focus on two populations, plus
general outreach:
(a) nursing home residents
with significant disabilities who are interested in transitioning to community
living;
(b) non-English speaking
Hispanics with significant disabilities,
since they are the largest growing minority population. They have the
added barrier of communication.
c) general
outreach will include continuing funding of the successful bus billboard
campaign which has been estimated to
reach 250,000 people statewide.
Geographic Areas
Nursing home outreach will be
statewide, as will be the general outreach.
Non-English speaking Hispanic outreach will be focused on
Addressing Needs
a.)A state law was passed
that provides that individuals must be notified of the option of community
living. The CILS have close working
relationship with Medicaid Division of the Department of Human Services and one
of the Centers administers two Medicaid waivers and a state funded personal
care assistant program. One of the
Centers will have Part B funding for staffing of this initiative. Both Centers will sit on the Olmstead
Commission which is developing a state plan.
b) One of the Centers will
have Part B funding for a bi-lingual IL Counselor and will
have some funding for
outreach publicity. The other Center
will have limited Part B
funding for interpreters, including
use of Language Line, primarily for Information and Referral. The Centers have
a working relationship with the new 211 statewide Information and Referral
service in
1.3 Financial Plan – 34 CFR 364.42(a)(2) and (3); 34 CFR 364.29
Describe in sections 1.3A and 1.3B, below, the financial plan for the use of Federal and non-Federal funds to meet the SPIL objectives.
Year
1
|
Sources
|
Approximate
Funding Amounts and Uses |
|||
|
|
SILC Resource Plan |
IL Services |
General CIL Operations |
Other SPIL Activities |
|
Title
VII Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
Chapter 1, Part B |
|
$316,000 |
|
|
|
Chapter 1, Part C |
|
|
$789,737 |
|
|
Chapter 2, OIB (only those provided by the OIB grantee to further a SPIL objective) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Federal Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
Sec. 101(a)(18) of the Act (Innovation and Expansion) |
$136,984 |
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Federal
Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
State Funds |
|
$591,883 |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Year 2
|
Sources
|
Approximate
Funding Amounts and Uses |
|||
|
|
SILC Resource Plan |
IL Services |
General CIL Operations |
Other SPIL Activities |
|
Title
VII Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
Chapter 1, Part B |
|
$316,000 |
|
|
|
Chapter 1, Part C |
|
|
$789,737 |
|
|
Chapter 2, OIB (only those provided by the OIB grantee to further a SPIL objective) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Federal Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
Sec. 101(a)(18) of the Act (Innovation and Expansion) |
$136,984 |
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Federal
Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
State Funds |
|
$591,883 |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
Year
3
|
Sources
|
Approximate
Funding Amounts and Uses |
|||
|
|
SILC Resource Plan |
IL Services |
General CIL Operations |
Other SPIL Activities |
|
Title
VII Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
Chapter 1, Part B |
|
$316,000 |
|
|
|
Chapter 1, Part C |
|
|
$789,737 |
|
|
Chapter 2, OIB (only those provided by the OIB grantee to further a SPIL objective) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Federal Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
Sec. 101(a)(18) of the Act (Innovation and Expansion) |
$136,984 |
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Federal
Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
State Funds |
|
$591,883 |
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
1.3B Financial Plan Narratives
GOAL I
Objective One: Transition from
nursing homes to community living will be financed primarily by Part B, plus
some Medicaid Waivers funding. Grant funding for research
related to nursing home transition is being explored.
Objective Two: Olmstead plan participation and implementation
is primarily funded by Part C funds. Possible future grant funds may be needed for
implementation.
Objective Three: Removing physical barriers, including through
assistive technology, is primarily funded by Part B and state funds. Part
B dollars are dollars of last resort after state and local government and
private funding is sought. Part of CIL staff costs are funded through the
Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ATAP) which ORS also administers.
GOAL II
Objective One: Outreach to non-English speaking Hispanics will be
funded by Part B for some staffing and Language Line usage, plus some Part
C staffing funding. Additional funding will be sought from Department of
Health Minority Health program. Additional private or grant funding for
additional assistive technology will also be sought.
Objective Two: General addressing of barriers through
core services, increased access to transportation, communication,
assistive technology, personal care assistance, health care, plus
other support services will be funded through multiple sources.
Core services will be funded primarily through Part C funds. Personal
Care Assistance services will be primarily funded through Medicaid waivers and
state funds. Applications for time limited grants will continue.
1.3B(2) Describe efforts to coordinate Federal and State funding for centers and IL services, including the amounts, sources and purposes of the funding to be coordinated.
Coordination of Federal and State funding for Centers (Part C) and IL services (Part B SILS) occur through the partnership and communication between ORS which administers Part B funds (and contracts with the CILs for these services and the two CILs for these services) and the two CILs. (See Table 1.3A for amounts). The State Plan for Independent Living is followed in allocating resources for the Goals and Objectives (See Table 2.1 and 1.3 B1). Coordination also occurs through reviews of the 704 Part II reports by ORS and RISILC. In addition, ORS contracts with the CILs for State funded services and coordinates these with the Federal funding sources.
1.3B(3) Describe any in-kind resources including plant, equipment or services to be provided in support of the SILC resource plan, IL services, general CIL operations and/or other SPIL objectives.
Volunteers are the basic in-kind resource in support of the RISILC resource plan, IL services, general CIL operations and/or other SPIL objectives. The CILs have minor program income and fund raising income. Centers apply for focus and time limited grant funds wherever feasible. Other Federal funding cannot be counted as in-kind.
1.3B(4)
Provide any additional information about the financial plan, as appropriate. N/A
1.4 Compatibility with Chapter 1 of Title VII and the CIL Work Plans – 34 CFR 364.42(c) and (e)
1.4A Describe how the SPIL objectives are consistent with and further the purpose of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act as stated in section 701 of the Act and 34 CFR 364.2.
The
goals and objectives are consistent with and further the purposes of providing,
expanding and improving the provision of independent living services in order
to improve the lives of individuals with significant disabilities. The goals further the support of the Independent
Living Centers and encourage improvement in working relations among the Centers,
Office of Rehabilitation Services,
The
goals and objectives promote the philosophy of independent living based on
consumer control, peer support, self help, self determination, equal access,
and advocacy to maximize the leadership, independence and productivity of
individuals with significant disabilities. They promote and maximize the integration and
full inclusion of individuals with significant disabilities into the mainstream
of American society.
1.4B Describe how, in developing the SPIL objectives, the DSU and the SILC considered and incorporated, where appropriate, the priorities and objectives established by centers for independent living under section 725(c)(4) of the Act.
Input
from the Centers has been an integral part of the development of the goals and
objectives and assists them in meeting the standards and assurances and
ensuring implementation of the design of a network of centers in
1.5 Cooperation, Coordination, and Working Relationships Among Various Entities – 34 CFR 364.26
The
new evaluation plan is a major step toward improved cooperation and coordination
through interactive communication. In
addition,
1.6
Coordination of Services – 34 CFR 364.27
RISILC, ORS and CILs review the plans of other state agencies providing services to individuals with significant disabilities and given limited IL resources, seek to provide unique IL services and provide individual and system advocacy. ORS also coordinates and provides Older Blind Independent Living (OIB) services and avoids duplication by having OIB and CIL staffs meet periodically concerning cross referral and utilization of funds.
Consultation by the Older
Blind Independent Living program regarding best practices
is occurring with the CILS,
especially regarding the survey used by the Older Blind program. This survey obtains a higher response rate,
measures outcomes related to independent living and is analyzed by an objective
third party program evaluator. This
process will be the foundation for the
survey indicated in Part II Section 1.2A of this SPIL ) Two way consultation will also occur
regarding the most cost effective strategies and policies related to providing
independent living services.
Coordination
with multiple Social Security programs occurs on a case by case basis and
through CILs participating on advisory committees. Frequent contact and
coordination occurs in using Medicaid and Medicare services for access to
assistive technology, health care and transportation. Department of Human
Services administers Title XVIII Medicaid including Medicaid waivers which are
fully utilized in assisting individuals with significant disabilities become
more independent through access to personal care assistance, assistive
technology and some other services. Department of Human Services also
administers Title XX and CILS assist in accessing the services such as
transportation provided through the agencies funded by Title XX. ORS has a Social
Security Work Incentive Assistance (WIPA) agreement, which provides information
to all Social Security recipients, including those served by CILS. ORS also has
an Assistive Technology Partnership (A TAP) grant through which the CILS
receive some funding and participate as partners. ORS is the link in assuring
lack of duplication in these services.
Plans
to coordinate more closely with the Department of Health are described in the
goals and objectives. The CILS have participated in that Department's wellness
activities for individuals who are significantly disabled. The CILS are active
in housing coordination including through a coordinated program called Housing
Works.
The CILs recognize that with limited staff resources, ongoing coordination with other appropriate agencies which provide up-to-date information and services is essential. The Centers for Independent Living (CILS) have skilled and experienced Information and Referral staffs which interact with increasingly centralized information and referral services in the state (such as the new 211 service) in order to provide accurate information to individuals with disabilities, the general public and their own staff, in order to access ,services. The CILS apply for grants to increase their capacity to provide I&R services and provide this information to their own staffs.
1.8 Independent
Living Services for Individuals who are Older Blind – 34 CFR 364.28
ORS
has identified that the OIB consumer survey has a high response rate. Their methodology and survey will be
considered in developing the new survey included in the Goals and Objectives
(1.2).
Section
2: Scope, Extent, and Arrangements of Services
2.1 Scope and Extent – 34 CFR 364.42(b)(2)(3); 34 CFR 364.43(b); 34 CFR 364.59(b)
2.1A Check the appropriate boxes in the SPIL Instrument table indicating the types of IL services to be provided to meet the objectives identified in section 1.2 of this SPIL, and whether the services will be provided by the CILs or by the DSU (directly and/or through contract or grant).
Table 2.1A: Independent
living services
|
Provided by the DSU
(directly)
|
Provided by the DSU
(through contract and/or grant)
|
Provided by the CILs (Not
through DSU contracts/ grants)
|
|
Core
Independent Living Services, as follows: -
Information and referral -
IL skills training -
Peer counseling -
Individual and systems advocacy |
N/A |
- |
- |
|
N/A |
X |
X |
|
|
N/A |
X |
X |
|
|
N/A |
X |
X |
|
|
N/A |
X |
X |
|
|
N/A |
- |
- |
|
|
Services
related to securing housing or shelter, including services related to
community group living, and supportive of the purposes of this Act and of the
titles of this Act, and adaptive housing services (including appropriate
accommodations to and modifications of any space used to serve, or occupied
by, individuals with significant disabilities) |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Rehabilitation
technology |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Mobility
training |
N/A |
- |
- |
|
Services and training for
individuals with cognitive and sensory disabilities, including life skills training,
and interpreter and reader services |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Personal
assistance services, including attendant care and the training of personnel
providing such services |
N/A |
X |
- |
|
Surveys,
directories and other activities to identify appropriate housing, recreation,
accessible transportation and other support services |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Consumer
information programs on rehabilitation and IL services available under this
Act, especially for minorities and other individuals with disabilities who
have traditionally been unserved or underserved by programs under this Act |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Education and training necessary for living in the community and participating in community activities |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Supported
living |
N/A |
- |
- |
|
Transportation,
including referral and assistance for such transportation |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Physical
rehabilitation |
N/A |
- |
- |
|
Therapeutic
treatment |
N/A |
- |
- |
|
Provision
of needed prostheses and other appliances and devices |
N/A |
- |
- |
|
Individual
and group social and recreational services |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Training to develop skills specifically designed for youths who are individuals with significant disabilities to promote self-awareness and esteem, develop advocacy and self-empowerment skills, and explore career options |
N/A |
- |
X |
|
Services
for children with significant disabilities |
N/A |
- |
- |
|
Services
under other Federal, State, or local programs designed to provide resources,
training, counseling, or other assistance of substantial benefit in enhancing
the independence, productivity, and quality of life of individuals with
significant disabilities |
N/A |
- |
X |
|
Appropriate
preventive services to decrease the need of individuals with significant
disabilities for similar services in the future |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Community
awareness programs to enhance the understanding and integration into society
of individuals with disabilities |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
Other
necessary services not inconsistent with the Act |
N/A |
X |
X |
2.1B Describe any service provision priorities, including types of services or populations, established for meeting the SPIL objectives identified in section 1.2.
1.
Increase access to least restrictive environment, based on informed choice of
consumer. This includes transition of
individuals from nursing homes or other restrictive environments to community
living; CILs participating in R.I. Olmstead Planning; removing physical barriers
through housing accessibility.
2. Increased access to health care, including outreach to non-English speaking Hispanics. Increased access includes increased understanding of chronic conditions to prevent secondary disabilities and knowledge and access to assistive technology, both through independent living skills training on an individual and group basis and information and referral. This also requires communication access, access to transportation to utilize services, other support services and CILs individual and system advocacy.
Due
to limitations in funding:
A.
Part B funding will be used only when other funding is not available.
B. Computers will not be provided except through donation programs.
C.
Economic need will be considered.
D. No prosthetics will be allowed.
E. Only non-structural vehicle modification will
be allowed.
2.1C If the State allows service providers to charge consumers for the cost of services or to consider the ability of individual consumers to pay for the cost of IL services, specify the types of IL services for which costs may be charged and for which a financial need test may be applied, and describe how the State will ensure that:
The
ability of individual consumers to pay is uniformly considered for the cost of
home modifications, adaptive equipment and Gift of Hearing program. There are standard reporting forms for this
information and such information is filed in the individual’s case record.
Centers use the Office of Rehabilitation Services’ policy; however, they are in
the process of developing their own.
2.2 Arrangements for State-Provided Services – 34 CFR 364.43(d) and (e)
2.2A If the DSU will provide any of the IL services identified in section 2.1A through grants or contractual arrangements with third parties, describe such arrangements.
The Office of Rehabilitation Services contracts with the two Centers for Independent Living for Part B SILS services. IL service contracts with the CILs include the provision of eligibility being determined by the Centers, with a sample of case records reviewed by ORS. ORS receives and reviews quarterly statistical, narrative and financial reports.
2.2B If the State contracts with or awards a grant to a center for the general operation of the center, describe how the State will ensure that the determination of an individual's eligibility for services from that center shall be delegated to the center. N/A
Section
3: Design for the Statewide Network of Centers
The Rhode Island Statewide Independent Living
Council, the Office of Rehabilitation Services (the DSU), and the Centers for
Independent Living share a vision in which all people with significant
disabilities in need of independent living services can obtain timely and
effective assistance from a Center for Independent Living to enable individuals
with significant disabilities to function in their homes and communities.
3.1 Existing Network – 34 CFR 364.25
Provide an overview of the existing network of centers, including non-Part C-funded centers that comply with the standards and assurances in section 725 (b) and (c) of the Act, and the geographic areas and populations currently served by the centers.
Due
to the state’s small size and unique geography, both Centers are able to offer
services on a statewide basis, which permits full consumer choice.
·
Information and referral
·
Advocacy (System and Individual)
·
Independent Living Skills Training
·
Peer Counseling
·
Nursing Home Transition
Data
collected from the two Centers indicate all cities and towns throughout the
state are being served – 80% of the individuals receiving direct service reside
in two of the five counties (
3.2 Expansion of Network – 34 CFR 364.25
Describe the design for the further expansion of the network, including identification of the unserved and underserved areas in the State and the order of priority for serving these areas as additional funding becomes available (beyond the required cost-of-living increase).
Further expansion of the network (beyond the cost of living increase) includes the following three priorities:
· People with significant disabilities, non-English speaking cultures statewide.
· People with significant disabilities with inadequate housing in restrictive living arrangements, or in facilities such as nursing homes, the State Veterans’ Home and State chronic care hospitals.
· Access to health care, assistive technology and transportation.
Increased
funding is crucial for both Centers for general operation, for recruitment and
retention of quality staff to address the 11% increase in service provision,
for the provision of independent living services and new federal reporting
requirements. In addition, Centers have
realized cost increases associated with basic operations, such as staff health
care insurance, energy and telephone.
Both
Centers for Independent Living respond to a significant number of information
and referral requests, including monitoring those requests made in the areas of
healthcare, assistive technology and transportation. There is a need for expanded Information and
Referral services.
It
is estimated that Centers need an additional $740,000 per year to expand to
address the unmet needs and maintain qualified staff. The priority for any additional Part C
funding, if available, is for general operation of existing centers, including
recruitment and retention of qualified staff.
Any such additional Part C funds will be equally divided among Centers.
Other funding is needed.
Priorities
for expansion of the Olmstead ruling are as follows:
1.
Support and expand nursing home transition services.
2.
Expansion of personal assistance services.
3.
Expansion of accessible housing options, to address
increased requests for home modifications and adaptive equipment
The
priority to support outreach to the underserved population is to expand the
capacity to serve non-English speaking consumers through the addition of
non-English speaking Center personnel.
.
3.3
Section 723 States Only – 34 CFR 364.39
N/A
Section
4: Designated State Unit (DSU)
4.1 Administrative Support Services – 34 CFR 364.4; 34 CFR 364.22(b)
The
administrative support services provided by the Office of Rehabilitation
Services/DHS for the State Independent Living Services (Part B SILS) program
include administering and monitoring contracts with the two Centers for
Independent Living which are funded by Part B and state funds and administering
the contract with
4.1B Describe other DSU arrangements for the administration of the IL program, if any. N/A
Section 5: Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
5.1 Resource plan – 34 CFR 364.21(i)
5.1A Describe the resource plan prepared by the SILC in conjunction with the DSU for the provision of resources, including staff and personnel, made available under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII, section 101(a)(18) of the Act, and from other public and private sources that may be necessary to carry out the functions of the SILC identified in section 705(c). The description must address the three years of this SPIL.
The Rhode Island State
Independent Living Council (
·
Leadership Development costs enables
5.1B Describe how the following SILC resource plan requirements will be addressed:
– The SILC’s responsibility for the proper expenditure of funds and use of resources that it receives under the resource plan.
– Non-inclusion of conditions or requirements in the SILC resource plan that may compromise the independence of the SILC.
– Reliance, to the maximum extent possible, on the use of resources in existence during the period of implementation of the State plan.
RISILC resource plan
requirements listed above are met by the following relevant written procedures
and policies, which are on file with the SILC and DSU and available for review:
In addition, the RISILC meets
the requirements of
5.2 Establishment and Placement – 34 CFR 364.21(a)
The
5.3
Appointment and Composition – 34 CFR 364.21(b) – (f)
Describe the process used by the State to appoint members to the SILC who meet the composition requirements in section 705(b).
The
The
Volunteer recruitment efforts
are conducted on a statewide basis. Prospective volunteers are interviewed and
if appropriate assigned to a committee.
Following a period of active participation and completion of an orientation
program, a volunteer who is knowledgeable about CILs and IL services may be
recommended by
5.4
Staffing – 34 CFR 364.21(j)
Describe how the following SILC staffing requirements will be met:
– SILC supervision and evaluation, consistent with State law, of its staff and other personnel as may be necessary to carry out its functions.
– Non-assignment of duties to SILC staff and other personnel made available by the DSU, or any other State agency or office that would create a conflict of interest while assisting the SILC in carrying out its duties.
RISILC’s staffing
requirements are met by adherence to the following written policies and
procedures, which are on file with the SILC
and DSU and available for review:
· Bylaws
· Personnel manual
· Business procedures
· Internal procedures
· Annual written
personnel evaluation forms
· Written job
descriptions
Section 6: Service Provider Requirements
6.1
Staffing – 34 CFR 364.23; 34 CFR 364.24; 34 CFR 364.31
The Centers for
Independent Living include personnel who are specialists in the development and
provision of IL services and in the development and support of CILs. The
Centers’ personnel include individuals able to communicate (1) with individuals
with significant disabilities who rely on alternative modes of
communication, such as sign language, manual communication, nonverbal
communication devices, Braille, or audio tapes and (2) to a limited
extent in the native language of individuals with significant disabilities
whose English proficiency is limited and who apply for or receive IL services
under title VII of the Act. Use of the Language Line for language
translation is expected to be added as well as part time staff. The State assures that CILs will establish and
maintain a program of staff development for all classes of positions
involved in providing and administering IL services, including
knowledge of and practice of the IL Philosophy. The CILs practice Affirmative Action to employ
and advance in employment qualified individuals with significant disabilities
on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of
individuals with disabilities under section 503 of the Act.
6.2
Fiscal Control and Fund Accounting – 34 CFR 364.34
All recipients of financial assistance
under Chapter 1 will adopt and maintain those fiscal controls and fund
accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure that proper disbursement of
and accounting for funds made available through parts B and C of Chapter 1 of Title
VII of the Act, in addition to complying with applicable EDGAR fiscal and
accounting requirements.
6.3
Recordkeeping, Access and Reporting – 34 CFR 364.35; 34 CFR 364.36; 34 CFR
364.37
All
· Maintain records that fully disclose and document the information listed in CFR 364.35.
· Submit annual performance and financial reports, and any other reports that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
· Provide access to the Commissioner and the Comptroller General, or any of their duly authorized representatives, for the purpose of conducting audits, examinations and compliance reviews, to the information listed in 34 CFR 364.37.
· Maintain such other records as the Secretary deems appropriate to facilitate an effective audit.
6.4
Eligibility – 34 CFR 364.40; 34 CFR 364.41
All individuals provided IL
services under the SILS (Part B) and CIL (Part C) shall be individuals with
significant disabilities, as defined in 34 CFR364.4 (b). However,
any individual may seek information about IL services under these programs and
request referral to other services and programs for individuals with
significant disabilities.
Determination of an individual's
eligibility for IL services under the SILS (B) and CIL (C) programs will occur
in a manner that meets the requirements of 34CFR364.51.
Application of
eligibility requirements will occur without regard to age, color, creed,
gender,
national origin, race,
religion, or type of significant disability of the individual applying for IL
services.
No individual will be
excluded from receiving IL services who is present in the State and who is
otherwise eligible for IL services, based on the imposition of any State or
local residential requirement.
6.5
Independent Living Plans – 34 CFR 364.43(c)
Provision of IL
services will occur in accordance with an IL plan complying with Sec.
364.52
and mutually agreed upon by
the individuals with significant disabilities and the appropriate
service provider staff unless
the individual signs a waiver stating that an IL plan is unnecessary.
6.6
Client Assistance Program (CAP) Information – 34 CFR 364.30
Individuals seeking or
receiving IL services under Chapter I of title VII will be notified
in
accessible formats about
the availability of the CAP program, the purposes of the services
provided under the CAP, and
how to contact the Client Assistance Program.
6.7
Protection, Use and Release of Personal Information – 34 CFR 364.56(a)
All service providers comply
with the protection, use and release of all personal information, including
photographs and lists of names in
compliance with 34 CFR 364.56(a) and other federal and state laws only for purposes
directly related with the provision of IL services and the administration of
the program, including but not limited
to the following: policies on
confidentiality are strictly followed, including having staff and volunteers
sign confidentiality statements, absolutely no sharing of mailing lists,
consumers and their legal representatives are all notified of confidentiality
policy and procedures; service providers obtain releases explaining purpose
when information needs to be gathered and explain any exceptions to use of
release; information is provided in understandable alternative formats as
needed. Under the new plan, translation
into other languages will be available. Current and past records are kept in
locked cabinets and only accessible to staff on a need basis.
Section 7: Evaluation
Evaluation measures are listed under each
objective. Monitoring of the State Plan
will be interactive, with presentations of progress at quarterly
In turn, this methodology will provide an
ongoing needs assessment for a more time saving development of the next three
year State Plan. The annual Governor’s Commission
on Disabilities public hearings will continue to be used for needs assessment,
as will consumer satisfaction, measures of increased independence and access to
health care, transportation and assistive technology. In addition, other state plans, such as Long
Term Care, Olmstead, Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Rehabilitation
Services will be considered. The annual
704 Part II reports will be reviewed with the CILs.
The evaluation methodology is meant also to
be as time efficient as possible, in order to maximize time providing IL Services,
advocacy, IL skills training and Information and Referral. This is especially
important given limitations from all sources of funding in the present economic
climate and the need for CILs to report to a variety of funding sources for
grants.
Section 8: State-Imposed Requirements
State purchasing requirements
require competitive bidding by agencies or organizations with
contracts. Therefore, Title VII Part B and Title 1 funded contracts
with the two CILs and