State: Rhode Island

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

Centers for Independent Living (CIL) Program

Part C

FISCAL YEARS 2008 - 2010

Effective Date:  October 1, 2007
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

State of: Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island Statewide Independent Living Council.  34 CFR 364.21(a)

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 Donald K. Phelps and 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 Rhode Island is in compliance and will remain in compliance with the aforementioned assurances during the three year period of the SPIL, October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2010. 

The effective date of this SPIL is October 1, 2007 (year)

 _____________________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF SILC CHAIRPERSON                                                      DATE

_____________________________________________________________________________

Donald K. Phelps                                            

_____________________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF DSU DIRECTOR                                                              DATE

_____________________________________________________________________________

Raymond A. Carroll, Administrator – Office of Rehabilitation Services                          

State of: Rhode Island

Part II: Narrative

Section 1: Goals, Objectives and Activities 

1.1  Goals and Mission – 34 CFR 364.42(b)(1)

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. 

1.2B 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.  This section of the SPIL must:

–  Identify the populations to be designated for targeted outreach efforts;

–  Identify the geographic areas (i.e., communities) in which the targeted populations reside; and

–  Describe how the needs of individuals with significant disabilities from minority group backgrounds will be addressed.

I. GOAL:

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.

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.  Provide a written report and status presentation at the annual (September) SILC meeting. 

          Year Two

1.        Transition 25 individuals.

2.        Measure results annually.  Provide a  written report and status presentation at the annual (September) SILC meeting.

           Year Three

1. Transition 35 individuals.

2. Measure results annually.  Provide a written report and status presentation at the annual (September) SILC meeting.

OBJECTIVE 2:

Participate  in development of R.I. Olmstead Plan for least restrictive environment.

     Need: Supreme court ruling requires each state to have a plan.

Evaluation:

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.  Provide a written report and status statement presentation at the annual (September) SILC meeting. 

            Year Two

1.  Continue planning process or adopt approved plan.

2.  Legislative advocacy to support plan as needed or start implementation.

   3.  Measure results annually.  Provide a written report and status statement presentation  at the annual (September) SILC meeting.             

      Year Three

1.       Continue planning process or adopt approved plan.

2.       Legislative advocacy to support plan as needed or start implementation.

  3.  Measure results annually.  Provide a written report and status statement presentation  at the September SILC 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 annual meetings 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 Fiscal Federal Year 2007 goals met.

4.        Indpendent Living goals met through physical access (50) and increased access to assistive technology (100). Hearing aids are included in assistive technology.

5.        CIL advocates for maintaining and increasing funds.    

6.        Measure results annually.  Provide written report and status presentation

at second quarterly (March) SILC meeting.  704 Part II.

         Year Two

1. Goals met: physical access (50) and assistive technology (100)

2.  Measure results annually.  Provide a written report and status presentation at second quarterly (March)  SILC meeting. 704 Part II

Year Three

1.  Goals met: physical access (50) and assistive technology (100)

2. Measure results annually.  Provide a written report and status presentation at second quarterly (March) SILC meeting. 

GOAL 2:

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, Department of Health.

     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.  Provide a written report and status presentation at 3^rd  quarterly (June) SILC meeting. 

 Year two:

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.  Provide a written status report and a status statement presentation at the 3^rd  quarterly (June) SILC 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.  Provide a written report and an status statement presentation at the 3^rd (June) quarterly SILC meeting. 

OBJECTIVE TWO:

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. ?? Overcome barriers through providing assistance in access to transportation, communication, assistive technology, personal care assistance and other support services???

Need: Identified through multiple sources, including work plans of CILs.

Evaluation:

Year One:

          1.Review annual 704 Part II Reports

             2. Written report and status presentation at 2^nd  quarterly (March) SILC meeting.

            Year Two:

            1.Review annual 704 Part II Reports

             2. Written report and status presentation at 2^nd  quarterly (March) SILC meeting.

            Year Three:

            1.Review annual 704 Part II Reports

            2. Written report and status presentation at 2^nd  quarterly (March) SILC meeting.

The SILC will support the Centers and collaborate, as appropriate, in the goals and objectives.

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. 

1.3A Financial Plan Tables

Complete the financial plan tables covering years 1, 2 and 3 of this SPIL.  For each funding source, provide estimated dollar amounts anticipated for the applicable uses.  The financial plan table should include only those funding sources and amounts that are intended to support one or more of the objectives identified in section 1.2 of the SPIL.  To the extent possible, the tables and narratives must reflect the applicable financial information from centers for independent living.  Refer to the SPIL Instructions for additional information about completing the financial tables and narratives.

–  Insert additional rows for the specific funding sources and amounts expected within the categories of Other Federal Funds and Non-Federal Funds.

Year 1

 Year 2