To assist States in
maximizing the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of
individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of
individuals with disabilities into the mainstream American society, by
providing financial assistance for providing, expanding, and improving the
provision of independent living services.
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:
Formula Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition
USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:
Funds received under this Part may be used to support the operation of the
Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILC), States may also use funds
received under this Part for one or more of the following purposes: to provide
independent living services to individuals with significant disabilities; to
demonstrate ways to expand and improve independent living services; to support
the operations of centers for independent living; to increase the capacities
of public or nonprofit agencies and organizations and other entities to
develop comprehensive approaches or systems for providing independent living
services; to conduct studies and analyses, gather information, develop model
polices and procedures, and present information, approaches, strategies,
findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Federal, State, and local
policymakers in order to enhance independent living services for individuals
with disabilities; to train individuals with disabilities and individuals
providing services to individuals with disabilities and other persons
regarding the independent living philosophy; and to provide outreach to
populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this title,
including minority groups and urban and rural populations.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant Eligibility: State agencies (including Territories)
designated as the State unit to administer the State's independent living
rehabilitation services program may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility: Eligibility is based upon: a) The presence of
a significant physical or mental impairment; b) the presence of a significant
limitation in ability to function independently in the family or community or to
engage in or continue in employment; and c) a reasonable expectation that
services will assist the individual to improve ability to function independently
in the family or community or to engage in or continue in employment.
Credentials/Documentation: The State agency must certify the
availability of State funds for matching purposes. The match for this program
may be in-kind. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No.
A-87 for State and local governments.
Pre-application Coordination: This program is eligible for coverage
under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An
applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point
of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State
requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected
the program for review. The standard application forms as furnished by the
Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this
program.
Application Procedure: In order to be eligible for an allocation under
this program, States must submit a State plan for independent living
rehabilitation services (meeting requirements established under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended) no later than July 1, of the year
preceding the year for which the plan is submitted. Beginning in fiscal year
1996, State applicants must submit a 3-year State plan. This plan must be
submitted not later than July 1, of the year preceding the first year of the
forth coming 3-year period. The plan is updated whenever necessary to reflect a
material change in the administration of the plan. The State may choose to
submit a consolidated 3-year rehabilitation plan that includes independent
living rehabilitation services and either vocational rehabilitation services or
both the State's rehabilitation plans and the State's plan for services for
persons with developmental disabilities developed under the Developmental
Disabilities Act. State vocational rehabilitation agencies submit State plans to
the appropriate ED Regional Office. This program is excluded from coverage under
OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedure: A notice of annual allotment to the State is issued.
Initial distributions are subject to reallocation at the end of the fiscal year.
States receive annual grant award notices and funds may be withdrawn under the
Electronic Transfer System.
Deadlines: Three-year State plans for independent living
rehabilitation services are submitted to the RSA Regional Program offices for
approval no later than July 1, of the third year of each 3-year cycle.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: The range has not been specified.
Appeals: After reasonable effort has been made to resolve the
questions involved, the State may appeal to the United States Court of Appeals
for the circuit in which the State is located.
Renewals: Not applicable.
ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
Formula and Matching Requirements: Federal funds are distributed based
on the percentage each State's population constitutes of the total population of
the United States. The source is the Population Estimates Annual, Bureau of the
Census. The Federal share for any fiscal year is one State dollar for every
Federal dollar. The State contribution may be cash or in-kind.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Awards are issued quarterly.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports: As required by the Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for State-administered programs (34 CFR 76).
Performance reports are required annually.
Audits: The Education Department periodically conducts audits and site
visits of designated State unit programs funded under Part B. In accordance with
the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits
of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal
entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards
will have a single or a program- specific audit conducted for that year.
Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are
exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in
Circular No. A-133.
Records: As required by EDGAR for State-administered programs (34 CFR
76). Generally, States and sub-grantees must retain records related to grant
funds and compliance for a period of 5 years.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Account Identification: 91-0301-0-1-506.
Obligations: (Grants) FY 01 $22,296,000; FY 02 est $22,296,000; and FY
03 est $22,296,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance: The average award in 2001
was $424,000.
In fiscal year 2001, 81 designated State units received funds.
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:
Independent Living Regulations 34 CFR 365.
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local Office: See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a list of
regional offices.
Headquarters Office: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, Rehabilitation
Services Administration, 330 C Street, SW., Independent Living Branch Office,
Washington, DC 20202-2741. Contact: James Billy. Telephone: (202) 205-9362.
Web Site Address: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/RSA/PGMS/IL-state_grants.html.
EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:
Not applicable.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:
An approved State plan is a condition for receipt of funds under Title VII,
Part B of the Rehabilitation Act.
