84.132: Centers for Independent Living


Objectives: To provide independent living services to individuals with significant disabilities to assist them to function more independently in family and community settings, by developing and supporting a statewide network of centers for independent living.


MAIN TOPICS:


84.132 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility: The principal eligible applicants are the private nonprofit agencies that received funding directly or through subgrants or contracts under the Centers for Independent Living program in fiscal year 1992. If funds remain available after all principal eligible applicants have been funded, other centers for independent living (as defined in Section 702 of the Rehabilitation Act) and State agencies may receive funding based on satisfactory applications (including territories and outlying areas).

Beneficiary Eligibility: Individuals with significant physical, mental cognitive, or sensor impairments whose ability to function independently in the family or community or whose ability to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment is substantially limited. Eligibility shall not be based on the presence of any one or more specific significant disabilities.

Credentials/Documentation: Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions.

84.132 APPLICATION & AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication 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: This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110. Applications for new awards from eligible agencies should be submitted to the Department of Education, Application Control Center, 600 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20202-4725, unless otherwise directed in the Federal Register Announcement.

Award Procedure: New awards are made on approval of the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the Assistant Secretary of OSERS, based on the findings of Federal and nonfederal reviews of applications to ensure the applicants satisfactorily demonstrate that they have met the standards and assurances described in Section 725 (b) and (c) the Rehabilitation Act.

Deadlines: Contact headquarters or regional offices for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 60 to 90 days.

Appeals: None.

Renewals: Projects may be continued based on a self-evaluation report activities, and accomplishments as described in the Center's self-evaluation and annual report requirements under Section 725 (c)(8) of the Act, submittal of a continuation application, and the availability of funds. Renewals are available through the regular continuation application process and are processed through the headquarter and the regional offices.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals: Selection criteria for this program include extent of need for the project, past performance, satisfaction of the standards and assurances set forth in Section 725, quality of key personnel, budget and cost-effectiveness, evaluation plan, plan of operation, and involvement of individuals with significant disabilities. Criteria for evaluating applications are published in program regulations at 34 CFR 366.

Examples of Funded Projects: Provided services vary from one center to another. Centers provide a combination of services, including: information and referral; independent living skills training; individual and systems advocacy; counseling services; housing; rehabilitation technology; mobility training; life skills training; interpreter and reader services; personal assistance services; accessible transportation; supported living; therapeutic treatment; provision of prostheses and other devices; and other services described in Section 7 (30)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act.

Range & Average of Financial Assistance: $26,566 to $640,467; $192,465.

84.132 RELATED PROGRAMS:

84.132 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1995, 192 grants were made to support the operation of 238 centers for independent living. In fiscal year 1996, grants will be made to support the operation of about 250 centers. In fiscal year 1997, it is anticipated that grants will be made to support the operation of 260 centers.

84.132 FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:

Federal Agency: OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Type of Assistance: Project Grants (Contracts).

Obligations: (Grants and contracts) FY 95 $40,509,659; FY 96 est $41,749,000; and FY 97 est $42,876,000.

Budget Account Number: 91-0301-0-1-506.

Authorization: Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title VII, Chapter 1, Part C, 29 U.S.C. 796f-796f-6.

Regulations, Guidelines, & Literature: Section 721 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, Program Regulations at 34 CFR 364 and 366.

84.132 INFO CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office: Appropriate Regional Commissioners, Rehabilitation Services Administration. See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a list of regional offices.

Headquarters Office: Rehabilitation Services Administration, Switzer Bldg., 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20202-2575. Contact: Don Thayer. Phone: (202) 205-9315 (Voice) or (202) 205-8352 (TT). Use the same number for FTS.

84.132 ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula & Matching Requirements: No minimum share is required, but each applicant is encouraged to furnish as large a part of the total cost as possible.

Length & Time Phasing of Assistance: Existing projects are approved on an annual basis with funding on a 12 month basis. New projects are funded for five years with funding approved on a 12 month basis. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.

Uses & Use Restrictions: Federal funds are used for the establishment and operation of centers for independent living which offer a combination of services. Services must include independent living core services which mean information and referral services, training in independent living skills, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, and as appropriate, a combination of any other independent living services specified in Title II of the Rehabilitation Act. Each center must have a governing board composed of a majority of persons with significant disabilities. The majority of the staff and individuals in decision making positions must be individuals with disabilities. Not less than 1.8% and not more than two percent of Federal funds appropriated for the program must be reserved to provide training and technical assistance under contracts with entities experienced in the operation of centers for independent living.

84.132 POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports: Annual and fiscal progress reports and self-evaluations (A-F Reports) must be submitted as prescribed by Section 725 (c)(8) of the Rehabilitation Act, and grant award terms and conditions.

Audits: Audits must be conducted on a continuing basis or at scheduled intervals. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-128, "Audits of State and Local Governments," State and local governments that receive financial assistance of $100,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. State and local governments that receive between $25,000 and $100,000 within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made in accordance with Circular No. A-128, or in accordance with Federal laws and regulations governing the programs in which they participate. The Centers must practice sound fiscal management, including making arrangements for an annual independent fiscal audit.

Records: Fiscal records must be maintained for three years after the grant ends and the final financial report is submitted or until all audit questions are resolved.


What now?

[ Top | Main Topics | Related Programs ]

[ Start a new search | Home Page ]