The Association of Colorado Centers for Independent Living
ACCIL Desk Manual
A Handbook for Board Members, Staff, and Volunteers
12/1/2012
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Welcome to the Colorado Centers for Independent Living!
We are the network of certified CIL’s that are charged by the State of Colorado to make
Independent Living services available to significantly disabled citizens throughout the state.
Every CIL is uniquely shaped by its local community and the individuals it serves. As articulated
in the Rehabilitation Act:
The purpose of Centers for Independent Living is to promote a philosophy of
independent living, consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination,
equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the
leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with
disabilities, and their integration and full inclusion into the mainstream of
American society….
-Adapted from Title VII
With the honor of carrying out this commitment, comes responsibility. We have a
responsibility to be good stewards of our financial resources, true to the IL philosophy while
meeting federally-defined standards and indicators governing Centers for Independent Living.
This Handbook is designed to help CILs across Colorado understand what data to collect and
how it is used. As a network, we endeavor to tell the story of our challenges and successes in a
consistent and systematic manner that demonstrate accountability to people with disabilities,
funders, legislators, donors, and our communities. For each CIL, this same information is a
valuable tool enabling self-reflection and program evaluation.
To assist you in capturing, describing and reporting the important work your CIL does, refer to
this Handbook for definitions of individual and community services, useful links and definitions,
and the model that attempts to capture our service delivery and break it into understandable
steps.
Sincerely,
ACCIL
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Contents
Welcome to the Colorado Centers for Independent Living ............................................................ 1
The Independent Living Philosophy: Defining Consumer Control .................................................. 3
Background ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Independent Living, a Brief History ................................................................................................ 3
Bringing control to the consumer ................................................................................................... 3
IL Service Delivery Process .............................................................................................................. 4
How does the process work? .......................................................................................................... 5
How do individuals Contact a CIL? .................................................................................................. 7
Is It I&R or CSR?............................................................................................................................... 7
Who is Eligible to Receive Services? ............................................................................................... 7
What is a Significant Disability? ...................................................................................................... 7
How is Eligibility Determined? ........................................................................................................ 7
What’s in a CSR? ............................................................................................................................. 8
What’s the Difference between a IL Plan or Waiver? .................................................................... 8
What kind of Goals Can be Developed? ......................................................................................... 8
What Services Can be Provided? .................................................................................................. 11
Community Services...................................................................................................................... 15
Documentation ............................................................................................................................. 16
HIPAA and the CIL ......................................................................................................................... 18
Appendix 1, Colorado Centers for Independent Living ................................................................ 20
Appendix 2, Good to Know ........................................................................................................... 22
Appendix 3, Abbreviations and Common Phrases....................................................................... 24
Appendix 4, Cil Suite ..................................................................................................................... 29
Appendix 5 Independence OnLine ................................................................................................ 46
Appendix 6, Title VII--Independent Living Services And Centers For Independent Living ........... 48
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The Independent Living Philosophy: Defining Consumer Control
Background
The entire focus of the Independent Living Movement is the realization that freedom to make
choices and the ability to live in the community is a basic civil right that should be extended to
all people, regardless of disability. With this framework, Independent Living Center staff work
with and for the consumer to promote his or her independence in the community.
This differs from many social service agencies which play a caretaker or protector role to
“vulnerable populations.” ILCs believe that the freedom to make choices, including mistakes,
empowers people to further their involvement in their life and community.
Persons with disabilities are not clients who professionals advise what is best for them. Instead,
they are consumers of services, consumers who make informed decisions on the goals they
want to achieve and ILCs give them the tools to help them achieve those goals. It’s consumer
control rather than a social service. Though a simple statement, this philosophy defines a focus
that greater society often finds difficult to accept.
Independent Living, a Brief History
The birth of the independent living movement has been attributed to a group of students at
U.C. Berkeley with disabilities. In 1962, the first severely disabled student was admitted to U.C.
Berkeley. By 1969, the number of students with severe disabilities had increased to 12. The UC
hospital surroundings were familiar to the new tenants, who had spent countless days and
nights in custodial institutions.
A sense of unity and self-confidence developed as the residents lived in close, continuing
contact with each other. As they became more aware of the degree to which control over their
lives had been taken over by medical and rehabilitation professionals, the students drew on
their own experience to develop a philosophy of independent living. The students believed that
they didn’t need to change to become integrated, but rather the environment and the attitudes
toward persons with disabilities needed to change. The core of these students moved on to
start the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley.
Bringing control to the consumer
By charter, at least 51 percent of employees at Independent Living Centers have disabilities, as
does 51 percent of the center’s board of directors. Center employees also represent all types of
disabilities from those with cognitive disabilities to mobility impairments to people who are
blind or deaf to persons with learning disabilities. These factors underscore the importance of
consumer control in the ILC. The center vests power and authority in individuals with disabilities
and is designed by and for the local disability community.
It is also important to note that ILCs do not operate any type of residential facility. ILCs are not
assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, a common misconception. Instead, independent living
advocates direct their efforts toward the goal of freeing people with disabilities from
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institutional living, while educating the community on accessibility issues. With the proper
support system from the community, people with disabilities can live where they choose and
pursue their dreams just as any other individual does.
For many social service agencies that offer support, information and referral and other services,
it’s sometimes easier to fall into the role of “caretaker” and controlling the situation in order to
help. For some persons with disabilities, it is “easier” to let others do everything for them.
However, this way of doing things creates an unhealthy environment of dependency.
Independent Living Centers realize that persons with disabilities don’t need “to be taken care
of” but rather need to be empowered to make their own choices and manage their own lives.
In other words, ILC staff members don’t “manage caseloads” or “follow up” to other agencies
on referrals. The consumer has an active role in the services he or she receives, constantly
giving feedback and expressing concern with goals and expectations. By presenting a variety of
methodologies to the individual, even those persons with disabilities who aren’t traditionally
thought to have the ability to make their own choices, ILCs allow everyone to have access to
making those decisions.
ILCs believe the role of empowerment is key to the independence of a person with a disability.
For many persons with disabilities, control has always been unavailable because of agencies
“taking care of their needs.” However, when one is empowered to live his or her own life, the
consumer is more active, independent and able to be a vocal and productive member of
society.
IL Service Delivery Process
Living Independently means having control over one’s life based on the choice of acceptable
options that minimize reliance on others in making decisions and in performing everyday
activities. This includes managing one’s affairs, participating in day-to-day life in the
community, fulfilling a range of social roles, making decisions that lead to self-determination,
and minimizing physical or psychological dependence on others.
The following comparison of the Rehabilitation and Independent Living Paradigms points out
the differences between the two service delivery approaches. Often, it is not so much What
service is delivered as it is Why or How.
Item
Definition of problem
Locus of problem
Rehabilitation Paradigm
IL Paradigm
Physical impairment; lack of
vocational skill; psychological
maladjustment motivation and
cooperation barriers
Dependence on professionals
relatives, and others; lack of
support services; architectural
barriers; economic barriers
In individual
In environment; in the
rehabilitation process
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Consumer
Social role
Patient - client
Solution to problem
Professional intervention by
physician, physical therapist,
occupational therapist,
vocational counselor and
others
Who controls
Professional
Desired outcomes
Maximum ADL; gainful
employment psychological
adjustment, improved
motivation, completed
treatment
Peer counseling; advocacy;
self-help; consumer control,
removal of barriers and disincentives
Consumer
Self-direction; least restrictive
environment, social and
economic productivity
How does the process work?
On the next page, the chart shows the steps in the IL Service Delivery process. Notice that this
allows the consumer the maximum amount of control over what services are provided and the
expected outcomes. Following the chart is a short discussion of each of the steps.
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How do individuals Contact a CIL?
People who want services can initiate contact with the CIL in a variety of ways, but the most
common is by calling the office.
Is It I&R or CSR?
CILs use the following information to determine whether a service meets the recording criteria
of basic Information and Referral (I&R) or a Consumer Service Record (CSR).
IF
IF
You are working with a caller or visitor or emailer WITH OR WITHOUT a disability
You are working with a person with a
significant disability (or their authorized
representative)
AND
AND
You provide limited information for a specific
request or referral to a more appropriate
agency
You begin to assist in setting goals, to engage
in problem solving, to develop in-depth notes
about needs
THEN
THEN
This service is Information and Referral
Develop a Consumer Service Record
I&R
CSR
Who is Eligible to Receive Services?
Any individual with a significant disability is eligible.
What is a Significant Disability?
The Federal act defines this as a severe physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory impairment that
limits an individual’s ability to function independently in the family or community or their ability
to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment.
How is Eligibility Determined?
Through the presentation of written documentation of a significant disability, selfidentification, or observation by a ILC staff person. In any case, documentation must be signed
and retained for the case record.
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What’s in a CSR?
Consumer service records include:
 Documentation concerning eligibility or ineligibility for services
 The services requested by the consumer;
 Either the IL plan developed with the consumer [and signed by the consumer and the IL
staff representative] or a waiver signed by the consumer stating that an IL plan is
unnecessary [NOTE: RSA determined that electronic signatures are allowable but not verbal
signatures];
 The services actually provided to the consumer;
 And the IL goals or objectives –
о Established with the consumer, whether or not in the consumer’s IL plan; and
о Achieved by the consumer.
What’s the Difference between a IL Plan or Waiver?
An individual has the right to develop an independent living plan (ILP) or waive that right.
 Developed in collaboration with the individual with a significant disability, an IL plan must
о indicate the goals or objectives established
о indicate the services to be provided
о indicate the anticipated duration of the service program and each component services.
о be signed by the appropriate staff member of the service provider and the individual
with a significant disability
о be provided in an accessible format to the individual with a significant disability
о be reviewed as often as necessary but at least on an annual basis to determine whether
services should be continued, modified, or discontinued, or whether the individual
should be referred to a program of VR services
 The requirements with respect to an IL plan do not apply if the individual knowingly and
voluntarily signs a waiver stating that an IL plan is unnecessary.
 Note: Even though an individual may sign a waiver, CIL staff must still document goals,
action plans and achievements as part of the Consumer Service Record.
What kind of Goals Can be Developed?
When developing an Independent Living Plan as part of a Consumer Service Record, consumers
establish goals. These goals are defined as affecting significant life areas that classify consumer
goals into a few categories representing the range of life achievements made possible through
IL services. CILs report the setting and achievement of goals in these significant life areas
annually to the federal government. Below are definitions of the significant life areas and
examples of each.
The examples following the definitions are designed to be used as a guide.
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 Communication – Goals involving either improvement in a consumer’s ability to
understand communication by others (receptive skills), and/or improvement in a
consumer’s ability to share communication with others (expressive skills).
о Use Alternative Formats (i.e., Braille, large print, electronic format, audiotape)
о Use Interpreters
о Use Writers/ Note-takers/ Readers
о Use TTY/Colorado Relay Service
о Use Closed-Captioned Equipment
о Use Speech Therapy Services
 Community/Social Participation – Goals related to full participation in the mainstream
of American society, including the ability to participate in community events such as
community fairs and government functions, attend worship services and access recreational
activities and facilities.
 Educational – Academic or training goals that are expected to improve the consumer’s
knowledge or ability to perform certain skills that would expand his/her independence,
productivity or income-generating potential.
о Improve Basic Literacy Skills
о Acquire a High School Diploma or GED
о Acquire a College Degree
о Acquire Post-Secondary Training (Vocational, Technical, Community College,
Certification Program)
о Learn Foreign Language
 Housing -- One of the following significant life areas based on a consumer’s current living
situation
о Relocation from a Nursing Home or Institution – Goals related to relocation from
nursing homes or other institutions to community-based living arrangements. This
significant life area specifically pertains to consumers who live in a nursing home or
institution.
о Community-Based Living – Goals that provide for a change in living situations with
increased autonomy for the consumer. This may involve a consumer’s goals related to
obtaining/modifying an apartment or house. Community-based living arrangements
may include apartments, privately owned housing, self-directed assisted living, or selfdirected living with family/friends.
 Information Access/Technology – Goals related to consumer obtaining and/or using
information necessary for the consumer’s independence and community integration. These
may include use of a computer or other assistive technology, devices, or equipment, as well
as developing information technology skills, such as using computer screen-reading
software.
о Use a Personal Computer
о Use Assistive Devices
о Repair and Maintain Equipment
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о Use Software
 Mobility/Transportation – Goals to improve a consumer’s access to her/his life space,
environment, and community. This may occur by improving the consumer’s ability to move,
travel, transport himself/herself, or use public transportation.
о Use Public Transportation
о Use Para Transit Services
о Gain Mobility Skills
о Obtain Driver’s License
о Obtain / Modify a Vehicle
о Obtain Parking Permit
о Access Various Travel Methods: Airlines, Trains, etc.
о Use a Service Animal
 Other – IL goals not included in the other categories.
 Personal Resource Management – Goals related to a consumer learning to establish and
maintain a personal/family budget, managing a checkbook, and/or obtaining knowledge of
available direct and indirect resources related to income, housing, food, medical, and/or
other benefits.
о Develop and Follow a Budget
о Open a Bank Account
о Balance a Checkbook
о Plan for Financial Security
о Improve Credit
о Evaluate Need / Make Arrangements for Payee Services
о Understand, Acquire, or Increase Benefits (e.g., SSI/SSDI, Section 8, food stamps/Bridge
Card, etc.)
 Self-Advocacy/Self-Empowerment – Goals involving improvement in a consumer’s
ability to represent himself/herself with public and/or private entities, the ability to make
key decisions involving himself/herself, or the ability to organize and manage his/her own
activities to achieve desired objectives.
о Increase Knowledge of Personal/Civil Rights and Disability Laws
о Improve Self-Esteem/Assertiveness/Self-Advocacy Skills
о File or Appeal a Complaint/ Grievance / Find Legal Representation
о Advocate for New and/or Enforcement of Disability Legislation
о Advocate for Personal Rights/Accommodations from various systems (i.e., Social Security,
Veterans Administration, ADA, Medicaid/Medicare etc.)
о Serve on Committees, Coalitions, and Boards
о Register to Vote and/or Learn to Use Electronic Voting Machines
 Self-Care – Goals to improve/maintain a consumer’s autonomy with respect to activities of
daily living such as personal grooming and hygiene, meal preparation and nutrition,
shopping, eating, and other aspects of personal health and safety.
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
о
о
о
о
о
о
о
о
о
о
Recruit, Hire, Manage Personal Assistants
Identify Child Care Options
Parenting
Shop, Prepare Meals, and Eating
Grooming/ Hygiene
Transferring
Safety
Housekeeping
Health Care, Wellness and Exercise
Sexuality
Vocational – Goals related to obtaining, maintaining, or advancing in employment.
о Obtain Employment Services
о Obtain a Job Coach/Supported Employment
о Obtain/Retain a Job/Volunteer Position
о Become Self-Employed
о Understand ADA Issues Related to Work Place Accommodations
о Obtain On-the-Job Training
о Acquire Employment Advancement Skills
What Services Can be Provided?
Every CIL must provide the same set of Core Services to Individuals. Additionally, all CILs are
involved in Systems Advocacy. The examples are designed as examples, and not an exhaustive
list.
 Advocacy/Legal Services – Assistance and /or representation in obtaining access to
benefits, services, and programs to which a consumer may be entitled.
о Accompany consumer to county commission meeting
о Assist with voter registration
о Represent a person with a disability at a Social Security hearing
о Provide intervention on behalf of a consumer regarding eviction, hostility, violence or
other issue
о Assist a consumer in understanding his or her rights under civil/disability rights laws
 IL Skills Training and Life Skill Training Services – These may include instruction
[individually or in a group] to develop independent living skills in areas such as personal
care, coping, financial management, social skills, and household management. This may
also include education and training necessary for living in the community and participating
in community activities
о Develop a Budget
о Plan and Prepare Meals
о Grooming /Hygiene
о Transferring
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о Housekeeping
о Health Care, Wellness and Exercise
о Care for a Service or Therapy Animal
 Information and Referral Services – This is the only service (other than services to
family members) that may be provided to all individuals, whether or not the individual has a
disability.
 Peer Support (Peer Counseling Services) – Counseling, teaching, information sharing,
and similar kinds of contact provided to consumers by other people with disabilities.
о Assist in living effectively with a disability
о Assist in goal setting
о Assist with problem solving/ decision-making
о Assist as a role model/ mentor
о Facilitate a disability support group
 Assistive Technology – Any assistive technology device, that is, any item, piece of
equipment or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities and any assistive technology service that assists
an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology
device.
о Provide assistive devices
о Assist with repair and maintenance of equipment and devices
 Children’s Services – The provision of specific IL services designed to serve individuals with
significant disabilities under the age of 14.
о Assist in locating childcare
о Acquire/coordinate early intervention services
 Communication Services – Services directed to enable consumers to better communicate,
such as interpreter services, training in communication equipment use, Braille instruction,
and reading services.
о Arrange/provide interpreter service/reading services
о Coordinate emergency communication services
 Counseling and Related Services – These include information sharing, psychological
services of a non-psychiatric, non-therapeutic nature, parent-to-parent services, and related
services.
 Employment (Vocational Services) – Any services designed to achieve or maintain
employment.
о Provide training in employability skills
о Assist with identifying reasonable accommodations
о Provide vocational assessments/ evaluations
о Arrange/provide job development/job placement
о Arrange/provide job coaching/ mentoring/ shadowing
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о Provide volunteer experience as a possible prelude to employment
 Family Services – Services provided to the family members of an individual with a significant
disability when necessary for improving the individual’s ability to live and function more
independently, or ability to engage or continue in employment. Such services may include
respite care. Record the service in the consumer’s CSR on behalf of whom services were
provided to the family.
о Arrange respite care
о Arrange/provide parent support
 Health Care Services (Physical Restoration Services) – Restoration services including
medical services, health maintenance, eyeglasses, and visual services.
о Coordinate eye exams and acquisition of glasses
о Coordinate dental exams
о Coordinate physical therapy services
 Housing, Home Modifications, and Shelter Services – These services are related to securing
housing or shelter, adaptive housing services (including appropriate accommodations to
and modifications of any space used to serve, or occupied by individuals with significant
disabilities).
Note: A CIL may not provide housing or shelter as an IL service on either a temporary or
long term basis unless the housing or shelter is incidental to the overall operation of the
CIL and is provided to any individual for a period not to exceed eight weeks during any sixmonth period.
о Assist in locating an apartment or house
о Survey a home for barriers
о Modify a home
о Coordinate for emergency housing
 Professional Counseling (Mental Restoration Services) – Psychiatric restoration services
including maintenance on psychotropic medication, psychological services, and treatment
management for substance abuse. Note: These services require appropriately licensed
professionals (MSW, PhD, etc.), usually provided in a sequential, systematic manner, using
specific psychotherapeutic techniques to resolve issues related to independent living and
to promote self-awareness.
 Mobility Training Services – A variety of services involving assisting consumers to get
around their homes and communities.
 Other Services – Any IL services not listed elsewhere.
 Personal Assistance Services – These include, but are not limited to, assistance with
personal bodily functions; communicative, household, mobility, work, emotional, cognitive,
personal, and financial affairs; community participation; parenting; leisure; and other
related needs.
о Coordinate personal care assistance program
о Assist the consumer in identifying his/her needs
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о Train a personal assistant
о Train consumer in hiring, maintaining and terminating a personal assistant
 Preventive Services – Services intended to prevent additional disabilities, or to prevent an
increase in the severity of an existing disability.
о Coordinate substance abuse services to persons who may have indicated concern about
overuse of alcohol or drugs
о Coordinate nutrition services to persons who are overweight, underweight, have
diabetes, etc.
о Coordinate exercise or therapy services to persons who have muscle weakness
 Prostheses and Other– Provision of, or assistance in obtaining through other sources, an
adaptive device or appliance to substitute for one or more parts of the human body.
 Recreational Services – Provision or identification of opportunities for the involvement of
consumers in meaningful leisure time activities. These may include such things as
participation in community affairs and other recreation activities that may be competitive,
active, or quiet.
о Provide/Identify Sports, Recreation, and Leisure Activities and Arrange for Participation
 Rehabilitation Technology Services – Any service that assists an individual with a
disability in the selection, acquisition or use of applied technologies, engineering
methodologies or scientific principles to meet the needs of the individual and address the
barriers confronted by individuals with significant disabilities with respect to education,
rehabilitation, employment, transportation, IL and/or recreation. Note: Rehabilitation
technology services may include assistive technology devices and services. This includes
the provision of assistive technology devices and services.
о Coordinate/provide evaluations
о Coordinate adaptive technology services
о Coordinate/provide adaptive technology
о Train in the use of adaptive technology
 Therapeutic Treatment – Services provided by registered or licensed occupational,
physical, recreational, hearing, language, or speech therapists.
 Transportation Services – Provision of, or arrangements for, transportation.
о Assist in acquiring bus passes
о Coordinate transportation services
о Provide / arrange for drivers’ education for a driver’s license
о Assist in planning emergency transportation
 Youth/Transition Services – Any service that develops skills specifically designed for
youth with significant disabilities between the ages of 14 and 24 to promote self-awareness
and esteem, develop advocacy and self-empowerment skills, and the exploration of career
options, including the transition from school to post school activities such as postsecondary
education, vocational training, employment, continuing and adult education, adult services,
independent living, or community participation.
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о Assist in acquiring appropriate educational services
о Assist in acquiring appropriate transitional services from school to adulthood
Community Services
In addition to working with individuals with disabilities, CILs work with community entities such
as transportation authorities, community mental health departments, intermediate school
districts, local businesses, etc. CILs report these services annually to federal and state funders.
The examples following are designed to be used as a guide.
Collaboration/Networking – activities related to building coalitions or collaborative
partnerships designed to expand the participation of individuals with significant disabilities in
services, programs, activities, resources and facilities.
 Homeless Coalition
 Affordable Housing Task Force
 After-School Child Care Task Force
 Domestic Violence Coalition
 Work Force Development Board
 Transportation Boards/Commissions
Community Education and Public Information – activities and information programs to
enhance the community’s awareness of disabilities and disability issues, e.g., local TV, radio, or
newspaper campaigns. This type of services may include the creation and distribution of
publications (such as accessibility guides, disability awareness brochures, ADA information) and
databases/directories for personal assistants, recreation opportunities, accessible
transportation, accessible housing, and other available services.
Publications:
 Newsletters
 Brochures
 Flyers
 Digital/Social Media
 Accessibility Guides
 Posters
 Position Papers
Community
Education:
 Media Campaign
 Disability Awareness
Day Activities
 Candidate Forums
Databases and Registries:
 Personal Assistance
Service Providers
 Job Listings
 Recreation Sites
 Accessible Housing
 Home Health Care
Providers
 Interpreter Services
Community/Systems Advocacy – includes efforts to implement local and state policy
changes to make facilities, services, and opportunities available and accessible to individuals
with disabilities.
Note: These are activities where the CIL hosts, or is represented, designed to have an
impact on services, laws, or rights of persons with disabilities. The activity must have a
possible impact on persons with disabilities or sub-group, not just one individual.
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



Letter to housing department regarding accessibility
Appearance at city council meeting regarding disability services
Meeting with local authorities regarding disability parking codes
Event where legislators, policy makers, and/or other elected officials are in attendance
such as litigation or class action complaints
Other Services – Community activities that do not fit in any of the other definitions.
Outreach Efforts – entails the location of, and encouragement to use services for
unserved/underserved populations, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.
 Mail or fax information to people with disabilities
 Present to a group of people with disabilities
 Exhibit at a public forum or conference
 Speak on radio or TV program targeting persons with disabilities
 Write an article in a disability-related publication
Technical Assistance – assistance to the community on making services, programs, activities,
resources, and facilities in society accessible to individuals with significant disabilities.
 Accessibility surveys
 Disability sensitivity training
 Assistance on compliance with ADA and other applicable laws
Documentation
NOTE: Specific assistance relating to the two most commonly used data systems in Colorado,
Cil Suite and Cil Collector, is attached as an appendix to this manual. The following is
designed to be of assistance, regardless of the data system used.
Consumer contact notes should be written in plain English, so that a lay reader can understand.
Each consumer contact note should contain four elements, summarized in the acronym SOAP:
Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, as follows:
 Subjective refers to the consumer’s current situation, need, symptoms, and other aspects
of his/her present experience, preferably using his/her own words (and/or those of a
significant other) as circumstances permit.
 Objective refers, commonly, to numerical data supplied by other sources (e.g., age, weight,
etc.) and by the staff person’s direct observations of the consumer (e.g., “angry”) and of the
situation (e.g., “was accompanied by her husband”). Inferences, reactions, and other
information that goes beyond these sources do not belong here.
 Assessment refers to the staff person’s sense of what is happening, consistent with his/her
qualifications. Staff licensed to render psychiatric diagnoses should enter those diagnoses
in accordance with applicable laws and other guidelines. Staff should not render diagnoses
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or other assessments for which they lack formal qualifications. Statements of personal
reaction or emotion are not assessments.
 Plan refers to the steps that the staff person takes, or intends to take, in response to the
assessment and/or the needs/goals expressed by the consumer.
Therefore, the following basic information should be included in a Consumer Contact
Note:
o
o
o
o
o
Use terms such as:
o “Consumer reports …”
o “Consumer seems…”
o “I suggested…”
Where did you meet?
Who was present?
What did you discuss?
What was accomplished?
What are the next steps?
Subjects to be especially careful with:
o Information specific to a disability
o Jobs, “under the table” jobs, job loss
o Income and assets
o Illegal activities
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Consumers have the right to read their file at any time. Consumer contact notes should not say things
that are not true, not relevant, or not consistent with either the SOAP guidelines (above) or the specific
requirements of the individual CIL. Frankness is important, but is not to be confused with unkindness.
Highly personal information should be requested and recorded in a consumer contact note only if it is
important for purposes of the service being requested by, considered for, or provided to the consumer.
Never:

Make a diagnosis (unless licensed to do so)

Be judgmental

Record extremely personal information

Include information about other consumers
Remember, appropriate consumer contact notes can protect the consumer, the CIL, and its staff.
HIPAA and the CIL
Centers for Independent Living are dedicated to the safe keeping of all personal information related to
our consumers. To aid us in this protection, we look to the rules and regulations as outlined by the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). According to the United Stated
Department of Health and Human Services Compliance Guidelines, the standards for privacy addresses
the use and disclosure of individuals’ health information called “protected health information.” A
major goal of the privacy rule is to assure that individuals’ health information is properly protected
while allowing the flow of health information needed to provide and promote high quality health care
and to protect the public's health and wellbeing.
The rule attempts to strike a balance that permits important uses of information, while protecting the
privacy of people who seek care and support.
What Information is Protected?
The privacy rule protects all "individually identifiable health information" held by our agency or
transmitted by us in any form, whether it is electronic, on paper, or in conversation. This includes
many common identifiers such as name, address, birth date, and Social Security number. Further we
must protect our consumers’ demographic data that relates to:

the individual’s past, present or future physical or mental health or condition,

the provision of health care to the individual,

the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to the individual, and/or

that identifies the individual or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe the information
can be used to identify the individual.
18
What are Authorized Uses and Disclosures?
There are times in the provision of services to our consumers that we need to share protected
information. In order to do this, the consumer must authorize us in writing to do so. An authorization
must be written in plain language, and contain specific information regarding the information to be
disclosed or used, which includes the person(s) disclosing and receiving the information, expiration,
and explains the individual’s right to revoke the authorization at any time.
In accordance with HIPAA guidelines, the following requests require a signed release of information
from the consumer:






Social Security – for a benefits Determination
Worker’s Compensation – for a determination in a worker’s compensation claim
Family - in support of consumer’s goals
Other professionals beyond the CIL – for Continuity of services
Insurance companies
Lawyers
19
Appendix 1
Colorado Centers for Independent Living
Atlantis Community, Inc.
Connections for Independent Living
Patricia Ziegler, Executive Director
201 South Cherokee
Denver, CO 80223
(303) 733-9324
Fax (303) 733-6211
http://www.atlantiscommunity.net
patricia@atlantiscommunityinc.com
Beth Danielson, Executive Director
1331 8th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 352-8682
Fax (970) 353-8058
http://www.connectionsforindependentliving.org
beth@connectionsil.com
Center for Disabilities
Disability Center for Independent
Living
Adrian Villasenor, Interim Executive
Director
Dr. Larry Williams, Executive Director
1304 Berkley Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81004
(719) 546-1271
Fax (719) 546-1374
Also
1016 West Ave., #6
Alamosa, CO 81101
(719) 589-2224
ilcpueblo@yahoo.com
1646 Elmira
Aurora, CO 80010
(303) 617-2497
http://www.dcilwebsite.org
avillasenor.dcil@gmail.com
Center for Independence
Disabled Resource Services
Linda Taylor, Executive Director
740 Gunnison
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 241-0315
Fax (970) 245-3341
1-800-613-2271
Also
17 North 6th St.
Montrose, CO 81401
http://www.cfigj.org
Ltaylor@cfigj.org
Nancy Jackson, Executive Director
1017 Robertson, Unit B
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 482-2700
Fax (970-449-6972)
Also
640 East Eisenhower Blvd.
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 667-0816
http://www.fortnet.org/drs
drsnj@frii.com
20
Center for People With Disabilities
Ian Engle, Executive Director
1675 Range St.
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 442-8662
Fax (303) 442-0502
Also
615 North Main
Longmont, CO 80501
(303) 772—3250
Also
10351 Grant Street
Thornton, CO 80229
(303) 475-1320
ian@cpwd.org
http://www.cpwd-ilc.org
North West Colorado Center for
Independence
Jackie Lyons, Executive Director
P.O. Box 612, Craig, CO 81626 (mailing address)
50 College Dr. Suite 109 Craig, CO 81625
970-826-0833 (office)
970-734-8570 (c)
Fax (970) 826-0832
jackie@nwcci.org.
http://www.nwcci.org
The Independence Center
Southwest Center for Independence
Patricia Yeager, CEO x 132
Dixie Herring, IL Director x 135
729 S. Tejon
Colorado Springs, 80903
(719) 471-8181
Fax (719) 471-7829
Also
The IC Satellite Office
Aspen Mine Center
166 E. Bennett Ave.
Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Martha Mason, Executive Director
835 East Second Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 259-1672
Toll free 866-962-2158
Fax (970) 259-0947
director@swilc.org
http://www.swilc.org
Community Outreach Center
328 10th Street
Calhan, CO 80808
719-347-2662
http://www.theindependencecenter.org
pyeager@theindependencenter.org
dherring@theindependencecenter.org
21
Appendix 2
Good to Know
AAPD - American Association of People with Disabilities is the largest nonprofit cross disability
member organization in the U.S. It is dedicated to ensuring economic self-sufficiency and political
empowerment for the more than 45 million Americans with disabilities
ADAPT - Americans with Disabilities for Attendant Programs Today focuses nationally on promoting
community-based living instead of warehousing people with disabilities in institutions and nursing
homes
Center for Self-Determination - Offers assistance to individuals and organizations that are
attempting to change their systems of support based on the self-determination principles
CIL Management Suite - Provides management software for CILs
Constant Contact - Email and newsletter management tool
Disability History Museum - Their mission is to promote understanding about the historical
experience of people with disabilities by recovering, chronicling, and interpreting their stories
Disability Rights Movement Exhibit - From the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Sections include: The Movement, Dissent, Technology, Touchable Objects, Self Definition, Mobility, The
ADA, Parents Organize, Hey Kids!
Disability Data Resources -- A range of information and statistics about disability. Potentially
useful for grant applications and public information.
The Foundation Center -- The world's leading source of information on philanthropy, fundraising,
and grant programs.
Grants Alert - Grantsalert.com is the free, one-stop and most up-to-date resource for grants
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/disabilitystatistics/ - Disibility Statistics
http://www.wnyilp.org/RRTCILM/index.html- The Western New York Independent Living Project has a
“CIL Management Center” which offers publications, training materials, and other resources for CIL’s.
Highly recommended.
www.statedata.info - disability statistics
NCIL - National Council on Independent Living is a national membership organization that advances
independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy
Groundspring.org - Internet, email, and advocacy for nonprofits
Network For Good - Internet, email, and advocacy for nonprofits
ILRU - Independent Living Research Utilization is a national center for information, training, research,
and technical assistance on independent living
IL Net - A collaborative project of the ILRU and NCIL focused on national training and technical
assistance to strengthen the IL movement by supporting CIL's and SILC's directors, managers, and staff
22
NOD - National Organization on Disability provides the latest in disability related news, information,
and resources
Not Dead Yet - A national disability rights group which opposes the legalization of assisted suicide and
euthanasia,
WID - World Institute on Disability is a nonprofit research, training, and public policy center promoting
the civil rights and full societal inclusion of people with disabilities
23
Appendix 3
Abbreviations and Common Phrases
AAA -- Area Agency on Aging
AAPD -- American Association of People with Disabilities
ACCIL -- Association of Colorado Centers for Independent Living
Act -- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
ADA -- Americans with Disabilities Act
ADAAG -- Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines
ADAPT -- National grassroots disability rights organization founded in Denver. Practices non-violent
civil disobedience.
APRIL -- Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living
APS -- Adult Protective Services
ASL -- American Sign Language
AT -- Assistive technology
AT Partners -- Colorado state agency for implementation of the Tech Act
BIAC -- Brain Injury Association of Colorado
CANPO -- Colorado Association of Non-Profit Organizations
CAP -- Client Assistance Program. Handles disputes between consumers and VR or IL agencies.
CCB -- Community Center Boards (services for the DD population)
CCDC -- Colorado Cross Disability Coalition
CDAS -- Consumer Directed Attendant Services
CDBG -- Community Development Block Grant
CIL -- A Center for Independent Living meeting the definition in Section 702 of the Act, the standards
in Section 725 of the Act, and included in the state’s network of centers
CILCS -- Colorado Independent Living Core Services
CIL Program -- The Centers for Independent Living Program funded under Part C, Chapter 1 of title
VII of the Act.
CMS -- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
24
Community-based living -- These living arrangements include apartments, living in privately-owned
housing, self-directed assisted living, or self-directed living with family or friends.
Consumer -- Any individual with a significant disability who is eligible for IL services under 34 CFR
364.40(a) and is currently receiving or has been provided with any IL service(s) under the program,
other than information and referral.
Core service -- IL services defined in Section 7(17) of the Act means: information and referral
services; IL skills training; peer counseling (including cross-disability peer counseling); and, individual
and systems advocacy.
CP -- Cerebral palsy
CSR -- A Consumer Service Record maintained for an eligible consumer receiving IL services and
meeting the requirements of 34 CFR 364.53. In cases where IL services are provided to the parent or
guardian of a consumer, the CSR is established for the consumer and the services provided are
reflected in that CSR.
CTAT -- Creative Training Accelerating Talent
CTS -- Community Transition Services
DAV -- Disabled American Veterans
DBTAC -- Disability Business and Technical Assistance Center
DDD -- Division for Development Disabilities
DI -- De-institutionalization
DME -- Durable medical equipment
DOE -- Department of Education
DOJ -- Department of justice
DOT -- Department of Transportation
DPN -- Disability Program Navigator
DRCOG -- Denver Regional Council of Governments
DSU -- The designated state unit, or units, identified under section 101(a)(2)(B) of the Act, authorized
to jointly develop and sign, with the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), the State Plan for
Independent Living (SPIL) under section 704 of the Act. The term includes a state agency solely
designated under state law to provide IL services to individuals who are blind. In such states, the state
agency for the blind may administer the provisions in the state plan related to services for individuals
who are blind. In a 723 state, the DSU receiving, accounting for, and disbursing the funds for the CIL
program is always the general agency.
25
DVR -- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Earmarked Funds -- Funds appropriated by the state and expressly or clearly identified as state
expenditures in the relevant fiscal year for the sole purpose of funding the general operation of CILs
meeting the requirements of Sections 702 and 725 of the Act.
EBD Waiver -- Elderly, Blind, Disabled Medicaid waiver program for community based services
EDGAR -- Education Department General Administration Regulations
504 -- Section of the Act prohibiting discrimination – often used to describe students with disabilities
who have, or want, access to mainstream classrooms.
FTE -- The equivalent of one person working full-time for one year.
HCBS -- Home and community based services
HCPF -- Healthcare Policy and Finance
HHS -- Health and Human Services
IDEA -- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP -- Individualized Education Plan
IPE -- Individualized Plan for Employment
IL -- Independent Living
ILP -- An Independent Living Plan for the provision of IL services mutually agreed upon by an
appropriate staff member of a service provider and an individual with significant disabilities.
ILRU -- Independent Living Research and Utilization
JBC -- Joint Budget Committee
Long term care -- Extended need for personal assistance services
MD -- Muscular Dystrophy
Minority -- Alaskan Natives, American Indians, Asian Americans, Blacks (African Americans), Hispanic
Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. (for the purpose of the 704 report)
MS -- Multiple Sclerosis
NCIL -- National Council on Independent Living
NCD -- National Council on Disability
NIDRR -- National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
26
NOD -- National Organization on Disability
OCR -- Optical character recognition
OIB -- Older Individuals who are Blind
Olmstead -- A landmark Supreme Court decision upholding the ADA’s assertion that people with
disabilities must be allowed the choice to live in the most integrated setting and least restrictive
environment.
OMB -- Office of Management and Budget
OSERS -- Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services
Part B -- IL funding described in Title VII, Part B of the Act . Federal dollars distributed by the State in
accordance with State IL Rules.
Part C -- IL funding described in Title VII, Part C of the Act. CILS receive Part C funds directly from the
federal government
PAS -- Personal Assistance Services
Pass Through -- Funds that a provider receives on behalf of a consumer that are subsequently issued
by the provider directly to the consumer (e.g., representative payee funds, Medicaid or state PAS
funds).
People first language -- Speaking with an emphasis on the person, rather than the disability. For
example, instead of “blind man,” say “man who is blind.”
PVA -- Paralyzed Veterans Association
Region 8 --The RSA designation for the area including Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah , North
Dakota, South Dakota
Reporting year -- The most recently completed federal fiscal project year starting October 1 and
ending September 30.
RSA -- The Rehabilitation Services Administration at the United States Department of Education,
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
RTD -- Regional Transportation District
SCI -- Spinal cord injury
Section 722 State -- A state in which RSA issues grants under Part C directly to eligible agencies for
the planning, establishment, and operation of CILs.
Section 723 State -- A state where the DSU issues grants or assistance contracts under Part C to
eligible entities for the planning, establishment, and operation of CILs.
27
Section 8 voucher -- Refers to a federally subsidized low-income housing program in which the
owner of the voucher may use it to obtain rental housing in the community, as opposed to segregated
“public housing.”
SEP -- Senior Employment Program
SEP -- Single Entry Point for determining eligibility for HCBS
Service provider -- Can mean: 1) A DSU that directly provides IL services to consumers; 2) A CIL; or
3) An entity that provides IL services under a grant or contract from the DSU.
SHHP -- Supported Housing and Homeless Program
SILC -- The Statewide Independent Living Council established in each State as required by Section 705
of the Act.
SILS -- A State Independent Living Services program funded under Part B, Chapter 1 of Title VII of the
Act.
SPIL -- A State Plan of Independent Living jointly developed and signed by the director of the
designated state unit(s) and the chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council, acting on
behalf of and at the direction of the Council. The plan addresses the provision of state IL services, the
development and support of a statewide network of centers for independent living and the working
relationships among programs providing IL services, CILs, the state VR program, and other programs
providing services for individuals with disabilities
SRC -- State Rehabilitation Council
SSDI -- Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI -- Social Security Income
TABOR -- Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights
TACE -- Technical Assistance and Continuing Education
TBI -- Traumatic Brain Injury
Tech Act -- The Assistive Technology Act of 1988
VA -- Veterans Administration
Workforce Center -- Federally funded, Department of labor governed, county-managed
employment services
28
Appendix 4
Cil Suite
Goals
Every consumer must have a goal in CIL Suite. Even if a consumer chooses to sign a waiver instead of developing
an ILP, the CSR must contain a goal prior to the delivery of services.
Recording a Service
Each time the staff works with a consumer, or on behalf of a consumer, a note should be added to CIL Suite.
Individual centers will establish which of the following elements will be included in the Record of Services:







Date of service.
Time spent with consumer.
Staff working with consumer.
Program that consumer received services from.
Service (704 Service type).
Goal service relates to.
Brief statement of reason for service, outcome of service, and what follow-up is needed.
The service note should relate to the achievement of the consumer’s IL goal(s). For example, if staff spends an
hour teaching a consumer how to ride the bus, and the consumer’s only documented goal is to apply for SSDI,
staff has not performed a valid (reportable) service. (See “Services and Contacts.”)
Summary
Each consumer must have an active and open CSR which includes the following:


The CSR must reflect documentation of services in the CSR Database (CIL Suite).
It is best practice for staff to record, in CIL Suite, communications they have with consumers either as
they occur or in a monthly summary. Staff-to-staff conversations are considered consultations and as
such are not required to be a part of the consumer’s service record.
Basic Process
The intake process begins for an individual the minute they contact the Center for Independent Living (CIL).
Whether by phone or face to face, staff should gather as much information as possible to enter an individual
into CIL Suite. The intake packet developed by the CIL must include all information needed for CIL Suite and
should be filled out as completely as possible.
Quick I&R’s
Policy and Procedure: Every contact with individuals who are seeking information or services must be
documented in CIL Suite. Centers are required to provide Information & Referral services to everyone who asks,
29
regardless of whether they have a disability. Staff must follow up with all I&R individuals who contact the CIL.
This helps ensure that the services provided were useful to that individual.
Definition: Quick I&R individuals come in with a brief request such as a bus card, housing packet, request for
literature such as a brochure, support group information, class schedules, etc. This request may include
information directly related to services facilitated through the CIL or general information such as that which is
found in the CIL’s resource guide. Staff should ensure that the individual does not already exist as an I&R or
consumer.
Step-by-Step:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Check to make sure the person is not already in the system.
Click the I&R button on the top of the page.
Click “Quick I&R” on the top right of the I&R page.
Enter as much information as possible.
a. Make sure the Requested Service is “Information and Referral Services”
5. Enter a service note.
6. Select “Log Open I&R” or “Log Closed I&R.”
a. When you select “Log Open I&R” the I&R status is “Active.”
b. When you select “Log Closed I&R” the status is “Other.”
c. Follow the guidance of your CIL Administrator as to which option to choose.
30
I&R
Policy and Procedure: Every contact with individuals who are seeking information or services must be
documented in CIL Suite. Centers are required to provide Information & Referral services to everyone who asks,
regardless of whether they have a disability. Staff must follow up with all I&R individuals who contact the CIL.
This helps ensure that the services provided were useful to that individual.
Definition: An I&R occurs when staff have had only initial contact(s) with an individual and anticipate the
individual will become a consumer. Quick I&R’s are used when staff do not expect the individual to become a
consumer (See “Quick I&R’s.) Until the CSR is completed, the consumer will remain in CIL Suite under the I&R
status. The distinction between a Quick I&R and an I&R is that a Quick I&R individual is someone who has a
short, one-time request and the staff member does not think the CIL will hear from that person again. An I&R
individual is someone with a more detailed request or someone that the staff member believes will become a
consumer. Staff should ensure that the individual does not already exist as an I&R or consumer.
Step-by-Step:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Check to make sure the person is not already in the system.
Click the I&R button on the top of the page.
Click “Add I&R” on the top right of the I&R page.
Make sure the 704 button is checked.
Fill out as much information as possible
When entering ethnicity and race, multiple races may be selected by holding the Control key down.
Enter referral source, if known. The list of referrals is pre-populated by the Referral Contacts listings.
Click “Done.”
Click on the “Disabilities” tab and select “Add” on the left side of the screen.
31
10. Enter the requested information. Make sure to enter the right onset date. The default date is the
consumer’s birth date.
11. Click “Save.”
12. Individuals must be contacted by CIL staff within a reasonable period of time to follow up on the
information given.
32
I&R to Consumer
Policy and Procedure: When an individual’s request entails services and/or programs from the CIL, then a CSR
will be completed and that individual will become a consumer. Before an individual can move from I&R to
Consumer status, the CSR must be complete, and that consumer must have a goal in CIL Suite. Even if a
consumer chooses to sign a waiver instead of developing an ILP, the CSR must contain a goal prior to the
delivery of services. Staff will need to explain the difference between having an ILP and waiving that right to the
consumer.
Definition: An active consumer is an individual who has a complete CSR on file and is currently receiving IL
services. “Currently receiving services” means that the consumer made contact with the center during the
reporting period for the purpose of a service related to a goal or goals in the CSR; therefore, each active
consumer must have a goal or goals documented in the consumer’s service record.
Step-by-Step:
1. Click the I&R button on the top of the page.
2. Find the individual you want to transfer and click on their name.
3. Click the “Change to Consumer” button on the top, right hand side of the demographic data screen.
33
Creating a Consumer
Policy and Procedure: Individuals that are entered into CIL Suite as I&R’s should be converted to consumers
when the CSR is complete. Staff may enter an individual as a consumer only if the CSR is completed at the time
of the initial appointment. According to the regulations, a CSR must contain the following items, which are all
included in each CIL’s intake packet:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Intake Information
Determination of Eligibility
Signed ILP or Waiver
Goals
Grievance Acknowledgement
Confidentiality Acknowledgement
Information on the Client Assistance Program (CAP) must be given to the consumer.
Definition: An active consumer is an individual who has a complete CSR on file and is currently receiving IL
services. “Currently receiving services” means that the consumer made contact with the center during the
reporting period for the purpose of a service related to a goal or goals in the CSR; therefore, each active
consumer must have a goal or goals documented in the consumer’s service record.
Step-by-Step:
1. Check to make sure the person is not already in the system.
2. Click the Consumer button on the top of the page.
3. Click the Add Consumer button on the top right hand side of the page.
34
4. Make sure the 704 button is checked.
5. The vast majority of the time, staff will enter “Consumer” as the Contact Type.
 CILs that provide services to children may enter other Contact Types as necessary.
6. The Start Date is the date the ILP was signed or waived.
 Staff must ensure that this date is accurate.
7. Enter contact instructions, if necessary.
 Contact instructions may include times the consumer may be called, whether the consumer
prefers text messages to phone calls, etc.
8. Enter address instructions, if necessary.
 Address instructions may include directions, whether the mail must be sent in care of someone
else, etc.
9. Enter a unique consumer number (may not be required by all CILs).
10. Check the Exclude from Mailing Lists box if the consumer does not wish to receive correspondence from
the CIL.
11. Check Head of Household if applicable.
12. Check Editable by All Staff (may not be required by all CILs).
13. Click the Step 2 button on the bottom right hand part of the screen.
14. Enter as much information as possible on the second page.
 Two or more races may be selected by holding down the Control key while selecting the race.
 Select the contact method preferred by the consumer from the drop down list.
15. Click on the Step 3 button on the bottom right hand part of the screen.
16. Select a referral source.
17. Check either the Relocated or Continued boxes only if the consumer was able to move out of a nursing
home or institution or continue to live in the community after being relocated from a nursing home or
institution. Leave both boxes unchecked if neither of these situations apply.
18. Click done.
19. Click on the “Disabilities” tab and select “Add” on the left side of the screen.
20. Enter the requested information. Make sure to enter the right onset date. The default date is the
consumer’s birth date.
21. Click “Save.”
35
ILP Development
Step-By-Step:
1. Verify the ILP section of the intake packet is signed and all other CIL Suite entries are accurate.
2. From the consumer’s demographic page, click on the “Goals” tab toward the bottom of the screen.
3. Enter the goal type from the drop down list that best reflects the consumer’s stated goal.
4. Enter the sub-type (may not be used by all CILs).
5. Enter the Set Date as the date the consumer signed the ILP form.
6. Enter the Target Date; the date the goal will be completed.
7. Enter a Follow-up Date to set a reminder in CIL Suite, or enter the follow up reminder in another reliable
program that will prompt staff to contact the consumer about progress made.
8. In the Goal Notes section, briefly state the consumer’s goal, and describe the services that will need to
be in place in order to accomplish that goal.
9. In the Staff Tasks section, briefly state what tasks the staff member will accomplish according to each of
the services listed.
10. In the Consumer Tasks section, briefly state what tasks the consumer will accomplish according to each
of the services listed.
11. From the Services tab on the consumer demographic screen, enter each service as it is provided, making
sure to indicate that the service was “received.”
12. From the “Allow Time Tracking” drop down list, select the option the CIL uses.
13. Note: to be counted on the 704 report, each consumer must have a Goal and a Service.
oror
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Click the “Services” tab toward the bottom of the consumer demographic screen.
Click the “Add” link toward the bottom, left hand side of the screen.
Enter the “request date” as the date the ILP was signed.
Select “In Progress” on the drop down Status.
Do not enter a status date.
From the “Allow Time Tracking” drop down list, select the option the CIL uses.
Select the appropriate service type as listed in the Goal Notes.
Copy and paste the service note directly from the document the original goal notes were saved in.
If more than one service was identified, click “Add Service and Copy to New.” This will prepopulate the
next service entry with the data entered on the previous screen. Repeat steps --- for each service type
listed in the goal notes.
10. Click “Add Service” for the last service entered.
11. Click “Back” at the bottom of the screen to return to the consumer demographic page.
Goals
Goal Types
When writing and entering goals in CIL Suite, consider which goal type best reflects the nature of that goal. A CIL
may elect to only use some of the following goal types.

Self-Advocacy/Self-Empowerment – Goals involving improvement in a consumer’s ability to represent
himself/herself with public and/or private entities, the ability to make key decisions involving
36










himself/herself, or the ability to organize and manage his/her own activities to achieve desired
objectives.
Communication – Goals involving either improvement in a consumer’s ability to understand
communication by others (receptive skills), and/or improvement in a consumer’s ability to share
communication with others (expressive skills).
Mobility/Transportation – Goals to improve a consumer’s access to her/his life space, environment, and
community. This may occur by improving the consumer’s ability to move, travel, transport
himself/herself, or use public transportation.
Community-Based Living – Goals that provide for a change in living situations with increased autonomy
for the consumer. This may involve a consumer’s goals related to obtaining/modifying an apartment or
house. Community-based living arrangements may include apartments, privately owned housing, selfdirected assisted living, or self-directed living with family/friends.
Educational – Academic or training goals that are expected to improve the consumer’s knowledge or
ability to perform certain skills that would expand his/her independence, productivity or incomegenerating potential.
Vocational – Goals related to obtaining, maintaining, or advancing in employment.
Self-Care – Goals to improve/maintain a consumer’s autonomy with respect to activities of daily living
such as personal grooming and hygiene, meal preparation and nutrition, shopping, eating, and other
aspects of personal health and safety.
Information Access/Technology – Goals related to a consumer obtaining and/or using information
necessary for the consumer’s independence and community integration. These may include use of a
computer or other assistive technology, devices, or equipment, as well as developing information
technology skills, such as using computer screen-reading software.
Personal Resource Management – Goals related to a consumer learning to establish and maintain a
personal/family budget, managing a checkbook, and/or obtaining knowledge of available direct and
indirect resources related to income, housing, food, medical, and/or other benefits.
Relocation from a Nursing Home or Institution – Goals related to relocation from nursing homes or
other institutions to community-based living arrangements. This significant life area specifically pertains
to consumers who live in a nursing home or institution, unlike the Community-Based Living life area,
above, which includes any consumer regardless of his/her living situation prior to receiving IL services.
Community/Social Participation – Goals related to full participation in the mainstream of American
society, including the ability to participate in community events such as community fairs and
government functions, attend worship services and access recreational activities and faCILities.
Goal Progress Notes
Policy and Procedure: CILs may opt to use goal progress notes to track progress. Goals may include a series of
notations that indicate how CIL staff and the consumer are working toward an outcome. Goal progress noting
accomplishes this requirement.
Definition: Progress notes are entered when contact is made with a consumer related to progress toward that
goal. These entries should be detailed, supporting what staff is doing to assist consumers in the completion of
37
their goals. In addition, goal progress notes should outline how a consumer is responding to this level of support
and how they are tracking overall with regard to goal completion.
Step by Step:
1. Click “view” to the left of a consumer goal
2. Click on “add progress note” on the bottom left of the screen.
3. Enter the note and select “save.”
Goal Closure
Policy and Procedure: When a consumer completes a goal, withdraws, or stops pursuing a goal, staff should
record the reason as to why a goal is being closed out.
Definition: Any interaction made with a consumer that yields a completed goal must be reflected in the service
note area, and the status of the consumer must be changed if there are no open goals. See the “Consumer
Closure” section for more information.
38
Step by Step:
1.
2.
3.
4.
From the consumer’s demographic page, click on the “Goals” tab toward the bottom of the screen.
Select the correct goal and click the “Edit” link to the left of the goal entry.
Enter a “Complete Date.”
Enter information in the “Outcome/Results” area about the Goal and why it is being closed.
Services and Contacts
Each time staff has contact with a consumer, a summary of that contact must be entered in CIL Suite. These
entries fall into three separate areas, all of which must be accessed through the tabs at the bottom of a
consumer’s demographic page. Entries should be added with the following in mind:
Services
Policy and Procedure: When staff enter the consumers’ goals in CIL Suite, the specific services that consumer
will need are listed, in the goal, by the service type. To refer to our example, Tina’s service type was “Counseling
Peer/Group/Individual,” and the service was described as follows: “To attain independent living Tina will attend
1 support group every week for three months.” To turn this description into a service, staff should copy and
paste the entry into the Services area of CIL Suite, and enter it under the service category, “Counseling
Peer/Group/Individual.” If new services are necessary, a new goal must also be added, or the original goal must
be edited (See “ILP Entries in CIL Suite.”)
Definition: All services delivered to the consumer should be documented in the Services area. All of the services
identified in the ILP should be added when the staff member is entering the ILP into CIL Suite.
Step by Step:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
From the consumer’s demographic page, click on the “Services” tab toward the bottom of the screen.
Select the correct service and click the “View” link to the left of the entry.
Click the “Add Progress Note” button on the bottom right of the screen.
Enter the date the service was received, and give a brief explanation of what that service entailed.
Indicate that the service was received in the drop down box.
Click “Submit Progress Note.”
Service Closure & Cancellation
Policy and Procedure: When a service is no longer needed, staff should change the “In Progress” status of the
service to “Received.” If a service was never provided, staff should change the “In Progress” status of that
service to “Cancelled.”
Definition: Any interaction made with a consumer that yields a completed service – that is, no other services of
that service type will be provided, or no services of that type were ever provided – this must be reflected in
consumer’s record.
Step by Step:
39
1. From the consumer’s demographic page, click on the “Services” tab toward the bottom of the screen.
2. Select the correct goal and click the “Edit” link to the left of the service entry.
3. Choose one option from the drop down list:
a. “Received” if no further services of this type will be provided, or
b. “Cancelled” if no services of this type were ever provided.
4. Enter the Status Date as the date the last service was provided, or the date the service was created if no
services were provided.
5. Click “Save Service.”
Service Types
Policy and Procedure: The CIL may elect to use all or only a few of the following services. Modify the
document as necessary and write a brief outline of which services should be selected here.
Definition: Service types reflect all of the services provided by the CIL, and are connected to the 704 Report.
1. Advocacy/Legal Services – Assistance and /or representation in obtaining access to benefits, services,
and programs to which a consumer may be entitled.
2. Assistive Technology – Any assistive technology device, that is, any item, piece of equipment or product
system that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities and any assistive technology service that assists an individual with a disability in the
selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.
3. Children’s Services – The provision of specific IL services designed to serve individuals with significant
disabilities under the age of 14.
4. Communication Services – Services directed to enable consumers to better communicate, such as
interpreter services, training in communication equipment use, Braille instruction, and reading services.
5. Counseling and Related Services – These include information sharing, psychological services of a nonpsychiatric, non-therapeutic nature, parent-to-parent services, and related services.
6. Family Services – Services provided to the family members of an individual with a significant disability
when necessary for improving the individual’s ability to live and function more independently, or ability
to engage or continue in employment. Such services may include respite care. Record the service in the
consumer’s CSR on behalf of whom services were provided to the family.
7. Housing, Home Modifications, and Shelter Services – These services are related to securing housing or
shelter, adaptive housing services (including appropriate accommodations to and modifications of any
space used to serve, or occupied by individuals with significant disabilities).
 Note: A CIL may not provide housing or shelter as an IL service on either a temporary or long
term basis unless the housing or shelter is incidental to the overall operation of the CIL and is
provided to any individual for a period not to exceed eight weeks during any six-month period.
8. IL Skills Training and Life Skill Training Services – These may include instruction to develop independent
living skills in areas such as personal care, coping, financial management, social skills, and household
management. This may also include education and training necessary for living in the community and
participating in community activities.
9. Information and Referral Services – Identify all individuals who requested this type of assistance. This is
the only service (other then services to family members) that may be provided to all individuals,
whether or not the individual has a disability. Some entities record this service using strokes on an
40
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
answering pad without opening a CSR, others create a CSR or other such file for future contact and
outreach.
Mental Restoration Services – Psychiatric restoration services including maintenance on psychotropic
medication, psychological services, and treatment management for substance abuse.
Mobility Training Services – A variety of services involving assisting consumers to get around their
homes and communities.
Peer Counseling Services – Counseling, teaching, information sharing, and similar kinds of contact
provided to consumers by other people with disabilities.
Personal Assistance Services – These include, but are not limited to, assistance with personal bodily
functions; communicative, household, mobility, work, emotional, cognitive, personal, and financial
affairs; community participation; parenting; leisure; and other related needs.
Physical Restoration Services – Restoration services including medical services, health maintenance,
eyeglasses, and visual services.
Preventive Services – Services intended to prevent additional disabilities, or to prevent an increase in
the severity of an existing disability.
Prostheses, Orthotics, and Other Appliances – Provision of, or assistance in obtaining through other
sources, an adaptive device or appliance to substitute for one or more parts of the human body.
Recreational Services – Provision or identification of opportunities for the involvement of consumers in
meaningful leisure time activities. These may include such things as participation in community affairs
and other recreation activities that may be competitive, active, or quiet.
Rehabilitation Technology Services – Provision of, or assistance to obtain through other sources,
adaptive modifications, such as wheelchairs and lifts, which address the barriers confronted by
individuals with significant disabilities with respect to education, rehabilitation, employment,
transportation, IL and/or recreation.
Therapeutic Treatment – Services provided by registered occupational, physical, recreational, hearing,
language, or speech therapists.
Transportation Services – Provision of, or arrangements for, transportation.
Youth/Transition Services – Any service that develops skills specifically designed for youth with
significant disabilities between the ages of 14 and 24 to promote self-awareness and esteem, develop
advocacy and self-empowerment skills, and the exploration of career options, including the transition
from school to post school activities such as postsecondary education, vocational training, employment,
continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.
Vocational Services – Any services designed to achieve or maintain employment.
Time Tracking
Policy and Procedure: To track the amount of time staff spend delivering services to consumers, staff should
allow time tracking on service entries and then note the amount of time they spent delivering each service.
Definition: The Time Tracking feature in CIL Suite allows staff to enter the time spent providing a service or
engaging in a community activity so that the center can follow how much time staff spend on different work
tasks. This entry specifies how staff may enter time for services they provide to consumers.
Step by Step:
1. When entering a service, select “Yes” from the drop down list next to “Allow Time Tracking.”
2. Save the service.
41
3. When providing a service, enter that service and then select the “Add Time Record” box in the service
screen.
4. From this screen, the user will be able to tie the service to a particular program and enter the time spent
on the services, as well as a note about the service provided.
5. Click “Add Hours.”
6.
Contact Notes
This area should be reserved for noting contact with or on behalf of a consumer that is not related to a goal or
service (consumer satisfaction surveys, volunteering, attempts to contact a consumer, information received
from other parties, etc.). Contact notes should be minimally utilized.
Contact Notes are not Services. CIL staff should use discretion when entering contact notes to ensure that a
service was not provided.
Consumer Closure
Once all goals have been completed, or the consumer has become inactive for any reason, consumers must be
closed out in CIL Suite.
Goals Completed or Withdrawn, or the Consumer has Moved or Passed Away
To close out a consumer who has either completed their goals or withdrawn, click on the status tab and add new
status.
42
A consumer is either active or inactive due to one of the following reasons as indicated in the status drop down
tab:




Withdrawn: Use this when the consumer has indicated that they no longer wish to work on their goals.
Died: Use this when CIL is aware that a consumer has passed away.
Moved: Use this when the consumer informs the CIL that they are moving out of the service area or mail
is returned.
Completed Goals: Use this when the consumer has completed their goals.
CIL Suite will issue a prompt if there are still open goals or services in that consumer’s file. Please close all open
goals or services when this prompt appears, making updates as appropriate in the progress notes.
Consumer Disappears
To close out a consumer who has disappeared and all attempts to contact them have failed, click on the status
tab and add new status. A consumer is either active or inactive due to one of the following reasons as indicated
in the status drop down tab:


Other: Use this when attempts to contact the consumer have failed, but you have no indication and that
they have moved away (no returned mail).
Moved: Use this when mail has been returned and all other attempts to contact the consumer via phone
and/or e-mail have failed.
The CIL must send a letter to the consumer indicating that their file will be closed within 10 days if they do not
contact the CIL. This letter must contain a staff signature. If the consumer does not contact the CIL within 10
days regarding new goals and services, the file will be closed.
Group Events
Policy and Procedure: When peer support groups or other consumer events are held by the CIL, staff must
ensure that all attendees sign an attendance sheet so that attendees can be added to the event in CIL Suite.
43
Definition: The Group Events area is the place to document all consumer events, including peer support groups,
parties, workshops, outings, and other events that are driven by consumers and sponsored by the CIL.
Step by Step:
1. Click the Group Event tab at the top of the CIL Suite home page.
2. Click the “Add Group Event” button on the top right of the screen.
3. Attendees can be added in two ways:
a. Click the tabs on the event page for a list of all consumers and I&R’s in CIL Suite and select the
boxes next to the attendees’ names, OR…
b. After adding the event, go to each consumer’s page, click on the tab below their demographic
data that is titled “Group Events,” add a new event, and follow the prompts.
44
Community Activities
Policy and Procedure: When CIL staff participate in activities in the community (meetings, community organizing
events, conferences, etc.), those activities should be documented in CIL Suite.
Definition: This area is the place where CILs showcase what they have done in the community. Any dialogue CIL
staff has with community members, tours, meetings, conferences and other events, etc. should be documented
here. This information is used both in the 704 Report and in various other places (the CILs publications, the
ACCIL, etc.).
Examples: The following scenarios illustrate activities that should be documented in the Community Activities
section:






CIL staff attends a meeting with other community agencies to establish a satellite office.
CIL staff runs an information table at a conference.
CIL staff organizes a meeting with local school district officials to streamline services to youth.
CIL staff attends a national convention and makes many contacts with other organizations.
CIL staff meets with a local group that wants to establish a new program in the community.
CIL staff runs a tour of the center for representatives of a local agency.
45
Appendix 5
Independence OnLine
What's Included
IOnline is a feature rich program. We have included a lot of freedom and control for centers and users to
adapt IOnline to their own needs. IOnline does more than other programs, by focusing on allowing
centers to add to it without additional programming or cost.
Many sections and reports that most centers need have been built in for you, and we also give our users
the ability to expand IOnline with unlimited customized fields, unlimited reports, easy data searches,
and more.
Some of our features include:
Consumer Sections:
Choose between Intake and Casual Consumers and store all their demographic information, Case Notes,
and Goals, with instant lookup.
Reports:
A fully usable Report Writer is included with Independence Online so that you can create your own
management and funding reports. Many centers use these reports for Grants and Funding. Reports are
instant and can be run anytime you want with any filter.
Built-In Reports:
Many of the more difficult reports you might need are already included with Independence Online. This
includes the 704 Report, Quarterly Reports, OIB, and Time Management, to name just a few. Several
state reports are also built in and we add more as requested, working with SILCs and other state entities
to ensure data accuracy.
Unlimited Custom Fields:
Centers can create their own fields and data forms on each screen to expand IOnline with any
information your center might need, at no additional cost.
Unlimited Users & Security:
Create as many user accounts as you want. Thorough security permissions give you the control over the
accounts. You will be secure with your staff and data.
46
Freedom and Control:
IOnline gives you the freedom and control to manage your own center:





Create unlimited custom fields
Require fields to be used
Disable fields you don't wish to be used
Instantly build reports on anything you put in the program
And so many other options!
Equipment/Inventory/Housing Tracking:
A section to manage, and report on, any form of loan, donation, or placement system.
Resources Available:
Our resource rolodex allows you to save and instantly look up what organizations in your community
provide services.
Time Management:
Each section of Independence Online allows users to enter information on time spent.
Support:
Available support to help you with any questions you might have or to work with you on your reports.
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Appendix 6
Title VII--Independent Living Services And Centers
For Independent Living
Chapter 1--Individuals with Significant Disabilities
Part A--General Provisions
Sec. 701. Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to promote a philosophy of independent living, including a philosophy of
consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy,
in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with
disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American
society, by-(1) providing financial assistance to States for providing, expanding, and improving the provision of independent
living services;
(2) providing financial assistance to develop and support statewide networks of centers for independent living;
and
(3) providing financial assistance to States for improving working relationships among State independent living
rehabilitation service programs, centers for independent living, Statewide Independent Living Councils
established under section 705, State vocational rehabilitation programs receiving assistance under title I, State
programs of supported employment services receiving assistance under part B of title VI, client assistance
programs receiving assistance under section 112, programs funded under other titles of this Act, programs
funded under other Federal law, and programs funded through non-Federal sources.
Sec. 702. Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) Center for independent living
The term "center for independent living" means a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability,
nonresidential private nonprofit agency that-(A) is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities; and
(B) provides an array of independent living services.
(2) Consumer control
48
The term "consumer control" means, with respect to a center for independent living, that the center vests
power and authority in individuals with disabilities.
Sec. 703. Eligibility for Receipt of Services
Services may be provided under this chapter to any individual with a significant disability, as defined in section
7(21)(B).
Sec. 704. State Plan
(a) In General
(1) Requirement
To be eligible to receive financial assistance under this chapter, a State shall submit to the Commissioner, and
obtain approval of, a State plan containing such provisions as the Commissioner may require, including, at a
minimum, the provisions required in this section.
(2) Joint development
The plan under paragraph (1) shall be jointly developed and signed by-(A) the director of the designated State unit; and
(B) the chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council, acting on behalf of and at the direction of the
Council.
(3) Periodic review and revision
The plan shall provide for the review and revision of the plan, not less than once every 3 years, to ensure the
existence of appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately
address, on a statewide and comprehensive basis, needs in the State for-(A) the provision of State independent living services;
(B) the development and support of a statewide network of centers for independent living; and
(C) working relationships between-(i) programs providing independent living services and independent living centers; and
(ii) the vocational rehabilitation program established under title I, and other programs providing services for
individuals with disabilities.
(4) Date of submission
49
The State shall submit the plan to the Commissioner 90 days before the completion date of the preceding plan.
If a State fails to submit such a plan that complies with the requirements of this section, the Commissioner may
withhold financial assistance under this chapter until such time as the State submits such a plan.
(b) Statewide Independent Living Council
The plan shall provide for the establishment of a Statewide Independent Living Council in accordance with
section 705.
(c) Designation of State Unit
The plan shall designate the designated State unit of such State as the agency that, on behalf of the State, shall-(1) receive, account for, and disburse funds received by the State under this chapter based on the plan;
(2) provide administrative support services for a program under part B, and a program under part C in a case in
which the program is administered by the State under section 723;
(3) keep such records and afford such access to such records as the Commissioner finds to be necessary with
respect to the programs; and
(4) submit such additional information or provide such assurances as the Commissioner may require with
respect to the programs.
(d) Objectives
The plan shall-(1) specify the objectives to be achieved under the plan and establish timelines for the achievement of the
objectives; and
(2) explain how such objectives are consistent with and further the purpose of this chapter.
(e) Independent Living Services
The plan shall provide that the State will provide independent living services under this chapter to individuals
with significant disabilities, and will provide the services to such an individual 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.
(f) Scope and Arrangements
The plan shall describe the extent and scope of independent living services to be provided under this chapter to
meet such objectives. If the State makes arrangements, by grant or contract, for providing such services, such
arrangements shall be described in the plan.
(g) Network
50
The plan shall set forth a design for the establishment of a statewide network of centers for independent living
that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725.
(h) Centers
In States in which State funding for centers for independent living equals or exceeds the amount of funds
allotted to the State under part C, as provided in section 723, the plan shall include policies, practices, and
procedures governing the awarding of grants to centers for independent living and oversight of such centers
consistent with section 723.
(i) Cooperation, Coordination, and Working Relationships Among Various Entities
The plan shall set forth the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination, and working
relationships among-(1) the independent living rehabilitation service program, the Statewide Independent Living Council, and centers
for independent living; and
(2) the designated State unit, other State agencies represented on such Council, other councils that address the
needs of specific disability populations and issues, and other public and private entities determined to be
appropriate by the Council.
(j) Coordination of Services
The plan shall describe how services funded under this chapter will be coordinated with, and complement, other
services, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication with other Federal, State, and local programs.
(k) Coordination Between Federal and State Sources
The plan shall describe efforts to coordinate Federal and State funding for centers for independent living and
independent living services.
(l) Outreach
With respect to services and centers funded under this chapter, the plan shall set forth steps to be taken
regarding outreach to populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this title, including
minority groups and urban and rural populations.
(m) Requirements
The plan shall provide satisfactory assurances that all recipients of financial assistance under this chapter will-(1) notify all individuals seeking or receiving services under this chapter about the availability of the client
assistance program under section 112, the purposes of the services provided under such program, and how to
contact such program;
51
(2) take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities on the
same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of such individuals under the provisions of
section 503;
(3) adopt such fiscal control and fund accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure the proper
disbursement of and accounting for funds paid to the State under this chapter;
(4)(A) maintain records that fully disclose-(i) the amount and disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such financial assistance;
(ii) the total cost of the project or undertaking in connection with which such financial assistance is given or
used; and
(iii) the amount of that portion of the cost of the project or undertaking supplied by other sources;
(B) maintain such other records as the Commissioner determines to be appropriate to facilitate an effective
audit;
(C) afford such access to records maintained under subparagraphs (A) and (B) as the Commissioner determines
to be appropriate; and
(D) submit such reports with respect to such records as the Commissioner determines to be appropriate;
(5) provide access to the Commissioner and the Comptroller General or any of their duly authorized
representatives, for the purpose of conducting audits and examinations, of any books, documents, papers, and
records of the recipients that are pertinent to the financial assistance received under this chapter; and
(6) provide for public hearings regarding the contents of the plan during both the formulation and review of the
plan.
(n) Evaluation
The plan shall establish a method for the periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of the plan in meeting the
objectives established in subsection (d), including evaluation of satisfaction by individuals with disabilities.
Sec. 705. Statewide Independent Living Council
(a) Establishment
To be eligible to receive financial assistance under this chapter, each State shall establish a Statewide
Independent Living Council (referred to in this section as the "Council"). The Council shall not be established as
an entity within a State agency.
(b) Composition and Appointment
(1) Appointment
52
Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor or, in the case of a State that, under State law, vests
authority for the administration of the activities carried out under this Act in an entity other than the Governor
(such as one or more houses of the State legislature or an independent board), the chief officer of that entity.
The appointing authority shall select members after soliciting recommendations from representatives of
organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities and organizations interested in
individuals with disabilities.
(2) Composition
The Council shall include-(A) at least one director of a center for independent living chosen by the directors of centers for independent
living within the State;
(B) as ex officio, nonvoting members-(i) a representative from the designated State unit; and
(ii) representatives from other State agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities; and
(C) in a State in which 1 or more projects are carried out under section 121, at least 1 representative of the
directors of the projects.
(3) Additional members
The Council may include-(A) other representatives from centers for independent living;
(B) parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities;
(C) advocates of and for individuals with disabilities;
(D) representatives from private businesses;
(E) representatives from organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities; and
(F) other appropriate individuals.
(4) Qualifications
(A) In general
The Council shall be composed of members-(i) who provide statewide representation;
(ii) who represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds;
53
(iii) who are knowledgeable about centers for independent living and independent living services; and
(iv) a majority of whom are persons who are-(I) individuals with disabilities described in section 7(20)(B); and
(II) not employed by any State agency or center for independent living.
(B) Voting members
A majority of the voting members of the Council shall be-(i) individuals with disabilities described in section 7(20)(B); and
(ii) not employed by any State agency or center for independent living.
(5) Chairperson
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Council shall select a chairperson from among the voting
membership of the Council.
(B) Designation by chief executive officer
In States in which the Governor does not have veto power pursuant to State law, the appointing authority
described in paragraph (1) shall designate a voting member of the Council to serve as the chairperson of the
Council or shall require the Council to so designate such a voting member.
(6) Terms of appointment
(A) Length of term
Each member of the Council shall serve for a term of 3 years, except that-(i) a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which a predecessor
was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such term; and
(ii) the terms of service of the members initially appointed shall be (as specified by the appointing authority
described in paragraph (1)) for such fewer number of years as will provide for the expiration of terms on a
staggered basis.
(B) Number of terms
No member of the Council may serve more than two consecutive full terms.
(7) Vacancies
(A) In general
54
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Council shall be filled in
the same manner as the original appointment. The vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining
members to execute the duties of the Council.
(B) Delegation
The appointing authority described in paragraph (1) may delegate the authority to fill such a vacancy to the
remaining voting members of the Council after making the original appointment.
(c) Duties
The Council shall-(1) jointly develop and sign (in conjunction with the designated State unit) the State plan required in section
704;
(2) monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State plan;
(3) coordinate activities with the State Rehabilitation Council established under section 105, if the State has such
a Council, or the commission described in section 101(a)(21)(A), if the State has such a commission, and councils
that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues under other Federal law;
(4) ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings of the Statewide Independent Living Council are open to the
public and sufficient advance notice is provided; and
(5) submit to the Commissioner such periodic reports as the Commissioner may reasonably request, and keep
such records, and afford such access to such records, as the Commissioner finds necessary to verify such reports.
(d) Hearings and Forums
The Council is authorized to hold such hearings and forums as the Council may determine to be necessary to
carry out the duties of the Council.
(e) Plan
(1) In general
The Council shall prepare, in conjunction with the designated State unit, a plan for the provision of such
resources, including such staff and personnel, as may be necessary and sufficient to carry out the functions of
the Council under this section, with funds made available under this chapter, and under section 110 (consistent
with section 101(a)(18)), and from other public and private sources. The resource plan shall, to the maximum
extent possible, rely on the use of resources in existence during the period of implementation of the plan.
(2) Supervision and evaluation
Each Council shall, consistent with State law, supervise and evaluate such staff and other personnel as may be
necessary to carry out the functions of the Council under this section.
55
(3) Conflict of interest
While assisting the Council in carrying out its duties, staff and other personnel shall not be assigned duties by
the designated State agency or any other agency or office of the State, that would create a conflict of interest.
(f) Compensation and Expenses
The Council may use such resources to reimburse members of the Council for reasonable and necessary
expenses of attending Council meetings and performing Council duties (including child care and personal
assistance services), and to pay compensation to a member of the Council, if such member is not employed or
must forfeit wages from other employment, for each day the member is engaged in performing Council duties.
Sec. 706. Responsibilities of the Commissioner
(a) Approval of State Plans
(1) In general
The Commissioner shall approve any State plan submitted under section 704 that the Commissioner determines
meets the requirements of section 704, and shall disapprove any such plan that does not meet such
requirements, as soon as practicable after receiving the plan. Prior to such disapproval, the Commissioner shall
notify the State of the intention to disapprove the plan, and shall afford such State reasonable notice and
opportunity for a hearing.
(2) Procedures
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of section 107 shall apply to any
State plan submitted to the Commissioner under section 704.
(B) Application
For purposes of the application described in subparagraph (A), all references in such provisions-(i) to the Secretary shall be deemed to be references to the Commissioner; and
(ii) to section 101 shall be deemed to be references to section 704.
(b) Indicators
Not later than October 1, 1993, the Commissioner shall develop and publish in the Federal Register indicators of
minimum compliance consistent with the standards set forth in section 725.
(c) Onsite Compliance Reviews
(1) Reviews
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The Commissioner shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least 15 percent of the centers for
independent living that receive funds under section 722 and shall periodically conduct such a review of each
such center. The Commissioner shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least one-third of the
designated State units that receive funding under section 723, and, to the extent necessary to determine the
compliance of such a State unit with subsections (f) and (g) of section 723, centers that receive funding under
section 723 in such State. The Commissioner shall select the centers and State units described in this paragraph
for review on a random basis.
(2) Qualifications of employees conducting reviews
The Commissioner shall-(A) to the maximum extent practicable, carry out such a review by using employees of the Department who are
knowledgeable about the provision of independent living services;
(B) ensure that the employee of the Department with responsibility for supervising such a review shall have such
knowledge; and
(C) ensure that at least one member of a team conducting such a review shall be an individual who-(i) is not a government employee; and
(ii) has experience in the operation of centers for independent living.
(d) Reports
The Commissioner shall include, in the annual report required under section 13, information on the extent to
which centers for independent living receiving funds under part C have complied with the standards and
assurances set forth in section 725. The Commissioner may identify individual centers for independent living in
the analysis. The Commissioner shall report the results of onsite compliance reviews, identifying individual
centers for independent living and other recipients of assistance under this chapter.
Part B--Independent Living Services
Sec. 711. Allotments
(a) In General
(1) States
(A) Population basis
Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), from sums appropriated for each fiscal year to carry out this
part, the Commissioner shall make an allotment to each State whose State plan has been approved under
section 706 of an amount bearing the same ratio to such sums as the population of the State bears to the
population of all States.
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(B) Maintenance of 1992 amounts
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this part, the amount of any allotment made under
subparagraph (A) to a State for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount of an allotment made to the State
for fiscal year 1992 under part A of this title, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the
Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992.
(C) Minimums
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this part, and except as provided in subparagraph (B),
the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $275,000 or one-third of one percent of
the sums made available for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the
allotment of any State under this section for any fiscal year that is less than $275,000 or one-third of one
percent of such sums shall be increased to the greater of the two amounts.
(2) Certain territories
(A) In general
For the purposes of paragraph (1)(C), Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be considered to be States.
(B) Allotment
Each jurisdiction described in subparagraph (A) shall be allotted under paragraph (1)(A) not less than one-eighth
of one percent of the amounts made available for purposes of this part for the fiscal year for which the
allotment is made.
(3) Adjustment for inflation
For any fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 1999, in which the total amount appropriated to carry out this part
exceeds the total amount appropriated to carry out this part for the preceding fiscal year, the Commissioner
shall increase the minimum allotment under paragraph (1)(C) by a percentage that shall not exceed the
percentage increase in the total amount appropriated to carry out this part between the preceding fiscal year
and the fiscal year involved.
(b) Proportional Reduction
To provide allotments to States in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B), to provide minimum allotments to
States (as increased under subsection (a)(3)) under subsection (a)(1)(C), or to provide minimum allotments to
States under subsection (a)(2)(B), the Commissioner shall proportionately reduce the allotments of the
remaining States under subsection (a)(1)(A), with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the
allotment of any such remaining State from being reduced to less than the amount required by subsection
(a)(1)(B).
(c) Reallotment
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Whenever the Commissioner determines that any amount of an allotment to a State for any fiscal year will not
be expended by such State in carrying out the provisions of this part, the Commissioner shall make such amount
available for carrying out the provisions of this part to one or more of the States that the Commissioner
determines will be able to use additional amounts during such year for carrying out such provisions. Any amount
made available to a State for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for the purposes of this
section, be regarded as an increase in the allotment of the State (as determined under the preceding provisions
of this section) for such year.
Sec. 712. Payments to States from Allotments
(a) Payments
From the allotment of each State for a fiscal year under section 711, the State shall be paid the Federal share of
the expenditures incurred during such year under its State plan approved under section 706. Such payments
may be made (after necessary adjustments on account of previously made overpayments or underpayments) in
advance or by way of reimbursement, and in such installments and on such conditions as the Commissioner may
determine.
(b) Federal Share
(1) In general
The Federal share with respect to any State for any fiscal year shall be 90 percent of the expenditures incurred
by the State during such year under its State plan approved under section 706.
(2) Non-federal share
The non-Federal share of the cost of any project that receives assistance through an allotment under this part
may be provided in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services.
Sec. 713. Authorized Uses of Funds
The State may use funds received under this part to provide the resources described in section 705(e), relating
to the Statewide Independent Living Council, and may use funds received under this part-(1) to provide independent living services to individuals with significant disabilities;
(2) to demonstrate ways to expand and improve independent living services;
(3) to support the operation of centers for independent living that are in compliance with the standards and
assurances set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 725;
(4) to support activities 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;
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(5) to conduct studies and analyses, gather information, develop model policies 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;
(6) to train individuals with disabilities and individuals providing services to individuals with disabilities and other
persons regarding the independent living philosophy; and
(7) to provide outreach to populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this title, including
minority groups and urban and rural populations.
Sec. 714. Authorization of Appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part such sums as may be necessary for each of the
fiscal years 1999 through 2003.
Part C--Centers for Independent Living
Sec. 721. Program Authorization
(a) In General
From the funds appropriated for fiscal year 1999 and for each subsequent fiscal year to carry out this part, the
Commissioner shall allot such sums as may be necessary to States and other entities in accordance with
subsections (b) through (d).
(b) Training
(1) Grants; contracts; other arrangements
For any fiscal year in which the funds appropriated to carry out this part exceed the funds appropriated to carry
out this part for fiscal year 1993, the Commissioner shall first reserve from such excess, to provide training and
technical assistance to eligible agencies, centers for independent living, and Statewide Independent Living
Councils for such fiscal year, not less than 1.8 percent, and not more than 2 percent, of the funds appropriated
to carry out this part for the fiscal year involved.
(2) Allocation
From the funds reserved under paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall make grants to, and enter into contracts
and other arrangements with, entities that have experience in the operation of centers for independent living to
provide such training and technical assistance with respect to planning, developing, conducting, administering,
and evaluating centers for independent living.
(3) Funding priorities
The Commissioner shall conduct a survey of Statewide Independent Living Councils and centers for independent
living regarding training and technical assistance needs in order to determine funding priorities for such grants,
contracts, and other arrangements.
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(4) Review
To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or other arrangement under this subsection, such an
entity shall submit an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and containing a proposal
to provide such training and technical assistance, and containing such additional information as the
Commissioner may require. The Commissioner shall provide for peer review of grant applications by panels that
include persons who are not government employees and who have experience in the operation of centers for
independent living.
(5) Prohibition on combined funds
No funds reserved by the Commissioner under this subsection may be combined with funds appropriated under
any other Act or part of this Act if the purpose of combining funds is to make a single discretionary grant or a
single discretionary payment, unless such funds appropriated under this chapter are separately identified in
such grant or payment and are used for the purposes of this chapter.
(c) In General
(1) States
(A) Population basis
After the reservation required by subsection (b) has been made, and except as provided in subparagraphs (B)
and (C), from the remainder of the amounts appropriated for each such fiscal year to carry out this part, the
Commissioner shall make an allotment to each State whose State plan has been approved under section 706 of
an amount bearing the same ratio to such remainder as the population of the State bears to the population of
all States.
(B) Maintenance of 1992 amounts
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this part, the amount of any allotment made under
subparagraph (A) to a State for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount of financial assistance received by
centers for independent living in the State for fiscal year 1992 under part B of this title, as in effect on the day
before the date of enactment of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992.
(C) Minimums
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this part and except as provided in subparagraph (B), for
a fiscal year in which the amounts appropriated to carry out this part exceed the amounts appropriated for fiscal
year 1992 to carry out part B of this title, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the
Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992-(i) if such excess is not less than $8,000,000, the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall be not less
than $450,000 or one-third of one percent of the sums made available for the fiscal year for which the allotment
is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment of any State under this section for any fiscal year that is less
than $450,000 or one-third of one percent of such sums shall be increased to the greater of the two amounts;
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(ii) if such excess is not less than $4,000,000 and is less than $8,000,000, the allotment to any State under
subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $400,000 or one-third of one percent of the sums made available for the
fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment of any State under this
section for any fiscal year that is less than $400,000 or one-third of one percent of such sums shall be increased
to the greater of the two amounts; and
(iii) if such excess is less than $4,000,000, the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall approach, as
nearly as possible, the greater of the two amounts described in clause (ii).
(2) Certain territories
(A) In general
For the purposes of paragraph (1)(C), Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be considered to be States.
(B) Allotment
Each jurisdiction described in subparagraph (A) shall be allotted under paragraph (1)(A) not less than one-eighth
of one percent of the remainder for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made.
(3) Adjustment for inflation
For any fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 1999, in which the total amount appropriated to carry out this part
exceeds the total amount appropriated to carry out this part for the preceding fiscal year, the Commissioner
shall increase the minimum allotment under paragraph (1)(C) by a percentage that shall not exceed the
percentage increase in the total amount appropriated to carry out this part between the preceding fiscal year
and the fiscal year involved.
(4) Proportional reduction
To provide allotments to States in accordance with paragraph (1)(B), to provide minimum allotments to States
(as increased under paragraph (3)) under paragraph (1)(C), or to provide minimum allotments to States under
paragraph (2)(B), the Commissioner shall proportionately reduce the allotments of the remaining States under
paragraph (1)(A), with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the allotment of any such remaining
State from being reduced to less than the amount required by paragraph (1)(B).
(d) Reallotment
Whenever the Commissioner determines that any amount of an allotment to a State for any fiscal year will not
be expended by such State for carrying out the provisions of this part, the Commissioner shall make such
amount available for carrying out the provisions of this part to one or more of the States that the Commissioner
determines will be able to use additional amounts during such year for carrying out such provisions. Any amount
made available to a State for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for the purposes of this
section, be regarded as an increase in the allotment of the State (as determined under the preceding provisions
of this section) for such year.
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Sec. 722. Grants to Centers for Independent Living in States in Which Federal Funding Exceeds State Funding
(a) Establishment
(1) In general
Unless the director of a designated State unit awards grants under section 723 to eligible agencies in a State for
a fiscal year, the Commissioner shall award grants under this section to such eligible agencies for such fiscal year
from the amount of funds allotted to the State under subsection (c) or (d) of section 721 for such year.
(2) Grants
The Commissioner shall award such grants, from the amount of funds so allotted, to such eligible agencies for
the planning, conduct, administration, and evaluation of centers for independent living that comply with the
standards and assurances set forth in section 725.
(b) Eligible Agencies
In any State in which the Commissioner has approved the State plan required by section 704, the Commissioner
may make a grant under this section to any eligible agency that-(1) has the power and authority to carry out the purpose of this part and perform the functions set forth in
section 725 within a community and to receive and administer funds under this part, funds and contributions
from private or public sources that may be used in support of a center for independent living, and funds from
other public and private programs;
(2) is determined by the Commissioner to be able to plan, conduct, administer, and evaluate a center for
independent living consistent with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725; and
(3) submits an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Commissioner may require.
(c) Existing Eligible Agencies
In the administration of the provisions of this section, the Commissioner shall award grants to any eligible
agency that has been awarded a grant under this part by September 30, 1997, unless the Commissioner makes a
finding that the agency involved fails to meet program and fiscal standards and assurances set forth in section
725.
(d) New Centers for Independent Living
(1) In general
If there is no center for independent living serving a region of the State or a region is underserved, and the
increase in the allotment of the State is sufficient to support an additional center for independent living in the
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State, the Commissioner may award a grant under this section to the most qualified applicant proposing to serve
such region, consistent with the provisions in the State plan setting forth the design of the State for establishing
a statewide network of centers for independent living.
(2) Selection
In selecting from among applicants for a grant under this section for a new center for independent living, the
Commissioner-(A) shall consider comments regarding the application, if any, by the Statewide Independent Living Council in the
State in which the applicant is located;
(B) shall consider the ability of each such applicant to operate a center for independent living based on-(i) evidence of the need for such a center;
(ii) any past performance of such applicant in providing services comparable to independent living services;
(iii) the plan for satisfying or demonstrated success in satisfying the standards and the assurances set forth in
section 725;
(iv) the quality of key personnel and the involvement of individuals with significant disabilities;
(v) budgets and cost-effectiveness;
(vi) an evaluation plan; and
(vii) the ability of such applicant to carry out the plans; and
(C) shall give priority to applications from applicants proposing to serve geographic areas within each State that
are currently unserved or underserved by independent living programs, consistent with the provisions of the
State plan submitted under section 704 regarding establishment of a statewide network of centers for
independent living.
(3) Current centers
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), a center for independent living that receives assistance under part B for
a fiscal year shall be eligible for a grant for the subsequent fiscal year under this subsection.
(e) Order of Priorities
The Commissioner shall be guided by the following order of priorities in allocating funds among centers for
independent living within a State, to the extent funds are available:
(1) The Commissioner shall support existing centers for independent living, as described in subsection (c), that
comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725, at the level of funding for the previous year.
(2) The Commissioner shall provide for a cost-of-living increase for such existing centers for independent living.
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(3) The Commissioner shall fund new centers for independent living, as described in subsection (d), that comply
with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725.
(f) Nonresidential Agencies
A center that provides or manages residential housing after October 1, 1994, shall not be considered to be an
eligible agency under this section.
(g) Review
(1) In general
The Commissioner shall periodically review each center receiving funds under this section to determine whether
such center is in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725. If the Commissioner
determines that any center receiving funds under this section is not in compliance with the standards and
assurances set forth in section 725, the Commissioner shall immediately notify such center that it is out of
compliance.
(2) Enforcement
The Commissioner shall terminate all funds under this section to such center 90 days after the date of such
notification unless the center submits a plan to achieve compliance within 90 days of such notification and such
plan is approved by the Commissioner.
Sec. 723. Grants to Centers for Independent Living in States in Which State Funding Equals or Exceeds Federal
Funding
(a) Establishment
(1) In general
(A) Initial year
(i) Determination
The director of a designated State unit, as provided in paragraph (2), or the Commissioner, as provided in
paragraph (3), shall award grants under this section for an initial fiscal year if the Commissioner determines that
the amount of State funds that were earmarked by a State for a preceding fiscal year to support the general
operation of centers for independent living meeting the requirements of this part equaled or exceeded the
amount of funds allotted to the State under subsection (c) or (d) of section 721 for such year.
(ii) Grants
The director or the Commissioner, as appropriate, shall award such grants, from the amount of funds so allotted
for the initial fiscal year, to eligible agencies in the State for the planning, conduct, administration, and
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evaluation of centers for independent living that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section
725.
(iii) Regulation
The Commissioner shall by regulation specify the preceding fiscal year with respect to which the Commissioner
will make the determinations described in clause (i) and subparagraph (B), making such adjustments as may be
necessary to accommodate State funding cycles such as 2-year funding cycles or State fiscal years that do not
coincide with the Federal fiscal year.
(B) Subsequent years
For each year subsequent to the initial fiscal year described in subparagraph (A), the director of the designated
State unit shall continue to have the authority to award such grants under this section if the Commissioner
determines that the State continues to earmark the amount of State funds described in subparagraph (A)(i). If
the State does not continue to earmark such an amount for a fiscal year, the State shall be ineligible to make
grants under this section after a final year following such fiscal year, as defined in accordance with regulations
established by the Commissioner, and for each subsequent fiscal year.
(2) Grants by designated state units
In order for the designated State unit to be eligible to award the grants described in paragraph (1) and carry out
this section for a fiscal year with respect to a State, the designated State agency shall submit an application to
the Commissioner at such time, and in such manner as the Commissioner may require, including information
about the amount of State funds described in paragraph (1) for the preceding fiscal year. If the Commissioner
makes a determination described in subparagraph (A)(i) or (B), as appropriate, of paragraph (1), the
Commissioner shall approve the application and designate the director of the designated State unit to award the
grant and carry out this section.
(3) Grants by commissioner
If the designated State agency of a State described in paragraph (1) does not submit and obtain approval of an
application under paragraph (2), the Commissioner shall award the grant described in paragraph (1) to eligible
agencies in the State in accordance with section 722.
(b) Eligible Agencies
In any State in which the Commissioner has approved the State plan required by section 704, the director of the
designated State unit may award a grant under this section to any eligible agency that-(1) has the power and authority to carry out the purpose of this part and perform the functions set forth in
section 725 within a community and to receive and administer funds under this part, funds and contributions
from private or public sources that may be used in support of a center for independent living, and funds from
other public and private programs;
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(2) is determined by the director to be able to plan, conduct, administer, and evaluate a center for independent
living, consistent with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725; and
(3) submits an application to the director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
head of the designated State unit may require.
(c) Existing Eligible Agencies
In the administration of the provisions of this section, the director of the designated State unit shall award
grants under this section to any eligible agency that has been awarded a grant under this part by September 30,
1997, unless the director makes a finding that the agency involved fails to comply with the standards and
assurances set forth in section 725.
(d) New Centers for Independent Living
(1) In general
If there is no center for independent living serving a region of the State or the region is unserved or
underserved, and the increase in the allotment of the State is sufficient to support an additional center for
independent living in the State, the director of the designated State unit may award a grant under this section
from among eligible agencies, consistent with the provisions of the State plan under section 704 setting forth
the design of the State for establishing a statewide network of centers for independent living.
(2) Selection
In selecting from among eligible agencies in awarding a grant under this part for a new center for independent
living-(A) the director of the designated State unit and the chairperson of, or other individual designated by, the
Statewide Independent Living Council acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council, shall jointly appoint
a peer review committee that shall rank applications in accordance with the standards and assurances set forth
in section 725 and criteria jointly established by such director and such chairperson or individual;
(B) the peer review committee shall consider the ability of each such applicant to operate a center for
independent living, and shall recommend an applicant to receive a grant under this section, based on-(i) evidence of the need for a center for independent living, consistent with the State plan;
(ii) any past performance of such applicant in providing services comparable to independent living services;
(iii) the plan for complying with, or demonstrated success in complying with, the standards and the assurances
set forth in section 725;
(iv) the quality of key personnel of the applicant and the involvement of individuals with significant disabilities
by the applicant;
(v) the budgets and cost-effectiveness of the applicant;
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(vi) the evaluation plan of the applicant; and
(vii) the ability of such applicant to carry out the plans; and
(C) the director of the designated State unit shall award the grant on the basis of the recommendations of the
peer review committee if the actions of the committee are consistent with Federal and State law.
(3) Current centers
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), a center for independent living that receives assistance under part B for
a fiscal year shall be eligible for a grant for the subsequent fiscal year under this subsection.
(e) Order of Priorities
Unless the director of the designated State unit and the chairperson of the Council or other individual
designated by the Council acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council jointly agree on another order
of priority, the director shall be guided by the following order of priorities in allocating funds among centers for
independent living within a State, to the extent funds are available:
(1) The director of the designated State unit shall support existing centers for independent living, as described in
subsection (c), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725, at the level of funding for
the previous year.
(2) The director of the designated State unit shall provide for a cost-of-living increase for such existing centers
for independent living.
(3) The director of the designated State unit shall fund new centers for independent living, as described in
subsection (d), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725.
(f) Nonresidential Agencies
A center that provides or manages residential housing after October 1, 1994, shall not be considered to be an
eligible agency under this section.
(g) Review
(1) In general
The director of the designated State unit shall periodically review each center receiving funds under this section
to determine whether such center is in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725. If
the director of the designated State unit determines that any center receiving funds under this section is not in
compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in section 725, the director of the designated State unit
shall immediately notify such center that it is out of compliance.
(2) Enforcement
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The director of the designated State unit shall terminate all funds under this section to such center 90 days
after-(A) the date of such notification; or
(B) in the case of a center that requests an appeal under subsection (i), the date of any final decision under
subsection (i), unless the center submits a plan to achieve compliance within 90 days and such plan is approved
by the director, or if appealed, by the Commissioner.
(h) Onsite Compliance Review
The director of the designated State unit shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least 15 percent
of the centers for independent living that receive funding under this section in the State. Each team that
conducts onsite compliance review of centers for independent living shall include at least one person who is not
an employee of the designated State agency, who has experience in the operation of centers for independent
living, and who is jointly selected by the director of the designated State unit and the chairperson of or other
individual designated by the Council acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council. A copy of this review
shall be provided to the Commissioner.
(i) Adverse Actions
If the director of the designated State unit proposes to take a significant adverse action against a center for
independent living, the center may seek mediation and conciliation to be provided by an individual or individuals
who are free of conflicts of interest identified by the chairperson of or other individual designated by the
Council. If the issue is not resolved through the mediation and conciliation, the center may appeal the proposed
adverse action to the Commissioner for a final decision.
Sec. 724. Centers Operated by State Agencies
A State that receives assistance for fiscal year 1993 with respect to a center in accordance with subsection (a) of
this section (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of
1998) may continue to receive assistance under this part for fiscal year 1994 or a succeeding fiscal year if, for
such fiscal year-(1) no nonprofit private agency-(A) submits an acceptable application to operate a center for independent living for the fiscal year before a date
specified by the Commissioner; and
(B) obtains approval of the application under section 722 or 723; or
(2) after funding all applications so submitted and approved, the Commissioner determines that funds remain
available to provide such assistance.
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Sec. 725. Standards and Assurances for Centers for Independent Living
(a) In General
Each center for independent living that receives assistance under this part shall comply with the standards set
out in subsection (b) and provide and comply with the assurances set out in subsection (c) in order to ensure
that all programs and activities under this part are planned, conducted, administered, and evaluated in a
manner consistent with the purposes of this chapter and the objective of providing assistance effectively and
efficiently.
(b) Standards
(1) Philosophy
The center shall promote and practice the independent living philosophy of-(A) consumer control of the center regarding decisionmaking, service delivery, management, and establishment
of the policy and direction of the center;
(B) self-help and self-advocacy;
(C) development of peer relationships and peer role models; and
(D) equal access of individuals with significant disabilities to society and to all services, programs, activities,
resources, and facilities, whether public or private and regardless of the funding source.
(2) Provision of services
The center shall provide services to individuals with a range of significant disabilities. The center shall provide
services on a cross-disability basis (for individuals with all different types of significant disabilities, including
individuals with significant disabilities who are members of populations that are unserved or underserved by
programs under this title). Eligibility for services at any center for independent living shall be determined by the
center, and shall not be based on the presence of any one or more specific significant disabilities.
(3) Independent living goals
The center shall facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals selected by individuals
with significant disabilities who seek such assistance by the center.
(4) Community options
The center shall work to increase the availability and improve the quality of community options for independent
living in order to facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals by individuals with
significant disabilities.
(5) Independent living core services
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The center shall provide independent living core services and, as appropriate, a combination of any other
independent living services.
(6) Activities to increase community capacity
The center shall conduct activities to increase the capacity of communities within the service area of the center
to meet the needs of individuals with significant disabilities.
(7) Resource development activities
The center shall conduct resource development activities to obtain funding from sources other than this
chapter.
(c) Assurances
The eligible agency shall provide at such time and in such manner as the Commissioner may require, such
satisfactory assurances as the Commissioner may require, including satisfactory assurances that-(1) the applicant is an eligible agency;
(2) the center will be designed and operated within local communities by individuals with disabilities, including
an assurance that the center will have a Board that is the principal governing body of the center and a majority
of which shall be composed of individuals with significant disabilities;
(3) the applicant will comply with the standards set forth in subsection (b);
(4) the applicant will establish clear priorities through annual and 3-year program and financial planning
objectives for the center, including overall goals or a mission for the center, a work plan for achieving the goals
or mission, specific objectives, service priorities, and types of services to be provided, and a description that
shall demonstrate how the proposed activities of the applicant are consistent with the most recent 3-year State
plan under section 704;
(5) the applicant will use sound organizational and personnel assignment practices, including taking 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;
(6) the applicant will ensure that the majority of the staff, and individuals in decisionmaking positions, of the
applicant are individuals with disabilities;
(7) the applicant will practice sound fiscal management;
(8) the applicant will conduct annual self-evaluations, prepare an annual report, and maintain records adequate
to measure performance with respect to the standards, containing information regarding, at a minimum-(A) the extent to which the center is in compliance with the standards;
(B) the number and types of individuals with significant disabilities receiving services through the center;
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(C) the types of services provided through the center and the number of individuals with significant disabilities
receiving each type of service;
(D) the sources and amounts of funding for the operation of the center;
(E) the number of individuals with significant disabilities who are employed by, and the number who are in
management and decisionmaking positions in, the center; and
(F) a comparison, when appropriate, of the activities of the center in prior years with the activities of the center
in the most recent year;
(9) individuals with significant disabilities who are seeking or receiving services at the center will be notified by
the center of the existence of, the availability of, and how to contact, the client assistance program;
(10) aggressive outreach regarding services provided through the center will be conducted in an effort to reach
populations of individuals with significant disabilities that are unserved or underserved by programs under this
title, especially minority groups and urban and rural populations;
(11) staff at centers for independent living will receive training on how to serve such unserved and underserved
populations, including minority groups and urban and rural populations;
(12) the center will submit to the Statewide Independent Living Council a copy of its approved grant application
and the annual report required under paragraph (8);
(13) the center will prepare and submit a report to the designated State unit or the Commissioner, as the case
may be, at the end of each fiscal year that contains the information described in paragraph (8) and information
regarding the extent to which the center is in compliance with the standards set forth in subsection (b); and
(14) an independent living plan described in section 704(e) will be developed unless the individual who would
receive services under the plan signs a waiver stating that such a plan is unnecessary.
Sec. 726. Definitions
As used in this part, the term "eligible agency" means a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability,
nonresidential private nonprofit agency.
Sec. 727. Authorization of Appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part such sums as may be necessary for each of the
fiscal years 1999 through 2003.
Chapter 2--Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind
Sec. 751. Definition
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For purposes of this chapter, the term "older individual who is blind" means an individual age 55 or older whose
significant visual impairment makes competitive employment extremely difficult to attain but for whom
independent living goals are feasible.
Sec. 752. Program of Grants
(a) In General
(1) Authority for grants
Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Commissioner may make grants to States for the purpose of providing the
services described in subsection (d) to older individuals who are blind.
(2) Designated state agency
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless the State involved agrees that the grant
will be administered solely by the agency described in section 101(a)(2)(A)(i).
(b) Contingent Competitive Grants
Beginning with fiscal year 1993, in the case of any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under section
753 is less than $13,000,000, grants made under subsection (a) shall be-(1) discretionary grants made on a competitive basis to States; or
(2) grants made on a noncompetitive basis to pay for the continuation costs of activities for which a grant was
awarded-(A) under this chapter; or
(B) under part C, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of
1992.
(c) Contingent Formula Grants
(1) In general
In the case of any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under section 753 is equal to or greater than
$13,000,000, grants under subsection (a) shall be made only to States and shall be made only from allotments
under paragraph (2).
(2) Allotments
For grants under subsection (a) for a fiscal year described in paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall make an
allotment to each State in an amount determined in accordance with subsection (j), and shall make a grant to
the State of the allotment made for the State if the State submits to the Commissioner an application in
accordance with subsection (i).
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(d) Services Generally
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless the State involved agrees that the grant
will be expended only for purposes of-(1) providing independent living services to older individuals who are blind;
(2) conducting activities that will improve or expand services for such individuals; and
(3) conducting activities to help improve public understanding of the problems of such individuals.
(e) Independent Living Services
Independent living services for purposes of subsection (d)(1) include-(1) services to help correct blindness, such as-(A) outreach services;
(B) visual screening;
(C) surgical or therapeutic treatment to prevent, correct, or modify disabling eye conditions; and
(D) hospitalization related to such services;
(2) the provision of eyeglasses and other visual aids;
(3) the provision of services and equipment to assist an older individual who is blind to become more mobile
and more self-sufficient;
(4) mobility training, braille instruction, and other services and equipment to help an older individual who is
blind adjust to blindness;
(5) guide services, reader services, and transportation;
(6) any other appropriate service designed to assist an older individual who is blind in coping with daily living
activities, including supportive services and rehabilitation teaching services;
(7) independent living skills training, information and referral services, peer counseling, and individual advocacy
training; and
(8) other independent living services.
(f) Matching Funds
(1) In general
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless the State involved agrees, with respect to
the costs of the program to be carried out by the State pursuant to such subsection, to make available (directly
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or through donations from public or private entities) non-Federal contributions toward such costs in an amount
that is not less than $1 for each $9 of Federal funds provided in the grant.
(2) Determination of amount contributed
Non-Federal contributions required in paragraph (1) may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant,
equipment, or services. Amounts provided by the Federal Government, or services assisted or subsidized to any
significant extent by the Federal Government, may not be included in determining the amount of such nonFederal contributions.
(g) Certain Expenditures of Grants
A State may expend a grant under subsection (a) to carry out the purposes specified in subsection (d) through
grants to public and nonprofit private agencies or organizations.
(h) Requirement Regarding State Plan
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless the State involved agrees that, in carrying
out subsection (d)(1), the State will seek to incorporate into the State plan under section 704 any new methods
and approaches relating to independent living services for older individuals who are blind.
(i) Application for Grant
(1) In general
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless an application for the grant is submitted to
the Commissioner and the application is in such form, is made in such manner, and contains such agreements,
assurances, and information as the Commissioner determines to be necessary to carry out this section (including
agreements, assurances, and information with respect to any grants under subsection (j)(4)).
(2) Contents
An application for a grant under this section shall contain-(A) an assurance that the agency described in subsection (a)(2) will prepare and submit to the Commissioner a
report, at the end of each fiscal year, with respect to each project or program the agency operates or
administers under this section, whether directly or through a grant or contract, which report shall contain, at a
minimum, information on-(i) the number and types of older individuals who are blind and are receiving services;
(ii) the types of services provided and the number of older individuals who are blind and are receiving each type
of service;
(iii) the sources and amounts of funding for the operation of each project or program;
(iv) the amounts and percentages of resources committed to each type of service provided;
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(v) data on actions taken to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with significant
disabilities, including older individuals who are blind; and
(vi) a comparison, if appropriate, of prior year activities with the activities of the most recent year;
(B) an assurance that the agency will-(i) provide services that contribute to the maintenance of, or the increased independence of, older individuals
who are blind; and
(ii) engage in-(I) capacity-building activities, including collaboration with other agencies and organizations;
(II) activities to promote community awareness, involvement, and assistance; and
(III) outreach efforts; and
(C) an assurance that the application is consistent with the State plan for providing independent living services
required by section 704.
(j) Amount of Formula Grant
(1) In general
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the amount of an allotment under subsection (a) for a State for a
fiscal year shall be the greater of-(A) the amount determined under paragraph (2); or
(B) the amount determined under paragraph (3).
(2) Minimum allotment
(A) States
In the case of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the amount
referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) for a fiscal year is the greater of-(i) $225,000; or
(ii) an amount equal to one-third of one percent of the amount appropriated under section 753 for the fiscal
year and available for allotments under subsection (a).
(B) Certain territories
In the case of Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, the amount referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) for a fiscal year is $40,000.
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(3) Formula
The amount referred to in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) for a State for a fiscal year is the product of-(A) the amount appropriated under section 753 and available for allotments under subsection (a); and
(B) a percentage equal to the quotient of-(i) an amount equal to the number of individuals residing in the State who are not less than 55 years of age;
divided by
(ii) an amount equal to the number of individuals residing in the United States who are not less than 55 years of
age.
(4) Disposition of certain amounts
(A) Grants
From the amounts specified in subparagraph (B), the Commissioner may make grants to States whose
population of older individuals who are blind has a substantial need for the services specified in subsection (d)
relative to the populations in other States of older individuals who are blind.
(B) Amounts
The amounts referred to in subparagraph (A) are any amounts that are not paid to States under subsection (a) as
a result of-(i) the failure of any State to submit an application under subsection (i);
(ii) the failure of any State to prepare within a reasonable period of time such application in compliance with
such subsection; or
(iii) any State informing the Commissioner that the State does not intend to expend the full amount of the
allotment made for the State under subsection (a).
(C) Conditions
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subparagraph (A) unless the State involved agrees that the grant
is subject to the same conditions as grants made under subsection (a).
Sec. 753. Authorization of Appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter such sums as may be necessary for each of the
fiscal years 1999 through 2003.
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