Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
and
Centers for Independent Living (CIL)
Strategic Alliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Vision Statement:
As a result of our strategic alliance, Disability Network\Michigan
(DN\M), CILs, Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services
(MCRS), MRS and Michigan Statewide Independent Living
Council (SILC) will transform our service delivery systems into a
holistic approach for the employment and independence of
individuals with disabilities throughout Michigan
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5
ACRONYMS .................................................................................................................................. 5
Definitions....................................................................................................................................... 6
Partnership ...................................................................................................................................... 7
What is the purpose, philosophy and mission of CILs? ............................................................. 7
What is the purpose of MRS? ..................................................................................................... 8
What is MRS’ mission and vision? ............................................................................................. 8
What are MRS’ and CIL’s shared values? .................................................................................. 8
Are there Federal mandates for MRS and CIL to work together? .............................................. 9
What is the role of Disability Network\Michigan (DN\M) and Statewide Independent Living
Council (SILC)? .......................................................................................................................... 9
What is the role of the IL/MRS Champions and how do they benefit the vision of the IL/VR
Strategic Alliance? .................................................................................................................... 10
How are IL services paid for by MRS? .................................................................................... 10
Where do CILs receive their funding from? ............................................................................. 10
How does CIL fund or allocate their staff? ............................................................................... 11
Why are CILs not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities
(CARF)? .................................................................................................................................... 11
Are CILs considered a partner, vendor or both? ....................................................................... 11
What are the CIL job titles? In the field, MRS has District Managers, Site Managers,
Counselors, Rehabilitation Assistants (RAs) and purchased service providers. ...................... 11
What is the relationship between Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Independent Living
Plans (ILPs) and Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)? ................................................. 12
How does or what is the relationship between MRS, Intermediate School Districts
(ISDs)/Educational Services Agencies (ESAs) and CILs when working with referrals and
services? .................................................................................................................................... 12
Does MRS have separate services when working with ISDs/ESAs? ....................................... 12
Do CILs have separate services when working with ISD/ESAs?............................................. 12
How do CILs balance their role as advocates? ......................................................................... 13
Do we still need a release of information to work with the CIL? ............................................. 13
When MRS assists an individual to develop a small business/micro enterprise as part of their
IPE goals, can a CIL be used to support that goal? .................................................................. 13
Communication ............................................................................................................................. 13
What methods can CIL and MRS develop to communicate statewide best practices? ............ 13
How can we develop a better means of communicating when the MRS customer does not
show-up for appointments with the CIL? ................................................................................. 13
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How can the MRS Counselor and CIL staff person work collaboratively to ensure effective
and timely service delivery? ..................................................................................................... 14
What is the chain of communication when CIL and MRS experience difficulties? ................. 14
MRS utilizes Client Assistance Program (CAP), what is the CIL equivalent? ........................ 14
Services ......................................................................................................................................... 14
What is the difference between CIL Core Services and IL Services? ...................................... 14
At what point can IL services be purchased? Is it based on an individual’s MRS status? ...... 15
Is there a resource manual or catalog that shows what services are available and provided by
each CIL? .................................................................................................................................. 16
What CIL Core Services are free and which ones have a fee? ................................................. 16
Who are the primary contacts for the Core Services the CILs provide? .................................. 16
When do Information & Referral (I&L) services turn into other CIL Core Services? Is it
determined by the amount of time? .......................................................................................... 16
How do the CILs determine what services they are going to offer? ......................................... 16
How do CILs determine their fees? .......................................................................................... 16
How does MRS determine what services they will pay for? .................................................... 17
Can the CIL link individuals with resources in the community to assist with basic needs such
as transportation, housing, medications, clothing, so MRS counselor can focus on employment
related services? ........................................................................................................................ 17
Can CIL staff assist with job placement? ................................................................................. 17
What does MRS consider an allowable service? ...................................................................... 17
What services need to be documented for MRS? ..................................................................... 17
Does Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements relate to
MRS services? .......................................................................................................................... 18
How does CIL handle their disability adjustment training/approach? Is it a module format to
train consumers? ....................................................................................................................... 18
Where does MRS typically obtain or purchase benefit planning services for customers who
receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
................................................................................................................................................... 18
What are MRS’ policies concerning IL? .................................................................................. 18
Servicing areas .............................................................................................................................. 18
Are CILs required to provide services statewide? And, how do CILs serve areas where there is
not a physical office present? .................................................................................................... 18
Can an MRS office purchase services from a CIL in another area? ......................................... 19
Can the CIL staff conduct presentations about CIL services at the MRS office during MRS
orientations? .............................................................................................................................. 19
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In some areas the CIL seems short-staffed; will the CILs be able to hire more staff to help
meet MRS’ customer referrals? ................................................................................................ 19
Should we develop new programs between MRS and the CIL when existing programs may not
be meeting their stated outcomes? ............................................................................................ 19
What other organizations purchase services from CIL? ........................................................... 19
How do the CILs use Core Services when working with other community organizations? .... 20
How many CIL Core Service hours are allotted for the general public per year? .................... 20
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to the most frequently asked
questions asked by Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) counselors and Centers for
Independent Living (CIL) staff to help support strong partnerships in working together to
serve our mutual customers.
ACRONYMS
ADA – Americans with Disability Act
AWARE – Accessible Web-based Activity and Reporting Environment
BSBP – Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
CAP – Client Assistance Program
CARF – Commission on Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities
CIL – Centers for Independent Living
CMH – Community Mental Health
CMHSP – Community Mental Health Service Provider
CSR – Consumer Service Records
DCH – Department of Community Health
DHS – Department of Human Services
DN/M – Disability Network/Michigan
ESA – Educational Services Agency
HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
IEP – Individualized Education Plan
IL – Independent Living
ILP – Independent Living Plan
IPE – Individualized Plan for Employment
ISD – Intermediate School District
I&R – Information & Referral
MCRS – Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services
MRS – Michigan Rehabilitation Services
RA – Rehabilitation Assistant
RSA – Rehabilitation Services Administration
SE – Supported Employment
SILC – Statewide Independent Living Council
SPIL – State Plan for Independent Living
SSDI – Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI – Supplemental Security Income
VA – Veterans Affairs
VR – Vocational Rehabilitation
WIPA – Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
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DEFINITIONS
AWARE
Accessible Web-based Activity and Reporting Environment (AWARE) is the case
management system where MRS enters information about the participants they serve.
Community of Practice
A Community of Practice is when small regional groups of counselors and CIL staff –
those recruited to be Champions – come together to share assets (knowledge,
experiences, promising practices, connections) and to learn from each other. Current
Communities of Practice are West Michigan, Southeast Michigan, Detroit, Eastern
Michigan, Northern Michigan, and the UP.
Consumer Service Records (CSR)
CSR’s contains documentation concerning eligibility or ineligibility for services, the
services requested by the consumer; the ILP developed with the consumer or a waiver
signed by the consumer stating that an IL plan is unnecessary, the services actually
provided to the consumer; and the IL goals or objectives established and achieved by
the consumer.
IL Direct Cost
Direct costs are those costs tied directly to the provision of services and include staff
salaries/wages, taxes & benefits, travel expenses, etc.
IL Indirect Cost
Indirect costs are those costs in support of direct costs and include rent, utilities,
administrative & management support, etc.
IL Peer Support Service
Peer support counseling or mentoring services may be provided on an individual or
group basis. Peer Support services may be customized by each CIL to meet the needs
of the individuals within the community. For instance, some CILs organize Peer
Support groups by a common disability type, while others will form cross-disability peer
support groups around a common concern or issue such as transportation or housing.
Individualized employment related Peer Support services could be developed as a feefor-service in partnership with the local MRS Office.
Independent Living Plan (ILP)
All eligible individuals with significant disabilities have the right to develop an
independent living plan (ILP) or waive that right. An ILP contains documentation
concerning eligibility or ineligibility for services, describes the consumer’s goals and the
services to be provided in order to reach those goals. To assist CILs in keeping track of
their work toward the accomplishment of those goals, they establish a CSR. ILPs are
the CIL version of MRS’s IPE.
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IL NetCil (formerly known as CFAL)
This is the statewide database that all CILs utilize to do case management and
outcomes reporting. NetCil would be considered equivalent to MRS AWARE System in
daily usage.
IL Priority Services
Priorities for IL services are influenced by the SPIL and each CILs respective annual
work plan as driven by the needs of the community they serve and consumer input.
IL Supports
These are a combination of the core and any other IL service(s) deemed necessary by
the consumer in order to help him/her attain his/her IL goals.
MRS Self-employment
Self-employment is employment in which the individual owns, manages, and operates
the business and is not considered an employee of another person, business, or
organization.
a) MRS Micro-enterprise
It is a sub-category of self-employment. It is a proprietorship that usually
consists of only the owner, has difficulty securing loans from traditional lending
sources, and generally requires a modest initial investment of funds.
b) MRS Small Business
It is a sub-category of self-employment. It is employment in which the individual
owns, manages, and operates the business and is not considered an employee
of another person, business, or organization. Depending on the industry, the
size standard is based on the average number of employees for the preceding 12
months or on sales volume averaged over a three-year period.
MRS Supported Employment (SE)
SE is paid competitive work that offers ongoing support services in integrated settings
for individuals with the most significant disabilities. It is intended for individuals for who
competitive employment has not traditionally occurred, or has been interrupted or
intermittent as a result of significant disability, and who need ongoing supports to
maintain their employment. The employment outcome is attained by providing intensive
service and is maintained through the provision of Extended Services (follow-along)
which is provided by another community agency, such as a Community Mental Health
Service Provider (CMHSP). The level of employment participation may be full- or parttime based on the interests and abilities of the individual.
PARTNERSHIP
What is the purpose, philosophy and mission of CILs?
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Centers for Independent Living (CILs), per Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended, are consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential,
private non-profit agencies that are designed and operated within a local community by
a majority of individuals with disabilities and provide an array of independent living (IL)
services.
The purpose of CILs is to promote a philosophy of IL, 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.
In Michigan there are 15 CILs that embrace and promote the IL philosophy, yet all
having slightly different missions based on the needs of their local communities.
What is the purpose of MRS?
MRS’ purpose according to Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, is to
provide for “a comprehensive, coordinated, effective, efficient, and accountable program
of vocational rehabilitation which is an integral part of a statewide workforce investment
system, and designed to assess, plan, develop, and provide vocational rehabilitation
services for individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources,
priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities, interests and informed choice, so that
such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment.” [P.L. 105-220 §
100 (a)(2)]
What is MRS’ mission and vision?
MRS’ mission is, “MRS partners with individuals and employers to achieve quality
employment outcomes and independence for persons with disabilities.”
MRS’ vision is, “MRS will be a premiere organization to promote an inclusive workforce
system that provides each individual with a disability the opportunity for employment
leading to independence.”
What are MRS’ and CIL’s shared values?
Honesty, integrity and respect: we are committed to sharing the truth in order to
develop trust with one another, building credibility, while respecting each other’s
differences and celebrating our similarities; keeping the needs of consumers/individuals
as our priority in decision-making; and strengthening our partnership.
Inclusive and collaborative teamwork: we are committed to working in collaboration
to reach a common goal of assisting people to live and work independently. We will do
this by sharing knowledge and resources to create a partnership where all voices are
equal.
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Timely, open, constructive communication: we are committed to communication in a
constructive and honest manner that keeps the end goal in mind. We are committed to
sharing the good news, along with the bad news, in a manner that will assist each other
in meeting the goals of consumers/individuals.
Continuous improvement for excellence: we are committed to excellence and the
process it will require to achieve it. All of our collective efforts will remain solutionfocused and we will not dwell on problems. We recognize the value in being proactive
and develop strategies that will benefit our mutual consumers/individuals and will strive
for visionary, mission-focused dialogues at all times.
Fairness in distribution of resources: we value distribution and management of
resources to maximize effectiveness and fairness in services to persons with disabilities
throughout Michigan. We agree that the criteria for fairness must be collectively
developed, supported and continually reviewed.
Are there Federal mandates for MRS and CIL to work together?
Though the Act does not mandate specifically how the two entities work together, the
intent of the Act is that collaborative relationships are important to achieving the
purpose for the Act. Both MRS and CILs are created by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended. The purpose of the Rehabilitation Act is to empower individuals with
disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and
inclusion and integration into society. The Act recognizes the importance of both
employment and independent living as critical elements of reaching self-sufficiency,
inclusion and integration into society.
Under the Act vocational rehabilitation (VR) (MRS) assists individuals prepare for,
obtain and maintain employment. CILs help with all the other aspects in life that assist
consumers to live independent, self-directed lives. This is what leads to the vision of a
holistic service-delivery system through the IL/VR Strategic Alliance.
What is the role of Disability Network\Michigan (DN\M) and Statewide Independent
Living Council (SILC)?
DN\M represents the collective voice of Michigan’s CILs at a state and national level.
DN\M is devoted to supporting and building sustainable CILs through leadership
development, relationship building, effective communication and mobilizing around
issues that will have the greatest impact on delivering high-quality independent living
services to consumers with disabilities.
The SILC is an independent agency created by the Governor’s Executive Order, in
accordance with the federal Rehabilitation Act. By law, each state must establish a
SILC to be eligible for federal funding. SILC is responsible for collaborative
development of the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) with the designated state
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units, MRS and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP). The SPIL is jointly
developed and signed by the director of the designated state unit(s) [Department of
Human Services (DHS)-MRS] and the chairperson of the SILC acting on behalf of and
at the direction of the Council. The SPIL addresses the provision of state IL services,
the development and support of a statewide network of CILs and the working
relationships among programs providing IL services, CILs, the state VR program, and
other programs providing services for individuals with disabilities in coordination with
Michigan’s CILs. This plan is a blueprint for present and future IL programs and
services in Michigan. The Council also monitors, reviews and evaluates implementation
of the SPIL.
What is the role of the IL/MRS Champions and how do they benefit the vision of
the IL/VR Strategic Alliance?
The roles of the IL/MRS Champions are to be a local leader in moving forward the
vision of the IL/VR Strategic Alliance. Both MRS and CILs have identified Champions
that have very similar roles with their respective organizations. IL and MRS Champions
work collaboratively to meet the needs of their local partnerships by planning and
leading meetings, communicating with their respective organizations, participating in
Community of Practice meetings and sharing relevant information with the IL/VR
Operations Team. They benefit the Alliance by being the key leaders in moving the
vision forward in their Districts.
How are IL services paid for by MRS?
Funding is provided through various fund sources in a District (i.e. General Funds, ISD,
CMH, etc.) and/or specific site agreements through special programs.
Where do CILs receive their funding from?
CILs receive funding from a variety of sources including federal and state contracts and
grants, fee-for-service revenue, donations and fundraising.
Each CIL in Michigan receives Title VII, Part C funds directly from the Rehabilitation
Services Administration (RSA). They also receive grants administered through the
DHS/MRS which is comprised of funds appropriated from the legislature and Title VII,
Part B funds.
Each CIL gets an equal distribution of Title VII, Part C funding, which can be utilized to
cover wages of staff providing IL core services and overhead expenses such as rent,
utilities, travel, office administration, etc.
The state core funding is divided amongst the CILs using a formula based on square
miles, population and poverty rate for the service area they are covering.
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How does CIL fund or allocate their staff?
All CILs use a cost allocation formula to allocate staff time. CILs fund their staff with the
funding sources listed above, as determined by the CIL’s annual work plan, which is
developed based upon the needs of the community.
Why are CILs not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation Rehabilitation
Facilities (CARF)?
CARF was created to provide accreditation to rehabilitation facilities, such as
community rehabilitation organizations. CILs are not considered rehabilitation facilities
and are accountable to the standards and indicators established by the Rehabilitation
Act, as administered by RSA. CILs are accountable to RSA in the same manner as
MRS.
Are CILs considered a partner, vendor or both?
Whether or not a CIL is considered a “vendor” or a “partner” is not as important as the
need to work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our shared customers.
Even though there might be differences in the service delivery model, IL and VR should
seek ways to move past perceived difference to share strategies that improve the
quality of life for the individuals we serve.
Each CIL and MRS office have valuable interactions with individuals with disabilities,
and through these interactions, barriers to self-sufficiency may be identified. Through a
strong, collaborative relationship, both entities can work together to develop solutions to
removing barriers. This is the essence of a partnership.
When the relationship evolves to the development of a service that MRS may purchase
this creates a vendor relationship. MRS should hold their CIL partners to the same
expectations as other vendors.
What are the CIL job titles? In the field, MRS has District Managers, Site
Managers, Counselors, Rehabilitation Assistants (RAs) and purchased service
providers.
Because each CIL is unique based on their community there is very little consistency in
job titles from one CIL to another. However, all CILs have a Director, and many have
Associate Directors and/or Program Directors. Each CIL has some level of
administrative support in the form of office assistants and accountants.
Job titles for direct service staff will vary from one CIL to the other, but all CILs are
required to have staff to provide CIL Core Services. Examples of job titles may include
IL Specialists or Peer Support Specialists. It is recommended to check with your local
CIL for more specifics.
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What is the relationship between Individualized Education Plan (IEP),
Independent Living Plans (ILPs) and Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)?
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a written (school) document that describes the
educational plan for a student with a disability. The IEP reflects the student’s disability,
what skills they need to learn, what they’ll do in school for that year, what services the
school will provide, and where the learning will take place. The Individualized Plan for
Employment (IPE) (MRS Form) is designed to achieve the employment goal of the
individual. Coordination of the two documents is demonstrated by identifying the IEP
services in the IPE or by attaching a copy of the IEP to the individual’s IPE.
The IEP for students receiving special education services shall be considered while
developing the IPE. The student’s IPE shall be coordinated with the goals, objectives,
and services in the IEP. As long as the student remains in school, a copy of the IPE
may be provided to the educational entity.
CILs are required to develop ILPs (or waiver) for eligible consumers. Whenever there is
a shared customer among MRS, an Intermediate School District (ISD) and CIL, they
should meet, discuss and agree that each of their required plans supports the plans of
the others.
How does or what is the relationship between MRS, Intermediate School Districts
(ISDs)/Educational Services Agencies (ESAs) and CILs when working with
referrals and services?
The collaborative working relationships differ in MRS from community to community
between ISD/ESA and the CIL.
Some CILs participate in third party agreements between their local MRS and ISD/ESA.
These agreements should lay out the referral process and the services offered by each
organization. Also, some CILs work directly with the ISD/ESA independently of MRS.
Does MRS have separate services when working with ISDs/ESAs?
Yes, it is based on the individual needs of the MRS customer and the local ISD/ESA.
Do CILs have separate services when working with ISD/ESAs?
CILs may develop services to meet the specific needs of individuals with disabilities also
served by the ISD/ESA; however these services must still fall within the definition of IL
Core Services, or be developed as fee-for-service services.
Just as local MRS offices work with a variety of vendors, community partners, agencies
and organizations, so do CILs.
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How do CILs balance their role as advocates?
It is critical to have ongoing communication with each other when working with mutual
customers to navigate any challenges that could arise in the dual role of being an
advocate and a service provider. Individual and systems advocacy is a federally
mandated Core Service for CILs. When working collaboratively with MRS’ customers,
CILs may find themselves in their role to advocate for consumers also trying to build
strong, trusting, collaborative relationships with MRS.
Do we still need a release of information to work with the CIL?
Yes. MRS has a consent to release form, RA-26, that needs to be filled-out and signed
when any kind of sharing of information takes place. Individuals have the right to
privacy whether working with MRS or a CIL, therefore any exchange of information
should only be done with the individual’s consent.
When MRS assists an individual to develop a small business/micro enterprise as
part of their IPE goals, can a CIL be used to support that goal?
If the CIL has staff competency/expertise in small business development, regardless of
the type of business, then that CIL could work with MRS. Because small business
development/assistance is not a Core Service, it would likely have a fee attached to it.
COMMUNICATION
What methods can CIL and MRS develop to communicate statewide best
practices?
Face-to-face interactions are the best way to build relationships. Hosting Regional or
Statewide gatherings is a great way to facilitate statewide communication and
information sharing. We can also use technology, such as: mass email blasts, news
flashes, a best practice newsletter, new counselor training, maintain/update the IL/MRS
Facebook page, create a listserv, webinar, Champion Meetings, Communities of
Practice, etc. Locally, staff could go to each other’s staff meetings or host webinars.
Both MRS and CIL could make the IL/VR Alliance part of the orientation process for any
new hires.
How can we develop a better means of communicating when the MRS customer
does not show-up for appointments with the CIL?
As CIL and MRS staff build their relationships it is important to develop a plan for
ongoing, consistent communications with one another. If a MRS customer fails to
show-up for an appointment with the IL staff person, sending an e-mail or leaving a
voicemail in a prompt manner is recommended. It is also recommended that this be
noted in the monthly report (or however frequently and in whatever manner the
Counselor and CIL staff person agree to) to the MRS Counselor if an authorization for
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services is involved so that the MRS Counselor has written record of the missed
appointment.
The CIL staff person should document attempt(s), report and contact referring
Counselor via agreed upon communication, i.e. e-mail or phone call.
How can the MRS Counselor and CIL staff person work collaboratively to ensure
effective and timely service delivery?
A suggested practice would be for the referring MRS counselor and CIL staff person to
meet to discuss and agree to the nature, frequency and type of services and/or followup, as well as reporting prior to the actual provision of services. If you’re not sure who
to initiate with, contact your local MRS/IL Champion.
What is the chain of communication when CIL and MRS experience difficulties?
Regularly scheduled meetings between MRS and the CIL will facilitate a better working
alliance which enhances relationships, builds trust and reduces conflicts. It is through
these meetings that a chain of communication can be established based upon mutually
agreed upon protocol.
However, preferred method of communication is directly between referring counselor
and service provider. If that doesn’t work, then involve management and seek their
guidance.
MRS utilizes Client Assistance Program (CAP), what is the CIL equivalent?
CILs have the same requirements as MRS to inform consumers of their rights and
responsibilities by providing information about CAP.
SERVICES
What is the difference between CIL Core Services and IL Services?
CIL mandated Core Services are Information & Referral (I&R), IL Skills Training, Peer
Counseling, and Individual and Systems advocacy.
In addition, other IL Services may include the following and may also be purchased
and/or provided by other service providers other than CIL:
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Counseling Services, including psychological, psychotherapeutic and related
services;
Service related to securing housing or shelter;
Rehabilitation Technology;
Mobility Training;
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Services and training for consumers with cognitive and sensory disabilities,
including life skills training and interpreter and reader services;
Personal Assistance Services, including attendant care and the training of
personnel providing these services;
Surveys, directories and other activities to identify appropriate housing,
recreation opportunities, and accessible transportation and other support
services;
Consumer information programs on rehabilitation and IL services available under
the Act;
Education and training necessary for living in a community and participating in
community activities;
Supported living;
Transportation, including referral and assistance for transportation;
Physical Rehabilitation;
Therapeutic Rehabilitation;
Provision of needed prosthesis and other appliances and devices;
Individual and group social and recreational services;
Training to develop skills specific to youth who are consumers with significant
disabilities to promote self-awareness and esteem, develop advocacy and selfempowerment skills and explore career options;
Services for children;
Services under other Federal, State or local programs designed to provide
resources, training, counseling, and other assistance of substantial benefit in
enhancing the independence, productivity and quality of life for consumers with
significant disabilities;
Appropriate preventative services to decrease the need of consumers with
significant disabilities assisted under the Act for similar services in the future;
Community awareness programs to enhance understanding and integration into
society of consumers with significant disabilities; and
Any other services that may be necessary to improve the ability of a consumer
with a significant disability to function, continue functioning, or move toward
functioning independence on the family or community or to continue employment
and are not considered inconsistent with any other provision in the Act (CFR
364.4).
Please note that though ALL CILs provide Core and other IL Services, the manner in
which those services are provided may and do vary among CILs.
At what point can IL services be purchased? Is it based on an individual’s MRS
status?
It really depends what the IL Service is. If it is an assessment towards evaluation of a
potential IPE, then it would be completed during the eligibility status. However, in
general the IL Service (the actual accommodation or specified service) would
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predominantly be provided during Service/IPE status as part of the overall vocational
goal.
Is there a resource manual or catalog that shows what services are available and
provided by each CIL?
Since each CIL across Michigan is unique it is recommended that you contact your local
CIL for a listing of their service offerings.
What CIL Core Services are free and which ones have a fee?
CILs have no federal restrictions preventing them from charging for their Core Services.
For this reason it is a suggested practice that local MRS offices and CILs discuss and
clearly identify those services that are ‘free,’ and co-design those services that would
have a fee attached to them.
If CIL Core or other IL Services support an employment outcome, and are necessary for
the individual to reach their employment goals, MRS may purchase services from a CIL,
or any other service provider. If MRS is requesting employment related services from
their local CIL they should expect a fee attached to it.
Who are the primary contacts for the Core Services the CILs provide?
Contact your local CIL for further information. If you do not know who your local CIL is,
contact Disability Network\Michigan (DN/M) at 517-339-0539.
When do Information & Referral (I&L) services turn into other CIL Core Services?
Is it determined by the amount of time?
In general, I&R services are typically a one-time interaction and do not require a great
deal of time. Other CIL Core and IL Services are typically longer-term or on-going
based on the consumer’s individual needs.
How do the CILs determine what services they are going to offer?
Services provided are based upon the needs of the consumer, and what they’ve
requested for support to reach their IL goals, as well as the CIL staff capacity,
competency, funding and annual work plans. Services are also determined by needs of
their local communities.
How do CILs determine their fees?
Determining a fee-for-service is based upon the direct and indirect expenses that CIL
will incur by providing the service. Examples of direct costs include staff
salaries/wages, taxes & benefits, travel expenses, etc. Indirect costs include rent,
utilities, administrative & management support, etc. All of these costs must be factored
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into determining a fee schedule so that the CIL breaks-even. If a service costs more
than the revenue it generates the program is not sustainable, and may be cancelled.
As a suggested practice it is recommended that local MRS and CILs meet to
collaboratively co-design desired services and develop a fee-for-service that counselors
are comfortable with and which allow CILs to meet the direct and indirect costs
associated with those services.
How does MRS determine what services they will pay for?
It is based on the individual need of the customer to support an employment outcome.
Can the CIL link individuals with resources in the community to assist with basic
needs such as transportation, housing, medications, clothing, so MRS counselor
can focus on employment related services?
Absolutely! This is the essence of a solid CIL/MRS partnership. Each partner has
specific purposes in assisting individuals become self-sufficient or with an employment
outcome. By embracing each other’s purposes, individuals can reach their goals in a
more effective and efficient manner.
Can CIL staff assist with job placement?
CILs are established to meet the needs in their community. If job placement is a service
that MRS needs, and the CIL has the capacity and staff competency to provide it and it
fits within the CIL’s annual work plan, then it may be provided. This is an example of a
service that falls outside of a CIL Core Service, and will likely have a fee associated with
it.
Additionally, many local MRS offices already have multiple job developers and/or
placement vendors. Some CILs, in collaboration with counselors, have designed
services that are complimentary to other job placement activities and vendors.
What does MRS consider an allowable service?
An individual can only receive MRS services once they become a customer. The type
of services that can be purchased for a customer is based on their case status. As an
example, a customer in application status would receive services related to determining
their eligibility. Another example is a customer in eligibility status may be provided
services towards evaluating potential vocational goals towards the development of an
IPE.
What services need to be documented for MRS?
MRS needs documentation for any services that are purchased or authorized.
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Does Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements
relate to MRS services?
No, MRS is not required to follow HIPAA policies. However, MRS has policies and
procedures related to how they must safeguard a customer’s personal and medical
information.
How does CIL handle their disability adjustment training/approach? Is it a
module format to train consumers?
It varies throughout the State how CILs handle their disability adjustment
training/approach. Some Centers have this as a component of a Peer Support Group
structured around specific disability types. Others offer one-on-one counseling and
some have formal adjustment training offered in modules. Others may make it a part of
a self-advocacy or empowerment training. Contact your local CIL for further
information.
Where does MRS typically obtain or purchase benefit planning services for
customers who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Due to the complexity of benefits planning and a customer’s individual circumstances,
the counselor will make a determination on a referral based on comparable benefits and
local expertise. Where no comparable services exist, MRS can purchase that service.
What are MRS’ policies concerning IL?
IL services may be provided when necessary to achieve a vocational rehabilitation goal.
SERVICING AREAS
Are CILs required to provide services statewide? And, how do CILs serve areas
where there is not a physical office present?
CILs have federally established service areas that they are required to provide CIL Core
services to, however these federally established areas do not cover the entire state.
Many CILs cover multiple counties, yet do not have an office in every county. In those
instances, CILs develop partnerships with other entities to share resources and to
ensure a CIL presence.
In an effort to move towards a statewide presence, the SILC, through the SPIL, has
designated some counties as ‘catchment’ areas. At a minimum, CILs attempt to provide
I&R services to people living in those counties, but other CIL Core Services are very
limited.
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MRS and the local CIL partner, through their collaboration, may identify un-met needs in
the ‘catchment’ area or other areas and develop strategies to meet the needs. This
may include the development of customized fee-for-service programs or identifying
alternative resources besides a CIL to meet the needs of customers.
Can an MRS office purchase services from a CIL in another area?
It is preferred that you work with your local CIL, however if they cannot meet your needs
it is recommended that a meeting between the Site Manager and CIL Director occur to
discuss other options, which may include referring to a CIL in another area.
Can the CIL staff conduct presentations about CIL services at the MRS office
during MRS orientations?
Several offices have engaged in this practice, but it varies by MRS District. Contact
your local MRS office to discuss the benefit of this option in your area.
In some areas the CIL seems short-staffed; will the CILs be able to hire more staff
to help meet MRS’ customer referrals?
The reality for both MRS and CILs is that there are budget constraints, and neither
organization may have sufficient resources to meet all of the needs in our communities.
It is recommended that frequent communication occur between MRS and CIL staff to
discuss challenges that may be caused by budget constraints and brainstorm solutions
that will work for both organizations.
Should we develop new programs between MRS and the CIL when existing
programs may not be meeting their stated outcomes?
In the spirit of continuous improvement it’s important to frequently talk about
programming and the needs of the community. If the MRS and CIL staff feels it is
necessary to create new services, ongoing discussions will address that. This creates
the opportunity to work together to be innovative in meeting the needs of the customers.
If outcomes are not being met with a current program, MRS and the CIL should meet to
discuss concerns, and explore solutions including, improvements or termination of the
program.
What other organizations purchase services from CIL?
CILs have a variety of fee-for-service programs and contracts with other entities
(including businesses, colleges, ISD’s/ESA’s etc). All CILs in Michigan provide services
to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VR and Employment to provide Peer
Support Services. CILs also have contracts with the Department of Community Health
(DCH) to provide Nursing Facility Transition services. Several CILs also do business
with their local Medicaid Waiver Agents, CMH Agencies and the BSBP.
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CIL’s also provide Disability Awareness and sensitivity training workshops that are
purchased by a business or organization. Other services that can be purchased
through CILs have included Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/accessibility
surveying of buildings or parks and recreation trails/facilities.
How do the CILs use Core Services when working with other community
organizations?
In the same manner CILs do with MRS. CILs work collaboratively with other community
organizations to determine local needs, as these needs are identified CILs may
incorporate these needs into their annual work plans, thus placing a priority of specific
issues.
How many CIL Core Service hours are allotted for the general public per year?
There is no allotment of CIL Core Service hours to any specific population in a given
year. CILs and MRS receive funding to work with eligible individuals with disabilities;
CILs also receive funding to work on systems advocacy within the community. Both
organizations intention is to serve as many individuals with disabilities as possible,
given the resources available.
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