Independent Living_State Grants
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
Program Accomplishments
Funds were awarded to 78 designated State units.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds received under this Part may be used to support the operation of the Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILC), States may also use funds received under this Part for one or more of the following purposes: to provide independent living services to individuals with significant disabilities; to demonstrate ways to expand and improve independent living services; to support the operations of centers for independent living; to increase the capacities of public or nonprofit agencies and organizations and other entities to develop comprehensive approaches or systems for providing independent living services; to conduct studies and analyses, gather information, develop model polices and procedures, and present information, approaches, strategies, findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Federal, State, and local policymakers in order to enhance independent living services for individuals with disabilities; to train individuals with disabilities and individuals providing services to individuals with disabilities and other persons regarding the independent living philosophy; and to provide outreach to populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this title, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State agencies (including Territories) designated as the State unit to administer the State's independent living rehabilitation services program may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals with significant physical, mental, cognitive, or sensory impairments.
Credentials/Documentation
The State agency must certify the availability of State funds for matching purposes. The match for this program may be in-kind. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No.
A-102 must be used for this program.
Application Procedures
In order to be eligible for an allocation under this program, States must submit a State plan for independent living rehabilitation services (meeting requirements established under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended) no later than July 1, of the year preceding the year for which the plan is submitted. Beginning in fiscal year 1996, State applicants must submit a 3-year State plan. This plan must be submitted not later than July 1, of the year preceding the first year of the forth coming 3-year period. The plan is updated whenever necessary to reflect a material change in the administration of the plan. The State may choose to submit a consolidated 3-year rehabilitation plan that includes independent living rehabilitation services and either vocational rehabilitation services or both the State's rehabilitation plans and the State's plan for services for persons with developmental disabilities developed under the Developmental Disabilities Act. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedures
A notice of annual allotment to the State is issued. Initial distributions are subject to reallocation at the end of the fiscal year. States receive annual grant award notices and funds may be withdrawn under the Electronic Transfer System.
Deadlines
Three-year State plans for independent living rehabilitation services are submitted for approval no later than July 1, of the third year of each 3-year cycle.
Authorization
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title VII, Chapter 1, Part B, 29 U.S.C. 796a-796e-3.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
The range has not been specified.
Appeals
After reasonable effort has been made to resolve the questions involved, the State may appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the State is located.
Renewals
Awards are made on an annual basis and may be renewed for up to two additional years, for a total of three years under an approved State Plan for Independent Living.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Federal funds are distributed based on the percentage each State's population constitutes of the total population of the United States. The source is the Population Estimates Annual, Bureau of the Census. The Federal share for any fiscal year is one State dollar for every Federal dollar. The State contribution may be cash or in-kind.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards are made on an annual basis.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) for State-administered programs (34 CFR 76).
Performance reports are required annually.
Audits
The Education Department periodically conducts audits and site visits of designated State unit programs funded under Part B. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 30, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program- specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
As required by EDGAR for State-administered programs (34 CFR 76). Generally, States and subgrantees must retain records related to grant funds and compliance for a period of 5 years.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0301-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $22,588,000; FY 08 est $22,193,000; and FY 09 est $22,193,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The average award was $428,000 in FY 2007.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Independent Living Regulations 34 CFR 364 and 365.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Contact: Thomas Kelley. E-mail: thomas.kelley@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 245-7404.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
An approved State plan is a condition for receipt of funds under Title VII, Part B of the Rehabilitation Act.
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