State Plan for Independent Living - Narrative: Section 1

State Plan for Independent Living (Fiscal Years 2008-2010)

Part II: Narrative

Section 1: Goals, Objectives and Activities

Goals and Mission – 34 CFR 364.42(b)(1)

1.1A: Describe the overall goals and mission of the State's IL programs and services. The SPIL must address the goals and mission of both the SILS and the CIL programs.

VISION:
The vision of the California SILC is a world in which people with disabilities have equal opportunities for full participation and inclusion in all aspects of society.

Missions:
The SILC's mission is to maximize options for independence for persons with disabilities.

The Mission of DOR's Independent Living and External Affairs Division is to create policy and promote systems change to maximize full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and culture.

Based on the above missions, this attachment to the SPIL contains the plans and timelines for implementing the independent living goals and objectives. These will be implemented over the next three years to the extent funds are available under Chapters 1 and 2 of Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act and California Welfare and Institutions Code, 19800 et seq.

The core values and strategies are as follows:

The SILC core values, defined as beliefs and principles that guide our daily behavior while accomplishing our mission, are as follows:

Equal Opportunity;
Equal Rights;
Full Access;
Informed Decision-Making;
Self-Determination;
Choice;
Empowerment; and
Public Participation.

Core Strategies are the SILC's and DOR’s basic approaches to guide individual and organizational behaviors toward the achievement of our vision, and increase knowledge and programs, in order to improve the independence of persons with disabilities in California:

Public Participation: At every opportunity, the SILC, DOR and their partners will seek to raise the level of public participation of people with disabilities in the decision-making process.
Public Policy: SILC, DOR and their partners will research, evaluate and make recommendations for systems change and policy improvements, which will enhance the independence of people with disabilities.
Comprehensive Planning: All SPIL objectives and activities will be based on sound planning processes which actualize SILC's vision, mission and core value statements.
Public Education: The SPIL public education objectives promote the view that persons with disabilities are fully included and active participants in society and strives to eliminate the restrictive view of single disability stereotypes of persons with disabilities.
Quality Programs/Activities: All SILC programs and activities will be developed with the consumers served by those programs and will be designed and evaluated through the use of qualitative and quantitative outcome measures.
Partnerships: The SILC’s commitment to productive partnerships with agencies, departments, organizations and consumer and cultural groups will permeate SILC's work.
Leadership: SILC staff and members seek leadership roles in agencies, organizations and associations related to SILC's mission.

1.2 Objectives – 34 CFR 364.42(a)(1) and (d); 34 CFR 364.32; 34 CFR 364.33

1.2A: Specify the objectives to be achieved and the time frame for achieving them.

Unless otherwise specified, items which the SILC or DOR are assigned as primary responsibility will be accomplished with the support, cooperation, or by contracting with independent living centers, other partner agencies, disability advocacy organizations, community-based organizations, or individuals with disabilities. Except where stated otherwise, all objectives will be met during the course of the entire state plan period of FFY 2008 - 2010.

Goal 1: Actively involve people with disabilities in State Independent Living Council (SILC) activities and support their active participation in conferences addressing unmet needs.

Objectives:

SILC will host no fewer than one community forum annually targeted to include statewide disability-related networks for the purpose of assessing community independent living needs and to identify possible collaboration projects. Forums will be held in alternating years in Sacramento, Orange County, and other locations easily accessed by independent living consumers.
The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) will annually fund and evaluate the success of community organizing grants for education/advocacy projects aimed at increasing collaboration among disability-related networks. Evaluation will be based on the accomplishment of specific measurable objectives identified in each grant.
SILC will request a random selection of centers and other grantees to report at its regular open public meetings on the effect of grants on the community two to three years after completion in order to evaluate ongoing benefits resulting from the original implementation of the grants.
DOR will annually fund and evaluate the success of community organizing grants aimed at providing outreach to under-represented populations, as identified by the SILC and DOR in this Plan. The findings will be included in the annual 704 Report.
DOR and SILC will develop and strengthen IL options for youth and work with the appropriate agencies to educate parents and students regarding their rights during the development of individualized educational plans (IEP) and transition plans for students 12 years of age and older. To accomplish this, DOR will fund a youth-related demonstration project in FFY 2008 through 2010. Progress will be described in the annual 704 Report.
Throughout the three years of this plan, SILC will advise relevant agencies on modifications of building codes to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. SILC members and staff will monitor rule making and participate in public hearings.
Each year SILC and DOR will provide assistance for youth participation in California’s annual Youth Leadership Forum.
SILC will annually provide scholarships for consumers to participate in statewide conferences such as, but not limited to, the RespectAbility Conference, Coordinated Leadership Conference, the annual meeting of the California Association for Coordinated Transportation and the annual conference of Housing California. Up to 15 consumers each year will benefit from these scholarships.

Goal 2: Develop and strengthen the Independent Living Network in California.

Objectives:

DOR will provide core funding, training and technical assistance for the purpose of strengthening the current network of independent living centers. Funds specifically allocated for technical assistance activities will be used as follows:
To develop a manual and provide training in 2008 for center staff and board members on Fund Accounting and Accounting Ethics and address issues identified by local independent living centers;
To address other identified issues related to statewide independent living barriers, as identified by DOR and SILC.
SILC will recommend one or more appointees, as vacancies exist to the Assistive Technology Advisory Committee and coordinate activities with the Assistive Technology Network and similar statewide organizations to increase the availability of information and funding related to the use of assistive technology in independent living centers.
Throughout the duration of this plan, the DOR and SILC will participate in the implementation of the California Olmstead Plan for the purpose of facilitating the deinstitutionalization of persons with disabilities by means of:
- Continuing to provide technical assistance and identifying issues for the Olmstead Advisory Committee, the Health and Human Services Agency and pertinent state departments.
- Assuring that consumers and advocates are informed of administrative hearings and meetings to assure their opportunity to participate.
- Extending the grant for the Southern California Transition demonstration grant through FFY 2008.
- Continuing grants to independent living centers for one-time institutional transition costs through FFY 2010.
DOR and SILC will seek to increase the availability of funding for assistive technology for consumers, including those who are members of traditionally under-represented populations, through coordination with other organizations with similar goals.
SILC and DOR will, at SILC’s first meeting of each calendar year, evaluate and update the State Plan for Independent Living. This will include the evaluation of progress toward meeting SPIL goals and objectives, the identification of any obstacles that may be impeding implementation of the SPIL, and the identification of emerging issues and possible solutions.
Throughout the three years of this plan,DOR will provide ongoing compliance monitoring; grant administration, training and technical assistance and compliance reviews for all 29 California independent living centers.
Throughout the three years of this plan, SILC will provide ongoing budgetary and staff support for the conduct of meetings and public hearings; for SILC member training and travel; for SILC member participation in statewide and national educational activities and conferences; and for the production and dissemination of educational or resource information to the general public, independent living centers, partner agencies, the Legislature and the Governor related to independent living and disability issues.
Throughout the three years of this plan, SILC will participate as an active member in such organizations as the National Council on Independent Living, Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living, SILC Congress, Respect-Ability Coalition and other statewide or national organizations representing the disability community.
Throughout the three years of this plan, SILC will conduct educational forums and provide research reports on issues critical to the disability community, as requested and approved by the SILC membership.

Goal 3: Promote the development of community resources to enhance the independence of Californians with disabilities.

Objectives:

SILC will review, monitor and promote state and federal legislation, policies and regulations that will enhance the independence of people with disabilities. SILC will provide policy recommendations and technical assistance to the Governor, Legislature, and public and private entities to enhance the independence of persons with disabilities in California.
SILC staff and/or members will serve on committees and task forces with other state, federal and private entities to define and recommend solutions to barriers to independent living, including but not limited to:

Promoting long-term care services for people with disabilities in their home and community;

Promoting accessible, affordable housing for people with disabilities by working with the appropriate agencies and lawmakers to procure more access to affordable, accessible housing, prevent housing discrimination that impacts persons with disabilities and facilitate implementation of universal design for housing accessibility;

Promoting equal access to affordable transportation for Californians with disabilities in both rural and urban settings;

Maximizing employment options through cooperation with the DOR Vocational Rehabilitation Program, the DOR Independent Living Program, federally funded Senior Employment and Older Americans Act programs, State Workforce Investment Board, California Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and with the Employment Development Department to ensure that One-Stop Centers established under the Workforce Investment Act are accessible to and able to address the employment and independent living needs of people with disabilities;

Promoting accessible, affordable health care for persons with disabilities (For example: Working with the Department of Health Services in revising the State Medicaid Plan);

Goal 4: Effect improvement in the quality of community life for people with disabilities through systems change and self- advocacy activity.

Objectives:

DOR will continue to fund a centralized Systems Change Network "Hub" to coordinate statewide systems change efforts. Funding to support that hub will be dependent on the accomplishment of pre-determined objectives identified by the DOR and SILC and/or identified in this Plan. DOR and SILC will meet annually with the grantee to develop additional, and timely, statewide systems advocacy priorities.
DOR will fund community-based self-advocacy training and activities. The list of issues that the SILC, DOR, the IL Network and grantees are involved with, as a result of needs assessments, forums, hearings, SILC meetings and numerous strategic planning sessions include:

Assistive Technology

Communications Access

Crime and Abuse against People With Disabilities

Deinstitutionalization

Disability Civil Rights

Education

Emergency Preparedness

Employment

Healthcare

Housing

Implementation of Accessibility Regulations

Implementation of the Olmstead decision

Leadership Development

Multicultural Awareness

Physician-assisted Suicide

Public Education on all issues

Transition

Transportation

Voting access and get-out-the-vote

And more

1.2B: Describe the steps planned regarding outreach to populations in the State that are unserved or underserved by programs under title VII, including minority groups and urban and rural populations. This section of the SPIL must:

Population Groups (A below): Identify the populations to be designated for targeted outreach efforts;
Geographic Areas: (B below): Identify the geographic areas (i.e., communities) in which the targeted populations reside; and
Cultural Competency (C below): Describe how the needs of individuals with significant disabilities from minority group backgrounds will be addressed.

A. Outreach Plan (Population Groups)

Information obtained from public comment in community-based forums held in Northern, Central and Southern California, indicates the need for continuing targeted outreach. The community, (including people with disabilities) emphasized the issues of isolated geographic locations, as well as isolation within urban areas for people that are not able to travel or leave their homes. Consequently, during the three-year period of this state plan for independent living, SILC, DOR and ILCs will continue to work toward better understanding of the cultural and/or language barriers resulting from California's diverse population. The approach described below will enable centers to become more culturally competent in providing independent living services to persons with disabilities of all ethnic, geographic and/or cultural backgrounds. Statistics, although showing an improvement from previous years, still show a need for targeted services. The goal of this SPIL is to achieve a 5% increase in each of the populations listed below: Populations designated for targeted outreach efforts:

American Indians (isolated geographically or culturally) with disabilities.
Latinos with disabilities
People with brain injury
People with disabilities in both rural and urban areas
People with mental health disabilities
Transition-aged youth with disabilities
Veterans with disabilities

To ascertain how thoroughly ILCs serve their catchment areas, the Department, in 2005, directied ILCs to begin collecting consumer service data by zip code, and to examine the data for consideration in their strategic planning and evaluation efforts. In October of 2006, the Department directed ILCs to begin collecting zip code data for comparison to census information, and will report its findings to the SILC within six months of the close of each fiscal year thereafter.

B. Under-represented Communities of People with Disabilities (Geographic Areas)

In order to increase the capacity of California communities to embrace and accommodate individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, disabilities and beliefs, DOR and SILC will work to identify under-represented communities, evaluate gaps, provide technical assistance, training, leadership development and funding to increase the capacity and cultural competency of ILCs, disability organizations, as well as under-represented communities to better meet the needs of the diversity of Californians with disabilities.

C. Principles of Cultural & Disability Competency (Cultural Competency)

DOR and SILC hold the following principles regarding cultural and disability competency:

We will accept, appreciate and accommodate cultural and disability differences
We value diversity and accept and respect differences
We accept the influence of our own culture in relation to other cultures
We strive to understand and manage the dynamics of difference when cultures and disability intersect
We are willing to examine components of cross/cultural/disability interactions (e.g., communication, problem solving)
We are willing to move beyond accepting, appreciating, and accommodating cultural and disability difference and actively educate less informed individuals about cultural/disability issues
We seek out knowledge, develop skills to interact in diverse environments, become allies with and are comfortable interacting with others in diverse settings

Goals and Objectives:

Unless otherwise specified, items for which the SILC or DOR are assigned the primary responsibility will be accomplished in collaboration with independent living centers (ILCs), other partner agencies, disability advocacy organizations, community-based organizations, and individuals with disabilities.

Except where stated otherwise, all objectives will be met during the course of the state plan period of FFY 2008 - 2010.Geographic area in which the targeted populations reside:

The geographic area targeted is the state of California.

The needs of individuals with significant disabilities from unserved and underserved communities will be addressed in the following ways:

The DOR currently collects, analyzes and reports on demographic and disability related data from ILCs. In regard to under-represented community statistics, the DOR is in the process of collaborating with ILCs and researching census information for the purpose of determining under-represented communities in California.

Goal 1: Develop a process to determine under-represented communities of Californians with disabilities.

Objectives:

DOR will collect consumer service data by zip code from each independent living center for comparison to census information by zip code, and will report its findings to the SILC within six months of the close of each fiscal year.
In 2007 DOR began collecting diversity plans, as a part of the AB 204 Request for Proposals. DOR will provide a summary report of its findings to the SILC and ILCs within six months of the close of the each state funding cycle.
In 2009, the DOR will conduct, or cause to be conducted, a gaps analysis using the zip code consumer service data, California census data, and diversity plans.
DOR will provide a report of findings and make recommendations to the SILC regarding data collection, diversity planning, and emerging under-represented communities by the beginning of 2010. This report will be used in the development of the State Plan for Independent Living for 2011-2013.
SILC, DOR, community organizing grantees and allies will host community forums in California targeted to outreach to under-represented cultural and ethnic populations to identify the independent living needs and barriers to service delivery, and systems advocacy needs in their respective communities. Community forums will be held throughout California.

Goal 2: Increase the capacity of ILCs and other disability organizations to provide culturally competent services to under-represented communities.

Objectives:

DOR will provide technical assistance in the development of Diversity Plans and program development activities to assist California Independent Living Centers in achieving consumer demographics that reflect the populations of their respective service areas.
DOR will fund and evaluate an experienced provider to provide training, technical assistance, and leadership development to California disability organizations. Funds will support increasing the organizational and community capacity to provide culturally competent services and systems advocacy.

Goal 3: Increase the capacity and strength of under-represented communities to create change and influence public policy on their own behalf.

Objectives:

The DOR will fund and evaluate community organizing grants focused on networking, education and advocacy. These grants will be aimed at increasing the capacity of under-represented communities to build power and mobilize themselves to influence public policy and create systems change that will best serve their collective interests.

Goal 4: Increase the cultural competence of the SILC

Objectives:

DOR and SILC will actively identify and recommend appointment of new SILC members representing under-represented communities.
DOR and SILC will actively work as role models by developing Diversity Plans for DOR and SILC.
SILC will provide training on cultural competence to SILC members.

Goal 5: Increase opportunities for under- represented communities to participate in collaboration, networking, leadership development, education, mobilization, and advocacy.

Objectives:

DOR and SILC will provide scholarship funds for conferences and events that further the priorities of the SPIL.
DOR and SILC will provide financial support for the Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF). The SILC and DOR will collaborate with YLF alumni, state agencies, community organizations, and youth to support YLF goals.
DOR and SILC will seek out similar programs that support opportunities for collaboration, networking, leadership development, education, mobilization, and advocacy for other identified under- represented communities, and events that support the interaction of a diversity of communities.

Goal 6: DOR and SILC will, annually, evaluate progress on goals one through five, and make adjustments as needed to best meet the needs of California's under-represented communities of people with disabilities.

Objectives:

DOR and SILC will produce an annual report regarding the evaluation and progress of SPIL initiatives focused on increasing the services, advocacy, and leadership development of under-represented communities of people with disabilities.

1.3 Financial Plan – 34 CFR 364.42(a)(2) and (3); 34 CFR 364.29

Describe in sections 1.3A and 1.3B, below, the financial plan for the use of Federal and non-Federal funds to meet the SPIL objectives.

1.3A Financial Plan Tables

Complete the financial plan tables covering years 1, 2 and 3 of this SPIL. The first column in each of the tables lists the potential SPIL funding sources. The four other columns represent the potential uses of funds. For each funding source, provide estimated dollar amounts anticipated for the applicable uses. To the extent possible, the tables and narratives must reflect the applicable financial information from centers for independent living. Refer to the SPIL Instructions for additional information about completing the financial tables and narratives.

Insert additional rows for the specific funding sources and amounts expected within the categories of Other Federal Funds and Non-Federal Funds.

Year 1
Sources	Approximate Funding Amounts and Uses
	SILC Resource Plan	IL Services	General CIL Operations	Other SPIL Activities
Title VII Funds
Chapter 1, Part B	$483,500.			$1,814,750.
Chapter 1, Part C
Chapter 2, Individuals Who are Older Blind		$3,238,000.

Other Federal Funds
Sec. 101(a)(18) of the Act (Innovation and Expansion)
Other (Social Security Reim-bursements			$12,498,000.

Non-Federal Funds
State Funds	47,500.			75,750.
Other

Year 2
Sources	Approximate Funding Amounts and Uses
	SILC Resource Plan	IL Services	General CIL Operations	Other SPIL Activities
Title VII Funds
Chapter 1, Part B	$483,500.			$1,814,750.
Chapter 1, Part C
Chapter 2, Individuals Who are Older Blind		$3,238,000.

Other Federal Funds
Sec. 101(a)(18) of the Act (Innovation and Expansion)
Other (Social Security Reim-bursements			$12,498,000.

Non-Federal Funds
State Funds	47,500.			75,750.
Other

Year 3
Sources	Approximate Funding Amounts and Uses
	SILC Resource Plan	IL Services	General CIL Operations	Other SPIL Activities
Title VII Funds
Chapter 1, Part B	$483,500.			$1,814,750.
Chapter 1, Part C
Chapter 2, Individuals Who are Older Blind		$3,238,000.

Other Federal Funds
Sec. 101(a)(18) of the Act (Innovation and Expansion)
Other (Social Security Reim-bursements			$12,498,000.

Non-Federal Funds
State Funds	47,500.			75,750.
Other

1.3B Financial Plan Narratives

1.3B(1) Describe efforts to coordinate Federal and State funding for centers and IL services, including the amounts, sources and purposes of the funding to be coordinated.

As a result of a SILC study in 1998, "Funding Independent Living Centers in California" (http://www.calsilc.org/funding.pdf), the SILC and the DSU reached an agreement with RSA that new Title VII C funds (after COLAs) would be distributed according to a formula which complements the one set forth in State statutes. At this time, California's independent living program provides approximately $12.6 million in Social Security Reimbursements to the State's 29 independent living centers. RSA's Title VII C Program adds another $7.5 million, and, since FFY 2000, the two funding sources have been fully coordinated.

1.3B(2) Describe any in-kind resources including plant, equipment or services to be provided in support of the SILC resource plan, IL services, general CIL operations and/or other SPIL objectives.

None.

1.3B(3) Provide any additional information about the financial plan, as appropriate.

None.

1.4 Compatibility with Title VII and the CIL Work plans – 34 CFR 364.42(c) and (e)

1.4A Describe how the SPIL objectives are consistent with and further the purpose of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act as stated in section 701 of the Act and 34 CFR 364.2.

California requires that all ILCs be in compliance with the Standards and Assurances of Section 725 of the Rehabilitation Act in order to receive State funding. This plan has been designed, in large part, to support centers in achieving compliance.

1.4B Describe how, in developing the SPIL objectives, the DSU and the SILC considered and incorporated, where appropriate, the priorities and objectives established by centers for independent living under section 725(c)(4) of the Act.

Independent living centers actively participated in the series of public forums leading up to the development of this plan. One forum was held at a statewide meeting of ILCs. Their priorities were taken into consideration and incorporated into the plan.

1.5 Cooperation, Coordination, and Working Relationships Among Various Entities – 34 CFR 364.26

Describe the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination and working relationships among:

a) The SILS program, the SILC, centers; and the DSU, other State agencies represented on the SILC, other councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues, and other public and private entities determined to be appropriate by the SILC.

DOR and SILC have continually supported, maintained and strengthened partnerships, committees, workgroups and task forces that focus on the enhancement of the ability to live independently. Together, we accomplish that by:

Developing solutions to issues such as housing, transportation, accessibility and health care requires networking, coalition-building, and consumer involvement at all levels. The DOR, SILC and ILCs continue to develop strong linkages with local public and private programs. In addition, ILC staff and board members are encouraged to become active members of city and county governmental bodies, other not-for-profit advisory committees and boards, and community coalitions and task forces.

Cooperative relationships and networking are vital to the success of the independent living movement. All ILCs are required to document their efforts in this area for new grants and grant renewal. ILCs are asked to include the above initiatives and accomplishments as part of the grant narrative. These issues are verified during the compliance review process. The purpose of these requirements is to assure that the ILC is promoting the philosophy of coordination, and is multi-dimensional in its approach to fund-raising, cultural and cross-disability advocacy, and program development.

Through the DOR and SILC, coordination on a statewide basis is being increased. DOR staff, SILC staff and members represent the DOR and SILC on a variety of disability issues in public forums, and foster strong statewide relationships by working with other public and private agencies. The SILC, as an independent state agency, is in a position to serve as an important source for information relevant to independent living in California.

The DOR and SILC serve as an information resource, in an advisory role, and work closely with the Governor's Office regarding independent living and disability-related issues.

The DOR and SILC serve as an information resource for both the Senate and Assembly on independent living and disability-related issues.

The DOR and SILC will work with relevant state agencies to assure that programs designed to further independent living complement existing programs and continue to further the philosophy of independent living. An example of such agency cooperation was the DOR and ILC representation on the Statewide Long-Term Care Council and its workgroups, which has been replaced by the State Olmstead Advisory Committee. The DOR staff, SILC staff and members represent IL concerns and present relevant issues on national and statewide task forces, steering committees, and at meetings and conferences of several other organizations. Further, DOR and SILC will continue to work with the Governor's office on implementation of California's Olmstead Plan.

In addition to working with government entities, the DOR and SILC work with the ILCs and the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (California's trade association of ILCs), to identify problems which require creative solutions, including resource development, data collection and other issues that concern ILCs in California.

b) The description must identify the entities with which the DSU and the SILC will cooperate and coordinate.

California Health and Human Services Agency. Departments of Aging, Health Services, Public Health, Social Services, Mental Health, Developmental Services, Transportation, Housing and Community Development. Offices of Statewide Health Planning and Development, Emergency Services, CA Volunteers. Commission on Aging. State Council on Developmental Disabilities . Mental Health Planning Council, Traumatic Brain Injury Services of CA, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, California Association of Area Agencies on Aging. California Association of Caregiver Resource Centers. Protection and Advocacy, Inc. Disability Rights Legal Center, World Institute on Disability, Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Respect-ABILITY Coalition, California Network of Mental Health Consumers, CA Council of the Blind, National Federation for the Blind of CA, Client Assistance Programs, CA Association of Public Authorities, Disability Rights Advocates, and many others.

1.6 Coordination of Services – 34 CFR 364.27

Describe how IL services funded under chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will be coordinated with and complement other services to avoid unnecessary duplication with other Federal, State, and local programs, including the OIB program authorized by chapter 2 of title VII of the Act, that provide IL- or VR-related services.

Centers that provide significant levels of employment services do so under contract with the vocational rehabilitation program, thus using funds under Title I of the Act. All centers in California provide some level of services to older blind individuals; however, they focus on the services at which they excel and leave the specialized services to the programs funded under Chapter 2 – three of these programs are independent living centers.

1.7 Independent Living Services for Individuals who are Older Blind – 34 CFR 364.28

Describe how the DSU seeks to incorporate into and describe in the State plan any new methods or approaches for the provision of IL services to older individuals who are blind that are developed under the Older Individuals who are Blind program and that the DSU determines to be effective.

Since the Title VII Chapter 2 program has been available to the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), the department has administered the services through subgrants to private non-profit blind/disabled service agencies. The program includes grants made for specific purposes, such as training in activities of daily living, transportation services, assistive technology, and outreach.

Competition for grants is conducted on a statewide basis and is open to blind service agencies, independent living centers, and any other community-based, private non profit organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving individuals with visual impairments.

At the beginning of the last three-year cycle, commencing on October 1, 2004, DOR began a new grant cycle. In order to ensure that core services were available throughout the state fourteen catchment areas were identified. A request for proposal was issued soliciting proposals to provide a range of services to older blind individuals in each of these geographical areas. Agencies were invited to bid in one or more of the regions. In 2004, grants were awarded to sixteen agencies covering the fourteen catchment areas.

The RFP emphasized the need for outreach and for demonstrating methods of reaching the unserved and underserved. It also invited agencies to propose innovative ways to meet the needs of the growing elderly blind population. The most recent Annual Report for 2005, submitted to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), provides narrative detail of these activities.

For Federal Fiscal Year 2008, approximately three and a half million dollars ($3,500,000) will be available to California. While DOR will retain approximately 10% for the administration of the program, DOR will offer the bulk of the funds for grants to private non-profit agencies specializing in the provision of independent living services to older blind individuals.

In the most recent annual report, DOR reported serving 3,701 individuals at a total expenditure of $3,543,965, or approximately $960 per consumer.

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