Independent living services for older individuals who are blind (OIB)

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded $225,000 to the State of Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development on October 1, 2025, under the Rehabilitation Services Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind program (CFDA 84.177). The award funds independent living services for older individuals who are blind, delivered in Juneau, Alaska, with performance through September 30, 2026. The program supports service provision, improvement, and expansion of independent living services as defined in 34 CFR Section 367.3(b), along with activities to improve public understanding of the needs of older blind individuals. This is a formula grant awarded on an annual basis following state application and approval; funds are distributed through the Electronic Transfer System and subject to reallotment if the state does not expend its allotment by fiscal year-end. The recipient operates as Alaska's designated workforce agency and primary administrator for the state's independent living services system for older blind individuals, delivering services directly rather than through sub-recipients.