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

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services $225,000 under the Rehabilitation Services Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (CFDA 84.177) formula grant, effective October 1, 2025, with performance concluding September 30, 2026.

The program funds independent living services for older individuals who are blind, including any services described in 34 CFR Section 367.3(b), improvements or expansions to existing services, and activities to improve public understanding of these individuals' needs and abilities. Work is performed in Helena, Montana. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Business & Financial Services Division administers this as a prime recipient and frequently issues sub-awards to local health departments, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and community action agencies to implement services at the community level across Montana. The Division manages over 100 formula and project grants annually, with the Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services representing its second-largest customer concentration at 107 awards supporting vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, independent living services, and early intervention programs.