SKIP Program Exhibit Page 1 of 9 Version 12-11-25

Exhibit A

Scope of Work Senior Keys to Independence Program (SKIP)—Group Skills Training for Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB)

SKIP Overview Senior Keys to Independence Program (SKIP) is a 4-day immersion training program designed to teach skills that reduce impediments so that the customer can live independently at home and in their community. The training program is facilitated in an approved home-like facility by qualified staff.

For a customer to be eligible to participate in SKIP they must:

• Be enrolled in the TWC Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) Independent Living program.

• Be age 55 or older.

• Have a significant vision impairment.

• Be able to manage their own personal care needs and physically tolerate active participation in six (6) hours of training each day for a total of twenty-eight (28) hours.

An OIB Specialist evaluates each person's eligibility for the program. If referred, the OIB Specialist will arrange the travel and housing required to attend.

Facility Qualification All SKIP Contractors must be in compliance with VR-SFP Manual Chapter 3, section 3.3 Contractor Standards for Physical Locations.

Each facility used to implement SKIP services must have a SKIP Facility Checklist completed by the SMEs assigned to the SKIP Contract prior to any services being delivered. The SKIP Facility Checklist can be obtained by contacting the SME assigned to SKIP. The Contractor must keep the SKIP Facility Checklist in their records.

SKIP Staff Qualifications Before services are provided to Customers, the service provider’s Director must approve the VR3455, Provider Staff Information form completed by staff, and submit the approved form to the Contractor's assigned Texas Workforce Commission assigned VR regional program support specialist and subject matter expert. The VR3455, Provider Staff https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/policy/vr-sfp-03-twc.docx

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Information form must document qualifications and provide evidence of meeting all qualifications, such as transcripts, diplomas, reference letters, credentials, or licenses. The Provider’s Director must comply with all responsibilities described in the Standards for Provider Manual Chapter 3.

Staff qualifications are described below.

1. DIRECTOR

The Provider must have a director who meets the qualification as defined in the VR- SFP Manual, Chapter 3 Basic Standards.

2. INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINER

The Contractor must have at least one (1) staff member who meets the qualification of Independent Living Skills Trainer as defined in VR-SFP Manual, Chapter 10 Independent Living Service for Older Individuals who are Blind.

3. ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALIST

The Contractor must have at least one (1) staff member who meets the qualification of Orientation and Mobility Specialist as defined in VR- SFP Manual, Chapter 5 Orientation and Mobility Services.

4. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINER

The Contractor must have at least one (1) staff member who meets the qualification of Assistive Technology Trainer as defined in VR-SFP Manual, Chapter 9 Assistive Technology Services for Customers with Visual Impairments.

5. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (OPTIONAL)

When the Contractor uses an Occupational Therapist for service delivery, the Occupational Therapist must meet the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), and

• A minimum of six (6) months of internship or fieldwork experience supervised by a licensed Occupational Therapist.

SKIP Services There are four stages of service delivery within SKIP which includes:

• SKIP Orientation,

• 4-days of Immersion Training, https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/policy/vr-sfp-03-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/policy/vr-sfp-03-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/policy/vr-sfp-10-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/policy/vr-sfp-10-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/policy/vr-sfp-05-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/policy/vr-sfp-05-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/policy/vr-sfp-09-twc.docx https://www.twc.texas.gov/sites/default/files/vr/policy/vr-sfp-09-twc.docx

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• Caregiver Training/Resources (Optional), and

• Individualized Adaptive Aid Kit.

Any request to change a Service Description, Process and Procedure, or Outcomes Required for Payment must be documented and approved by the VR Director, using the VR3472, Contracted Service Modification Request before the change is implemented. The approved VR3472 must be maintained in the provider’s customer case file. For more information, refer to VR-SFP 3.4.11 Contracted Services Modification Request.

After the issuance of contracts from this solicitation, the Exhibit can be updated with an executed contract amendment.

Below are the requirements for each stage of the SKIP:

1. SKIP Orientation

A. Service Definition

The SKIP Orientation is a meeting, usually lasting 60-120 minutes, held before the 4-day training. It's held at the location where participants will be staying during the training. All Customers, including the Customer’s living in the local community of the training site, must attend the SKIP Orientation. The orientation is adapted to meet individual needs.

It covers:

• Welcome and Introduction.

• SKIP Program Overview: Purpose, goals, schedule, structure, and staff roles.

• Participant Expectations: Rules about attendance, safety, incident reporting, privacy/confidentiality, conflict resolution, dress code, and other applicable policies.

• Accommodation Tour: Includes the front desk, hallways, elevators, stairs, and public areas such as food/beverage areas, meeting spaces, fitness center, pool and other amenities.

• Transportation Review: Information about how participants will get to the training site.

B. Process and Procedures The Contractor will receive a VR 2892 SKIP Referral. The Contractor will contact each referred Customer one (1) week prior to orientation. The Contractor will ensure staff are assigned to complete the SKIP orientation on the day the customer(s) arrive at the accommodation site or as deemed appropriate to meet

SKIP Program Exhibit Page 4 of 9 Version 12-11-25 a Customer’s individual needs. The attendance and topics covered in the orientation will be documented on each Customer VR 2893, SKIP Progress Report.

C. Outcomes Required for Payment The Contractor must:

• Contact each Customer one (1) week before training.

• Conduct an orientation lasting at least 60 minutes, covering all required topics in service definition.

• Document the orientation topics and Customer’s attendance on the VR 2893, SKIP Progress Report.

2. Immersion Training

A. Service Definition

This 4-day, 28-hour immersion program equips adults 55+ with vision loss with the skills for independent living. Training is held one-on-one or in small groups (up to 8 participants) at an approved, home-like facility.

Each day after the training sessions is completed, each customer will develop an at-home practice plan to continue with skill development after the SKIP program has been completed.

Contractor must create and submit a training curriculum for review.

Training must be delivered by qualified staff and cover the seven (7) required modules below.

1. Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Learn skills for safe and independent travel. This includes navigating your home and community, using a long cane, and other mobility techniques.

• Use basic white cane skills & techniques;

• Practice sighted guide techniques;

• Participate in basic indoor/outdoor white cane travel;

• Use the white cane to identify curbs, stairs, elevators, and various surroundings;

• Learn about guide dog information; and

• Learn about additional resources.

2. Home & Personal Management

Develop skills for daily living, including home organization, personal care, SKIP Program Exhibit Page 5 of 9 Version 12-11-25 and financial management using adaptive techniques.

• Organizing your home and personal responsibilities;

• Using contrast and lighting effectively;

• Managing household chores and laundry;

• Telling time with adapted clocks and timers;

• Using tactile and audible aids for labeling;

• Managing medications;

• Handling money, organizing a wallet, and using an ATM;

• Managing personal hygiene and grooming;

• Managing health conditions and maintaining wellness; and

• Managing a pet, when applicable.

3. Communication

Learn to use adaptive tools and techniques to stay connected with others.

• Using cell phone accessibility features;

• Using large-button or adaptive home phones;

• Labeling and marking communication devices; and

• Practicing writing and calendar skills.

4. Meal Preparation and Kitchen

Learn safe and effective techniques for preparing meals, organizing the kitchen, and using adaptive cooking aids.

• Practicing kitchen safety;

• Preparing simple meals;

• Using contrast to identify items;

• Labeling appliances with tactile markings;

• Using adaptive utensils; and

• Using audible kitchen aids.

5. Assistive Technology

Learn to use assistive technology to access information and complete daily tasks more easily.

• Using handheld and desktop video magnifiers (CCTVs);

• Use handheld or dome magnifiers;

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• Using text-to-speech scanners and devices;

• Using accessibility features on tablets and smartphones; and

• Identifying helpful applications and software.

6. Social Recreation and Leisure

Explore ways to build social connections and enjoy hobbies and recreational activities.

• Playing adapted games (cards, dominos, etc.);

• Engaging in crafts and hobbies;

• Accessing audiobooks and large-print materials; and

• Participating in social and physical activities.

7. Adjustment to Vision Loss

Develop effective strategies to cope with vision loss and connect with helpful community resources.

• Learning practical coping techniques;

• Finding local low-vision clubs and support groups;

• Creating a personal plan for wellness and peer support; and

• Learning about other available resources.

B. Process and Procedures Each day of the SKIP training, the Contractor will review the training agenda and facilitate a check-in with each Customer prior to the facilitation of the curriculum scheduled for the day. The SKIP trainers will prepare and delivery immersion training curriculum ensuring all required topics in the services definition are addressed. At the end of each training day, a debriefing will be held. During the debriefing, the Customers will be encouraged to set personal goals, establish a plan to use skills learned when they return home, and identify any adaptive aids that have increased the Customer’s independence.

After each day, the trainers should document the Customer performance and response to the training on the VR 2893, SKIP Progress Report.

C. Outcomes Required for Payment

Contractor must:

• Conduct immersion training covering each module describe in the services description providing a minimum of twenty-eight (28) hours of individual or group instruction for the Customer.

SKIP Program Exhibit Page 7 of 9 Version 12-11-25 o Group training cannot exceed the ratio of one (1) trainer to eight (8) Customers;

o Adapt the curriculum when necessary to meet the needs of the Customer to successfully participate in the training; and o Provide all supplies and resources necessary for the Customer to participate.

• Document on the VR 2893, SKIP Progress Report the following:

o The Customer’s attendance;

o The Customer’s performance and response to the training; and o Signatures of all instructors and the provider’s director.

3. Caregiver Training/Resources (Optional)

A. Service Definition

For Customers with an available and willing caregiver, a training will be offered that is typically a two-hour session on how to best support the customer with vision loss. This training can be held individually or in a group setting.

Resources are provided as applicable.

Topics may include:

• Understanding different types of vision loss

• The emotional and psychological impact of vision loss

• Effective support strategies

• Home and community safety

• Assistive technology and adaptive equipment

• Advocacy and community resources

• Caregiver self-care and well-being

B. Process and Procedures The SKIP trainers will prepare and delivery Caregiver Training/Resources including the topics in the services definition. At the end of the training the trainer documents the training and resources provided to the caregiver on the VR 2893, SKIP Progress Report.

C. Outcomes Required for Payment

When there is an identified need for Caregiver Training/Resources the SKIP provider:

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• Conducts the training covering the topics describe in the services description providing training as applicable in an individual or group setting.

• Adapts the training and resources to meet the individuals’ needs of a caregiver so they can participate in the training.

• Provide all supplies and resources necessary for the caregiver to participate and receive necessary resources.

• Documents on the VR 2893, SKIP Progress Report the following:

o The caregiver’s attendance;

o The caregiver’s performance and response to the training; and o Signatures of all instructors and the Contractor’s Director.

D. Fee Payment will be made at the end of the SKIP Program when the OIB Service Specialist approves a complete, accurate, signed, and dated:

• VR 2893 SKIP Progress Report; and

• Invoice.

Payment for the Skip Orientation, Immersion Training and the Caregiver Training/Resources is based on a flat rate of $2500.

Payment will be prorated if the customer fails to attend the required SKIP Orientation or Immersion Training hours. There are no required hours for the Caregiver Training/Resource.

4. Adaptive Aids Kit

A. Service Definition

An Adaptive Aid Kit is a starter set of adaptative aides/equipment that helps Customers with vision loss complete everyday tasks safely and independently.

The items are selected to help the Customer make the most of their remaining vision while also using their other senses, like touch and hearing.

Examples of adaptive aides include, but is not limited to:

• Tactile marking supplies

• Kitchen adaptive aids

• Writing supplies

• Audible devices

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• Clothing identifier

• Time management devices

• Currency identifiers

• White cane

• Support cane

• Recreation and leisure supplies

B. Process and Procedures The trainer and Customer will identify adaptative aides/equipment that increase the Customer’s independence, and that the Customer’s agrees they will use with home and community setting post completion of the SKIP Immersion Training.

This list of adaptive aides/equipment will be used to create an individualized adaptative aid kit for the Customer.

C. Outcomes Required for Payment

The Contractor will submit the list of adaptive aides/equipment that are in the Customer’s adaptative aid kit.

The invoice or attached list will include, at a minimum

• item description, and

• quantity.

D. Fee Payment for the Adaptive Aid Kit Training/Resources is based on a flat rate of $500.