Rehabilitation Services Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind

To provide any independent living services that are described in 34 CFR Section 367.3(b) of the program regulations to older individuals who are blind; improve or expand services for these individuals; and conduct activities to help improve public un

The State agency in the 50 States, the District of Columbia the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the territories (Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) designated by the State as the State agency authorized to provide vocational rehabilitation services to blind individuals may apply.

Older individuals who are blind, as defined in 34 CFR 367.5 of the ILOIB program regulations are the primary beneficiaries of assistance under this program. This term means "an individual aged 55 or older whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment extremely difficult to obtain but for whom independent living goals are feasible."

2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

For the training and technical assistance grant: The Secretary must first set aside not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of the funds appropriated to the ILOIB program to be used to provide training and technical assistance to Designated State Agencies or other providers of ILOIB services that receive ILOIB program funds. For the ILOIB formula grants: The designated State agency may use funds awarded under the ILOIB program to carry out the activities described in the program objectives section of this document. Among the independent living (IL) services that can be provided to older individuals who are blind are services to help correct blindness, the provision of eyeglasses and other visual aids, services and equipment to enhance mobility and self-sufficiency, mobility training, Braille instruction, and other services and equipment to help older persons who are blind adjust to blindness, as well as other IL services as defined in the Rehabilitation Act and the IL program regulations.

Awards are made on an annual basis under an approved application.

Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs" for the training grant only. 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.

For the ILOIB formula grant award: In order to be eligible for an allotment under this program, States must submit an application for a grant under the ILOIB program in the form and manner prescribed by the Department and the application must contain the assurances listed in 34 CFR 367.31 of the ILOIB program regulations. For the training and technical assistance grant, eligible entities are State and public or non-profit agencies and organizations and institutions of higher education that have the capacity to provide training and technical assistance in the provision of independent living services for older individuals who are blind.

An approved ILOIB application for the formula grant award is a condition for receipt of funds under the OIB program under Chapter 2 of Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act. Application requirements are contained in section 752(h) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 367.30 and 367.31. For the training and technical assistance grant, the availability of funds is published in the Federal Register. Applications for discretionary grants are subject to peer review procedures by nonfederal experts that lead to recommendations for approval or disapproval. The next competition for new awards will be held in fiscal year 2025.

A notice of annual allotment to the State for the formula ILOIB award is issued. Initial distributions are subject to reallotment at the end of the fiscal year if the Commissioner determines that the State will not expend its allotment. States receive annual grant award notices and funds may be withdrawn under the Electronic Transfer System. For the training and technical assistance grant: New awards are made based upon the results of a peer review process and the review and approval of staff in various offices within the Department.

34 CFR 76.703 governs the approval/disapproval time of State plans in relation to when a State may begin to obligate funds for the ILOIB formula grant. For the training and technical assistance grant: From 90 to 120 days.

Awards are made on an annual basis under an approved application. For the training and technical assistance grant: Renewals are available only through the new application process. Projects with an approved multi-year project period may be continued based on the availability of appropriated funds and an annual review of accomplishments to determine satisfactory performance.

The State may appeal to the Office of Administrative Law Judges (34 CFR 81). Appeals are not applicable for the training and technical assistance grant.