ACL Independent Living State Grants

To provide financial assistance to States for expanding and improving the provision of independent living (IL) services to individuals with significant disabilities by promoting and maximizing their full integration and inclusion into the mainstream

Provides financial assistance to States for expanding and improving the provision of independent living (IL) services to individuals with significant disabilities by promoting and maximizing their full integration and inclusion into the mainstream of American society.

Any designated State Entity (DSE) in a State with an approved State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) may apply for assistance under this program. The DSE is the State entity of such State as the agency that, on behalf of the State, receives, accounts for and disburses funds received under this chapter based on the SPIL. DSEs in the 50 States and the District of Columbia and the territories (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands) and the outlying areas (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) are eligible to apply.

Individuals with significant disabilities as defined in section 7(21)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act , as amended. This refers to an individual with a severe physical or mental impairment whose ability to function independently in the family or community or whose ability to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment is substantially limited and for whom the delivery of independent living services will improve the ability to function, continue functioning, or move toward functioning independently in the family or community or to continue in employment, respectively.

Funds received under this program may be used to carry out the purposes of the Independent Living State Grants Program described in section 713 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended. These purposes include: (1) to provide independent living services to individuals with significant disabilities, particularly those in unserved areas of the State; (2) to demonstrate ways to expand and improve independent living services; (3) to support the operation of centers for independent living that are in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 725; (4) to support activities to increase the capacities of public or nonprofit agencies and organizations and other entities to develop comprehensive approaches or systems for providing independent living services; (5) to conduct studies and analyses, gather information, develop model policies and procedures, and present information, approaches, strategies, findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Federal, State, and local policymakers in order to enhance independent living services for individuals with disabilities; (6) to train individuals with disabilities and individuals providing services to individuals with disabilities and other persons regarding the independent living philosophy; and (7) to provide outreach to populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this title, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.

Awards are made on an annual basis. Refer to the Funding Opportunity for further details.

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

An approved State plan is a condition for receipt of funds under the IL State Grants program under the Rehabilitation Act. State plan requirements are contained in section 704 of the Rehabilitation Act as amended.

A notice of annual allotment to the State is issued. States receive annual grant award notices and funds are withdrawn under the Payment Management System.

Awards are made on an annual basis and may be renewed for up to 2 additional years, for a total of 3 years under an approved State Plan for Independent Living.

After reasonable effort has been made to resolve the questions involved, and the State has pursued a hearing before the Office of the Administrative Law Judge, the State may appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the State is located pursuant to the IL program regulations at 34 CFR 364.12.