ACL Centers for Independent Living, Recovery Act

To provide independent living services to individuals with significant disabilities to assist them to function more independently in family and community settings, by developing and supporting a statewide network of centers for independent living.

THIS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACTIVE

Beneficiary eligibility should reflect none

Costs for States that administer these grants through the authorization in section 723 will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. Costs for all other grantees will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.

Federal funds are used for the establishment and operation of centers for independent living which offer a combination of services. Services must include independent living core services, which include information and referral services, training in independent living skills, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, and as appropriate, a combination of any other independent living services specified in Title II of the Rehabilitation Act. Each center must have a governing board composed of a majority of persons with significant disabilities. The majority of the staff and individuals in decision making positions must be individuals with disabilities. Not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of Federal funds appropriated for the program must be reserved to provide training and technical assistance through entities experienced in the operation of centers for independent living.

Funds are available for obligation at the Federal level until September 30, 2010. Grantees have an additional 12-month period to obligate their funds. New projects are typically funded for five years with funding approved on a 12-month basis. Continuation awards will be subject to the availability of funds under the regular program (see CFDA program 84.132).

Selection criteria for this program include extent of need for the project, past performance, satisfaction of the standards and assurances set forth in Section 725, quality of key personnel, budget and cost-effectiveness, evaluation plan, plan of operation, and involvement of individuals with significant disabilities. Criteria for evaluating applications are published in program regulations at 34 CFR 366.

Awards were made under approval of the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the Assistant Secretary of OSERS, based on the findings of Federal and nonfederal reviews of applications to ensure the applicants satisfactorily demonstrate that they will meet the standards and assurances described in Section 725 (b) and (c) the Rehabilitation Act.

These projects may be continued under CFDA 84.132 based on a self-evaluation report, and accomplishments as described in the Center's self-evaluation and annual report requirements under Section 725 (c)(8) of the Act, submittal of a continuation application, and the availability of funds. Renewals are available through the regular continuation application process and are subject to the availability of funds under the regular program appropriation (see CFDA program 84.132).