State Plan For Independent Living Fiscal Years 2008-2010

(SPIL)

Chapter 1, Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended

State Independent Living Services (SILS) Program

Part B

Centers for Independent Living (CIL) Program

Part C

FISCAL YEARS ________08-10_________

Effective Date:  October 1, __2007________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I: Assurances

Section 1: Legal Basis and Certifications ..................................................... 3

Section 2: SPIL Development ...................................................................... 3

Section 3: Independent Living Services ....................................................... 5

Section 4: Eligibility ........................................................................................ 5

Section 5: Staffing Requirements ................................................................. 5

Section 6: Fiscal Control and Fund Accounting ........................................... 6

Section 7: Recordkeeping, Access and Reporting ..................................... 6

Section 8: Protection, Use and Release of Personal Information .............. 7

Section 9: Signatures...................................................................................... 7

Part II: Narrative

Section 1: Goals, Objectives and Activities.................................................. 8

Section 2: Scope, Extent, and Arrangements of Services ....................... 12

Section 3: Design for the Statewide Network of Centers .......................... 14

Section 4: Designated State Unit (DSU) .................................................... 14

Section 5: Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) ......................... 15

Section 6: Service Provider Requirements ................................................ 16

Section 7: Evaluation ................................................................................... 17

Section 8: State-Imposed Requirements .................................................. 17

PART I: Assurances

State of: _________PA_____________

Section 1: Legal Basis and Certifications  

1.1     The designated State unit (DSU) eligible to submit the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL or the plan) and authorized under State law to perform the functions of the State under the State Independent Living Services (SILS) and Centers for Independent Living (CIL) programs is _____PA OVR__ (insert name of DSU).  34 CFR 76.104(a)(1) and (2); 34 CFR 364.22(a)

1.2     The separate State agency eligible to submit the plan and authorized under State law to provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to individuals who are blind is _____N/A________ (insert name of separate State agency).  Indicate N/A if not applicable.  34 CFR 76.104(a)(1) and (2); 34 CFR 364.20(d) and 364.22(c)

1.3     The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) that meets the requirements of section 705 of the Act and is authorized to perform the functions outlined in section 705(c) of the Act in the State is __PA SILC__________ (insert name of SILC).  34 CFR 364.21(a)

1.4     The DSU and, if applicable, the separate State agency authorized to provide VR services to individuals who are blind, and the SILC are authorized to jointly develop, sign and submit this SPIL on behalf of the State, and have adopted or otherwise formally approved the SPIL.  34 CFR 76.104(a)(7); 34 CFR 364.20(c) and (d)

1.5     The DSU, and, if applicable, the separate State agency authorized to provide VR services to individuals who are blind, may legally carry out each provision of the plan and will comply with all applicable Federal statutes and regulations in effect with respect to the three-year period it receives funding under the SPIL. 34 CFR 76.104; 34 CFR 80.11(c)

1.6     The SPIL is the basis for State operation and administration of the program.  All provisions of the SPIL are consistent with State law. 34 CFR 76.104(a)(4) and (8)

1.7     The representative of the DSU and, if applicable, of the separate State agency authorized to provide VR services to individuals who are blind, who has the authority under State law to receive, hold, and disburse Federal funds made available under the SPIL and to submit the SPIL jointly with the SILC chairperson is _William Gannon, Executive Director (Name, title of DSU director) and _N/A___ (Name, title of separate State agency director, if applicable).  34 CFR 76.104(a)(5) and (6)

Section 2: SPIL Development  

2.1 The plan shall be reviewed and revised not less than once every three years, to ensure the existence of appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately address, on a statewide and comprehensive basis, the needs in the State for:

–       The provision of State independent living services;

–       The development and support of a statewide network of centers for independent living; and

–       Working relationships between programs providing independent living services and independent living centers, the vocational rehabilitation program established under title I, and other programs providing services for individuals with disabilities.  34 CFR 364.20(f)

2.2 The DSU and SILC conduct public meetings to provide all segments of the public, including interested groups, organizations and individuals, an opportunity to comment on the State plan prior to its submission to the Commissioner and on any revisions to the approved State plan. 34 CFR 364.20(g)(1)

2.3 The DSU and SILC establish and maintain a written description of procedures for conducting public meetings in accordance with the following requirements.  The DSU and SILC shall provide:

–       appropriate and sufficient notice of the public meetings (that is, at least 30 days prior to the public meeting through various media available to the general public, such as newspapers and public service announcements, and through specific contacts with appropriate constituency groups and organizations identified by the DSU and SILC);

–       reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities who rely on alternative modes of communication in the conduct of the public meetings, including providing sign language interpreters and audio-loops; and

–       public meeting notices, written material provided prior to or at the public meetings, and the approved State plan in accessible formats for individuals who rely on alternative modes of communication. 34 CFR 364.20(g)(2)

2.4 At the public meetings to develop the State plan, the DSU and SILC identify those provisions in the SPIL that are State-imposed requirements beyond what would be required to comply with the regulations in 34 CFR parts 364, 365, 366, and 367.  34 CFR 364.20(h)

2.5 The DSU will seek to incorporate into, and describe in, the State plan any new methods or approaches for the provision of IL services to older individuals who are blind that are developed under a project funded under chapter 2 of title VII of the Act and that the DSU determines to be effective. 34 CFR 364.28

2.6 The DSU and SILC actively consult, as appropriate, in the development of the State plan with the director of the Client Assistance Program (CAP) authorized under section 112 of the Act.  34 CFR 364.20(e)

Section 3: Independent Living Services 

3.1 The State, directly or through grants or contracts, will provide IL services with Federal, State,

      or other funds.  34 CFR 364.43(b)

3.2 Independent living services shall be provided to individuals with significant disabilities in accordance with an independent living plan mutually agreed upon by an appropriate staff   member of the service provider and the individual, unless the individual signs a waiver stating that such a plan is unnecessary.  34 CFR 364.43(c)

3.3 All service providers will use formats that are accessible to notify individuals seeking or receiving IL services under chapter 1 of title VII about:

–       the availability of the CAP authorized by section 112 of the Act;

–       the purposes of the services provided under the CAP; and

–       how to contact the CAP. 34 CFR 364.30

3.4 Participating service providers meet all applicable State licensure or certification requirements. 34 CFR 365.31(c)

Section 4: Eligibility  

4.1 Any individual with a significant disability, as defined in 34 CFR 364.4(b), is eligible for IL services under the SILS and CIL programs authorized under chapter 1 of title VII of the Act.  Any individual may seek information about IL services under these programs and request referral to other services and programs for individuals with significant disabilities, as appropriate.  The determination of an individual's eligibility for IL services under the SILS and CIL programs meets the requirements of 34 CFR 364.51.  34 CFR 364.40(a), (b) and (c)

4.2 Service providers apply eligibility requirements without regard to age, color, creed, gender, national origin, race, religion or type of significant disability of the individual applying for IL services.  34 CFR 364.41(a)

4.3 Service providers do not impose any State or local residence requirement that excludes any individual who is present in the State and who is otherwise eligible for IL services from receiving IL services.  34 CFR 364.41(b)

Section 5: Staffing Requirements  

5.1 Service provider staff includes personnel who are specialists in the development and provision of IL services and in the development and support of centers.  34 CFR 364.23(a)

5.2 To the maximum extent feasible, a service provider makes available personnel able to communicate:

–       with individuals with significant disabilities who rely on alternative modes of communication, such as manual communication, nonverbal communication devices, Braille or audio tapes, and who apply for or receive IL services under title VII of the Act; and

–       in the native languages of individuals with significant disabilities whose English proficiency is limited and who apply for or receive IL services under title VII of the Act. 34 CFR 364.23(b)

5.3 Service providers establish and maintain a program of staff development for all classes of positions involved in providing IL services and, if appropriate, in administering the CIL program. The staff development programs emphasize improving the skills of staff directly responsible for the provision of IL services, including knowledge of and practice in the IL philosophy.  34 CFR 364.24

5.4 All recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with significant disabilities on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of individuals with disabilities under section 503 of the Act.  34 CFR 364.31

Section 6: Fiscal Control and Fund Accounting 

6.1 All recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will comply with applicable EDGAR fiscal and accounting requirements and will adopt those fiscal control and fund accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure the proper disbursement of and accounting for those funds.  34 CFR 364.34

Section 7: Recordkeeping, Access and Reporting 

7.1 In addition to complying with applicable EDGAR recordkeeping requirements, all recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will maintain records that fully disclose and document:

–       the amount and disposition by the recipient of that financial assistance;

–       The total cost of the project or undertaking in connection with which the financial assistance is given or used;

–       the amount of that portion of the cost of the project or undertaking supplied by other sources;

–       compliance with the requirements of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act and Part 364 of the regulations; and

–       other information that the Commissioner determines to be appropriate to facilitate an effective audit.  34 CFR 364.35(a) and (b)

7.2 With respect to the records that are required by 34 CFR 364.35, all recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will submit reports that the Commissioner determines to be appropriate.  34 CFR 364.36

7.3 All recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will provide access to the Commissioner and the Comptroller General, or any of their duly authorized representatives, to the records listed in 34 CFR 364.37 for the purpose of conducting audits, examinations, and compliance reviews.  34 CFR 364.37 

Section 8: Protection, Use, and Release of Personal Information 

8.1                  Each service provider will adopt and implement policies and procedures to safeguard the confidentiality of all personal information, including photographs and lists of names in accordance with the requirements of 34 CFR 364.56(a)(1-6). 34 CFR 364.56(a)

Section 9: Signatures

After having carefully reviewed all of the assurances in sections 1 - 8 of this SPIL, the undersigned hereby affirm that the State of _Pennsylvania__ is in compliance and will remain in compliance with the aforementioned assurances during  _2008-2010____ (specify the

three-year period covered by this SPIL). 

The effective date of this SPIL is October 1, __2007___ (year)

 _____________________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF SILC CHAIRPERSON                                               DATE

Milton Henderson, Chair

NAME OF SILC CHAIRPERSON                             

_____________________________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF DSU DIRECTOR                                                       DATE

William A. Gannon, Executive Director

NAME AND TITLE OF DSU DIRECTOR                           

State of: __PA____________________

Part II: Narrative

Section 1: Goals, Objectives and Activities 

1.1     Goals and Mission – 34 CFR 364.42(b)(1)

Describe the overall goals and mission of the State's IL programs and services.  The SPIL must address the goals and mission of both the SILS and the CIL programs, including those of the State agency for individuals who are blind as they relate to the parts of the SPIL administered by that agency. Specify the objectives to be achieved and the time frame for achieving them. 

Mission:

It is the mission of the IL Program in Pennsylvania to empower individuals with disabilities to have the opportunity to choose to live independently.

1.2 Objectives – 34 CFR 364.42(a)(1) and (d); 34 CFR 364.32; 34 CFR 364.33

1.2A Goals and objectives both included in 1.1. Objectives need to be described in 1.2A, and should also include timeframes for achieving the objectives. In addition, it is recommended that the objectives be expressed in a way that would allow the State to assess progress.

All goals and objectives with the exception of minority outreach and aging will begin in year one and our progress will be assessed through quarterly reporting procedures. 

Activities for the Minority Outreach (Goal VII) and Aging (Goal VIII) will begin in year two of the SPIL.  This is necessary to enable the SILC and staff to gather information, properly evaluate the research and ramp up the corresponding action steps of the other goals during the first year in a realistic manner.  While this is happening, data will be collected for Goals VII and VIII during year one, in year two the information will be evaluated and action steps will be created and started, work on the action steps will continue in year three.

Goals and Objectives:

Organizations in brackets indicate responsible parties

Support the network of CILs

Through partnerships, the network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in PA will have access to various supports necessary for a strong network

1.    Participate in advocacy to grow the network of CILS in un/underserved areas [PA Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), Centers for Independent Living (CILs)]

2.    Build on the work done to develop a consistent data collection model with the CILs in order to better represent the effectiveness of services [SILC, CILs]

3.    Provide information regarding  policy positions at the state and national level as requested [SILC]

4.    Consult the Pennsylvania Council on Independent Living (PCIL*, a CIL membership organization)) to communicate the needs and recommendations of the CILs regarding the network to the SILC

Housing

Through the creation of alliances, the IL Program will identify and address issues related to safe, affordable, accessible and integrated housing in integrated settings.

1.    Participate in or create networks at state and local levels to assess housing options available for people with disabilities [SILC, CILs]

2.    Advocate with statewide partners for a housing trust fund to create an infrastructure for housing needs in the future while at the same time assuring that disability programs/accommodations are provided for within the trust fund [OVR, SILC, CILs]

3.    Develop a minimum of 6 position papers on housing issues as they arise that can be used throughout the commonwealth for consistency and accuracy in advocacy [SILC]

4.    Continue focus on Visitability Campaign by developing and promoting materials to local municipalities and ensure the adoption of the new provisions in 4 additional areas [SILC, CILs]

*Requires 100% CIL participation in order to represent the full network

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)

The IL Program will promote expansion, flexibility and choice of Home and Community Based Services.

1.    Engage in Money Follows the Person (MFP) activities with the Commonwealth [SILC, CILs]

2.    Participate with the PA Governor’s Office in the development of a successful Governor’s Cabinet on Disability [SILC, CILs]

3.    Analyze waivers that provide HCBS and advise people with disabilities and the Administration regarding improvements [SILC]

4.    Develop position papers on HCBS issues as they arise for broad distribution [SILC]

5.    Serve on external committees that influence the outcome of HCBS [SILC, CILs]

Employment

Partner with PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation [OVR], State Rehabilitation Council [SRC] and other interested stakeholders to educate policy makers on the benefits and need for people with disabilities to be gainfully employed and the budget implications that prevent that. 

1.    Together with SRC and other interested stakeholders, develop relationships with a minimum of 10 participants that have benefited from OVR services to educate and mentor them about legislative advocacy [SILC]

2.    Create or participate in existing partnerships with local/regional OVR/CIL offices to develop support for IL and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) funding requests that jointly promote employment [OVR, SILC, CILs]

3.    Develop expertise at the state level in order to be available to policymakers, people with disabilities and the community [SILC]

4.    Implement communications strategy in coordination with SRC, and other interested stakeholders to promote the message to the public and to policymakers that people with disabilities want to work [OVR, SILC]

5.    Coordinate with the Youth Initiative to support transition issues [SILC]

Transportation

Promote increased access to accessible affordable public transportation for citizens with disabilities in PA.

1.    Analyze existing policies impacting transportation [SILC]

2.  Develop partnerships with the transportation community at-large [SILC, CILs]

3.  Continue to serve as an active member of the PA Transportation Alliance [SILC, CILs]

4.  Create grassroots partnerships with members of the state legislature assigned to transportation authorizing and appropriating committees [SILC, CILs]

5.  Create alliances with entities that influence public transportation options [SILC, CILs]

6.    Advocate for Shared Ride funding in all counties of the Commonwealth [SILC, CILs]

7.    Continue partnership with PA Department of Transportation [Penn Dot] in order to advise on policy related matters

Advocacy

Assure that public policies address the needs of People with disabilities by acting or participating in previously existing task forces and communicating and taking the lead to address gaps in the following areas:

1.    TDDP-Provide ongoing support for the administration of the Libertty Program.

2.  Voting-Support the Disability Voting Coalition to build and strengthen the voting     block of Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

3.    Poverty-Build the capacity of the IL Program to understand the effects of poverty on people with disabilities in the area of publicly funded services by providing research and analysis.

4.    Emergency Preparedness-Coalesce with partners working to ensure that disability is addressed in all emergency preparedness plans

5.    Discharge planners-Work with local and state associations to educate them regarding the importance of discharge planning from hospital/institutional settings for people with disabilities.

6.    Statewide Action Team (SWAT) -Coordinate activities of the SWAT for the length of the project

7.    Provide support for faith based needs of people with disabilities who desire involvement in a faith community of choice through collaboration with the National Organization on Disabilities (NOD).

Independent Living Awareness (SILC coordinated project)

Through the creation of alliances, promote awareness of IL programs and philosophy in PA

1.    Gather demographic information for the state and each county

2.    Explore opportunities for collaboration with Independent Living organizations, such as OVR, PCIL, CILs, Client Assistance Program [CAP] and others in Pennsylvania, to produce marketing materials representing all of the organizations. 

3.    Encourage partner IL organizations to share their marketing materials with partner groups and consumers.

4.    Explore opportunity to consult with a Pennsylvania-based marketing or public relations firms specializing in grassroots advocacy or public affairs advocacy.

5.    Develop a communication plan to increase awareness of Independent Living in Pennsylvania

6.    Create materials in support of the communication plan

Minority Outreach

1.    Gather state and county demographic information about minorities.

2.    Analyze demographics to identify trends in people with disabilities for African Americans, Latinos, Aging and Youth populations

3.    Develop working relationship with the OVR Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC)

4.    Find existing statewide organizations representing each population group

5.    Identify potential partners, including leaders or influencers of minority groups and organizations such as the Pennsylvania Statewide Latino Coalition and the Pennsylvania NAACP.

6.    Identify news media targeting specific minority groups

7.    Provide resources and information to media targeting specific population groups.

8.    Develop a plan outreach to minority groups based on information gathered in action steps 1 through 5.

9.    Disseminate findings to CILs

Aging

1.    Explore opportunity to build a working relationship with the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) social workers within the Pa. Department of Labor and Industry

2.    Identify appropriate offices and staff within the Pa. Department of Aging and develop a partnership

3.    Approach American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and PA Area Agency on Aging (PAAAA) about advocacy partnership opportunities in support of Independent Living for seniors

4.    Conduct outreach to senior centers and grow relationships with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).

Youth

1.    Develop partnership with OVR’s Statewide Transition Specialist, appropriate offices within the Pa. Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education

2.    Encourage CILs to work with Pennsylvania’s 29 Intermediate Units

3.    Partner with the Pa. Youth Leadership Network to strengthen advocacy activities among youth with disabilities

4.    Explore opportunities to create disability-focused or CIL-focused web pages on websites popular with youth

5.    Continue work with SILC Youth Initiative by working with a current member to serve as coordinator.

1.2B Describe the steps planned regarding outreach to populations in the State that are unserved or underserved by programs under title VII, including minority groups and urban and rural populations. 

Pennsylvania is a state with 1.8 millions persons with disabilities living in large metropolitan areas, medium sized cities, and rural agricultural communities.  Due to the vast differences in the population, it is necessary to determine where the designated population resides.  For example, Berks County is known to have a higher Latino population but it is unknown how many Latinos have disabilities in Berks County.  Further research is necessary to understand the population rates of disabilities throughout the state.  Once the research is completed and we know where minority groups reside the methods of addressing those will be developed.  (Refer to action steps 3 – 5 under minority outreach plan)

1.3 Financial Plan – 34 CFR 364.42(a)(2) and (3); 34 CFR 364.29

Describe in sections 1.3A and 1.3B, below, the financial plan for the use of Federal and non-Federal funds to meet the SPIL objectives. 

1.3A Financial Plan Tables

Complete the financial plan tables covering years 1, 2 and 3 of this SPIL.  For each funding source, provide estimated dollar amounts anticipated for the applicable uses.  The financial plan table should include only those funding sources and amounts that are intended to support one or more of the objectives identified in section 1.2 of the SPIL.  To the extent possible, the tables and narratives must reflect the applicable financial information from centers for independent living.  Refer to the SPIL Instructions for additional information about completing the financial tables and narratives.

– Insert additional rows for the specific funding sources and amounts expected within the categories of Other Federal Funds and Non-Federal Funds.

Year 1

Year  2