**DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION**

**OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND**

**REHABILITATIVE SERVICES**

**REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202**

[INFORMATION MEMORANDUM]{.underline}

RSA-IM-93-25

RSM-

DATE: August 12, 1993

**TO :** STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES (GENERAL)

STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES (BLIND)

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

RSA SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

REGIONAL REHABILITATION CONTINUING EDUCATION (RRCEPS)

SUBJECT : Fiscal Year 1992 Report on Services Funded through the
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) for Persons Who are Blind
or Visually Impaired

CONTENT : Persons who are blind or visually impaired are served
throughout the State-Federal rehabilitation system. States may, at their
discretion, designate separate agencies to serve the needs of persons
who are blind or visually impaired. RSA also funds a variety of
discretionary training and special project grant programs that benefit
this population.

The purpose of this report is to provide information on State formula
and discretionary grant programs funded by RSA that center on the needs
of persons who are blind or visually impaired. It does not contain
information on the Helen Keller National Center for Individuals Who Are
Deaf-Blind which is funded through RSA for the Helen Keller National
Center Act already requires the Secretary to provide an annual report on
the Written evaluation of the operation of the center to the President,
the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the
Senate.

This report was prepared by the Rehabilitation Branch of the Division of
Blind and Visually Impaired. This report on RSA funded programs and
services for persons who are blind or visually impaired will be modified
in 1993 when the provisions of P.L. 102-569, of the Rehabilitation Act
Amendments of 1992, are implemented. Additional information may be
obtained from

Chester P. Avery, Director, Division of Blind and Visually Impaired,
Room 3229, Mary E. Switzer Building, 330 C Street, S.W., Washington,
D.C.

20202-2648, telephone number (202) 205-9316, fax number (202) 205-9772.

INQUIRIES TO: RSA Regional Commissioners

William L. Smith

Acting Commissioner, RSA

Attachment

cc: CSAVR

NAPAS

Table of Contents

Introduction \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 1

Federal/State Grant Programs \...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 1

Basic State Grants Programs \...\...\...\...\...\.... 1

Client Assistance Program \...\...\...\...\...\...\... 5

State Supported Employment Services

Program \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 5

Comprehensive Services for Independent Living

Program, Title VII, Part A \...\...\..... 5

Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program \.... 6

Discretionary Grant Programs Serving Blind or Visually Impaired Persons
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 7

Special Project and Demonstrations for Providing Vocational
Rehabilitation Services to Severely Disabled Individuals
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 7

Program of Special Projects and Demonstrations for Providing Supported
Employment Services to Severely Disabled Individuals
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 8

Projects with Industry Program \...\...\...\...\.... 10

Recreation Program \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 10

Handicapped Migratory, Agricultural and Seasonal Farmworkers Program
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 11

Handicapped American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 11

Training Program \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 12

Independent Living Programs \...\...\...\...\...\.... 18

Part B, Centers for Independent Living \...\..... 18

Part C, Independent Living Services for Older Blind Individuals
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 22

IV.Appendices \...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 38

A. FY 1992 Final Grant Awards for Basic State Grant Program by State
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (General and Blind)
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 38

B. FY 1992 Final Grant Awards for Supported Employment Program by State
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies General and Blind)
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 40

C. FY 1992 Final Grant Awards for Comprehensive Services Independent
Living Program by State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (General and
Blind) \..... 42

D. FY 1992 Final Grant Awards to Designated and Independent Agencies in
the State for the Client Assistance Program
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 44

[FISCAL YEAR 1992 SUMMARY OF SERVICES FUNDED]{.underline}

[THROUGH THE REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION]{.underline}

[FOR PERSONS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED]{.underline}

I. [INTRODUCTION]{.underline}

This report provides information on services and Special projects
provided to persons who are blind or visually impaired in Fiscal Year
1992 through the State-Federal formula grant programs and projects
funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. This report
also includes information describing the Randolph-Sheppard Vending
Facility Program.

While persons who are blind or otherwise visually

impaired receive vocational rehabilitation services through State
general rehabilitation agencies, many States have separate agencies to
address the unique needs of this population. Similarly, persons who are
blind or otherwise visually impaired receive support through special
projects supported by RSA.

II\. [FEDERAL-STATE FORMULA GRANT PROGRAMS]{.underline}

The Federal-State formula grant programs funded by RSA in fiscal year
1992 are: A. Basic State Grants Program;

B. Client Assistance Program (CAP); C. State Supported Employment
Services Program; D. State Independent Living Rehabilitation Services
Program, Title VII, Part A - Comprehensive Services; E.
Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program. It should be noted that the
Randolph- Sheppard Program, which receives some funds through the Basic
State Grant program, is also described in this section of the report.

A. [Basic State Grants Program]{.underline}

[(Section 110, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as]{.underline}
[amended]{.underline})

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$1,783,532,000]{.underline}

[Federal and State Expenditures - FY 1992]{.underline}

[Federal]{.underline} [State]{.underline} [Total]{.underline}

General Agencies \$812,429,215 \$244,495,676 \$1,057,312,660

Blind Agencies 152,438,672 43,763,225 196,080,603

Combined Agencies [815,662,113]{.underline} [233,384,042]{.underline}
[1,045,330,651]{.underline}

Total \$1,783,532,000 \$521,642,943 \$2,298,723,914

> Under provisions of the Basic State Grants Program,
>
> Federal funds are allocated among the States and territories
>
> from the total Federal appropriation on the basis of a
>
> formula that takes into account a State\'s population and per
>
> capita income. In the 26 States with separate agencies to
>
> serve persons who are blind, allocation of funds between the
>
> two agencies is determined by the State. The Act authorizes
>
> Federal allocations on a formula basis with a State fund
>
> matching requirement. For fiscal year 1992, states were
>
> required to provide a 20 percent match for the portion of
>
> their allotment that was equal to their 1988 allotment level
>
> and a 24 percent match for any funds allotted in excess of
>
> the 1988 level. The Basic State Grants program is the
>
> principal source of Federal funding for provision of
>
> vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with
>
> disabilities, including persons who are blind or visually
>
> impaired. (See Appendix A for funding to State, general and
>
> separate agencies serving persons who are blind)

Table 1 contains the total number of persons vocationally

rehabilitated in FY 1992 through the State-Federal program,

including estimates of blind or visually impaired persons.

Estimates are necessary because data on the types of

disabilities have not been tabulated for FY 1992 at this

writing.

Table 1

[State Federal Program - Performance Data]{.underline}

[FY 1992]{.underline}[^1] [FY 1991]{.underline}

Total Number of Persons Served

(All disabilities) 949,557 941,771

Total Number of Persons

Rehabilitated 191,854 202,831

Blind Rehabilitants 9,600 10,420

\% Rehabilitants of Total[^2] 5.0 5.2

Other Visually Impaired

Rehabilitants 8,200 8,601

\% Rehabilitants of Total 4.3 4.3

Total Blind or Visually

Impaired Rehabilitants 17,800 19,201

\% Rehabilitants of Total 9.3 9.4

Estimated \# Blind or Visually 71,000 75,000

Impaired Served[^3]

Table 2 indicates the types of placements that occurred

in FY 1991 (preliminary) as a result of the provision

of rehabilitation services for persons who are blind or

visually impaired compared to persons with other

disabilities.

Table 2

Type of visual impairment by work status at closure for clients
rehabilitated in FY 1991 (percentages)

+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| WORK STATUS AT       | VIS   |        |        | OTHER  | ALL     |
| CLOSURE              | UALLY |        |        |        | CLIENTS |
|                      | IMP   |        |        |        |         |
|                      | AIRED |        |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
|                      | BLIND | OTHER  | ALL    |        |         |
|                      |       | VISUAL |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Competitive labor    | 34.9  | 58.2   | 45.5   | 85.7   | 81.9    |
| market               |       |        |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Sheltered workshop   | 4.8   | 1.1    | 3.1    | 5.6    | 5.4     |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Self-employed        | 3.9   | 7.4    | 5.5    | 2.2    | 2.5     |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| State agency managed | 1.9   | 0.2    | 1.1    | 0.2    | 0.1     |
| (Business            |       |        |        |        |         |
|                      |       |        |        |        |         |
| Enterprise Program)  |       |        |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Homemaker            | 53.7  | 31.9   | 43.8   | 6.0    | 9.6     |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Unpaid family        | 0.6   | 1.1    | 0.8    | 0.4    | 0.4     |
|                      |       |        |        |        |         |
| worker               |       |        |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Work status not      | 0.2   | 0.1    | 0.2    | 0.0    | 0.1     |
| reported             |       |        |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Total                | 100.0 | 100.0  | 100.0  | 100.0  | 100.0   |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Number of Cases      | 1     | 8,601  | 19,018 | 1      | 202,646 |
| Reporting            | 0,417 |        |        | 83,628 |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+

Note: The total number rehabilitated, according to the Quarterly
Cumulative Caseload Report (Form RSA-113) for FY 1991, was 202,831.
There is usually a small difference in this number in the two
reportings.

B. [Client Assistance Program]{.underline}

[(Section 112, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended]{.underline}) [FY
1992 Appropriation - \$9,141,000]{.underline}

This formula grant program advises clients and

client applicants of available services under

the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

States are required to have a CAP as a condition for receiving VR
services program funding. CAPs are administered by agencies designated
by the Governors. Such agencies must be independent of any agency that

provides services under the Act unless an agency had,

prior to the 1984 Rehabilitation Act amendments, served

as a CAP under Section 112 of the Rehabilitation Act,

as amended and received Federal financial assistance

under the Act. (See Appendix B for State Agency

Funding)

C. [State Supported Employment Services Program]{.underline}

[(Section 631, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended]{.underline})

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$31,065,000]{.underline}

The 1986 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

authorized a formula grant program to assist States to

develop collaborative programs with appropriate public

and private nonprofit organizations. This assistance

> is intended to enable States to provide individuals
>
> with the most severe disabilities time-limited services that lead to
> supported employment. The State vocational rehabilitation agency is
> charged with the responsibility of administering this program and
> establishing cooperative agreements or letters of understanding with
> private sources or other public agencies in which the commitment for
> extended job support is secured. Funds for this formula program are
> distributed on the basis of population, with no State to receive less
> than \$250,000. (See Appendix B for State Agency Funding)

D. [State Independent Living Rehabilitation Services]{.underline}
[Program, Title VII, Part A - Comprehensive Services]{.underline}

[(Section 702, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended)]{.underline}

[FY 1992 Appropriations - \$14,200,000]{.underline}

The Comprehensive Services for Independent Living

Program under Title VII, Part A, of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended, provides grants to assist

State vocational rehabilitation agencies to deliver comprehensive
services for independent living. Individuals who are served must have
disabilities that are so severe that presently they do not have
potential for employment but may benefit from vocational

rehabilitation services focused on increasing the

ability of persons with severe disabilities to live and

function independently in the family and community.

The program also assists those individuals who require

independent living rehabilitation services to engage in

or maintain appropriate employment. Priority for

services is given to those persons not served by other

provisions of the Rehabilitation Act. (See Appendix C

for State Agency Funding)

E. [Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program]{.underline}

([P.L. 74-732, as amended by P.L. 83-569 and P.L. 93-]{.underline}
[516]{.underline})

The purpose of this State-Federal program is to provide persons who are
blind with remunerative employment and self-support through the
operation of vending

facilities on both Federal and non-Federal property.

In FY 1992, the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility

Program received funds from: the Basic State Grants

program totaling \$29,700,000; State funds totaling

\$4,900,000; set-aside funds totaling \$13,300,000; and

machine income funds totaling \$10,600,000. In FY 1992, there were 3,344
vending facilities of which 1,072 were located on Federal property and
2,272 were on non-

Federal property. A total of 3,487 licensed blind

vendors were employed through the program at an average

annual income of \$24,783. Sales for the year in this program equaled
\$397,486,149. Facilities may be of

several varieties, including snack bars, vending

machine locations and cafeterias. During the Fiscal

Year, 406 persons received training for the operation

of these facilities. From these trainees, 201

individuals were placed as vendors.

III\. [DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAMS SERVING BLIND OR
VISUALLY]{.underline} [IMPAIRED PERSONS]{.underline}

A. [SPECIAL PROJECT AND SERVICE PROGRAMS]{.underline}

> [Program of Special Projects and Demonstrations for]{.underline}
>
> [Providing Vocational Rehabilitation Services to]{.underline}
>
> [Severely Disabled Individuals]{.underline} [Section
> 311(a)(1),]{.underline}
>
> [Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended]{.underline})

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$31,103,000]{.underline}

The purpose of the program is to provide financial

assistance to States and other public and private

agencies and organizations for expanding or otherwise

improving vocational and other rehabilitation services

for individuals with severe disabilities irrespective

of age or vocational potential. This is accomplished

through the support of projects, for up to 36 months,

that will demonstrate new procedures or desirable

employment outcomes. It is expected that successful

project results will be replicated, in whole or in

> part, to resolve or alleviate rehabilitation problems that are
> nationally significant or common to several States.

Under Section 311(a)(1), 69 continuation projects and

28 new projects were funded during FY 1992.

Continuation projects currently funded by the program

address the following priority categories: (1)

Rehabilitation Technology, 19 projects funded; (2)

Innovative Strategies to Promote Vocational and

Independent Living Rehabilitation Outcomes for

Individuals with Severe Handicaps, 33 projects funded; (3)
Non-Priority\--AIDS, 5 projects funded; (4)

Specific Learning Disabilities, 4 projects funded; and

\(5\) Long-Term Mental Illness, 4 projects funded.

Continuation projects were also funded under the

> program in a \"Non-Priority\" category that permitted
>
> the support of applications that were not responsive to
>
> one of the absolute priorities. In addition, 13 spinal
>
> cord injury projects administered by the National Institute on
> Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), 2 projects serving
> Deaf and Hard of Hearing People Who are Low Functioning, 6 Centers for
> Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury and the Oregon Hearing
> Research Center are funded through Special Projects and
> Demonstrations.

Recently-funded projects will serve (1) individuals

with specific learning disabilities who reside in rural or remote areas,
4 projects funded; (2) individuals

with chronic, progressive diseases, 6 projects funded; and, (3)
individuals with traumatic brain injuries, 6 projects funded. 16 new
projects were also funded in a \"Non-Priority\" category which allowed
applicants to

> propose services that were not responsive to the
>
> absolute priorities, but meet the needs for services
>
> for individuals with severe disabilities. These projects have just
> begun start-up activities.

Most of the projects funded under the program in 1992

generally serve people with a wide range of

disabilities. Therefore, many more Special Projects

and Demonstration projects than are listed here provide

direct services to people who are blind, visually

impaired, or deaf-blind.

[Rehabilitation Technologies]{.underline}

Florida Division of Blind Services

Tallahassee, FL

The Florida Division of Blind Services project is a community-based
model to provide persons who are homebound, blind or severely visually
impaired with computer related competitive employment. This
community-based model is implemented in three underserved counties in
Florida. The model generates job opportunities in each county.

[Innovative Strategies]{.underline}

Catholic Community Services

Tucson, AZ

This project is designed to demonstrate the viability of using
individual choice, empowerment, peer support, and community-based
instruction as the primary means to accomplish outcomes in employment
and independent living for people with disabilities. The project will
emphasize services to persons who are deaf, persons who are deaf-blind,
or persons who are dual sensory impaired. Through the implementation of
a menu driven model of services in which individuals make decisions
regarding employment and community alternatives, 43 persons will achieve
outcomes ranging from competitive and supported employment to non-paid
support, enhanced domestic, leisure and community skills and
opportunities.

[AIDS/Non-Priority]{.underline}

Whitman-Walker Clinic, Inc.

Washington, DC

This project coordinates and facilitates the delivery of vocational
rehabilitation services to individuals with severe disabilities,
specifically targeting those individuals who are HIV-infected.
Recipients of services must also have at least one other disabling
condition of mental illness, substance abuse, deafness or visual
impairment. Once individuals are ready for vocational rehabilitation,
the project will refer them to the D.C. Vocational Rehabilitation
Agency. Upon completion of training, the project will assist individuals
with job placement.

[Non-Priority]{.underline}

National Federation of the Blind

Baltimore, MD

The National Federation of the Blind, in conjunction with the State
Affiliates and the Commissions for the Blind in New Mexico, Iowa and
South Carolina, will prepare a training manual, conduct work incentive
training sessions and provide technical assistance for benefit
counseling services for blind individuals. The major goal of the program
is to increase work attempts through the provision of benefit counseling
and work incentive counseling which requires cooperative efforts between
Social Security, rehabilitation professionals, and consumers.

B.  [Program of Special Projects and Demonstrations for]{.underline}

> [Providing Supported Employment Services to Severely]{.underline}
> [Disabled Individuals]{.underline}

[(Section 311(d) (1) (A), Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as]{.underline}
[amended)]{.underline}

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$10,423,000]{.underline}

The supported employment (SE) program funds demonstration projects to
assist States in rehabilitation \"systems changes\" from day and work
activity programs to competitive work through SE. In FY 1991, 17 new
statewide demonstration grants were awarded. The mission of these SE
statewide demonstration grants is to: convert State dollars toward
long-term funding of SE; promote community awareness of SE as a viable
vocational rehabilitation model; provide technical assistance to
agencies that develop SE programs; encourage community advocacy to
create SE options; and develop interagency SE agreements.

Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind

201 N. Bellefield Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA

This collaborative project among the Western

Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, the University of Pittsburgh
Program in Severe Disabilities and the

Pittsburgh Blind Association is focused on developing

and systematically evaluating a program to enhance

competitive employment opportunities for individuals

who are blind or visually impaired and who have one or more additional
disabling conditions. The program

plans to place and train in supported employment 12

young adults with severe mental, physical, and/or

auditory disabilities in addition to blindness.

C. [Projects With Industry Program (PWI)]{.underline}

([Section 621, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended]{.underline})

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$20,390,000]{.underline}

The purpose of this program is to create a unique partnership between
business, industry, labor, and the rehabilitation community, ultimately
leading to competitive employment for individuals with disabilities. The
primary goal of this discretionary grant program is to expand job
opportunities for people with disabilities in the competitive labor
market.

Pittsburgh Vocational Rehabilitation Center

1323 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Sensory Aids Foundation

399 Sherman Avenue

Palo Alto, CA 94306

Lions World Services for the Blind

2811 Fair Park Blvd.

Little Rock, AR 72204

Washington Vocational Services

22316 70th Avenue, Unit \'D\'

Mountainlake Terrace, WA 98043

D. [Recreation Program]{.underline}

([Section 316, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended]{.underline})

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$2,617,000]{.underline}

This program authorizes the funding of projects for

recreational activities that aid individuals with

disabilities in their mobility, socialization

and integration into community recreation programs.

Persons who are blind or visually impaired

participate in the activities of projects receiving

grant support from this program.

E. [Handicapped Migratory, Agricultural and Seasonal]{.underline}
[Farmworkers Program]{.underline}

([Section 312, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended]{.underline})

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$1,060,000]{.underline}

> The purpose of this program is to provide vocational
>
> rehabilitation services to migratory, agricultural and
>
> seasonal farm workers with disabilities. One of the eleven projects
> operative in fiscal year 1992 is a grant to the Texas Commission for
> the Blind which serves individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

F. [Handicapped American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation]{.underline}
[Services Program]{.underline}

([Section 130, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended]{.underline})

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$4,470,000]{.underline}

This program authorizes discretionary grants to assist Indians in the
development of rehabilitation services

on Federal and State reservations. The fifteen

projects operative in fiscal year 1992 provide

services to all types of individuals who are disabled

including individuals who are blind or visually

handicapped.

G. [TRAINING PROGRAMS]{.underline}

([Section 304(a) Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended]{.underline})

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$36,688,000]{.underline}

Under provisions of this program, grants and contracts are made to State
and public or nonprofit agencies and

organizations, including institutions of higher

education, to pay part of the costs of projects for

training, traineeships, and selected activities for

professionals in the field of rehabilitation.

The following institutions of higher education received long-term
training grants for personnel involved in the rehabilitation of persons
who are blind or visually impaired in Fiscal Year 1992:

Title : Rehabilitation of Persons Who are Blind

Start Date : 10/01/90

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 09

Grantee : San Jose State University

Office of Graduate Studies and Research

P.O. Box 760

San Jose, CA 95106

Investigator: Sharon Sacks

This pre-service training project provides two certificate programs to
assist professionals in developing skills in transition and job
placement/supported employment for persons who are visually impaired.
The summer transition training program trains educators and
rehabilitation professionals during a three-week summer session each
project year. The project also trains participants during an
inter-session in January, and also provides a follow-up practicum for
participants in a direct service setting.

Title : Rehabilitation of Persons Who are Blind

Start Date : 10/01/90

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 02

Grantee : Hunter College of CUNY

Department of Counseling

695 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10021

Investigator: Rosanne K. Silberman

This project is designed to provide training to personnel in
rehabilitation agencies for persons who are blind. This training makes
these individuals eligible for national certification through the
Association for the Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (AERBVI). The grant supports students enrolled in
masters degree programs the first, second and third years through
stipends and tuition. Special emphasis of the curriculum include a focus
on services to transition-age youth, adult and elderly populations and
persons with multiple disabilities. Recruitment efforts are directed
toward underserved cultural and ethnic populations.

Title : Rehabilitation of Persons Who are Blind

Start Date : 10/01/90

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 09

Grantee : California State University, Los Angeles

Auxillary Service Unit/Special Education

5151 State University Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90032

Investigator: Rona Pogrund, Ph.D.

The project is designed to train orientation and mobility specialists at
the masters level at California State University, Los Angeles. In
addition to the traditional orientation and mobility curriculum,
trainees receive in-depth coursework and practicum experiences related
to working with people who are blind and multihandicapped, individuals
with low vision, persons who are elderly and visually impaired and those
individuals in need of specific training in concept development and
spatial orientation.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 10/01/92

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 03

Grantee : Pennsylvania College of Optometry

1200 West Godfrey Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19141

Investigator: Anna Bradfield

The Department of Graduate Studies in vision impairment at the
Pennsylvania College of Optometry proposes to develop and implement a
comprehensive educational program that addresses the vision
rehabilitation needs of agency personnel. Staff will develop and
implement both pre and post-employment training via three methods: 1)
1-year Master of Science degree program in vision rehabilitation; 2) a
two-summer low vision certificate program; and 3) a series of vision
rehabilitation continuing education workshops in RSA regions 2 and 3.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 08/16/91

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 05

Grantee : Northern Illinois University

Department of Educational Psychology

Counseling and Special Education

Dekalb, IL 60115

Investigator: Judy Matsouka

This project has three components: a) pre-service personnel preparation;
b) pre-service summers only orientation and mobility preparation; and c)
job readiness/independent living skills program.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 10/01/92

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 04

Grantee : Mississippi State University

RRTC Blindness and Low Vision

P.O. Box 6156

Mississippi State, MS 39762

Investigator: John Maxson

This grant trains professionals to work closely with individuals with
low vision. Individuals are trained on how to test and provide low
vision devices and other training services to individuals who are
partially sighted.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 10/01/92

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 04

Grantee : Mississippi State University

RRTC Blindness and Low Vision

P.O. Box 6156

Mississippi State, MS 39762

Principal

Investigator: Norma Tedder

This grant provides training at the master\'s degree level in
orientation and mobility and trains rehabilitation teachers to provide
rehabilitation services to persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 10/01/92

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 06

Grantee : University of Arkansas/Little Rock

Department of Rehabilitation

2801 South University

Little Rock, AR 72204

Investigator: Patricia M. Bussen, Ed.D.

This grant provides training at the master\'s degree level to train
rehabilitation teachers to work with persons who are blind or visually
impaired.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 08/15/91

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 09

Grantee : San Francisco State University, FDN.

Office of Research and Program Development

1600 Holloway Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94132

Investigator: Sandra Rosen

This grant provides training at the master\'s degree level in
orientation and mobility and trains rehabilitation teachers to work with
persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 09/01/91

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 06

Grantee : Stephen F. Austin State University

Counseling/Special Education Program

Box 13019, SFA Station

Nacogdoches, TX 75962

Investigator: Robert Bryant

This grant provides training at the master\'s degree level in
orientation and mobility and trains rehabilitation teachers to work with
persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 09/01/91

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 06

Grantee : University of Arkansas/Little Rock

Office of the Chancellor

280L South University Avenue

Little Rock, AR 72204

Investigator: William Jacobson, Ed.D.

The three primary objectives of this training grant for training
rehabilitation teachers at the master\'s degree level revolve around the
preparation of students to teach in their discipline areas; to recruit
students into these professions; and to provide a variety of inservice
educational activities to professionals within Arkansas and in the
surrounding States.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 09/01/91

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 05

Grantee : Western Michigan University/Kalamazoo Campus

Dept. of Blind Rehabilitation and Mobility

Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Investigator: William Wiener

This grant provides training at the master\'s degree level in
orientation and mobility and trains rehabilitation teachers to work with
persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Title: : Long Term Training

Start Date : 08/16/91

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 05

Grantee : Northern Illinois University/Dekalb

Department of Educational Psychology

Counseling and Special Education

Dekalb, IL 60115

Investigator: Judy Matsuoka

This grant provides training at the master\'s degree level in
orientation and mobility and trains rehabilitation teachers to work with
persons who are blind or visually impaired.

H. [INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAMS]{.underline}

[Part B - Centers for Independent Living]{.underline}

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$29,000,000]{.underline}

This is a discretionary grant program that authorizes State agencies,
local public agencies, and private non-profit organizations to establish
centers for independent living that provide a combination of services
that allow severely disabled persons to live more independently in the
family and community or, where appropriate, to engage in or maintain
employment.

While all independent living center projects may provide services to
persons who are visually handicapped, some Centers for Independent
Living (CIL) serve primarily blind or visually impaired persons. These
are:

[Delaware]{.underline}

Department of Health and Social Services, Division for the Visually
Impaired, 305 West 8th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

This project, in cooperation with the Easter Seal Society, provides 25
trained peer counselors who serve approximately 300 clients in a given
fiscal year. The services provided by the peer counselors are designed
to substantially improve the independent living status of the
recipients, and should enhance employability in most cases. The project
employs a visually impaired peer counselor coordinator and volunteer
counselors consisting of persons who are visually impaired persons from
the community.

[Florida]{.underline}

Division of Blind Services, 2540 Executive Center Circle, West,
Tallahassee, FL 32399

This project operated by Independence for the Blind, Inc. provides
quality independent living services to persons who are blind or visually
impaired in the predominantly rural twelve-county area of Northwest
Florida.

[Indiana]{.underline}

Allen County League for the Blind, Inc., 5800 Fairfield, Suite 210, Ft.
Wayne, IN 46807

This project, in its seventh year of service, provides independent
living services to persons who are blind, and blind with multiple
disabilities, in 11 counties. Services include a Life Support and Life
Enrichment project which utilizes a computer, braille translation
program and braille printer to produce items such as braille bus
schedules for the public transportation system.

[Iowa]{.underline}

Iowa Department for the Blind

524 Fourth Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

This project identifies older persons who are blind,

blind and multi-handicapped, and deaf-blind and develops individual
independent living plans for services.

Such services include counseling, talking book services,

teaching alternative techniques of independent living

for persons who are visually impaired and arranging for other services
that are available through programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, property
tax relief for citizens who are elderly or handicapped, etc. The center
also provides outreach services to programs sponsored by the Office on
Aging through nursing homes and to centers for senior citizens. The
project provides information to improve services for older persons who
are visually impaired and enable services for visually impaired persons
to be provided by senior citizen centers.

[Kentucky]{.underline}

Kentucky Department for Blind Services, Center for Independent Living,
427 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601

This center for independent living provides independent living services
throughout the State through a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week newsline for
persons who are blind in the Louisville area with a focus on information
and referral services.

[Massachusetts]{.underline}

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Center for

Independent Living, 110 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108

This project is in its ninth year of operation and provides independent
living services statewide to individuals who are blind and severely
disabled.

[Michigan]{.underline}

Michigan Department of Labor, Commission for the Blind, 309 N.
Washington, Box 30015, Lansing, MI 48909

The Michigan Commission for the Blind operates several centers for
independent living. The Urban/Rural center for independent living
provides services for people who are blind, elderly and/or have multiple
severe disabilities. It is estimated that 150 consumers are served by
this project.

The Southern Michigan center serves the Detroit area and brings
independent living services to minorities and people who are elderly and
blind. It is estimated that 120 consumers are served by this project.

[Mississippi]{.underline}

Mississippi Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind,

P.O. Box 4872, Jackson, MS 39216-0872

This project establishes an independent living skills training program
that serves as an expansion of existing independent living services
provided at the Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. An
estimated 205 elderly persons who are legally blind are served, and a
large percentage of the target population are intended to be individuals
who are blind with multiple- handicaps. Secondary disabilities include
cardiovascular disorders, hearing loss, orthopedic problems, diabetes
and hypertension.

[Missouri]{.underline}

Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence, Inc., Post Office Box 675,
Viburnum, MO 65566

This project serves persons who are deaf, blind,

And deaf-blind in the rural areas of Missouri with

Special emphasis on people who are elderly. The

Project expects to serve approximately 100 to

150 persons within a six county area. The program

is intended to provide appropriate educational services

through classes in braille, American sign language,

speech therapy, and independent living skills

training, both on a group and individualbasis.

[Oregon]{.underline}

Volunteer Braille Services, Inc., Independent Living Program, 4001 N.E.
Halsey Street, Portland, OR 97232

This project extends independent living services to

older adults (age 60 and over) who are blind or deaf-

blind. Services are provided at the agency\'s main

office as well as Volunteer Braille Services offices

located throughout a tri-county area. Services include,

but are not limited to, independent living, mobility and

orientation, counseling, peer support, and information

and referral. Special attention is given to accessing public
transportation. A major goal is to reduce isolation by increasing
personal independence. An

estimated 335 persons are served by the program.

[Pennsylvania]{.underline}

Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the
Pennsylvania Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BVS), Facilities
and Grants Management Section, 1320 Labor and Industry Building,
Harrisburg, PA 17120.

The Pennsylvania OVR and BVS have joined together to expand services at
two sites. The Center for Independent Living at Associate Services for
the Blind (ASB) provides training in independent living skills to
persons who are deaf-blind. The Three Rivers Center for Independent
Living, Inc. expands services otherwise available to persons who are
hearing impaired for

75 individuals with severe handicaps, including persons

who are blind or deaf-blind, through support or

treatment groups, individual/family consultation, and self-help
consultation.

[Rhode Island]{.underline}

Social and Rehabilitative Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 40 Fountain Street, 46 Aborn
Street, Providence, RI 02903

This project expands services through communication skills training to
professionals, consumers, and/or families to assist in identifying and
providing services for the population of persons who are deaf- blind.

[Virginia]{.underline}

Virginia Department for the Visually Handicapped Rehabilitation Services
Division, 97 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227

This project provides independent living services at several sites,
including Richmond, Roanoke and Northern Virginia. These \"centers
without walls\" provide community-based services including advocacy,
outreach, assistance to families, transportation and non-medical skills
training. This project anticipates serving 350 persons who are either
blind and/or multiply disabled.

[Part C - Independent Living Services for Older Blind]{.underline}
[Individuals]{.underline}

[FY 1992 Appropriation - \$6,505,000]{.underline}

[Section 721]{.underline} of the Rehabilitation Act authorizes grants to
designated State units for projects that provide independent living
services for older blind individuals. Twenty-eight continuation projects
were funded in FY 1992. This specialized three-year program provides
independent living services for persons who are blind and age 55 and
older to help them adjust to blindness and live more independently in
their homes and communities. Services provided are wide and varied in
scope and include such activities as mobility,

techniques of daily living, braille training, peer

reader services, transportation and other supportive

services.

**ALABAMA**

Alabama State Department of Education

Division of Rehabilitation

5114 Gordon Persons Building

Montgomery, AL 36130

Lamona H. Lucas, Director

Contact Person: Rita Houston, Project Director

205-281-8780

Project Oasis (Older Alabamian\'s System of Information and Services) is
expanding services with the addition of three full-time rehabilitation
teachers and one orientation and mobility instructor. The project\'s
goal is to provide a comprehensive array of independent living services
to persons who are older blind.

The program has three objectives: 1) to enhance the oasis network of
service providers and consumer organizations; 2) to increase by 20%
(200) the number of persons who are receiving services provided by
rehabilitation teachers; and 3) to increase, by 50%, the community
integration of persons who are older blind in activities and services
provided by other community agencies and organizations.

**ALASKA**

Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Department of Education

P.O. Box F, MS 0581

Juneau, AK 99811

Keith Anderson, Director

Contact Person: Millie Ryan

907-465-2814

Funds are being used to expand and establish regional programs in
Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks to provide independent living services
for persons who are older blind. In addition to providing services in
these major urban areas, agencies receiving funding deliver services in
rural and remote areas of the state through coordination and
collaboration with local senior centers, homemaker programs, native
organizations, etc., and state programs.

**ARIZONA**

Department of Economic Security,

Rehabilitation Services Administration

1789 W. Jefferson, 2nd Floor, NW

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Contact Person: David Beard, Assistant Manager

602-255-1850

The Arizona project has six components: 1) traditional specialized
services in Phoenix and Tucson such as orientation and mobility and
rehabilitation teaching; 2) low vision services provided in Phoenix and
Tucson serving the entire state; 3) deaf/blind services to people in
Phoenix; 4) independent living services to Native Americans on the
Navajo, Hopi, and Gila River Reservations; 5) linkages to generic aging
services; and 6) case management.

**ARKANSAS**

Division of Services for the Blind

411 Victory, P.O. Box 3237

Little Rock, AR 72203

James C. Hudson, Project Director

501-324-9270

The Arkansas Division of services for the Blind provides skills training
to persons who are older blind utilizing: orientation and mobility,
rehabilitation teaching, communication, low vision services, and
counseling for the participant and family. Additionally, there is
networking with other agencies, both public and private.

**COLORADO**

Colorado Rehabilitation Services

Facilities, Grant and Independent Living

1575 Sherman Street, 4th floor

Denver, CO 80203-1714

Contact Person: Jo Ann Roderfield, Project Director

303-866-4375

The Colorado Part C project has awarded subgrants to six independent
living centers located in rural areas. The services include outreach,
information and referral, assessment of needs, development of the
individualized independent living plan, case management, independent
living skills training, transportation services/coordination, low vision
aids training, communication skills training, orientation and mobility
training/coordination, peer counseling/support groups, recreation
services, reader services and group and individual advocacy. The goal of
services is to maintain the individual\'s independence in the home and
community for as long as possible.

**DELAWARE**

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of F/T Visually Impaired

305 W. 8th Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

Contact Person: Diane Post, Project Director

302-421-5730

The Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired has four objectives in
its persons who are older blind project: 1) design and implement an
outreach program for this population; 2) provide comprehensive services;
3) develop a services system utilizing existing agencies and
organizations; and 4) develop a system which will continue beyond the
grant period. Services provided include: outreach, orientation and
mobility, communication aids and training, independent living skills
training, family and peer counseling, low vision aids, diagnosis and
referral.

**FLORIDA**

Department of Education

2540 Executive Center Circle, West

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Contact Person: Raymond Kenney, Project Director

904-488-1330

The objectives of this project are as follows: 1) develop and coordinate
a cohesive service delivery network of agencies serving the elder
population; 2) using a team approach, one Rehabilitation Specialist and
two peer teacher assistants, provide direct services in the areas of
independent living skills training and low vision evaluations; and 3)
order to increases the level of integration into the community or the
targeted population. Utilizing this approach maximizes available
resources and fosters the development of a network capable of sustaining
services delivery systems created with seed money provided by this
grant.

**GUAM**

Guam Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

Government of Guam

122 IT&E Plaza, Rm. B201, Harmon

Tamuning, GU 96911

Contact Person: Norbert Ungacta, Project Director

671-646-9468

This project served both the territory of Guam and the commonwealth of
Northern Mariana Islands. The IL service delivery model will be one that
is itinerant based, outreach oriented, and goal directed. The project
utilizes one independent living rehabilitation teacher/caseworker and
one orientation and mobility specialist and contracts for low vision
services etc. The objective is to serve 200-250 persons who are older
blind.

**HAWAII**

Department of Human Services,

Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for

the Blind Division

P.O. Box 339

Honolulu, HI 96813

Contact Person: Janice Travares, Project Director

808-546-5355

The Hawaii Department of Human Services has six objectives: 1) provide
independent living services to 220 persons who are older blind to assist
them in caring for their needs and to live independently at home; 2)
develop and expand services for elderly blind in rural areas; 3)
coordination of social services and resources statewide; 4) community
integration of OBI; 5) interpreter services for non-English speaking
persons who are older blind; and 6) development of an older blind
individuals consumer committee. This project provides outreach and
information and referral services; special aids and equipment;
eyeglasses, and other visual aids; and mobility, braille, rehabilitation
teaching services, daily living skills, guide, reader, and
transportation services. The project is contracted to the Hawaii centers
for independent living.

**ILLINOIS**

Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services

Bureau of Blind Services

623 E. Adams Street

P.O. Box 19429

Springfield, IL 62794-9429

Contact Person: Carol Gortat, Project Director

217-785-3887

Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services subgrants the majority of
its Part C funds to four rural centers for independent living for
persons who are older blind and provides services, such as support
groups, peer counseling, independent living skills training, and
referral to vocational rehabilitation for orientation and mobility
training or low vision evaluations. Participants are recruited through
the efforts of outreach workers who provide presentations to nursing
homes, retirement homes, senior centers, agencies and organizations that
provide services to seniors, and community service clubs. Low vision
fairs are organized by each outreach worker.

**IOWA**

Iowa Department for the Blind

524 Fourth Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

Contact Person: Becky Criswell, Project Director

515-281-1299

The Iowa Department for the Blind offers a variety of intervention
services tailored to meet individual needs, which promotes independence
and restored senses of self-direction. Independent living rehabilitation
teachers provide services, including guidance and counseling, training
in alternative techniques to cope with blindness, information and
referral, library services, and assistance in pursuing recreational
activities.

**MAINE**

Department of Human Services

Bureau of Rehabilitation

State House Station #11

Augusta, ME 04333

Contact Person: Bud Lewis, Project Director

207-626-5323

The Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation and Maine Center for the Blind
provides: 1) outreach and public education in order to identify rural
persons who are older blind and strengthen the service network comprised
of blindness and aging agencies; 2) a program of direct independent
living services, including low vision services and independent living
skill instruction through rehabilitation teachers; and 3) a
community-based prevention and screening program. The service is
provided by a collaborative planning team.

**MARYLAND**

Maryland State Department of Education

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

2301 Argonne Drive

Baltimore, MD 21218

Contact Person: Robert Dantona, Project Director

301-554-3284

The Maryland project provides an individualized program with a
comprehensive array of services within the framework of the independent
living services program. The project provides services to 319 clients
for a period of up to three years and it establishes staff positions (2)
that combine the duties and responsibilities of case management and
independent living teacher serving the Baltimore/Washington corridor.
Also, an orientation and mobility position has been created.

**MICHIGAN**

Michigan Department of Labor

Michigan Commission for the Blind

201 N. Washington

Lansing, MI 48909

Contact Person: Robert Utrup, Project Director

517-771-1765

The Michigan Commission for the Blind created the vintage project to
provide services, including communication skills training, activities of
daily living, mobility, low vision services, hearing services, problem
solving and advocacy, and case management services. The project target
area is ten counties in Central Michigan.

**MISSISSIPPI**

Mississippi Vocational Rehabilitation

for the Blind

P.O. Box 4872

Jackson, MS 39216-0872

Contact Person: Joe Carballo

601-354-6411

> This program is operated from the Addie McBryde
>
> Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. It supports three
>
> full-time rehabilitation teachers to service a target
>
> population of people living in rural Mississippi. A major percentage
> of the estimated 1,100 persons served over three years have a wide
> variety of secondary disabilities.

**MONTANA**

Montana Department of Social and

Rehabilitative Services

Visual Services Division

111 Sanders, P.O. Box 4210

Helena, MT 59604

Contact Person: Bob Maffit, Project Director

406-444-2590

The core activities of the Montana project include the identification
and recruitment of potential senior peer companions and leaders to
support and maintain 19 sites; support of the activities necessary for
providing radio reading service and its interactive communication
components; and training of human service providers and professionals as
to the characteristics and features of this Part C project. In tandem
with the core components, activities are sequenced to include a
statewide consumer managed user/lease equipment program.

**NEVADA**

Nevada Rehabilitation Division

Bureau of Services to the Blind

505 E. King Street, Suite 503

Carson City, NV 89710

Stephen A. Shaw, Administrator

The Nevada project has three objectives: 1) demonstrate and evaluate the
effectiveness of independent living services when applied to persons who
are older blind homemakers who are at risk of premature or unnecessary
institutionalization; 2) demonstrate and evaluate the impact of
independent living services on the ability of persons who are older
blind to participate more fully in home, family, and community
functions; and 3) demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of
independent living services in assisting persons who are older blind to
develop the skills and attitudes necessary to successfully adjust to
loss of vision. This project serves 250 clients per year.

**NEW JERSEY**

New Jersey Department of Human Services

Commission for the Blind and

Visually Impaired

153 Halsey Street, 6th Floor

P.O. Box 47017

Newark, NJ 07102

Contact Person: Judith Liebman, Project Director

201-648-4799

The New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired continues
to fund the Senior Community Independent Services in three counties
providing independent living services to medically underserved,
primarily low income, minority persons who are older blind. The program
also provides eye health education and prevention and services for 485
older individuals. The project enables 848 persons to adjust to
blindness through independent living services, 206 clients to be matched
with volunteers, another 1,894 to receive eye screening services and 14
peer support groups.

**NEW MEXICO**

New Mexico Commission for the Blind

Pera Building, Room 205

Santa Fe, NM 87503

Contact Person: Frederick K. Schroeder, Project Director

505-827-4479

The New Mexico Commission for the Blind establishes a program with three
older blind specialists in three state regions who are linked throughout
the state with independent living centers and local senior centers.
There is a part-time state coordinator, three older blind specialists,
and part-time secretary. Peer counseling training and volunteers to
serve as senior companions are provided. Emphasis is given to isolated
rural communities. The older blind specialists determine what
adjustments could be made in the home environment. The senior companions
assist with providing transportation services, reading mail and books,
and enjoying leisure time, etc.

**NEW YORK**

New York State Department

of Social Services

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

40 North Pearl Street

10 Eyck Office Building

Albany, NY 12243

Contact Person: Richard Ratajak, Project Director

518-474-2209

The New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
operates an older blind person program aimed at underserved areas. The
objectives are to identify individuals through an enterprising outreach
program and to link identified individuals with a variety of service
entities to continue to meet the service needs of referred individuals.
The commission expects to conduct nearly 4,000 vision screenings in the
first year. Outreach and screening activities result in linking about
500 people with full range of rehabilitation, independent living, and
recreational and support services.

**NORTH DAKOTA**

Department of Human Services

400 E. Broadway Avenue

Suite 303

Bismarck, ND 58501

Contact Person: Mike Beck, Project Director

701-224-3999

This project is designed to identify 400 individuals over the age of 55
with substantial vision loss. Thirty-five of these individuals have dual
sensory loss of both vision and hearing. Services are provided through a
network of rehabilitation teachers and peer companions strategically
placed throughout the state in order to provide the most effective
services in the most efficient manner. Integration services into
existing programs for the visually impaired tie it to existing referral
sources and make it available to those in the state traditionally
needing services or wanting information regarding a vision loss.

**OKLAHOMA**

State Department of Human Service

P.O. Box 25352

Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Contact Person: Paul Bowerman, Project Director

405-424-4311 Ext. 2849

This is a newly established project, jointly operated by the Oklahoma
Department of Human Services, Visual Services Unit, and Ability
Resources, Inc., a center for independent living in Tulsa. This is a
program that emphasizes advocacy, self-expression, freedom of movement,
and full participation. All independent living services identified in 34
CFR 376.21(g) are provided. The visual services unit is committed to
continuing this program after federal funds are no longer available.

**RHODE ISLAND**

Department of Human Services

Services for the Blind

and Visually Impaired

275 Westminster Street, 5th floor

Providence, RI 02903

Contact Person: Thomas J. Thompson, Project Director

401-277-2382

Rhode Island Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired has a goal of
serving 790 persons who are older blind consumers and 12 objectives for
service. They are: 1) optometric screening activities for 600 consumers
at 36 senior centers and 600 consumers in homeless shelters; 2) provide
independent living services to 790 persons who are older blind and not
accepted for vocational rehabilitation services; 3) continue a
comprehensive program of independent living services; 4) provide support
groups for up to 450 consumers; 5) promote consumer involvement in
policy setting, project management, service delivery, self-advocacy, and
program evaluation; 6) provide independent living training to 20 nursing
homes/institutions, agencies, apartment complexes and groups of
consumers\' family members; 7) provide for the dissemination of the
project\'s benefits to other public and private programs; 8) provide
outreach to minorities; 9) promote cooperative activities with the
Department of Elderly Affairs; 10) promote adequate public transport;
and 11) support staff in their quest to upgrade professional skills.

**SOUTH DAKOTA**

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

Division of Services to the

Visually Impaired

700 North Governors Dr.

Pierre, SD 57501-2275

Contact Person: Gaye Mattke, Project Director

605-773-4644

This grant provides for the continued expansion of rural rehabilitation
teaching services to better serve persons who are older blind in their
home communities. Low vision services are expanded to a greater number
of rural clinics closer to the clients\' homes. A state-wide low vision
aid loaner program is available. Efforts are made to develop and expand
support systems and resources and group classes in independent living
skills have been expanded into rural areas. The White Lance for the
Elderly Blind program has been further established on the Pine Ridge
Indian Reservation.

**TEXAS**

Texas Commission for the Blind

Client Services Division

P.O. Box 12866

Austin, TX 78711

Contact Person: Robert Packard, Project Director

512-459-2588

The Texas Commission for the Blind established the following priorities
for its Part C project: Individual needs related to low vision
(screening to determine the necessity of further evaluation, aids and
training in their use, and individual and family counseling/education),
counseling/education and coordination of services to meet eye-medical
needs, adaptive skills training in homes by itinerant caseworkers,
orientation and mobility services, and integration into existing
community programs through education/training.

**UTAH**

Utah State Office of Rehabilitation

Utah Division of Rehabilitation Services

250 East 500 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Contact Person: William Gibson, Project Director

801-533-9393

The goal of the Utah program is to provide opportunities to persons who
are older blind residing in rural areas. This goal was accomplished
by: 1) establishing a Part C independent living services program in
rural centers for independent living; 2) conducting outreach activities
aimed at service providers and consumers; 3) providing services to
maintain or increase independence of persons who are older blind
individuals; and 4) conducting public awareness and advocacy activities
to increase the level of accessibility and integration of visually
impaired individuals.

**VERMONT**

Agency of Human Services

Division for the Blind and

Visually Impaired

103 South Main Street

Waterbury, VT 05676

Contact Person: David M. Mentasti, Project Director

802-241-2211

This project continues a statewide mobile low vision and rehabilitation
project providing coverage to the entire state in rehabilitation
services and skills training. In FY 1992, the project provides services
to 579 consumers, 213 of whom received low vision exams by the project
optometrists. During the three year continuation, 400 additional
consumers per year receive a full complement of statewide services, 150
of whom receive low vision examinations. A new component is added which
provides a needs assessment of elderly people in nursing homes/senior
centers to determine their need for vision services. Upon completion of
this, a pilot project is conducted to provide vision assessments and low
vision services to elderly residents in nursing homes/senior centers. In
addition, staff participate in in-service training.

**WASHINGTON**

Department of Services for the Blind

521 E. Legion Way

P.O. Box 40933

Olympia, WA 98504

Contact Person: Howard Kovarsky, Project Director

509-456-4458

This project describes a comprehensive program of independent living
services for blind individuals aged 55 and older residing in Washington
state\'s rural counties, thereby enabling them to adjust to their
disability(s) and maintain or increase their self-sufficiency in home
and family. This project also helps project service providers maintain
and expand their local financial resources and develop systematic
linkages with other community service providers.

**WISCONSIN**

Department of Health and

Social Services

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

P.O. Box 7852

Madison, WI 53707

The Wisconsin project has eight objectives: 1) to employ trained older
persons as teacher assistants; 2) teach blind and visually impaired
seniors rehabilitation adjustment skills necessary to remain
independent; 3) provide seniors who are blind or visually impaired with
a vehicle for access into the aging network for the delivery of quality
services; 4) enable individuals within the aging network to achieve a
greater level of understanding of the unique limitations imposed by
blindness and of the resources available to offset these limitations; 5)
evaluate county/tribal aging units in order to improve programmatic and
service accessibility

by blind and visually impaired seniors; 6) provide preventive visual
health screening clinics; and 7) provide for the purchase of adaptive
aids and devices, orientation and mobility instruction, and
transportation.

**WEST VIRGINIA**

State Board of Rehabilitation

Division of Rehabilitation Service

State Capitol Complex

Charleston, WV 25305

Contact Person: Judy Reed, Project Director

304-766-4799

The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, in partnership
with other State agencies, serves 135 blind and 275 severely visually
impaired persons aged fifty-five years and older during the three-year
project period. The project enables 270 of those persons to live
independently in their homes and communities with the maximum degree of
self-direction; to enhance their access to a continuum of support
services; and to participate more actively in the social, recreational
and civic life of the community. In the process, the project facilitates
systems change and advances the delivery of community-based,
comprehensive independent living services and resources for the target
population.

**WYOMING**

Department of Employment

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

1110 Herschler Building

Cheyenne, WY 82002

Contact Person: Darlo Koldenhoven, Project Director

307-777-6841

Wyoming Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) established
Wyoming Independent Living for Older Blind to serve approximately 1,600
persons who are older blind. DVR administers the project and coordinates
subcontracted services. The project has four objectives: 1) develop and
implement a statewide system for information and referral in
coordination with the existing information and referral systems; 2)
create a team of service providers (orientation and mobility specialist,
ADL specialist, and a professional counselor) that travels to six or
more unserved/underserved areas each year; 3) create and maintain a loan
closet of independent living assistive devices (particularly a selection
of electronic and computer equipment); 4) create, coordinate and advise
a system of 20 or more peer support groups throughout Wyoming, including
one support group for each of the two tribes on the state\'s American
Indian Reservation.

[Part D - Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights]{.underline} [FY
1992 Appropriation - \$1,074,000]{.underline} - Section 731

The purpose of this program is to provide support to

the States through their governors to establish

systems for the protection and advocacy of individuals

with severe disabilities who are receiving services under Title VII of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, (the Act) and who are not
eligible for services provided by existing protection and advocacy or
ombudsman programs or whose request for services cannot be addressed by
client assistance programs funded under section 112 of the Act.

The protection and advocacy systems have the authority to pursue legal,
administrative, and other appropriate remedies to insure the protection
of the rights of individuals receiving services under this title within
the States; however, the agency designated by the governor to establish
the system must utilize alternate dispute resolution techniques to the
maximum extent feasible prior to resorting to administrative or legal
remedies. The P & A system in a state must be

independent of any designated State unit or any other

agency that provides services under Title VII of the

Rehabilitation Act to individuals with severe

disabilities. Individuals with severe disabilities are

expected to be involved in the development and implementation of the
protection and advocacy systems.

Duplication of services is to be avoided by assuring that the agency has
knowledge of the eligibility requirements and the range of services
provided by the following programs and by coordinating services, as
appropriate, with systems and programs required under:

1\. Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act
Amendments of 1978.

2\. Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986.

3\. Older American Act.

4\. Section 112 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

5\. Advocacy services provided by Centers for Independent Living within
the States.

6\. Fair Housing Amendments of 1988.

In FY 1992, twelve grants were awarded to State agencies

designated by the governors to conduct the protection and advocacy
systems for individuals with disabilities,including persons who are
blind or visually impaired.

**Appendix A**

**[FINAL GRANT AWARDS -FISCAL YEAR 1992]{.underline} [BASIC STATE GRANT
PROGRAM]{.underline}**

**[TITLE I, SECTION 110]{.underline}**

REGION/ STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES

STATE/

[TERRITORY GENERAL BLIND U.S. TOTAL]{.underline}

TOTALS \$1,628,674,245 \$154,855,755 \$1,783,530,000

I.

\*Connecticut 11,675,669 2,531,000 14,206,669

Maine 10,421,366 \-\-\-\-- 10,421,366

\*Massachusetts 29,744,999 5,084,641 34,829,640

New Hampshire 6,917,422 \-\-\-\-- 6,917,422

\*Rhode Island 5,578,232 \-\-\-\-- 5,578,232

Vermont 5,450,578 743,259 6,193,837

II\.

\*New Jersey 29,438,244 7,355,156 36,793,400

\*New York 87,966,682 16,755,558 104,722,240

Puerto Rico 32,146,222 \-\-\-\-- 32,146,222

Virgin Island 1,460,500 \-\-\-\-- 1,460,500

III\.

\*Delaware 5,203,335 916,765 6,120,100

Dis. of Columbia 9,616,573 \-\-\-\-- 9,616,573

Maryland 26,477,022 \-\-\-\-- 26,477,022

\*Pennsylvania 79,588,780 8,454,308 88,043,088

\*Virginia 34,099,984 5,340,249 39,440,233

West Virginia 19,766,013 19,766,013

IV\.

Alabama 41,361,361 \-\-\-\-- 41,361,361

\*Florida 67,280,500 13,780,344 81,060,844

Georgia 49,626,417 \-\-\-\-- 49,626,417

\*Kentucky 30,569,673 5,276,459 35,846,132

\*Mississippi 20,530,912 9,821,098 30,352,010

\*North Carolina 50,127,581 9,232,903 59,360,484

\*South Carolina 29,946,010 4,474,691 34,420,701

Tennessee 43,288,421 \-\-\-\-- 43,288,421

V.

Illinois 71,970,548 \-\-\-\-- 71,970,548

Indiana 43,660,988 \-\-\-\-- 43,660,988

\*Michigan 51,202,825 7,336,748 58,539,573

\*Minnesota 23,584,150 8,393,865 31,978,015

appendix A (cont.)

Region/State/ STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES

[Territory]{.underline}

GENERAL BLIND U.S. TOTAL

V. (cont.)

Ohio 71,405,187 \-\-\-\-- 71,405,187

Wisconsin 38,045,558 \-\-\-\-- 38,045,558

VI\.

\*Arkansas 22,359,297 2,745,823 25,105,120

Louisiana 41,654,188 \-\-\-\-- 41,654,188

\*New Mexico 10,556,919 2,748,917 13,305,836

Oklahoma 29,187,046 \-\-\-\-- 29,187,046

\*Texas 107,667,531 24,925,999 132,593,530

VII\.

\*Iowa 15,022,052 3,549,987 18,572,039

Kansas 17,926,335 \-\-\-\-- 17,926,335

\*Missouri 33,100,545 4,594,909 37,695,454

\*Nebraska 8,685,000 1,707,097 10,392,097

VIII\.

Colorado 21,192,535 \-\-\-\-- 21,192,535

Montana 7,060,027 \-\-\-\-- 7,060,027

North Dakota 5,945,100 \-\-\-\-- 5,945,100

\*South Dakota 5,078,490 1,489,622 6,568,112

Utah 16,019,017 \-\-\-\-- 16,019,017

Wyoming 5,223,848 \-\-\-\-- 5,223,848

IX\.

American Samoa 505,774 \-\-\-\-- 505,774

Arizona 22,359,297 \-\-\-\-- 22,359,297

California 152,523,668 \-\-\-\-- 152,523,668

Guam 1,764,771 \-\-\-\-- 1,764,771

Hawaii 6,896,801 \-\-\-\-- 6,896,801

Nevada 6,566,495 \-\-\-\-- 6,566,495

Northern Marianas 280,948 \-\-\-\-- 280,948

X.

Alaska 6,081,871 \-\-\-\-\-- 6,081,871

\*Idaho 7,766,355 1,175,472 8,941,827

\*Oregon 18,371,870 2,624,551 20,996,421

\*Washington 27,994,151 3,796,334 31,790,485

\*State with Separate Blind Agency

Appendix B

**[FINAL GRANT AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 1992]{.underline}**

**[SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM]{.underline}**

**[TITLE VII, SECTION 631]{.underline}**

REGION/

STATE/ STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES

[TERRITORY]{.underline}

[General]{.underline} [Blind]{.underline} [U.S. Total]{.underline}

\$27,015,194 \$2,049,806 \$31,065,000

I.

\*Connecticut 315,190 55,622 370,812

Maine 250,000 \-- 250,000

\*Massachusetts 598,161 82,692 680,853

New Hampshire 250,000 \-- 250,000

\*Rhode Island 250,000 \-- 250,000

Vermont 242,204 8,000 250,000

II\.

\*New Jersey 699,867 174,967 874,834

\*New York 1,711,281 324,717 2,035,998

Puerto Rico 368,894 \-- 368,894

Virgin Island 47,202 \-- 47,202

III\.

\*Delaware 212,741 37,500 250,241

Dis. of Columbia 250,000 \-- 250,000

Maryland 541,084 \-- 541,084

\*Pennsylvania 1,264,885 75,542 1,340,427

Virginia 609,471 90,735 700,206

West Virginia 250,649 \-- 250,649

IV\.

Alabama 457,336 \-- 457,336

Florida 1,211,432 248,124 1,459,556

Georgia 730,794 \-- 730,794

\*Kentucky 361,668 54,043 415,711

\*Mississippi 251,881 38,383 290,264

\*North Carolina 622,691 127,538 750,229

\*South Carolina 343,499 51,138 394,637

Tennessee 551,950 \-- 551,950

appendix B (cont.)

REGION/

STATE/

[TERRITORY STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES]{.underline}

[General]{.underline} [Blind]{.underline} [U.S. Total]{.underline}

V.

Illinois 1,293,691 \-- 1,293,691

Indiana 625,427 \-- 625,427

\*Michigan 1,026,121 25,830 1,051,951

\*Minnesota 406,296 88,839 495,135

Ohio 1,223,668 \-- 1,223,668

Wisconsin 551,875 \-- 551,875

VI\.

\*Arkansas 239,447 26,624 266,071

Louisiana 476,065 \-- 476,065

\*New Mexico 245,500 \-- 245,500

Oklahoma 356,046 \-- 356,046

\*Texas 1,533,064 389,420 1,922,484

VII\.

\*Iowa 306,765 6,512 313,277

Kansas 280,445 \-- 280,445

\*Missouri 502,214 20,000 522,214

\*Nebraska 237,500 12,500 250,000

VIII\.

Colorado 372,795 \-- 372,795

\*Montana 250,000 \-- 250,000

North Dakota 250,000 \-- 250,000

\*South Dakota 249,252 1,000 250,252

Utah 250,000 \-- 250,000

Wyoming 250,000 \-- 250,000

IX\.

American Samoa 47,202 \-- 47,202

Arizona 239,447 \-- 239,447

California 3,368,059 \-- 3,368,059

Guam 47,202 \-- 47,202

Hawaii 250,000 \-- 250,000

Nevada 250,435 \-- 250,435

Northern Marianas 44,257 \-- 44,257

Palau 5,345 \-- 5,345

X.

Alaska 457,336 \-- 457,336

\*Idaho 248,335 2,030 250,365

\*Oregon 281,435 40,206 321,641

\*Washington 487,473 63,344 550,817

\*State with Separate Blind Agency

Appendix C

**[FINAL GRANT AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 1992]{.underline}**

**[COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM]{.underline}**

**[TITLE VII, SECTION 701, PART A]{.underline}**

REGION/

STATE/ STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES

[TERRITORY]{.underline}

[General]{.underline} [Blind]{.underline} [U.S. Total]{.underline}

\$14,058,438 \$1,115,461 \$13,619,000

I.

\*Connecticut 170,148 30,000 200,148

Maine 200,000 \-- 200,000

\*Massachusetts 209,578 36,937 246,515

New Hampshire 200,000 \-- 200,000

\*Rhode Island 200,000 \*\* 200,000

Vermont 150,000 50,000 200,000

II\.

\*New Jersey 253,468 63,280 316,748

\*New York 619,349 117,817 737,166

Puerto Rico 200,000 \-- 200,000

Virgin Island 17,750 \-- 17,750

III\.

\*Delaware 170,000 30,000 200,000

Dis. of Col. 200,000 \-- 200,000

Maryland 200,216 \-- 200,216

\*Pennsylvania 459,139 27,744 486,883

\*Virginia 220,599 32,922 253,521

West Virginia 200,081 \-- 200,081

IV\.

Alabama 200,182 \-- 200,182

Florida 440,182 90,026 530,208

Georgia 265,446 \-- 265,446

\*Kentucky 174,000 26,166 200,166

\*Mississippi 158,116 42,000 200,116

\*North Car. 222,793 48,840 271,633

\*South Car. 174,157 26,000 200,157

Tennessee 200,220 \-- 200,220

appendix C (cont.)

Region/State/ STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES

[Territory]{.underline}

[General]{.underline} [Blind]{.underline} [U.S. Total]{.underline}

V.

Illinois 468,401 \-- 468,401

Indiana 226,924 \-- 226,924

\*Michigan 264,717 116,160 380,877

\*Minnesota 164,162 36,036 200,198

Ohio 443,981 \-- 443,981

Wisconsin 200,000 \-- 200,000

VI\.

\*Arkansas 180,106 20,000 200,106

Louisiana 200,191 \-- 200,191

\*New Mexico 166,000 34,000 200,000

Oklahoma 200,142 \-- 200,142

\*Texas 556,855 139,213 696,068

VII\.

\*Iowa 158,100 42,025 200,125

Kansas 200,112 \-- 200,112 Missouri 182,449 27,228 209,677

\*Nebraska 177,400 22,600 200,000

VIII\.

Colorado 200,149 \-- 200,149

\*Montana 200,000 \-- 200,000

North Dakota 222,793 \-- 222,793

\*South Dakota 160,025 40,006 200,031

Utah 200,078 \-- 200,078

Wyoming 200,000 \-- 200,000

IX\.

Amer. Samoa 17,750 \-- 17,750

Arizona 200,000 \-- 200,000

California 1,219,645 \-- 1,219,645

Guam 8,000 \-- 8,000 Hawaii 200,000 \-- 200,000

Nevada 200,000 \-- 200,000

Nor. Marianas \-- \-- \--

Palau \-- \-- \--

X.

Alaska 200,182 \-- 200,182 \*Idaho 110,025 90,026 200,045

\*Oregon 175,128 25,000 200,128

\*Washington 177,191 23,025 200,216

\* State with Separate Blind Agency

Appendix D

**[FINAL GRANT AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 1992]{.underline}**

**[CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP)]{.underline}**

**[TITLE I, SECTION 112]{.underline}**

REGION/

STATE/ DESIGNATED AGENCIES FOR CAP AWARDS[^4]

[TERRITORY]{.underline}

[U.S. Total]{.underline}

\$8,298,383

I.

Connecticut 101,538

Maine 100,000

Massachusetts 184,002

New Hampshire 100,000

Rhode Island 100,000

Vermont 100,000

II\.

New Jersey 236,426

New York 550,232

Puerto Rico 100,000

Virgin Island 45,048

III\.

Delaware 100,312

Dis. of Col. 100,000

Maryland 146,230

Pennsylvania 363,417

Virginia 189,233

West Virginia 100,000

IV\.

Alabama 123,594

Florida 395,716

Georgia 195,102

Kentucky 110,983

Mississippi 100,000

North Car. 159,649

South Car. 106,651

appendix D (cont.)

REGION/STATE/ DESIGNATED AGENCIES FOR CAP AWARDS

[TERRITORY]{.underline}

[U.S. Total]{.underline}

Tennessee 146,883

V.

Illinois 349,622

Indiana 166,972

Michigan 284,291

Minnesota 133,812

Ohio 326,685

Wisconsin 149,624

VI\.

Arkansas 100,256

Louisiana 129,072

New Mexico 100,709

Oklahoma 101,472

Texas 519,555

VII\.

Iowa 80,000

Kansas 100,000

Missouri 156,506

Nebraska 85,000

VIII\.

Colorado 101,541

Montana 100,000

North Dakota 100,000

South Dakota 100,326

Utah 100,806

Wyoming 100,212

IX\.

Amer. Samoa 45,000

Arizona 101,715

California 896,299

Guam 45,000

Hawaii 100,518

Nevada 100,000

Nor. Marianas 45,000

Palau \--

X.

Alaska 123,594

Idaho 100,471

Oregon 101,330

Washington 148,859

[^1]: **^?^Data on the number of persons who are visually impaired are
    estimated for FY 1992. Numbers for FY 1992 may change considerably
    after data processing is complete.**

[^2]: **^?^Percents are based on the number of persons for whom their
    major disabling condition was reported to be rehabilitated.**

[^3]: **^?^Estimated at approximately 4 times the number of persons
    rehabilitated.**

[^4]: **^?^ Agencies designated by the State Governor for CAP serving**

    **all disabilities independent of VR agencies as required.**