**U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION**

**OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND**

**REHABILITATIVE SERVICES**

**REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. 20202**

**[INFORMATION MEMORANDUM]{.underline}**

**RSA-IM-93-10**

**RSM-**

**DATE: February 23, 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 1991 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.

This report was prepared by the Rehabilitation Branch

of the Division of Blind and Visually Impaired. Your

comments on its value and suggestions for the improvement of this report
will be appreciated.

Additional information may be obtained from

Mr. 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.

INQUIRIES TO: RSA Regional Commissioners

William L. Smith

Acting Commissioner, RSA

Attachment

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

State Independent Living Rehabilitation

Services 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 1991 Final Grant Awards for Basic State Grant Program by State
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (General and Blind)
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 38

B.FY 1991 Final Grant Awards for Supported Employment Program by State
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (General and Blind)
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 40

C.FY 1991 Final Grant Awards for Comprehensive Services Independent
Living Program by State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (General and
Blind) \... 42

D.FY 1991 Final Grant Awards to Designated and Independent Agencies in
the State for the Client Assistance Program
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 44

[FISCAL YEAR 1991 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 1991 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 1991 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. The Randolph-Sheppard
Vending Facility 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 amended]{.underline})

[Federal Grants and State Matching Funds - FY 1991]{.underline}

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

General Agencies \$1,493,811,586 \$436,743,540 \$1,930,555,126

Blind Agencies [134,731,414]{.underline} [39,503,736]{.underline}
[174,235,515]{.underline}

Combined Total \$1,628,543,000 \$476,247,276 \$2,104,790,276

> 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. The State matching share is 20
>
> percent of the amount allotted to the State in 1988.
>
> Beginning in FY 1989, any increased amount a State receives
>
> above its 1988 allotment is matched at an additional one
>
> percent per year with the matching rate in 1991 being 89
>
> percent. 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 1991 through the State-Federal program,

including blind or visually impaired persons.

Table 1

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

[FY 1991]{.underline}[^1] [FY 1990]{.underline}

Total Number of Persons Served

(All disabilities) 941,771 937,971

Total Number of Persons

Rehabilitated 202,831 216,112

Blind Rehabilitants 10,258 9,880

\% Rehabilitants of Total[^2] 5.1 4.6

Other Visually Impaired

Rehabilitants 8,487 9,364

\% Rehabilitants of Total 4.2 4.3

Total Blind or Visually

Impaired Rehabilitants 18,745 19,244

\% Rehabilitants of Total 9.4 8.9

Estimated \# Blind or Visually 75,000 77,000

Impaired Served[^3]

Table 2 indicates the types of placements that occurred as a result of
the provision of rehabilitation services for persons who are blind or
visually impaired as

compared to other disabilities in FY 1991.

Table 2

Visual impairment and 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    | 35.9  | 66.0   | 53.1   | 85.6   | 82.1    |
| market               |       |        |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Sheltered workshop   | 6.1   | 2.4    | 4.0    | 6.2    | 5.9     |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Self-employed        | 4.2   | 5.4    | 4.8    | 2.0    | 2.3     |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| State agency managed | 1.8   | 0.1    | 0.9    | 0.1    | 0.2     |
| (Business            |       |        |        |        |         |
|                      |       |        |        |        |         |
| Enterprise Program)  |       |        |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Homemaker            | 51.3  | 25.5   | 36.6   | 5.8    | 9.1     |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Unpaid family        | 0.7   | 0.6    | 0.6    | 0.3    | 0.4     |
|                      |       |        |        |        |         |
| Worker               |       |        |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
|                      |       |        |        |        |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| All                  | 100.0 | 100.0  | 100.0  | 100.0  | 100.0   |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+
| Number of Cases      | 1     | 9,596  | 19,599 | 1      | 218,539 |
| Reporting            | 0,003 |        |        | 79,341 |         |
+----------------------+-------+--------+--------+--------+---------+

FY 1991 data were not available at the time this report was prepared.

Note: Both major and secondary disabilities were considered when
identifying individuals who are visually impaired.

Cases with unspecified work status at closure or

unspecified disability condition are not included in

this table.

The total number rehabilitated according to RSA 113 reports for FY 1990
is 214,726. There is usually a small difference in this number in the
two reporting B. [Client Assistance Program]{.underline}

([Section 112, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended]{.underline}) [FY
1991 Appropriation - \$8,310,000]{.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 1991 Appropriation - \$29,150,000]{.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 severe
handicaps traditionally time-limited post- employment 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. All States received direct services
grants under this program in FY 1991. 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 1991 Appropriations - \$13,619,000]{.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 1991, the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program received
funds from: the Basic State Grants program totaling \$26,700,000; State
funds totaling \$5,200,000; set-aside funds totaling \$12,300,000; and
machine income funds totaling \$10,400,000. In FY 1991, there were 3,337
vending facilities of which 1,070 were located on Federal property and
2,267 were on non- Federal property. A total of 3,513 licensed blind
vendors

were employed through the program at an average annual

income of \$23,822. Sales for the year in this program

equaled \$394,600,000. Facilities may be of several

varieties, including snack bars, vending machine locations

and cafeterias. During the Fiscal Year, 419 persons

received training for the operation of these facilities.

From these trainees, 218 individuals were placed as vendors.

The Annual Report of the Randolph-Sheppard Program contains

more detailed information on the operation of the program.

This report may be obtained from George Arsnow, Chief,

Vending Facility Branch, Department of Education, 330 C

Street, S.W., Room 3230, Switzer Building, Washington, D.C.

20202-2738.

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

[FY 1991 Appropriation - \$18,368,000]{.underline}

The purpose of this discretionary grant program is to

fund grants to establish projects that expand or otherwise improve
vocational rehabilitation services

and other rehabilitation services to individuals with severe handicaps.
In FY 1991, the Program of

Special Projects and Demonstrations for Providing

Vocational Rehabilitation Services to Severely Disabled

Individuals awarded 62 new grants in three categories:

Rehabilitation Technology, Innovative Strategies to

Promote Vocational and Independent Living Outcomes, and

AIDS\\Non-Priority. New 1991 projects that specifically

propose to serve individuals who are blind, visually

impaired or deaf-blind are described below.

The majority of projects funded under the program in 1991 address the
functional priorities of Rehabilitation Technology and Innovative
Strategies. Those projects generally serve people with a wide range of
disabilities. Therefore, many more Special Projects and Demonstrations
than are listed here provide direct services to people who are blind,
visually impaired, or deaf-blind.

[Rehabilitation Technology]{.underline}

Kentucky Department of the Blind

Frankfort, KY

The project plans to establish a statewide assistive

technology users group of over 800 persons with severe

visual disabilities so they may share expertise and

information in providing long-term technology

assistance to each other. The users will be linked through a statewide
computer information line whereby each user will have access to a
\"bulletin board\" as a means of sharing technology assistance. The
project will be controlled by a board elected by users from five
communities based throughout the State.

Florida Division of Blind Services

Tallahassee, FL

The Florida Division of Blind Services proposes to

implement a community-based model to provide persons

who are homebound blind or severely visually impaired with computer
related competitive employment. This community based model will be
implemented in three underserved counties in Florida. The expectation is
that the model will generate 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 and persons who are deaf-blind or 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 over a three-year
period 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 will initiate, coordinate, and facilitate

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
coordinator will refer them to the District of Columbia Vocational
Rehabilitation Agency. Upon completion of training, the project will
assist

individuals with job placement through a job bank.

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 1991 Appropriation - \$10,023,000]{.underline}

In Touch, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN

This project, entitled Community Employment

opportunities, established a day training and

rehabilitation program without walls to integrate

individuals who are mentally challenged and have an

additional disability of deafness and/or blindness into

community-based vocational and avocational pursuits. The primary
objective is to provide community-based supported employment
opportunities as well as

recreation, leisure and habilitation activities.

Helen Keller Services for the Blind

Brooklyn, NY

This project provides support services to individuals who are blind with
at least one other disabling

condition, and to their families, their co-workers and

employers to assure that positive interaction occurs

at each work site. Job development specialists and job

coaches work to develop and implement individualized

training and follow-along plans. Support services such as
mobility/travel training are provided by the New York Commission for the
Blind.

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

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

[FY 1991 Appropriation - \$18,765,000]{.underline}

The purpose of this program is to train individuals with handicaps in
skills required by particular industries and, upon completion of
training, place these individuals into positions for which they were
trained. Four of these projects had persons who are blind or visually
impaired as their prime clientele. These were:

Pittsburgh Vocational Rehabilitation Center

1323 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

Sensory Aids Foundation

399 Sherman Avenue

Palo Alto, California 94306

Lions World Services for the Blind

2811 Fair Park Blvd.

Little Rock, Arkansas 72204

Washington Vocational Services

22316 70th Avenue, Unit \'D\'

Mountainlake Terrace, Washington 98043

D. [Recreation Program]{.underline}

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

[FY 1991 Appropriation - \$2,617,000]{.underline}

This program authorizes the funding of projects for

recreational activities that aid individuals with

severe disabilities in their mobility, socialization

and integration into community recreation programs.

Persons who are blind and 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 1991 Appropriation - \$1,060,000]{.underline}

The purpose of this program is to provide vocational

rehabilitation services to migratory, agricultural and

seasonal farm workers with handicaps. One of these

projects was awarded to the Texas Commission for the

Blind to serve individuals who are blind and visually

impaired.

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

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

[FY 1991 Appropriation - \$4,082,000]{.underline}

This program authorizes discretionary grants to assist

Indians in the development of rehabilitation services

on Federal and State reservations. The thirteen

projects funded provide services to all types of

individuals who are disabled including individuals who

are blind and visually handicapped.

G. [TRAINING PROGRAMS]{.underline}

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

[FY 1991 Appropriation - \$33,353,000]{.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 and visually
>
> impaired in Fiscal Year 1991:

Title : Rehabilitation of Persons Who are Blind

Start Date : 10/01/90

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 09

Grantee : San Jose State University

San Jose University Foundation

P.O. Box 760

San Jose, CA 95106

Principal

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

Research Foundation of CUNY

695 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10021

Principal

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

School of Education/Special Education

830 K Street Mall, Room 322

Los Angeles, CA 90032

Principal

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.

This project provides orientation and mobility training to professionals
at the master\'s degree level.

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 09/01/89

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 03

Grantee : Pennsylvania College of Optometry

1200 West Godfrey Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19141

Principal

Investigator: Anna Bradfield

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

Title : Long Term Training

Start Date : 09/01/89

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 05

Grantee : Southern Illinois University

Board of Trustees

Carbondale, IL 62901

Principal

Investigator: Louis Vieceli

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 : 09/01/89

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 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 : 09/01/89

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 04

Grantee : Mississippi State University

RRTC Blindness and Low Vision

P.O. Box 6156

Mississippi State MS 39762

Principal

Investigator: J. Elton Moore

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 : 09/01/89

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 06

Grantee : University of Arkansas/Little Rock

Department of Rehabilitation

2801 South University

Little Rock, AR 72204

Principal

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 : 09/01/88

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 09

Grantee : San Francisco State University, FDN.

Office of Administration

1640 Holloway Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94132

Principal

Investigator: Philip Hatlen, Ph.D.

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 : 09/01/88

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 06

Grantee : Stephen F. Austin State University

Counseling/Special Education Program

Box 13019, SFA Station

Nacogdoches, TX 75962

Principal

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 : 09/01/88

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 06

Grantee : University of Arkansas/Little Rock

Office of the Chancellor

280L South University Avenue

Little Rock, Ar 72204

Principal

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 : 09/01/88

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 05

Grantee : Western Michigan University/Kalamazoo Campus

Dept. of Blind Rehabilitation and Mobility

Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Principal

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 : 09/01/88

Length : 36 mos.

Region : 05

Grantee : Northern Illinois University/Dekalb

Educational Psychology and Special Education

Office of Sponsored Projects

Dekalb, IL 60115

Principal

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 1991 Appropriation - \$27,579,000]{.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 handicapped 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 and visually impaired persons. These are:

[Delaware]{.underline}

Department of Health and Social Services, Division for the Visually
Impaired, 305 West 8th Street, Wilmington, Delaware 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 visually impaired persons from the community.

[Florida]{.underline}

Division of Blind Services, 2540 Executive Center Circle, West,
Tallahassee, Florida 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, Indiana 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, Kentucky 40601

This center for independent living provides IL services

throughout the State through a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week newsline for the
blind community 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, Michigan 48909

The Michigan Commission for the Blind operates several

CILs. The Urban/Rural CIL provides independent living

Services for people who are blind and elderly and/or

have multiple severe disabilities. It is estimated that

150 consumers are served by this project.

The Southern Michigan CIL serves the Detroit area and brings independent
living services to racial 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, Mississippi 39216-0872

This project established an independent living skills training program
that serves as an expansion of existing IL 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 blind individuals 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, Missouri 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

individual basis.

[Oregon]{.underline}

Volunteer Braille Services, Inc., Independent Living Program, 4001 N.E.
Halsey Street, Portland, Oregon 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 skills,

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, Pennsylvania 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.(TRCIL) expands services

otherwise available to persons who are hearing impaired for 75
individuals with severe handicaps, including 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, Rhode Island 02903

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

[Virginia]{.underline}

Virginia Department for the Visually Handicapped Rehabilitation Services
Division, 97 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 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 1991 Appropriation - \$5,914,000]{.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 1991. 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, Alabama 36130

Lamona H. Lucas, Director

Contact Person: Rita Houston, Project Director

205-281-8780

Project Oasis (Older Alabamian\'s System of Information and Services)
will expand 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 (IL)
services to older blind individuals (OBI). Three objectives have been
established: 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 older blind
individuals 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, Alaska 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 IL services for persons who
are older blind. In addition to providing services in these major urban
areas, agencies receiving funding will 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, Arizona 85007

James B. Griffith, Administrator

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) IL 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, Arkansas 72203

James C. Hudson, Commissioner

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, Colorado 80203-1714

Anthony Francavilla, Associate Director

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, IL 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, Delaware 19801

Diane Post, Acting Director

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, IL skills training, family
and peer counseling, low vision aids, diagnosis and referral.

**GUAM**

Guam Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

Government of Guam

122 IT&E Plaza, Rm. B201, Harmon

Tamuning, Guam 96911

Norbert Ungacto, Acting Director

Contact Person: Mildred Campbell, 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
will utilize one IL rehabilitation teacher/caseworker and one
orientation and mobility specialist and will contract 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, Hawaii 96813

Neil Shim, Acting Administrator

Contact Person: Neil Shim

808-546-5355

The Hawaii Department of Human Services proposes six objectives: 1)
provide IL 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, Illinois 62794-9429

Andrey McCrimon, Director

Contact Person: Carol Gortat, Project Director

217-785-3887

IL DORS subgrants the majority of its Part C funds to four rural CILS
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 of the Blind

524 Fourth Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

R. Creig Slayton, Director

Contact Person: Becky Criswell, Project Director

515-281-1299

The Iowa Department of the Blind offers a variety of intervention
services tailored to meet individual needs, which promotes independence
and restored senses of self-direction. IL 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, Maine 04333

Pamela A. Tetley, Ed.D. Director

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, Maryland 21218

James S. Jeffers, Assistant State Superintendent

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. It has established staff positions
(2) that combine the duties and responsibilities of case management and
IL 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, Michigan 48909

Philip E. Peterson, Director

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, Mississippi 39216-0872

Joe F. Carballo, Acting Director

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 has had a wide variety of secondary disabilities.

**MONTANA**

Montana Department of Social and

Rehabilitative Services

Visual Services Division

111 Sanders, P.O. Box 4210

Helena, Montana 59604

Joe A. Mathews, Administrator

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, Nevada 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, New Jersey 07102

Jamie Casabianca-Hilton, Executive Director

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 (SCILS) in three
counties providing independent living services to medically underserved,
primarily low income, minority persons who are older blind. The programs
also provided eye health education and prevention and services for 485
older individuals. The project enabled 848 persons to adjust to
blindness through IL services, 206 clients to be matched with
volunteers, another 1,894 to receive eye screening services and 14 peer
support groups were established.

**NEW MEXICO**

New Mexico Commission for the Blind

Pera Building, Room 205

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Frederick K. Schroeder, Director

Contact Person: Frederick K. Schroeder, Project Director

505-827-4479

The New Mexico Commission for the Blind established 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, New York 12243

John L. Ryan, Assistant Commissioner

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 will result in linking
about 500 people with full range of rehabilitation, independent living,
and recreational and support services.

**OKLAHOMA**

State Department of Human Service

P.O. Box 25352

Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Jerry Dunlap, Administrator

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

Thomas J. Thompson, Acting Administrator

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, South Dakota 57501-2275

Grady Kickul, Director

Contact Person: Gaye Mattke, Project Director

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 has been established. 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, Texas 78711

Pat D. Westbrook, Executive Director

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

R. Blaine Petersen, Ed.D, Executive Director

Contact Person: William Gibson, Project Director

801-5333-9393

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 IL services program in rural CIL\'s; 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, Vermont 05676

David M. Mentasti, Director

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 1991, the project provided 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 will receive a full complement of statewide services,
150 of whom will receive low vision examinations. A new component has
been 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 will be conducted to
provide vision assessments and low vision services to elderly residents
in nursing homes/senior centers. In addition, staff will participate in
in-service training.

**WISCONSIN**

Department of Health and

Social Services

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

P.O. Box 7852

Madison, Wisconsin 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 blind and visually impaired seniors 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, West Virginia 25305

John M. Panza, Director

Contact Person: Judy Reed, Project Director

304-766-4799

The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, in partnership
with other State agencies, served 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, Wyoming 82002

Gary W. Child, Acting Administrator

Contact Person: Darlo Koldenhoven, Project Director

307-777-6841

Wyoming DVR established Wyoming Independent Living for Older Blind
(WILOB) 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 will travel 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
1991 Appropriation - \$976,000]{.underline} - Section 731

The purpose of this program was 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 unit that provides

services under this part to such individuals.

Individuals with severe disabilities are expected to be

involved in the development and implementation of the

protection and advocacy systems.

Duplication of services are to be avoided by becoming familiar with 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 1991, for the first time, eleven 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. The awards were made

available in October, 1991.

**Appendix A**

**[FINAL GRANT AWARDS -FISCAL YEAR 1991]{.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 \$1,490,478,505 \$137,910,357 \$1,628,382,862

I.

\*Connecticut 11,430,856 2,017,208 13,448,064

Maine 9,306,906 \-\-\-\-- 9,306,906

\*Massachusetts 28,339,733 4,975,588 33,315,321

New Hampshire 6,581,104 \-\-\-\-- 6,581,104

\*Rhode Island 4,763,771 863,948 5,627,719

Vermont 4,947,225 674,622 5,621,847

II\.

\*New Jersey 27,241,232 7,010,308 34,251,540

\*New York 82,434,298 16,081,996 98,516,294

Puerto Rico 30,276,921 \-\-\-\-- 30,276,921

Virgin Island 1,300,575 \-\-\-\-- 1,300,575

III\.

\*Delaware 4,698,641 800,352 5,498,993

Dis. of Columbia 9,186,446 \-\-\-\-- 9,186,446

Maryland 24,518,742 \-\-\-\-- 24,518,742

\*Pennsylvania 74,403,383 7,837,980 82,241,363

\*Virginia 31,497,065 4,856,458 36,353,523

West Virginia 18,212,447 \-\-\-\-- 18,212,447

IV\.

Alabama 38,262,760 \-\-\-\-- 38,262,760

\*Florida 61,353,764 12,289,758 73,643,522

Georgia 45,821,230 \-\-\-\-- 45,821,230

\*Kentucky 28,637,963 4,996,877 33,634,840

\*Mississippi 21,811,489 6,172,991 27,984,480

\*North Carolina 45,522,662 8,503,297 54,025,959

\*South Carolina 27,318,769 4,082,115 31,400,884

Tennessee 40,403,664 \-\-\-\-- 40,403,664

V.

Illinois 65,451,180 \-\-\-\-- 65,451,180

Indiana 34,190,868 \-\-\-\-- 34,190,868

\*Michigan 48,242,250 7,412,580 55,654,830

\*Minnesota 23,358,108 5,127,389 28,485,497

appendix A (cont.)

Region/State/ STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES

[Territory]{.underline}

GENERAL BLIND U.S. TOTAL

V. (cont.)

Ohio 68,900,056 \-\-\-\-- 68,900,056

Wisconsin 34,898,763 \-\-\-\-- 34,898,763

VI\.

\*Arkansas 20,518,857 2,279,872 22,798,729

Louisiana 38,025,927 \-\-\-\-- 38,025,927

\*New Mexico 9,975,288 2,450,062 12,425,350

Oklahoma 25,406,918 \-\-\-\-- 25,406,918

\*Texas 92,891,187 22,435,850 115,327,037

VII\.

\*Iowa 15,830,048 3,335,135 19,165,183

Kansas 15,741,221 \-\-\-\-- 15,741,221

\*Missouri 31,889,048 4,165,030 36,054,078

\*Nebraska 8,686,886 1,603,511 10,290,397

VIII\.

Colorado 18,904,366 \-\-\-\-- 18,904,366

Montana 6,443,439 \-\-\-\-- 6,443,439

North Dakota 5,428,477 \-\-\-\-- 5,428,477

\*South Dakota 4,589,113 1,339,777 5,928,890

Utah 13,901,949 \-\-\-\-- 13,901,949

Wyoming 5,178,477 \-\-\-\-- 5,178,477

IX\.

American Samoa 461,833 \-\-\-\-- 461,833

Arizona 21,642,788 \-\-\-\-- 21,642,788

California 133,811,636 \-\-\-\-- 133,811,636

Guam 1,625,234 \-\-\-\-- 1,625,234

Hawaii 6,173,197 \-\-\-\-- 6,173,197

Nevada 5,711,835 \-\-\-\-- 5,711,835

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

X.

Alaska 5,511,676 \-\-\-\-\-- 5,511,676

\*Idaho 7,243,000 1,033,146 8,276,146

\*Oregon 16,511,387 2,358,770 18,870,157

\*Washington 24,774,899 3,205,737 27,980,636

\*State with Separate Blind Agency

Appendix B

**[FINAL GRANT AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 1991]{.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}

\$27,234,725 \$1,914,656 \$29,150,000

I.

\*Connecticut 288,817 50,967 339,784

Maine 250,000 \-- 250,000

\*Massachusetts 533,712 93,045 626,757

New Hampshire 250,000 \-- 250,000

\*Rhode Island 208,750 \-- 208,750

Vermont 221,653 30,000 251,653

II\.

\*New Jersey 671,794 162,308 834,102

\*New York 1,634,099 301,284 1,935,383

Puerto Rico 205,239 \-- 205,239

Virgin Island 44,257 \-- 44,257

III\.

\*Delaware 212,500 37,500 250,000

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

Maryland 506,111 \-- 506,111

\*Pennsylvania 1,218,739 44,305 1,263,044

Virginia 585,205 61,162 646,367

West Virginia 255,417 \-- 255,417

IV\.

Alabama 444,002 \-- 444,002

Florida 1,133,944 232,252 1,366,196

Georgia 675,162 \-- 675,162

\*Kentucky 375,150 15,827 390,977

\*Mississippi 245,858 36,740 282,598

\*North Carolina 588,047 120,444 708,491

\*South Carolina 320,528 47,895 368,423

Tennessee 532,635 \-- 532,635

appendix B (cont.)

REGION/

STATE/

[TERRITORY STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES]{.underline}

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

V.

Illinois 1,256,975 \-- 1,256,975

Indiana 586,728 \-- 586,728

\*Michigan 856,042 86,733 942,775

\*Minnesota 420,262 49,082 469,344

Ohio 1,144,188 \-- 1,144,188

Wisconsin 519,446 \-- 519,446

VI\.

\*Arkansas 241,258 18,159 259,417

Louisiana 459,690 \-- 459,690

\*New Mexico 250,000 \-- 250,000

Oklahoma 347,614 \-- 347,614

\*Texas 1,325,340 356,484 1,682,424

VII\.

\*Iowa 241,322 30,186 271,508

Kansas 236,124 \-- 236,124

\*Missouri 546,892 9,356 556,248

\*Nebraska 225,000 25,000 250,000

VIII\.

Colorado 351,590 \-- 351,590

\*Montana 252,351 \-- 252,351

North Dakota 250,000 \-- 250,000

\*South Dakota 241,000 9,000 250,000

Utah 220,000 \-- 220,000

Wyoming 250,000 \-- 250,000

IX\.

American Samoa 44,257 \-- 44,257

Arizona 373,038 \-- 373,038

California 3,133,597 \-- 3,133,597

Guam 44,257 \-- 44,257

Hawaii 250,000 \-- 250,000

Nevada 250,000 \-- 250,000

Northern Marianas 44,257 \-- 44,257

Palau 5,162 \-- 5,162

X.

Alaska 251,537 \-- 251,537

\*Idaho 250,449 2,511 252,960

\*Oregon 258,851 36,979 295,830

\*Washington 455,898 57,437 513,335

\*State with Separate Blind Agency

Appendix C

**[FINAL GRANT AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 1991]{.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 170,000 30,000 200,000

Maine 200,346 \-- 200,346

\*Massachusetts 189,364 33,122 222,486

New Hampshire 200,000 \-- 200,000

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

Vermont 150,000 50,161 200,161

II\.

\*New Jersey 233,301 57,778 291,079

\*New York 568,148 107,250 675,398

Puerto Rico 200,000 \-- 200,000

Virgin Island 17,024 \-- 17,024

III\.

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

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

Maryland 201,329 \-- 201,329

\*Pennsylvania 449,615 \*\* 449,615

\*Virginia 198,117 29,604 227,721

West Virginia 200,526 \-- 200,526

IV\.

Alabama 201,166 \-- 201,166

Florida 395,715 81,051 476,766

Georgia 240,343 \-- 240,343

\*Kentucky 174,000 27,055 201,055

\*Mississippi 158,742 42,000 200,742

\*North Car. 203,075 44,169 247,244

\*South Car. 174,994 26,000 200,994

Tennessee 201,398 \-- 201,398

appendix C (cont.)

Region/State/ STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES

[Territory]{.underline}

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

V.

Illinois 438,650 \-- 438,650

Indiana 208,863 \-- 208,863

\*Michigan 225,086 121,200 346,286

\*Minnesota 165,010 36,221 201,231

Ohio 407,306 \-- 407,306

Wisconsin 200,000 \-- 200,000

VI\.

\*Arkansas 186,633 14,048 200,681

Louisiana 200,000 \-- 200,000

\*New Mexico 170,400 29,600 200,000

Oklahoma 200,913 \-- 200,913

\*Texas 512,414 126,900 639,314

VII\.

\*Iowa 150,000 50,000 200,000

Kansas 200,000 \-- 200,000

\*Missouri 175,460 26,000 201,460

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

VIII\.

Colorado 200,939 \-- 200,939

\*Montana 200,228 \-- 200,228

North Dakota 200,187 \-- 200,187

\*South Dakota 200,000 \*\* 200,000

Utah 200,000 \-- 200,000

Wyoming 200,000 \-- 200,000

IX\.

Amer. Samoa 17,024 \-- 17,024

Arizona 200,000 \-- 200,000

California 1,093,540 \-- 1,093,540

Guam 5,200 \-- 5,200 Hawaii 200,000 \-- 200,000

Nevada 200,000 \-- 200,000

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

Palau \-- \-- \--

X.

Alaska 200,149 \-- 200,149

\*Idaho 100,144 100,144 200,288

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

\*Washington 178,193 23,155 201,348

\* State with Separate Blind Agency

Appendix D

**[FINAL GRANT AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 1991]{.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 93,416

Maine 75,803

Massachusetts 174,419

New Hampshire 75,000

Rhode Island 75,000

Vermont 75,000

II\.

New Jersey 228,191

New York 529,479

Puerto Rico 94,915

Virgin Island 45,070

III\.

Delaware 75,000

Dis. of Col. 75,000

Maryland 138,461

Pennsylvania 355,150

Virginia 179,875

West Virginia 76,219

IV\.

Alabama 118,766

Florida 341,444

Georgia 185,621

Kentucky 109,936

Mississippi 77,314

North Car. 167,514

South Car. 103,290

Tennessee 144,474

appendix D (cont.)

REGION/STATE/ DESIGNATED AGENCIES FOR CAP AWARDS

[TERRITORY]{.underline}

[U.S. Total]{.underline}

V.

Illinois 343,882

Indiana 161,308

Michigan 273,531

Minnesota 125,545

Ohio 314,569

Wisconsin 140,369

VI\.

Arkansas 76,580

Louisiana 129,181

New Mexico 76,003

Oklahoma 88,317

Texas 500,038

VII\.

Iowa 81,908

Kansas 75,000

Missouri 152,178

Nebraska 70,000

VIII\.

Colorado 97,844

Montana 75,530

North Dakota 75,000

South Dakota 75,000

Utah 76,120

Wyoming 75,000

IX\.

Amer. Samoa 45,000

Arizona 102,558

California 838,205

Guam 45,000

Hawaii 75,000

Nevada 75,730

Nor. Marianas 45,000

Palau \--

X.

Alaska 75,345

Idaho 75,666

Oregon 83,182

Washington 140,437

[^1]: **^?^All figures for persons who are visually impaired are
    preliminary. Those for FY 1990 will change slightly when final data
    are available. Those for FY 1991 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**

[^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.**