# OILP Newsletter- December 2023

# 

# Dear Colleagues,  

# 

# Welcome to the OILP Monthly Newsletter and Happy Holidays! We are pleased to share recent updates from ACL, TA Resources, and other IL resources below.                                                                                                                  

# To improve user friendliness, we have included a Table of Contents with links to each section. 

# Table of Contents

# 

# ***Reporting and Guidance***

# ***Conferences, Trainings and Technical Assistance***

# ***Employment Opportunities***

# ***Opportunities for Engagement***

# ***Funding Opportunities***

# ***Transition Services***

# ***Sharing Your Stories***

# ***Resources***

# 

# Reporting and Guidance

# ***Q90 Portal Open and Programmatic Reporting Deadlines:***The Q90 portal is now open at https://portal.q90.com/external/login.php. As a reminder, the FY22 CIL Programmatic Performance Report (PPR) is due in the portal by 12/31/23. The 723 states PPRs are due by 1/31/24. 

# 

# For our grantees that requested a no cost extension (NCE) for their CDC funding, a PPR is due on 12/31/2023 for the reporting period of 10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023. The CDC PPR Excel sheet is submitted to their Program Officer. The Excel sheet can be found at https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living under Program Performance Reporting Information. Remember to change the reporting period to 10/1/22-9/30/23 on the spreadsheet.                                                                 

# 

# For our grantees that received Public Health Workforce (PHW) Funding, the Public Health Workforce Funding PPR is due by 12/31/23 in the portal and is included as part of the CIL PPR.

# 

# If you did not receive PHW funding, put ‘did not receive this funding’ in Item 3 - The Activities They Are Engaged in to Advance Public Health on the last page of the PPR.

# 

# The FY23 ILS PPR is due in the portal by 1/31/24. 

# 

#         Should you have any questions, please contact your Program Officer.

# 

# ***Open for Public Comment- Independent Living Program Performance Report:***The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed collection of information listed above. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This Proposed Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection (IC Ext) solicits comments on the information collection requirements relating to the Administration on Disabilities' Independent Living Services Program Performance Report. View the Federal Register Notice.

# Submit electronic comments to Peter Nye at OILPPRAComments@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments to Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Peter Nye.

# 

# Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by***11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by January 16, 2024.***

# More information is available at https://acl.gov/about-acl/public-input.

# ***Federal Financial Reporting Deadlines:***Please see below for Federal Financial Reporting deadlines. If you have questions, please contact the ACL fiscal officer located on your notice of award.

# **Part B (States)**

# Federal Financial Reports (FFRs/SF-425s) are due for the period ending September 30, 2023. The following awards have SF-425s due:

# Part B State Grant (Program Code ILSG)

# FY 2021 - Final SF-425 (only applicable if a no-cost extension was received) – Due January 31, 2024

# FY 2022 - Final or Annual SF-425 (only Annual if a no-cost extension was received) – Annual SF-425s due December 31, 2023 and Final SF-425s due January 31, 2024.

# FY 2023 - Annual SF-425 - Due December 31, 2023

# Public Health State Grant (Program Code ISPH)

# FY 2022 - Annual SF-425 – Due December 31, 2023

# **Part C (CILs)**

# Federal Financial Reports (FFRs/SF-425s) are due for the periods ending September 29 and 30, 2023. The following awards have SF-425s due:

# Part C Grants (Program Code ILCL)

# FY2021 - Final SF-425 (only applicable if a no-cost extension was received) - Due January 31, 2024 

# FY 2022 - Annual SF-425 (only Annual if a no-cost extension was received) - Due December 31, 2023

# CDC Awards – Vaccine Access Grants (Program Code ILC5)

# FY 2021 - Final SF-425 (only applicable if a no-cost extension was received) - Due January 31, 2024

# Public Health Workforce (PHWF) Grants (Program Code ILPH)

# FY 2022 - Annual SF-425 - Due December 31, 2023

# 

# ***Ed Roberts Day:***Ed Roberts Day is January 23, 2024, and OILP staff would love to hear about how you are honoring him on this day. If any CILs or SILCs are planning or holding events, etc., please send the information to your Program Officer.

# 

# ***Fraud Alert: Scam Calls Targeting Older Adults:***For more information, please visit this link.

# 

# ***NIH designates people with disabilities as a population with health disparities:***For more information, please visit this link. 

# 

# ***IL Network Contact Updates:***As a reminder, if there are any contact information changes for CIL Executive Directors, SILC Executive Directors, SILC Chairs or DSE’s, please let your Program Officer know. To verify the current name and contact information for your Program Officer, please view the OILP staff list on ACL’s website.

# 

# ***OILP Quarterly Connection Call:*** Thank you for joining ACL staff and your colleagues at the recent Quarterly Connection Call from the Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP) on ***November 30, 2023, from 3:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Eastern Time.***The recording and other materials are available at https://www.ilru.org/training/quarterly-connection.******

# 

# The links provided during the call are listed below.

# 

# SPIL Webinar from October 26, 2023: https://www.ilru.org/training/power-your-spil-15-hours

# ACL Public Input: https://acl.gov/about-acl/public-input

# Housing & Services Resource Center: https://acl.gov/HousingAndServices

# Transportation Center: https://acl.gov/programs/transportation/transportation

# https://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=16616&id=17

# Transit Planning 4 All Website: https://transitplanning4all.org/

# Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center: https://aoddisabilityemploymenttacenter.com/

# ILRU Resources are available addressing SPIL issues at https://www.ilru.org/topics/state-plan-for-independent-living-spil

# SILC: https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/statewide-independent-living-councils

# SPIL Instruction File: https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2023-05/0044%20SPIL%20Instrument%20and%20Instructions%20Final.docx

# If any CILs are doing work related to the Direct Care Workforce crisis or have identified best practices you would like to share, please e-mail Caroline Ryan at Caroline.Ryan@acl.hhs.gov

# ILRU Upcoming Training: https://www.ilru.org/upcoming-training

# SPIL Training and Technical Assistance Series: https://www.ilru.org/training/spil-training-and-technical-assistance-series

# Information on ACL’s Compliance and Outcome Monitoring Plan: https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living#ComplianceandOutcomeMonitoring

# 

# ***AoD IL Technical Assistance Evaluation Results Posted on Website:***The Administration on Disabilities (AoD) has posted the results from the IL Technical Assistance Evaluation. The results and other materials are available here under the heading of AoD IL Technical Assistance Evaluation.

# 

# ***OILP Monthly Newsletters Posted on Website:***The OILP newsletters from May 2023—present are now available on our website here under the heading of Office of Independent Living Programs Monthly Newsletters. 

# 

# ***FY21 CIL PPR Data Posted on Website:***The FY21 CIL PPR data is now available on our website here under the heading of Annual Performance Data and Outcomes. 

# 

# ***CIL Fact Sheet Now Available on Website:***The CIL fact sheet has been published on ACL’s website here.

# 

# ***SPIL Instrument and Instructions Posted on Website:***The updated SPIL instrument and instructions are now available on our website here under the heading of Submitting State Plans for Independent Living.

# 

# ***Audit Confirmation Requests:*** Many Centers for Independent Living have reached out to request verifications for their independent fiscal audits. Please be advised that audit confirmation requests should be sent to pmsoigaudit@psc.hhs.gov. 

# 

# ***Indirect Cost Rates:***For questions regarding indirect cost rates, contact information can be found at https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/asa/psc/indirect-cost-negotiations/index.html.

# 

# ***Allowable Expenses:***OILP has recently received questions from our grantees regarding allowable costs. For additional guidance, please consult 45 CFR 75.403 and contact the fiscal officer listed in your notice of award.

# 

# ***Public Health Workforce Funding:***The Public Health Workforce funding was released for both CIL and ILS Programs in March 2022.  The guidance is available here under Guidance for ACL Programs, subheading of Public Health Workforce Grants.  

# 

# **Conferences, Trainings and Technical Assistance**

# 

# ***SILC Congress 2024 and Request for Workshop Proposals:***SILC Congress 2024 will be held in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 11-13, 2024. To register, please visit https://form.jotform.com/232506406195050. 

# If you are interested in submitting a workshop proposal, please visit https://forms.gle/bHmXKuq6AaJwJ4ww5. Please direct proposal questions to Molly Cole at silccongressinfo@gmail.com or molly@ctsilc.org. The submission deadline is ***January 5, 2024.*****

# ***NCIL 2024 Annual Conference Call for Workshop Proposals***: NCIL is excited to announce our 2024 Annual Conference on Independent Living! The theme of this year’s conference is Back to the Future. With this theme, we invite everyone to revisit our foundational values and look to a future that embraces disability justice – loving all bodies and leaving no one behind. 

# ***Deadline for Submission is January 22, 2024.*** No proposals will be accepted after ***11:59 p.m. Eastern time.***

# 

# NCIL will host 25 in-person workshops this year. Select workshops may be asked to voluntarily record their presentations to be posted to the NCIL archives. 

# 

# **Read full Request for Workshop Proposals**: members.ncil.org/ncil2024/rfp

# ***Webinar Series on Contracting to Address Health-Related Social Needs:***You are invited to join the Partnership to Align Social Care, the Aging and Disability Business Institute, and Camden Coalition for a webinar series offering a deep dive into leading contracting practices to effectively and efficiently address health-related social needs. 

# Held on the second Tuesday of each month from October-December 2023, webinar details are below. 

# ***Operationalizing Contracts: Improving Contracting Implementation and Collaboration***

# ***​​​​​​​***December 12, 2023, 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern Time

# To register for the session, please visit the following link.

# 

# ***SPIL Training and Technical Assistance Series:***Please join IL-NET's newly launched monthly virtual meeting on ***December 7th from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.******Eastern Time***that offers comprehensive training and technical assistance for the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). These sessions are aimed at providing you with in-depth training on SPIL requirements, while also offering a platform to discuss how to leverage your plan to build cross-coordination and elevate the IL network in your state. By participating, you will have the opportunity to learn from experts and peers alike and gain valuable insights on how to make the most of your SPIL. Don't miss out on this opportunity and join us on the first Thursday of every month. To register or for more information, please visit this link.

# 

# ***Community Care Hub 101 Learning Series:***ACL and the Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care invite community-based organizations (CBOs) serving as community care hubs (CCHs) and CBOs interested in learning more about the CCH model to participate in an upcoming four-part Community Care Hub 101 learning series. 

# 

# The series will take place on Thursdays through December 2023:

# 

# **Contracting Opportunities to Address Health-Related Social Needs**

# December 7, 2023, 2:00-3:30 PM Eastern Time

# **Building the Community Care Hub Business Case**

# December 14, 2023, 2:00-3:30 PM Eastern Time

# 

# Registrants will receive access to all webinars. All registrants will receive a copy of the webinar slides and follow-up resources. To register, please visit here.

# 

# ***Commit to Connect Webinar on No Wrong Door Virginia’s Social Health Connector Platform:***Please join Commit to Connect for a webinar on ***December 13, 2023, at 10:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M. Eastern Time***about No Wrong Door Virginia’s Social Health Connector platform. The Social Health Connector uses a person-centered virtual assessment to generate a customized social health connection plan for people with disabilities, older adults, and family caregivers. This personalized plan leverages AI and machine learning to offer insights into individualized risks and strengths, highlighting local recommended resources for users in Virginia. After individuals complete the survey, they receive a customized social connection plan.During the webinar, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia 2-1-1, and United Way Worldwide will provide an overview of the tool and how other aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) and No Wrong Door (NWD) systems can replicate this approach. 

# 

# To register, please visit this link.

# 

# ***DETAC New RISE Peer e-Learning Community: Bring Your Device Tech Training:***As AoD grantees (directly or indirectly) support individuals with disabilities to obtain and retain competitive, integrated employment (CIE), they are often faced with unprecedented challenges in supporting people with disabilities to access vital off-the-shelf assistive technology that is needed for daily living or CIE. Once this hurdle is cleared, and technology is purchased, the challenge often remains on how to best integrate these technologies.

# 

# If your grantee organization is experiencing some challenges with the lack of tools and knowledge, to support the integration of smart devices as assistive technology for people with disabilities, then this RISE Peer e-Learning Community is for you!

# We invite you to join us as we review new teaching tools / resources, gain a broader perspective, brainstorm strategies to leverage collaborative partners, integrate smart screen technology on a larger scale, and plan for successful implementation of AT structures within your organization to advance competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities.

# 

# Space Is Limited So Apply Now at: https://forms.gle/GoXrPBCBz84mj2JF6***Applications Due: December 20, 2023, 5:00 PM Eastern Time***Launch Meeting: January 24, 2024, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern Time

# 

# Session Dates:  

# •       Session 1: Jan 24, 2024

# •       Session 2: Feb 28, 2024

# •       Session 3: Mar 27, 2024

# •       Session 4: Apr 24, 2024

# •       Session 5: May 22, 2024

# 

# Time: Wednesdays 1:00-2:30PM Eastern Time

# 

# ***Webinar: The Power of Your SPIL:***Thank you to all of you who recently joined******the IL-NET National Training & Technical Assistance (T&TA) Center and ACL for this webinar on October 26th. The recording and presentation materials are available at https://www.ilru.org/training/power-your-spil-15-hours. 

# 

# ***ILRU IL-NET National Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA) Center: Management 101: A Guide for New CIL Executive Directors:***Are you a New Center for Independent Living (CIL) Executive Director, or planning to become an Executive Director in the future? 

# 

# This course will focus your attention on important aspects of the job that you need to know about early on and that might get lost in the daily conflicting demands for attention.

# 

# Concrete action steps are provided in easy-to-use checklists, bullet points, dos and don’ts, and general knowledge to support newly hired Executive Directors of Centers for Independent Living.

# 

# Visit ILRU's website to view this training

# 

# ***2023 Rural Conversation Series: 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 1:00 p.m. Eastern***

# 

# The Rural Conversation Community series is provided by ILRU's IL-NET National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living and facilitated by APRIL, the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living. There are no presenters or designated speakers in these conversations; they are an informal time and space to gather with your peers and share about current events and ask your peers questions. Captioning and ASL are provided. Bring your questions for your peers and updates on your CIL’s creative solutions and activities to share.Click this link for more information.

# ***Youth Coordinator Connect Meetings: 1st Tuesday of the Month at 2:00 p.m. Eastern***

# Join us to begin building a community of peer support and sharing for Youth Program Coordinators. Come share your experiences and tips and tricks and problem solve barriers to growing and implementing youth programs in your Center for Independent Living. Meet and learn from your colleagues throughout the country who are working towards the common goal of improving services for youth with disabilities.

# Each month we will discuss a topic as it relates to youth programs and services.  These topics are chosen as a group.  We will also brainstorm solutions for barriers that may come up in your programs.Click Here for more information.

# ***Advocacy Committee Meetings: 1st Wednesday of the Month at 4:00 p.m. Eastern***

# APRIL is a national membership organization dedicated to advancing the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities in rural America.

# APRIL is committed to an aggressive and culturally appropriate advocacy strategy tied to its Vision statement: “APRIL is the unified voice of independent living in rural America.” In furtherance of that Vision, APRIL has engaged hundreds of members and dedicated many hours aimed at developing a mission-focused system-change agenda to further the civil rights of all people with disabilities regardless of age, disability, income, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or nationality.

# Equally important to us, is ensuring that young people with disabilities are integrated into all facets of program development and delivery. We are truly committed to the mantra “Nothing About Us, Without Us.”  The advocacy committee works to address APRIL’s advocacy priorities.Click Here for more information.

# ***Emergency Prep Committee: 2nd Monday of the Month at 3:00 p.m. Eastern***

# APRIL began this committee to support CILs and SILCs in their efforts on emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. 

# We are in a constant climate crisis. Disasters and emergencies are increasing in intensity and frequency. Persons with disabilities are 26% of the US population. Disabled people are disproportionately impacted by disasters and emergencies. We are 2-to-4 times more likely to die or be injured during a disaster. 

# We are all first responders when disasters strike in our localities. Let’s get together to share good practices and strategies, information and resources, and peer support before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. 

# Click Here for more information.

# 

# **Employment Opportunities**

# 

# ***FTA is Hiring:***FTA is seeking candidates for several positions. The agency is introducing new programs and expanding existing initiatives following passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

# See USAJobs.gov for more information and deadlines to apply.

# 

# **Opportunities for Engagement**

# 

# ***Calling CILs Working with Care Transitions:***The Administration for Community Living (ACL) invites CILs to join in the conversation with other organizations, hospitals, and health systems, in developing collaborative approaches to health-related social needs (HRSN) screening within healthcare settings, connection to community services and supports, and pre and post discharge transition support for people with disabilities and older adults.

# The overall goal is to leverage existing partnerships and assets to address unmet social needs among people with disabilities and older adults in healthcare settings. Through collaboration, CILs can use their voice to potentially impact social determinants of health for people with disabilities. The monthly meeting series will run from January through August 2024. The meeting series uses a peer-based learning model, Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Model®. 

# **To participate in the series, CILs should have a formal or informal relationship with a local hospital.**Participating CILs and their hospital partners will learn from leaders about successful approaches to HRSN screening, referral, and transition support programs. They will gain actionable strategies to implement improved collaboration for building and sustaining care transitions programs.

# If your organization is interested in participating, complete this brief survey to indicate interest: ACL Care Transitions ECHO (smartsheet.com). If you have any questions, please reach out to caretransitions@lewin.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

# ***2023 National Survey on Health and Disability:***The National Survey on Health and Disability gives voice to the concerns of people with disabilities and documents their experiences with a variety of issues, including access to health care, insurance coverage, housing, transportation, Long COVID, employment, education, and more. The survey is open to U.S. adults 18 and older with any disability and/or health condition. Please visit this link for more information and the survey.

# 

# ***FTA Seeks Stakeholder Input for Strategic Research Plan:***FTA seeks your input on the agency’s transit research and demonstration program. 

# How can technology and innovation be used to improve safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide more resilient transit systems, grow the economy, improve people’s mobility options, and connect communities? 

# How can innovation improve mobility and accessibility for people with disabilities to jobs and other opportunities? 

# Lend your ideas to our Future of Public Transportation online dialogue. Register and share your insights, experiences and suggestions on ways research, technology and innovation can help make public transit safer, cleaner, greener, more resilient, and more equitable. 

# FTA seeks comments from stakeholders including:

# representatives within the industry

# community organizations representing the transportation needs and interests of people with disabilities

# organizations and groups with an interest in mobility, sustainability, and transit

# people with ideas or interest in this topic

# The online dialogue will be open until ***January 5, 2024.***

# ***Nominations Now Being Accepted for HHS Long COVID Advisory Committee:***The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the establishment of the HHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Long COVID. The advisory committee will bring perspectives from outside the government to make recommendations on research and innovation for a whole-of-government response to the longer-term impacts of COVID-19 and associated conditions.***Nominations are due by January 16, 2024.***People with multidisciplinary experience supporting and caring for those affected by Long COVID are encouraged to apply. HHS is specifically interested in receiving nominations of people who have had Long COVID and other disability stakeholders. 

# Nominations are being sought from representatives of:

# Long COVID and related groups

# Individuals living with Long COVID and organizations directly engaged in supporting people living with Long COVID. 

# Professional associations

# Medical professional, behavioral health, and human services associations that advocate for practitioners caring for people with Long COVID, including those working in the primary health care system.

# Disability and chronic illness groups

# Associations, advocates, researchers, or organizations focused on disability and chronic illness and their possible interplay with Long COVID. 

# Public health and related groups

# Public health groups supporting communities in addressing the impacts of Long COVID.

# Health care and social care providers

# Clinical care settings and health systems involved in providing care for patients with Long COVID, including in underserved areas, such as rural communities and communities disproportionately impacted by Long COVID. 

# Employee and employer-related groups

# Employee and employer experts, attorneys, or organizations involved in addressing the impacts of Long COVID in the workplace, including discrimination. 

# Research

# Researchers and research institutions involved in Long COVID and associated conditions research. 

# Non-voting industry representatives

# People involved in, or representing those involved in, Long COVID research and development, including prevention, diagnostics, and treatment will be designated to represent the interests of this sector. 

# Please see the Federal Register Notice for more details and information on how to apply. 

# 

# ***Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Grants:***FTA announced the availability of $4.7 million in Fiscal Year 2023 competitive grant funding for projects that improve access to vital services for older adults and people with disabilities, and in low-income communities. FTA’s Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) Grants, supports public transportation projects that improve state and regional coordination and will help advance the goals of the President’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

# 

# Applications for funding will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Federal Register including how the project will enhance access and mobility to vital community services for older adults, people with disabilities, and people of low income. An additional $4.8 million is authorized for Fiscal Year 2024 and FTA may award additional funding that is made available to the program prior to the announcement of project selections. Applications are due by ***11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 13, 2024.***

# 

# ***National Accessible Transportation Accelerator Network Seeking Members:***The National Accessible Transportation Accelerator Network (NATAN) is a component of the Accessible Transportation Resource Center (ATRC), led by the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and funded by the Administration on Community Living (ACL). 

# 

# The NATAN consists of a diverse array of organizations interested in advancing accessibility of transportation for people with disabilities and older adults. The NATAN will increase awareness and adoption of strategies to improve the accessibility of transportation systems and services. NATAN members will support the NTAC by:   

# Disseminating information on accessible transportation strategies from NTAC to their networks. 

# Applying the information and lessons learned from NTAC to improve accessibility of transportation nationwide. 

# Identifying issues impacting accessibility of transportation. 

# Serving as a resource to NTAC and other NATAN members on strategies to improve transportation accessibility. 

# 

# To learn more or join NATAN, email atrc@acl.hss.gov.

# 

# ***Ongoing Recruitment of CILs and SILCs for COVID Test Distribution:*** CILs and SILCs are encouraged to participate in the Administration for Community Living and the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) which provides COVID 19 tests to be distributed freely in your communities. For more information, please contact Ed Ahern.   

# 

# **Funding Opportunities**

# 

# ***ACL Announces New Funding to Improve Support for Family Caregivers:***ACL is pleased to announce $3 million in new funding over four years to further advance our support of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (the Strategy). ACL will award one cooperative agreement for a project of national scope intended to foster advancements in two programs authorized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) — the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Native American Caregiver Support Program. 

# 

# To apply, please visit here. Applications are due by ***December 11, 2023.***

# 

# ***Contract Opportunity: Increasing Access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication:***Under a contract with ACL’s Administration on Disabilities (AoD), the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is leading the development of a model for providing peer-to-peer support to help people with disabilities find — and, most importantly, learn to use — augmentative and alternative communication tools. 

# 

# AUCD is now seeking proposals for a subcontract for a one-year planning project to support this work. The subcontractor will work with AUCD on a variety of tasks, including creating the national consortium; conducting a comprehensive review and analysis to identify existing peer-to-peer models, projects, approaches, and activities; and developing an approach and plan to advance peer support models for AAC users.Proposals must be submitted by ***Monday, December 18, 2023.*** Full details about AUCD’s RFP can be found on AUCD’s webpage. Questions and proposals should be submitted to urc@aucd.org.

# 

# ***New Funding Opportunity for Small Business Innovation Research Program:***ACL's National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) is announcing a new funding opportunity for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.  The deadline to apply is ***December 18, 2023.***

# 

# Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I

# 

# The purpose of the SBIR Program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting federal research or research and development needs, and improve the return on investment from federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. The goal is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through research and development of products generated by small businesses — and to increase the commercial application of NIDILRR-supported research results and development products. All SBIR projects funded by NIDILRR must address the needs of individuals with disabilities and promote their health and function, community living, or employment outcomes.

# 

# To apply, please visit this link.

# ***FTA Announces Nearly $5 Million Funding Opportunity to Improve Transit Access for Older Adults, People with Disabilities, and Low-Income Individuals:***FTA recently announced the availability of $4.7 million in Fiscal Year 2023 competitive grant funding for projects that improve access to vital services for older adults and people with disabilities, and in low-income communities. FTA’s Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) Grants, supports public transportation projects that improve state and regional coordination and will help advance the goals of the President’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

# Applications for funding will be evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Federal Register including how the project will enhance access and mobility to vital community services for older adults, people with disabilities, and people of low income. An additional $4.8 million is authorized for Fiscal Year 2024 and FTA may award additional funding that is made available to the program prior to the announcement of project selections.

# Applications are due on ***February 13, 2024, by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time***.

# ***Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants:***EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges.******

# 

# EPA is accepting applications on a rolling basis for $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding available to support community-driven projects that build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges, strengthen their climate resilience, and advance clean energy.

# Read the announcement for the NOFO

# 

# To apply for this opportunity, view the RFA on Grants.gov.  Applications packages must be submitted on or before ***November 21, 2024,******at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.***

# 

# For more information, please visit this link or contact CCGP@epa.gov. 

# 

# 

# **Transition Services**

# 

# ***Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities Launches New Website:***For more information, please visit here.

# 

# **Sharing Your Stories**

# 

# ***Employees With Disabilities Bring Creativity, Know How to Navigate Adversity:***Please see this article where Theo Braddy highlights the importance of employees with disabilities in the workplace.

# 

# ***HCBS Help In South Carolina:***We are pleased to share the impact story below on behalf of our colleagues at Able SC as an example of advocacy in action.

# 

# Jack is a 17-year-old boy who has autism and intellectual and seizure disabilities. He is from York County, South Carolina, and was referred to Able South Carolina (Able SC) due to concerns about his treatment in a Pediatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF). Jack expresses himself through his movements and is primarily non-verbal but can speak a few words. Able SC took direction from his non-verbal gestures and by saying, "Home, shoes, and coat," every time Able SC met with him. Jack had been residing in the facility since he was 11 years old because the state lacked the necessary support in the home or community for Jack to live at home. Therefore, he was placed in a Pediatric Residential Care Facility (PRCF).

# 

# Jack's mother kept raising concerns to multiple agencies in SC, but the agencies would not do anything to help discover alternative options for Jack. Jack endured abuse and neglect in the facility, and essentially every system failed him in SC, including Medicaid, Waiver Services, Case Management, and Education. The neglect was so bad that Jack had to be hospitalized due to infections in his legs and from being malnourished. When Jack was ready to be discharged, his case workers and all state agencies informed the family that the only option was to return to the facility. The same facility mistreated him for years. Able SC advocated and prevented Jack from returning to the facility. Still, because his mother, a single parent, could not bring Jack home without support, Able SC had to keep advocating for HCBS. 

# 

# Due to Jack having to stay in the hospital unnecessarily, the hospital called the SC Child Welfare agency and reported abandonment. Able SC had to step in and work with their partners at the state's child welfare agency to educate them on the fact that the state is the reason for his hospitalization and that if anyone were to be charged, it would need to be the state as there was no infrastructure to care for Jack in the community. Unfortunately, Jack was hospitalized for nearly 12 weeks because the state did not have a system in place. Able SC provided significant and persistent advocacy and education to develop a system so Jack can go home and receive the services he's entitled to. Able SC also called into the Governor's office to express concerns regarding how South Carolina failed Jack.

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# While Jack was on an ID/DD Waiver, Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT, aka Children Medicaid) were not being used. Able SC worked with the state to advocate for Home and Community-Based Services via EPSDT so Jack could live in the community. Able SC's advocacy efforts, including two appeals, created a system so Jack could return home. He now receives 94 hours of weekly nursing services and 45 hours of Children's Personal Care Attendant Services under EPSDT. 

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# Able SC continues to advocate for Jack to receive compensatory education services since, during Jack's time at the PRTF, he went without education for 18 months. Jack is now attending a private school that the district is paying for since the district could not provide Free and Appropriate Education to Jack. He also received a new pair of leg braces and is improving with his waking! Lastly, the PRTF, where Jack endured the abuse and neglect, is now closed, thanks to Able SC’s advocacy work.  Jack's story truly demonstrates the importance of CIL advocacy efforts, and his picture is a true visual of the critical impact of HCBS.

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# *Jack, before receiving HCBS services*

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# *Jack, since receiving HCBS services*

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# ***Vermont nonprofit offering vaccinations at home:***Please see this article highlighting a new program offered by the Vermont Center for Independent Living. 

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# ***How climate change risks impact people with disabilities:***Please see this article highlighting the impact of climate change on people with disabilities and the work of the Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast in Florida.

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# ***OILP is Seeking Success Stories:***The Office of Independent Living Programs wants to highlight examples of the amazing work of our CIL and ILS colleagues! Therefore, we are asking you, our colleagues, to help us share your stories by copying your Program Officer on any press releases that are distributed. Please visit our website at https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living# to view the contact list for the Office of Independent Living Programs. We appreciate your support!

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# ***CILs and the Caregiving Community:***We want to hear about the roles CILs are playing in the caregiving community and how you might be helping to integrate Independent Living philosophy into caregiving. If you have any resources or previous experience, please reach out to Ed Ahern.  

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# **Resources**

# ***Breaking Language Barriers: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Plan to Address Language Barriers and Strengthen Language Access:***HHS released our new language access plan, which includes critical actions to improve access to HHS programs and services for people with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency. With provisions that specifically address the effective communication and accessibility requirements found in sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the HHS Language Access Plan is the latest in a series of important actions taken by ACL and our partners across federal government over the last several years to uphold the rights of people with disabilities.

# The updated Language Access Plan may be found here: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/language-access-plan-2023.pdf.

# More information is available here*.*****

# ***Biden-Harris Administration Announces Resource to Support Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs:***For more information, please visit here*.*

# ***ACL Blog: Advancing Equity and Access to Employment Through Assistive Technology:***Please find assistive technology resources in the blog post here*.*

# ***Voting Accessibility Resources from ACL:***To view ACL’s updated voting resource page, please visit here. 

# 

# ***CDC Resource—Places:***PLACES (**P**opulation **L**evel **A**nalysis and **C**ommunity **Es**timates) has expanded its local-level data to include disability status and type for the first time. Places captures the entire U.S. population to provide county-, place-, census tract-, and ZIP Code Tabulation Area-level data about health risk behaviors (e.g., smoking), health outcomes (e.g., asthma), health status (e.g., mental health), and prevention practices (e.g., mammography use). ******

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# This new **PLACES** data provides local-level disability estimates alongside other community health data for the first time.  The latest data include 36 health-related measures, including (7) new disability measures: hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, independent living, and any disability. For more information or if you have questions, please e-mail PLACES@cdc.gov.

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# ***CDC Health Promotion Materials Available:***The collection is comprised of 20 materials including posters, flyers and handouts, social media images, magnets and decals, storybooks, audio files, and a user guide to help partners understand the purpose and intended use of these materials. 

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# ***CDC Respiratory Virus Toolkits Now Available:***This webpage features toolkits and resources for a variety of audiences that we hope helps you to prepare for the 2023 respiratory virus season.******

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# Current toolkits are tailored toward healthcare providers, older adults, pregnant people, parents, people with disability, and much more. The healthcare provider toolkit is the newest resource, which includes materials on how to talk with patients about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines, print materials for patients, comprehensive clinical guidance, and more.

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# ***Disability Vaccine Access Opportunities Center Resource Hub Launched:***Resources and toolkits are available to serve people with disabilities before, during and after public health emergencies at this link.

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# ***Crisis Services Map for Indigenous People:***

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# The THRIVE suicide prevention project at Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, in partnership with the Indian Health Service (IHS), has developed an interactive **Crisis Services for Indigenous People**map by IHS regions in the United States. For access to the map, go to  https://www.npaihb.org/thrive/crisis-intervention-services/. This map was developed to prevent people, especially those from indigenous communities, from needing more restrictive care, such as psychiatric hospitalization or emergency detention. 

# 

# ***NIDILRR Grant Tips:***NIDILRR has published a new resource, *Tips for NIDILRR Grant**Applicants*, available in the Noteworthy from NIDILRR section of the About NIDILRR page. The tip sheet includes guidance for prospective grantees which may be helpful before and during the application process, such as how to contact NIDILRR, ways to learn about new funding opportunities, registering at grants.gov, language use in applications, and tracking applications throughout the review process. 

# ***The U.S. Department of Transportation Launches Public Awareness Campaign to Ensure Air Travelers with Disabilities Know Their Rights:***For more information, please visit this link.

# ***FHWA Launches Updated Interactive Website with State DOT ADA Transition Plans and Inventories:***The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is committed to Americans with disabilities and removing barriers to access to our transportation systems. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in partnership with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), recently launched a new *Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan and Inventory* interactive website and accompanying background and tutorial to help State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), including planners and policymakers, understand and prioritize the elimination of inaccessible infrastructure when making transportation investments.

# ***U.S. Department of Education Awards Nearly $199 Million to Improve Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Through Partnerships:***For more information, please view this press release.

# ***HHS Launches Office of Long COVID Research and Practice:***For more information and to view the announcement, please visit here.

# ***ACL Expands DIAL to include self-service features:***ACL’s Disability Information and Access Line has launched a new tool to help people with disabilities find local services and resources to support community living. Through DIAL’s new website and its searchable database, users can now find the information they need, at any time of day, every day of the year. We encourage you to provide any contact information updates for your CIL through the DIAL website.

# ***Disability, Diversity, and Intersectionality in CILs:***For research, training, and technical assistance resources, please visit ILRU’s website at https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-diversity. 

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# Please share this newsletter with your staff so they can use these great resources. As always, please feel free to contact our office if you have questions.

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