1 of 17 **State Plan for Independent Living**

**– 201**  **3 Extension** 

OMB NUMBER : 1820
- 0527 EXPI RATION DATE : xx - xx - xxxx
U NITED S TATES D EPARTMENT OF E DUCATION O FFIC E OF S PECIAL E DUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE S ERVICES REHABILITATION S ERVICES A DMINISTRATION W ASHINGTON , D. C. **Instructions for Completion and Submittal of the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) under Chapter 1, Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended**  According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond t o a collection of information unless such collection display s a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 60 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existin g data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain a benefit (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20210

- 4537 or email IC DocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1820

- 0527. Note: Please do not return the completed State Plan for Independent Living to this address. **TABLE OF CONTENTS** Background

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 2 Definitions

................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 3 SPI L Development

................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 6 SPI L Submittal

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 7 SPI L Review and Approval

................................ ................................ ................................ 7 SPI L Amendment s ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 8 Instructions for Completing Part I: Assurances

................................ ................................ .. 8 Instructions for Completing Part II: Narratives

................................ ................................ .. 92 of 17

**Background** Title VII, chapter 1 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (the Act), est ablishes the State Independent L iving Services program and the Centers for Independent L iving program. The purpose of these programs is to:

– promote the independent living philosophy , based on consumer control, peer support, self

- help, self

- determination, equal access and individual and sy stems advocacy ;

– maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with significant disabilities; and

– promote the integration and full inclusion of individuals with significant disabilities into the mainstream of American society. The State Independent Living Services (SILS) program, funded under part B of chapter 1 makes available financial assistance to States for providing, expanding and improving the provision of independent living (I L) services. The program also provides for the:

– development and support of statewide networks of centers for independent living (CILs);

– improvements in working relationships between the designated State unit (DSU) and the Statewide Independent L iving Co uncil (SILC) in each State; and

– collaboration among the SILS program, the CILs, other programs funded under the Act and other Federal and non

- Federal programs that address the needs of individuals with significant disabilities. States are required to i ncur at least 10% of the expenditures under part B during an y given ye ar, either in cash or in

- kind donations of plant, equipment or services. The Centers for Independent L iving (CIL) program, funded under part C of chapter 1, provides financial assistance for planning, conducting, administering and evaluating centers for independent living that compl y with specific standards and assurances and which reflect the State’s design for the establishment of a statewide network of centers. The Act also authori zes, in title VII, chapter 2, the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) program. It assists individuals ages 55 or older whose significant visual impairment makes competitive employ ment extremel y difficult to attain but for whom independent living goals are feasible. OI B funds are administered by the State agency

or organizational unit with sole authority to provide or supervise vocational rehabilitation services for individuals who are blind. In some States, this is the same agency that administers the SILS and CIL programs; in others, it is a separate agency /organizational unit. States apply for OIB funds through a process separate from the SPIL.3 of 17

States wishing to receive funding under the parts B and C must submit an approvable three

- ye ar State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The SPIL encompasses the activities planned b y t he State to achieve its specified independent living objectives and reflects the State's c ommitment to comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory

requirements during the three y ears covered b y the plan. In States with a separate agency or unit that administers the SIL S program for individuals who are blind, the director of that agency /unit, along with the director of the DSU are required to jointly develop and sign the SPIL and cooperate in its implementation. Part Iof the SPIL is a series of assurances, or statements of compliance, based on legal and regulatory

provisions governin g the SIL S and CIL programs. Part II of the SPIL consists of narrative sections in which the State describes its independent living objectives, services, activities and operational details. The objective of this SPIL revision is to promote continuous i mprovement in the SILS and CIL programs by

enhancing RSA’s ability to review the SPILs and provide technical assistance and monitoring, while minimizing the States’ recordkeeping and reporting burdens. The SPIL requests only the information that Federal l aw and regulations clearl y require it to include. Also, it is more closely aligned to how RSA approaches its other programs that require State plans, including the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Supported Employ

ment programs. **Definitions** T he following are definitions useful for completing this SPIL. Additional definitions related to independent living programs may be found in 34 CFR 364.4, 34 CFR 367.5, 34 CFR part 77, and section 7 of the Act. Act means the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) means consumer - controlled, community

- based, cross - disability , nonresidential, private nonprofit agencies that are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and that prov ide an array of independent living services. Centers for Independent Living program (CIL program) means the program funded under Title VII, chapter 1, part C of the Act. Client Assistance Program (CAP) means the program, established by section 112 o f the Act, to provide assistance in informing and advising all clients and client applicants of all available benefits under the Act, and, upon request of such clients or client applicants, to assist and advocate for such individuals in their relationships with projects.4 of 17

Consumer means an y individual with a significant disability who is eligible for IL services under 34 CFR 364.40(a) and is currently receiving or has been provided with any I L service(s) under the program. Consumer control means, with r espect to a center or eligible agency , that the center or eligible agency

vests power and authority in individuals with disabilities, including individuals who are or have been recipients of IL services. Consumer Service Record (CSR) means the records th at are maintained for an eligible consumer receiving IL services and that meet the requirements of 34 CFR 364.53. In cases where IL services are provided to the parent or guardian of a consumer, the CSR is established for the consumer and the services pro vided are reflected in that CSR. Cross
- disability means, with respect to a center, that a center provides IL services to individuals representing a range of significant disabilities and does not require the presence of one or more specific significant dis abilities before determining that an individual is eligible for IL services. Designated State unit (DSU) means either the State agency or the bureau, division or other organizational unit within a State agency that is primarily

concerned with the vocation al rehabilitation, or vocational and other rehabilitation, of individuals with disabilities and that is responsible for the administration of the VR program of the State agency ; or the independent State commission, board, or other agency that has the vocat ional rehabilitation, or vocational and other rehabilitation, of individuals with disabilities as its primary function. A State agency

or organizational unit of a State agency authorized under State law to provide VR services to individuals who are blind under a State VR plan may be designated as the DSU to administer that part of the SPIL under which IL services are provided to individuals who are blind. That agency , if so designated, fulfills the responsibilities of the DSU with regard to the SPIL as it relates to individuals who are blind. Independent living core services mean information and referral services; IL skills training; peer counseling (including cross

- disability peer counseling); and individual and sy stems advocacy

. Independent living ser

vices include the independent living core services listed above and the services listed in 34 CFR 364.4. Independent living plan means the plan for the provision of IL services mutually agreed upon by an appropriate staff member of a service provider and an individual with a significant disability

. Individual with a significant disability means an individual with a severe phy sical, mental, cognitive or sensory impairment whose ability to function independently in the5 of 17

family or community

or whose ability to obtain, maintain, or advance in employ ment is substantially

limited and for whom the delivery of IL services will improve the ability to function, continue functioning, or move toward functioning independently in the family or community

or to continue i n employ ment. Minority group means American Indians or Alaskan Natives, Asian Americans, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanic or Latino Americans, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders. Nonresidential means, with respect to a center for independent living, that the center, as of October 1, 1994, does not operate or manage housing or shelter for individuals as an IL service on either a temporary or long

- term basis unless the housing or shelter is incidental to the overall operation of the center; ne cessary so that the individual may receive an IL service; and limited to a period not to exceed eight weeks during any six

month period. Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) means the Federal entit y within the United States Department of Educatio n, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services that administers the SILS and CIL programs. Section 722 State means a State in which Federal funding exceeds State funding for the general operation of eligible CILs or, if State funding exceeds Federal funding, the Director of the DSU elects not to administer the CIL program. In these States, RSA issues grants under part C, Chapter 1, directl y to centers and eligible agencies. Section 723 State means a State in which State funding for centers equals or exceeds the amount of Federal funds allotted to the State under part C, Chapter 1 and in which the Director of the DSU submits an application and is approved b y RSA to administer the CI L program as provided in section 723 of the Act and subpart D of part 366 of the regulations. Service provider means a DSU that directly provides IL services to individuals with significant disabilities; a center that receives financial assistance under part B or C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act; or an y other entity or individual that meets the requirements of 34 CFR 364.43(e) and provides IL services under a grant or contract from the DSU pursuant to 34 CFR 364.43(b). State means, except for sections 711(a)(2)(A) and 721(c)(2)(A) and where otherwise specifie d in the Act, in addition to each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. State Indep endent Living Services program (SILS program) means the program funded under part B, chapter 1 of title VII of the Act.6 of 17

State Plan for Independent L iving (SPIL) means the State IL plan required under section 704 of title VII of the Act that governs the SI LS and CIL programs. The SPIL is jointly developed and signed b y the SILC and the DSU. Statewide Independent Living Council (SIL C) means the Council established in each State as required b y s ections 704 and 705 of the Act. Statewide Network of Centers f or Independent L iving means a statewide network of CILs that comply

with the standards and assurances in section 725(b) and (c) of the Act and subparts F and G of 34 CFR part 366. Unserved and underserved groups or populations , with respect to groups or populations of individuals with significant disabilities in a State, include, but are not limited to, groups or populations of individuals with significant disabilities who have cognitive and sensory impairments; are members of racial and ethnic minority groups; live in rural areas; or have been identified by the eligible agency

as unserved or underserved within a center's project area. **SPIL Development** The State plan must be jointly developed and signed by the DSU and the SILC. Or, in States with a se parate State agency with sole authority

to administer or supervise vocational rehabilitation services for individuals who are blind, the SPIL must be jointly developed and signed b y the separate State agency as well as the DSU and the SILC. A single SPIL is to be submitted for each State. (Note: The State agency or organizational unit providing IL services to individuals who are blind may not submit a separate SPIL.) States are required to hold public hearings, meeting the requirements of 34 CFR 364.20 (g), that provide all segments of the public, including interested groups, organizations and individuals, the opportunity to comment on the contents of the SPIL prior to its submission and on any revisions to the approved State plan. The DSU and SI LC may meet the public participation requirement by holding the public meetings before a preliminary

draft State plan is prepared or by providing a preliminary

draft State plan for comment at the public meetings. The DSU and the SILC must identify , during the pu blic hearings, an y provisions in the State plan that are State

- imposed requirements relating to the administration or operation of an y program funded under title VII of the Act. In developing the SPIL objectives, as appropriate, the DSU and the SILC are to activel y consult with the Director of Client Assistance Program, and to consider and incorporate the program and financial planning objectives priorities established by centers for independent living.7 of 17

The SPIL is subject to the provisions of Executiv e Order 12372 and the Department’s implementing regulations of that Executive Order at 34 CFR part 79 pertaining to the process for review and comment. **SPIL Submittal** The SPIL must be submitted to RSA no later than 90 days before the completion date o f the previous plan. (For example, July 1, 2010 is the due date for the FY 2 011

– 2013 SPI L). States are encouraged to complete and submit the SPIL directl y online through RSA’s Management Information Sy stem (MIS), which is ADA and section 508 compliant. The SPIL may also be submitted via email. In addition to the completed instrument, the SPIL submi ttal package include s the following elements : (1) signatures of the authorized representatives of the DSU, the SILC and, where appropriate, the separate State agency for individuals who are blind ; and (2) signed lobb yi ng certification form

. RSA will provide detailed SPI L submittal instructions, including arrangements for signatures, lobby

certifications and Executive Order 12372 comments via the RSA MI S
. **SPIL Review and Approval** The RSA Commissioner is responsible for reviewing and, where all applicable statutory and regulatory

requirements have been met, approving the SPIL. After approving the SPI L, the Commissioner shall transmit an approval letter to the State and shall post the approved SPIL on RSA’s website for public viewing. The Commissioner may

provide technical assistance to the State to make adjustments to the SPIL prior to its approval, if such adjustments are deemed necessary . If the Stat e is unable to make adjustments immediately , the Commissioner may provide approval of the SPI L based on the State’s agreement to comply with certain conditions. If, after providing the appropriate technical assistance to the State, the Commissioner determ ines that the SPIL does not meet the applicable statutory and regulatory

requirements and thus is not approvable, the Commissioner may decide to disapprove the SPIL. Prior to disapproving the SPIL, the Commissioner will attempt to informally resolve the disputed issues with State officials. If no resolution has been reached after reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute informally , the Commissioner may provide written notice to the DSU and the SILC of the intention to disapprove the State plan and of the State’s opportunity

for a formal hearing. The hearing and judicial review procedures for an unapproved SPIL are outlined in 34 CFR 364.12(d) and (e). The Commissioner may

also withhold, reduce, limit or terminate funding in accordance with the proced

ures described in 34 CFR 364.13.8 of 17

**SPIL Amendments** The SPIL is subject to amendment if the Commissioner determines that an amendment is essential during the three

- ye ar effective period of the plan. The State shall also amend the SPIL if there is a signifi cant and relevant change in the information or the assurances in the plan, in the administration or operation of the plan, or in the organization, policies, or operations of the State agency that received the grant, if the change materially affects the inf ormation or assurances in the SPIL. The State will continue to operate under the existing SPIL during the period covered b y the SPIL until the substantive amendments are approved. If a State amends the SPIL, it shall use the same procedures as those it i s required to use to develop and submit the original SPIL, including the requirements for public hearings. The Commissioner uses the same procedures to approve an amendment to the SPIL

– or any other document a State submits

– as the one used in approvin g the original document. **Instructions for Completing Part I: Assurances** Part Iof the SPIL is a series of assurances, or statements of compliance, required by title VII, chapter 1 of the Act and its implementing regulations at 34 CFR parts 364, 365 366, and 367, as well as b y parts 76 and 80 of EDGAR. The assurances are divided into the following sections: Section 1: L egal Basis and Certifications Section 2: SPIL Development Section 3: Independent Living Services Section 4: Eligibility Section 5: Sta ffing Requirements Section 6: Fiscal Control and Fund Accounting Section 7: Record

- Keeping, Access, and Reporting Section 8: Protection, Use, and Release of Personal Information Respondents are required to read carefully each assurance and to certify comp liance with each assurance b y providing the appropriate signatures in section 9. Since the assurances reflect the State’s commitment to comply with statutory

and regulatory

requirements, changes to the assurance statements are not permitted. All material s related to the assurances must be maintained b y the State and made available to Federal staff upon request, for review and monitoring purposes. Section 9 is the signature page for the authorized representatives of the DSU, the SILC and, where applicable , the separate State agency providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind. By these signatures, the representatives certify that the State is in compliance with the assurances and that the corresponding written procedures and o ther documents are on file and available for Federal review.9 of 17

**Instructions for Completing Part II: Narratives** Part II of the SPIL is a series of narrative sections and tables in which the State describes various aspects of its independent living plan, as required b y title VII of the Act and its implementing regulations. Part II is divided into the following sections: Section 1: Goals, Objectives and Activities Section 2: Scope, Extent and Arrangements of Services Section 3: Design for the Statewide Ne twork of Centers Section 4: Designated State Unit (DSU) Section 5: Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Section 6: Service Provider Requirements Section 7: Evaluation Section 8: State

- Imposed Requirements General notes for completing Part II:

– The revised SPIL requires from the State only the information that Federal law and regulations clearl y require. The State is free to include an y additional information or explanations in response to the questions in the Narrative sections. Also, RSA may request additional information about the States’ IL program for clarification of its responses in the SPIL and as part of its continuous monitoring and technical assistance activities.

– Aside from two tables, Part II of the SPIL consists of sections requiri ng narrative responses. The sections are specific and focused, designed for brief and concise responses.

– When a section relates to a specific statutory or regulatory

requirement, the response should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate that the State has in place the sy stems (i.e., policies and procedures) necessary to ensure compliance with that requirement. When a section relates to a specific aspect of the IL program, the response should be sufficient to provide an accurate picture of the State’s p lan in that regard.

– In some cases, information required b y law or regulation appears both as assurances in Part I and as narrative sections in Part II. The information is requested in Part II only

when necessary

to comply

with the following provision in 34 CFR 364.20(i): The State plan also must address how the specific requirements in §§ 364.21 through 364.43 and in §§ 364.56 and 364.59 will be met.

– Narrative sections may be addressed by

citing or describing relevant written policies, procedures, b y - laws, technical assistance and monitoring activities, or other practices. Brief and concise responses are expected to these sections. Supporting documentation must be available for inspection, but is not to be submitted with the SPIL.

– RSA will provide ong oing technical assistance and guidance on completing the SPI L, as necessary
.10 of 17

**Section 1: Goals, Objectives and Activities** 1.1 Goals and Mission

– 34 CFR 364.42(b)(1) Describe the overall goals and mission of the State's IL programs and services.

– The goa ls and mission are intended to summarize the desired end results of the three

- ye ar period of this SPIL. Together, they describe how the objectives, activities, and services outlined in the SPIL will improve the IL program and the lives of individuals with significant disabilities in the State.

– The SPIL must address the goals and mission of both the SILS and the CIL programs, including those of the State agency for individuals who are blind as they relate to the parts of the SPIL administered b y that agenc y. 1.2 Objectives

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

the objectives to be achieved and the time frame for achieving them.

– The objectives represent the strategy or blueprint for achieving the goals and mission. They

include the major initiatives, activities and steps to achieve the overall goals and mission outlined in section 1.1, above. 1.2B Describe the steps planned regarding outreach to populations in the State that are unserved or underserved by programs under title VII, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.

– This section of the SPIL must identify the populations to be designated for targeted outreach efforts; identify

the geographic areas (i.e., communities) in which the targeted po pulations reside; and describe how the needs of individuals with significant disabilities from minority group backgrounds will be addressed. 1.3 Financial Plan

– 34 CFR 364.42(a)(2) and (3); 34 CFR 364.29 Describe the financial plan for the use of Fede ral and non

- Federal funds to meet the objectives identified in the SPIL.

– The financial plan is a summary of the anticipated sources, amounts and proposed uses of funds to support the SPIL objectives. It is not a detailed budget. 1.3A Financial Plan T ables Complete the financial plan tables covering y ears 1, 2 and 3 of this SPIL. The first column in each of the tables lists the potential SPIL funding sources. The four other columns represent the potential uses of funds. For each funding source, prov ide estimated dollar amounts anticipated for the applicable uses.11 of 17

– The financial plan table should include only funding sources and amounts that are intended for supporting the achievement of one or more of the objectives identified in section 1.2 of the S PI L.

– The tables should reflect grant funds, program income and pass

- through funds. (In

kind resources are to be described in section 1.3B, Financial Plan Narrative.)

– To the extent possible, the tables and narratives must reflect the applicable financia l information from the CILs in the statewide network of centers.

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

- Federal Funds. Notes regarding Sources :

– Title VII Funds. Ch apter 2, OIB program funds are required to be included in the Financial Plan table onl y if the OIB grantee authorizes the use of an y portion of OI B funds to further a SPIL objective. If the OIB grantee permits such funds to be used, then that portion shou ld be indicated in the corresponding line item of the Financial Plan.

– Other Federal Funds include, but are not limited to, title I funds available under section 101(a)(18) of the Act, Social Securit y pa yments, funding from Housing and Urban Development, an d funding received from other Federal programs such as the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program.

– Non
- Federal Funds include, but are not limited to, State and local government funds as well as non

- government funds from individual donors, foundations, corporations and community

organizations. State government funds include matching funds in compliance with section 712(b) of the Act, general revenue funds and funds made available through other State programs such as Medicaid reimbursements , Aging and Developmental Disabilities Councils, etc. Notes regarding Funding Amounts and Uses:

– SI LC Resource Plan reflects funding made available to the SILC for carry ing out the functions outlined in section 705(c) of the Act.

– IL Services reflect f

unding for the provision of IL services by the DSU (directly

or through grants and contracts). It includes funding to CILs for providing specific services, but excludes funding for the general operations of centers (see below).

– General CIL Operations refl ect funding for the general operations of centers and excludes funds specifically for the provision of IL services. For the purpose of this SPI L, Part C funding is considered general CIL operating funds.

– Other SPIL Activities are those that support the SP IL objectives in Section 1.2A, excluding the SIL C resource plan, IL services and general CIL operations. This item reflects the authorized uses of Part B funds outlined in section 713 of the Act and other SPIL activities funded through chapter 2 of title VII (Older Blind) or other non

- title VII sources in support of the SPIL objectives. 1.3B Financial Plan Narratives12 of 17

1.3B(1) Specify

how the part B, part C and chapter 2 (Older Blind) funds, if applicable, will further the SPIL objectives.

– Two examples are provided below:

o Chapter 2 funds will support SPIL objective #2, Increased Outreach to Older Individuals who are Blind.

o Part C funds will support SPIL objectives #3 and #5, Increased Outreach to Youth in Transition and Increased Resource Development A ctivities to Obtain Non

- Title VII Sources of Funding. 1.3B(2) Describe efforts to coordinate Federal and State funding for centers and IL services, including the amounts, sources and purposes of the funding to be coordinated. 1.3B(3) Describe an y in

- kin d resources including plant, equipment or services to be provided in support of the SILC resource plan, IL services, general CIL operations and/or other SPIL objectives. 1.3B(4) Provide an y additional information about the financial plan, as appropriate.

– This may

include, for example, additional details about the Other Federal, Non

Federal funds, program income and pass

- through funding, or about specific circumstances that may

affect the financial plan during the next three y ears. 1.4 Compatibility

with Chapter 1 of Title VII and the CIL Work Plans

– 34 CFR 364.42(c) and (e) 1.4A Describe how the SPIL objectives are consistent with and further the purpose of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act as stated in section 701 of the Act and 34 CFR 364.2. 1.4B D escribe how, in developing the SPIL objectives, the DSU and the SILC considered and incorporated, where appropriate, the priorities and objectives established by centers for independent living under section 725(c)(4) of the Act. 1.5 Cooperation, Coordination, and Working Relationships Among Various Entities

– 34 CFR 364.26 Describe the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination and working relationships among the SILS program, the SILC, and centers;, the DSU, other State agencies represented on the SILC, other councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues; and other public and private entities determined to be appropriate b y the SIL C.

– The description must identify the entities with which the DSU and the SILC will cooperate and coordinate.13 of 17

1.6 Coordination of Services

– 34 CFR 364.27 Describe how IL services funded under chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will be coordinated with and complement other services to avoid unnecessary duplication with other Federal, State, and local programs, including the OIB program authorized by chapter 2 of title VII of the Act, that provide IL
- or VR
- related services.

– In clude those services provided by State and local agencies administering the special education, vocational education, developmental disabilities services, public health, mental health, housing, transportation, and veterans' programs, and the programs authorized under titles XVIII through XX of the Social Securit y Act within the State. 1.7 In dependent L iving Services for Individuals who are Older Blind

– 34 CFR 364.28 Describe how the DSU seeks to incorporate into and describe in the State plan any new methods or approaches for the provision of IL services to older individuals who are blind that are developed under the Older Individuals who are Blind program and that the DSU determines to be effective. **Section 2: Scope, Extent and Arrangements of Services** 2.1 Scope and Extent

– 34 CFR 364.42(b)(2)(3); 34 CFR 364.43(b); 34 CFR 364.59(b) 2.1A Check the appropriate boxes in the SPIL Instrument table indicating the ty pes of IL services to be provided to meet the objectives identified in section 1.2 of this SPIL, and whether the services will be provided b y the CILs or by the DSU (directly and/or through contract or grant). 2.1B Describe an y service provision priorities, including types of services or populations, established for meeting the SPIL objectives identified in section 1.2. 2.1C I f the State allows service providers to charge consumers for the cost of services or to consider the ability

of individual consumers to pay for the cost of IL services, specify (i) the ty pes of IL services for which costs may be charged and for which a financial need test may be applied, and (ii) describe how the St ate will ensure that an y consideration of financial need is applied uniformly so that all individuals who are eligible for IL services are treated equally , and that written policies and consumer documentation required by 34 CFR 364.59(d) will be kept by th e service provider. Indicate N/A if not applicable. 2.2 Arrangements for State

- Provided Services

– 34 CFR 364.43(d) and (e) 2.2A If the DSU will provide an y of the IL services identified in section 2.1A through grants or contractual arrangements with th ird parties, describe such arrangements.14 of 17

– Examples of items to include in the description are the ty pes of arrangement (grant, or contract), the funding sources (Federal, State or other), the service providers (CILs, non

- CIL providers), the ty pes of serv ices, and whether the funding is for the general operation of a center or to provide specific IL services. 2.2B If the State contracts with or awards a grant to a center for the general operation of the center, describe how the State will ensure that the determination of an individual's eligibility for services from that center shall be delegated to the center.

– Note: If the State contracts with or awards a grant to a third part y to provide specific IL services, the State may choose to delegate to the I L service provider the determination of eligibility for these services and the development of an IL plan for individuals who receive these services. **Section 3: Design for the Statewide Network of Centers** 3.1 Existing Network

– 34 CFR 364.25 Provide an o verview of the existing network of centers, including non

- Part C
- funded centers that comply

with the standards and assurances in section 725 (b) and (c) of the Act, and the geographic areas and populations currently served by

the centers. 3.2 Expansion o f Network

– 34 CFR 364.25 Describe the design for the further expansion of the network, including identification of the unserved and underserved areas in the State and the order of priority for serving these areas as additional funding becomes available (bey ond the required cost

- of

- living increase). 3.3 Section 723 States Only

– 34 CFR 364.39 3.3A If the State follows an order of priorities for allocating funds among centers within a State that is different from what is outlined in 34 CFR 366.22, descr ibe the alternate order of priority

that the DSU director and the SIL C chair have agreed upon. Indicate N/A if not applicable. 3.3B Describe how the State policies, practices and procedures governing the awarding of grants to centers and the oversight of these centers are consistent with the requirements in 34 CFR 366.37 and 366.38.15 of 17

**Section 4: Designated State Unit (DSU)** 4.1 Administrative Support Services

– 34 CFR 364.4; 34 CFR 364.22(b) 4.1A Describe the administrative support services to be provid ed b y the DSU for the SI LS (Part B) program and, if the State is a Section 723 State, for the CIL (Part C) program.

– Note: Administrative support services include financial and technical assistance in planning, budget development and evaluation of center a ctivities; financial management support including audits; personnel development and recordkeeping activities.

– Greater detail regarding in

- kind support provided to the SILC resource plan should be included in section 5.1 of this SPIL, if applicable. 4.1 B Describe other DSU arrangements for the administration of the IL program, if an y (e.g., a DSU cooperative agreement with another State agency , office or entity that may involve the sharing of IL program responsibilities). **Section 5: Statewide Independen t Living Council (SILC)**  5.1 Resource plan

– 34 CFR 364.21(i) 5.1A Describe the resource plan prepared b y the SILC in conjunction with the DSU for the provision of resources, including staff and personnel, made available under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII, section 101(a)(18) of the Act, and from other public and private sources that may

be necessary

to carry out the functions of the SILC identified in section 705(c). The description must address the three ye ars of this SPIL.

– Note: The financ ial tables and narratives in section 3.1 describing the IL financial plan also serve as an outline of the SIL C resource plan. In this section, provide additional information about the SILC resource plan, including details about in

- kind resources such as p lant, equipment and services. A detailed SIL C budget is not required with this SPIL. 5.1B Describe how the specific SILC resource plan requirements listed in the SPIL Instrument will be addressed.

– Concisely

describe or cite relevant written policies, procedures, b y - laws, technical assistance and monitoring activities or other practices. 5.2 Establishment and Placement

– 34 CFR 364.21(a) Describe how the establishment and placement of the SILC ensures its independence with respect to the DSU and al l other State agencies.16 of 17

– In clude an explanation of the SILC establishment and placement. Establishment refers to the legal mechanism by which the SILC was established (e.g., through State law or governor’s executive order) and to its legal status (e.g., whether it is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or part of State government structure). Placement refers to where the SILC has been placed, either within the State’s organizational structure (e.g., in the governor’s office, as an independent agency or c ommission, etc.) or outside of the State’s structure (e.g., as a non

- profit organization).

– Note: In accordance with 34 CFR 364.21(a)(2), the SILC may not be established as an entity within a State agency , including the DSU or designated State agency

. 5 .3 Appointment and Composition

– 34 CFR 364.21(b)

– (f) Describe the process used by the State to appoint members to the SIL C who meet the composition requirements in section 705(b).

– Indicate who makes appointments to the SILC, how the State ensures that the SILC composition and qualification requirements are met, how the chair is selected, how term limits are maintained, and how SIL C vacancies are filled. 5.4 Staffing

– 34 CFR 364.21(j) Describe how the specific SILC staffing requirements listed in the SPIL In strument will be addressed.

– Concisely

describe or cite relevant written policies, procedures, by

- laws, technical assistance and monitoring activities or other practices. **Section 6: Service Provider Requirements** Sections 6.1

– 6.7 Descri be how the specific service provider requirements listed in the SPIL Instrument will be addressed. 34 CFR 364.23; 34 CFR 364.24; 34 CFR 364.30; 34 CFR 364.31; 34 CFR 364.34; 34 CFR 364.35; 34 CFR 364.36; 34 CFR 364.37; 34 CFR 364.40; 34 CFR 364.41; 34 CFR 364.43(c); 34 CFR 364.56(a)

– Concisely

describe or cite relevant written policies, procedures, technical assistance and monitoring activities or other practices.17 of 17

**Section 7: Evaluation** Describe the method that will be used to periodically eval uate the effectiveness of the plan in meeting the objectives established in Section 1.2. The description must include the State’s evaluation of satisfaction by individuals with significant disabilities who have participated in the program. 34 CFR 364.38 **Section 8: State -**  **Im posed Requirements**  Id entify an y State
- imposed requirements contained in the provisions of this SPIL. Indicate N/A if not applicable. Note: State
- imposed requirements include an y State law, regulation, rule or policy relating to the DSU's administration or operation of IL programs under title VII of the Act, including an y rule or policy implementing any Federal law, regulation or guideline, that goes bey ond what would be required to comply with the regulations in 34 CFR parts 364, 36 5, 366 and 367. 34 CFR 364.20(h)