SUBCHAPTER VII—INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES AND CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
Editorial Notes
Codification
Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, comprising this subchapter, was originally added to
Part A—Individuals With Significant Disabilities
subpart 1—general provisions
§796. Purpose
The purpose of this part is to promote a philosophy of independent living, including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society, by—
(1) providing financial assistance to States for providing, expanding, and improving the provision of independent living services;
(2) providing financial assistance to develop and support statewide networks of centers for independent living; and
(3) providing financial assistance to States for improving working relationships among State independent living rehabilitation service programs, centers for independent living, Statewide Independent Living Councils established under
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796,
Another prior section 796,
Amendments
2014—Par. (3).
§796–1. Administration of the independent living program
There is established within the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services, an Independent Living Administration. The Independent Living Administration shall be headed by a Director (referred to in this section as the "Director") appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Director shall be an individual with substantial knowledge of independent living services. The Independent Living Administration shall be the principal agency, and the Director shall be the principal officer, to carry out this part. In performing the functions of the office, the Director shall be directly responsible to the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services. The Secretary shall ensure that the Independent Living Administration has sufficient resources (including designating at least 1 individual from the Office of General Counsel who is knowledgeable about independent living services) to provide technical assistance and support to, and oversight of, the programs funded under this part.
(
§796a. Definitions
As used in this part:
(1) Administrator
The term "Administrator" means the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services.
(2) Center for independent living
The term "center for independent living" means a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency for individuals with significant disabilities (regardless of age or income) that—
(A) is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities; and
(B) provides an array of independent living services, including, at a minimum, independent living core services as defined in
(3) Consumer control
The term "consumer control" means, with respect to a center for independent living, that the center vests power and authority in individuals with disabilities, in terms of the management, staffing, decisionmaking, operation, and provisions of services, of the center.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796a,
Another prior section 796a,
Amendments
2014—Par. (1).
Par. (1)(B).
Par. (2).
Par. (3).
§796b. Eligibility for receipt of services
Services may be provided under this part to any individual with a significant disability, as defined in
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796b,
Another prior section 796b,
§796c. State plan
(a) In general
(1) Requirement
To be eligible to receive financial assistance under this part, a State shall submit to the Administrator, and obtain approval of, a State plan developed and signed in accordance with paragraph (2), containing such provisions as the Administrator may require, including, at a minimum, the provisions required in this section.
(2) Joint development
The plan under paragraph (1) shall be jointly—
(A) developed by the chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council, and the directors of the centers for independent living in the State, after receiving public input from individuals with disabilities and other stakeholders throughout the State; and
(B) signed by—
(i) the chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council, acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council;
(ii) the director of the designated State entity described in subsection (c); and
(iii) not less than 51 percent of the directors of the centers for independent living in the State.
(3) Periodic review and revision
The plan shall provide for the review and revision of the plan, not less than once every 3 years, to ensure the existence of appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately address, on a statewide and comprehensive basis, needs in the State for—
(A) the provision of independent living services in the State;
(B) the development and support of a statewide network of centers for independent living; and
(C) working relationships and collaboration between—
(i) centers for independent living; and
(ii)(I) entities carrying out programs that provide independent living services, including those serving older individuals;
(II) other community-based organizations that provide or coordinate the provision of housing, transportation, employment, information and referral assistance, services, and supports for individuals with significant disabilities; and
(III) entities carrying out other programs providing services for individuals with disabilities.
(4) Date of submission
The State shall submit the plan to the Administrator 90 days before the completion date of the preceding plan. If a State fails to submit such a plan that complies with the requirements of this section, the Administrator may withhold financial assistance under this part until such time as the State submits such a plan.
(5) Statewideness
The State plan shall describe strategies for providing independent living services on a statewide basis, to the greatest extent possible.
(b) Statewide Independent Living Council
The plan shall provide for the establishment of a Statewide Independent Living Council in accordance with
(c) Designation of State entity
The plan shall designate a State entity of such State (referred to in this subchapter as the "designated State entity") as the agency that, on behalf of the State, shall—
(1) receive, account for, and disburse funds received by the State under this part based on the plan;
(2) provide administrative support services for a program under subpart 2, and a program under subpart 3 in a case in which the program is administered by the State under
(3) keep such records and afford such access to such records as the Administrator finds to be necessary with respect to the programs;
(4) submit such additional information or provide such assurances as the Administrator may require with respect to the programs; and
(5) retain not more than 5 percent of the funds received by the State for any fiscal year under subpart 2, for the performance of the services outlined in paragraphs (1) through (4).
(d) Objectives
The plan shall—
(1) specify the objectives to be achieved under the plan and establish timelines for the achievement of the objectives; and
(2) explain how such objectives are consistent with and further the purpose of this part.
(e) Independent living services
The plan shall provide that the State will provide independent living services under this part to individuals with significant disabilities, and will provide the services to such an individual in accordance with an independent living plan mutually agreed upon by an appropriate staff member of the service provider and the individual, unless the individual signs a waiver stating that such a plan is unnecessary.
(f) Scope and arrangements
The plan shall describe the extent and scope of independent living services to be provided under this part to meet such objectives. If the State makes arrangements, by grant or contract, for providing such services, such arrangements shall be described in the plan.
(g) Network
The plan shall set forth a design for the establishment of a statewide network of centers for independent living that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in
(h) Centers
In States in which State funding for centers for independent living equals or exceeds the amount of funds allotted to the State under subpart 3, as provided in
(i) Cooperation, coordination, and working relationships among various entities
The plan shall set forth the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination, and working relationships among—
(1) the Statewide Independent Living Council;
(2) centers for independent living;
(3) the designated State entity; and
(4) other State agencies or entities represented on the Council, other councils that address the needs and issues of specific disability populations, and other public and private entities determined to be appropriate by the Council.
(j) Coordination of services
The plan shall describe how services funded under this part will be coordinated with, and complement, other services, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication with other Federal, State, and local programs.
(k) Coordination between Federal and State sources
The plan shall describe efforts to coordinate Federal and State funding for centers for independent living and independent living services.
(l) Outreach
With respect to services and centers funded under this part, the plan shall set forth steps to be taken regarding outreach to populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this subchapter, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.
(m) Requirements
The plan shall provide satisfactory assurances that all recipients of financial assistance under this part will—
(1) notify all individuals seeking or receiving services under this part about the availability of the client assistance program under
(2) take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of such individuals under the provisions of
(3) adopt such fiscal control and fund accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure the proper disbursement of and accounting for funds paid to the State under this part;
(4)(A) maintain records that fully disclose—
(i) the amount and disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such financial assistance;
(ii) the total cost of the project or undertaking in connection with which such financial assistance is given or used; and
(iii) the amount of that portion of the cost of the project or undertaking supplied by other sources;
(B) maintain such other records as the Administrator determines to be appropriate to facilitate an effective audit;
(C) afford such access to records maintained under subparagraphs (A) and (B) as the Administrator determines to be appropriate; and
(D) submit such reports with respect to such records as the Administrator determines to be appropriate;
(5) provide access to the Administrator and the Comptroller General or any of their duly authorized representatives, for the purpose of conducting audits and examinations, of any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipients that are pertinent to the financial assistance received under this part; and
(6) provide for public hearings regarding the contents of the plan during both the formulation and review of the plan.
(n) Evaluation
The plan shall establish a method for the periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of the plan in meeting the objectives established in subsection (d), including evaluation of satisfaction by individuals with disabilities.
(o) Promoting full access to community life
The plan shall describe how the State will provide independent living services described in
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796c,
Another prior section 796c,
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (a)(2).
"(A) the director of the designated State unit; and
"(B) the chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council, acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council."
Subsec. (a)(3)(A).
Subsec. (a)(3)(C).
"(C) working relationships between—
"(i) programs providing independent living services and independent living centers; and
"(ii) the vocational rehabilitation program established under subchapter I of this chapter, and other programs providing services for individuals with disabilities."
Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (a)(5).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (c)(3), (4).
Subsec. (c)(5).
Subsec. (i).
"(1) the independent living rehabilitation service program, the Statewide Independent Living Council, and centers for independent living; and
"(2) the designated State unit, other State agencies represented on such Council, other councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues, and other public and private entities determined to be appropriate by the Council."
Subsec. (m)(4), (5).
Subsec. (o).
§796d. Statewide Independent Living Council
(a) Establishment
To be eligible to receive financial assistance under this part, each State shall establish and maintain a Statewide Independent Living Council (referred to in this section as the "Council"). The Council shall not be established as an entity within a State agency.
(b) Composition and appointment
(1) Appointment
Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor or, in the case of a State that, under State law, vests authority for the administration of the activities carried out under this chapter in an entity other than the Governor (such as one or more houses of the State legislature or an independent board), the chief officer of that entity. The appointing authority shall select members after soliciting recommendations from representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities and organizations interested in individuals with disabilities.
(2) Composition
The Council shall include—
(A) among its voting members, at least 1 director of a center for independent living chosen by the directors of centers for independent living within the State;
(B) among its voting members, for a State in which 1 or more centers for independent living are run by, or in conjunction with, the governing bodies of American Indian tribes located on Federal or State reservations, at least 1 representative of the directors of such centers; and
(C) as ex officio, nonvoting members, a representative of the designated State entity, and representatives from State agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities.
(3) Additional members
The Council may include—
(A) other representatives from centers for independent living;
(B) individuals with disabilities;
(C) parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities;
(D) advocates of and for individuals with disabilities;
(E) representatives from private businesses;
(F) representatives from organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities; and
(G) other appropriate individuals.
(4) Qualifications
(A) In general
The Council shall be composed of members—
(i) who provide statewide representation;
(ii) who represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds;
(iii) who are knowledgeable about centers for independent living and independent living services; and
(iv) a majority of whom are persons who are—
(I) individuals with disabilities described in
(II) not employed by any State agency or center for independent living.
(B) Voting members
A majority of the voting members of the Council shall be—
(i) individuals with disabilities described in
(ii) not employed by any State agency or center for independent living.
(5) Chairperson
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Council shall select a chairperson from among the voting membership of the Council.
(B) Designation by chief executive officer
In States in which the Governor does not have veto power pursuant to State law, the appointing authority described in paragraph (1) shall designate a voting member of the Council to serve as the chairperson of the Council or shall require the Council to so designate such a voting member.
(6) Terms of appointment
(A) Length of term
Each member of the Council shall serve for a term of 3 years, except that—
(i) a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which a predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of such term; and
(ii) the terms of service of the members initially appointed shall be (as specified by the appointing authority described in paragraph (3)) for such fewer number of years as will provide for the expiration of terms on a staggered basis.
(B) Number of terms
No member of the Council, other than a representative described in paragraph (2)(A) if there is only one center for independent living within the State, may serve more than two consecutive full terms.
(7) Vacancies
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. The vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the Council.
(B) Delegation
The appointing authority described in paragraph (3) may delegate the authority to fill such a vacancy to the remaining voting members of the Council after making the original appointment.
(c) Functions
(1) Duties
The Council shall—
(A) develop the State plan as provided in
(B) monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State plan;
(C) meet regularly, and ensure that such meetings of the Council are open to the public and sufficient advance notice of such meetings is provided;
(D) submit to the Administrator such periodic reports as the Administrator may reasonably request, and keep such records, and afford such access to such records, as the Administrator finds necessary to verify the information in such reports; and
(E) as appropriate, coordinate activities with other entities in the State that provide services similar to or complementary to independent living services, such as entities that facilitate the provision of or provide long-term community-based services and supports.
(2) Authorities
The Council may, consistent with the State plan described in
(A) in order to improve services provided to individuals with disabilities, work with centers for independent living to coordinate services with public and private entities;
(B) conduct resource development activities to support the activities described in this subsection or to support the provision of independent living services by centers for independent living; and
(C) perform such other functions, consistent with the purpose of this part and comparable to other functions described in this subsection, as the Council determines to be appropriate.
(3) Limitation
The Council shall not provide independent living services directly to individuals with significant disabilities or manage such services.
(d) Hearings and forums
The Council is authorized to hold such hearings and forums as the Council may determine to be necessary to carry out the duties of the Council.
(e) Plan
(1) In general
The Council shall prepare, in conjunction with the designated State entity, a plan for the provision of such resources, including such staff and personnel, as may be necessary and sufficient to carry out the functions of the Council under this section, with funds made available under this part, and under
(2) Supervision and evaluation
Each Council shall, consistent with State law, supervise and evaluate such staff and other personnel as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Council under this section.
(3) Conflict of interest
While assisting the Council in carrying out its duties, staff and other personnel shall not be assigned duties by the designated State entity or any other agency or office of the State, that would create a conflict of interest.
(f) Compensation and expenses
The Council may use available resources to reimburse members of the Council for reasonable and necessary expenses of attending Council meetings and performing Council duties (such as personal assistance services), and to pay reasonable compensation to a member of the Council, if such member is not employed or must forfeit wages from other employment, for each day the member is engaged in performing Council duties.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796d,
Another prior section 796d,
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b)(2)(A).
Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (C).
"(B) as ex officio, nonvoting members—
"(i) a representative from the designated State unit; and
"(ii) representatives from other State agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities; and
"(C) in a State in which one or more projects are carried out under
Subsec. (b)(3)(B).
Subsec. (b)(3)(C) to (G).
Subsec. (b)(5)(B).
Subsec. (b)(6)(B).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (e)(1).
Subsec. (e)(3).
Subsec. (f).
1998—Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (b)(5)(B).
Subsec. (b)(6)(A)(ii), (7)(B).
§796d–1. Responsibilities of the Administrator
(a) Approval of State plans
(1) In general
The Administrator shall approve any State plan submitted under
(2) Procedures
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of
(B) Application
For purposes of the application described in subparagraph (A), all references in such provisions—
(i) to the Secretary or the Commissioner shall be deemed to be references to the Administrator;
(ii) to the State agency shall be deemed to be references to the designated State entity; and
(iii) to
(b) Indicators
Not later than 1 year after July 22, 2014, the Administrator shall develop and publish in the Federal Register indicators of minimum compliance for centers for independent living (consistent with the standards set forth in
(c) Onsite compliance reviews
(1) Reviews
The Administrator shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least 15 percent of the centers for independent living that receive funds under
(2) Qualifications of employees conducting reviews
The Administrator shall—
(A) to the maximum extent practicable, carry out a review described in paragraph (1) by using employees of the Department of Health and Human Services who are knowledgeable about the provision of independent living services;
(B) ensure that the employee of the Department of Health and Human Services with responsibility for supervising such a review shall have such knowledge; and
(C) ensure that at least one member of a team conducting such a review shall be an individual who—
(i) is not a government employee; and
(ii) has experience in the operation of centers for independent living.
(d) Reports
(1) In general
The Director described in
(2) Public availability
The Director shall ensure that the report described in this subsection is made publicly available in a timely manner, including through electronic means, in order to inform the public about the administration and performance of programs under this chapter.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796d–1,
Another prior section 796d–1,
Amendments
2014—
Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (a)(2)(A).
Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(i).
Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(ii), (iii).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(2).
Subsec. (c)(2)(A).
Subsec. (c)(2)(B).
Subsec. (d).
subpart 2—independent living services
§796e. Allotments
(a) In general
(1) States
(A) Population basis
After the reservation required by
(B) Maintenance of 1992 amounts
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subpart, the amount of any allotment made under subparagraph (A) to a State for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount of an allotment made to the State for fiscal year 1992 under part A of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992.
(C) Minimums
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subpart, and except as provided in subparagraph (B), the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $275,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of the sums made available for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment of any State under this section for any fiscal year that is less than $275,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of such sums shall be increased to the greater of the two amounts.
(2) Certain territories
(A) In general
For the purposes of paragraph (1)(C), Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be considered to be States.
(B) Allotment
Each jurisdiction described in subparagraph (A) shall be allotted under paragraph (1)(A) not less than 1/8 of 1 percent of the remainder described in paragraph (1)(A) for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made.
(3) Adjustment for inflation
For any fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 1999, in which the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart exceeds the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart for the preceding fiscal year, the Administrator shall increase the minimum allotment under paragraph (1)(C) by a percentage that shall not exceed the percentage increase in the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart between the preceding fiscal year and the fiscal year involved.
(b) Proportional reduction
To provide allotments to States in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B), to provide minimum allotments to States (as increased under subsection (a)(3)) under subsection (a)(1)(C), or to provide minimum allotments to States under subsection (a)(2)(B), the Administrator shall proportionately reduce the allotments of the remaining States under subsection (a)(1)(A), with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the allotment of any such remaining State from being reduced to less than the amount required by subsection (a)(1)(B).
(c) Reallotment
Whenever the Administrator determines that any amount of an allotment to a State for any fiscal year will not be expended by such State in carrying out the provisions of this subpart, the Administrator shall make such amount available for carrying out the provisions of this subpart to one or more of the States that the Administrator determines will be able to use additional amounts during such year for carrying out such provisions. Any amount made available to a State for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for the purposes of this section, be regarded as an increase in the allotment of the State (as determined under the preceding provisions of this section) for such year.
(d) Administration
Funds allotted or made available to a State under this section shall be administered by the designated State entity, in accordance with the approved State plan.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Part A of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), means former part A (§796 et seq.) which was included in the repeal of subchapter VII of this chapter by
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796e,
Another prior section 796e,
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(A).
Subsec. (a)(2)(B).
Subsecs. (a)(3) to (c).
Subsec. (d).
§796e–0. Training and technical assistance
(a) Reservation of funds for training and technical assistance
From the funds appropriated and made available to carry out this subpart for any fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 2015, the Administrator shall first reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of the funds to provide, either directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, training and technical assistance to Statewide Independent Living Councils established under
(b) Survey of Statewide Independent Living Councils
The Administrator shall conduct a survey of such Statewide Independent Living Councils regarding training and technical assistance needs in order to determine funding priorities for such training and technical assistance.
(c) Submission of application; peer review
To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this section, an entity shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, containing a proposal to provide such training and technical assistance, and containing such additional information, as the Administrator may require. The Administrator shall provide for peer review of applications by panels that include persons who are not government employees and who have experience in the operation of such Statewide Independent Living Councils.
(
§796e–1. Payments to States from allotments
(a) Payments
From the allotment of each State for a fiscal year under
(b) Federal share
(1) In general
The Federal share with respect to any State for any fiscal year shall be 90 percent of the expenditures incurred by the State during such year under its State plan approved under
(2) Non-Federal share
The non-Federal share of the cost of any project that receives assistance through an allotment under this subpart may be provided in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796e–1,
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (a).
§796e–2. Authorized uses of funds
(a) In general
The State may use funds received under this subpart to provide the resources described in
(b) Activities
The State may use the remainder of the funds described in subsection (a)—
(1) to provide independent living services to individuals with significant disabilities, particularly those in unserved areas of the State;
(2) to demonstrate ways to expand and improve independent living services;
(3) to support the operation of centers for independent living that are in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of
(4) to support activities to increase the capacities of public or nonprofit agencies and organizations and other entities to develop comprehensive approaches or systems for providing independent living services;
(5) to conduct studies and analyses, gather information, develop model policies and procedures, and present information, approaches, strategies, findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Federal, State, and local policymakers in order to enhance independent living services for individuals with disabilities;
(6) to train individuals with disabilities and individuals providing services to individuals with disabilities and other persons regarding the independent living philosophy; and
(7) to provide outreach to populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this subchapter, including minority groups and urban and rural populations.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796e–2,
Amendments
2014—
§796e–3. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $22,878,000 for fiscal year 2015, $24,645,000 for fiscal year 2016, $25,156,000 for fiscal year 2017, $25,714,000 for fiscal year 2018, $26,319,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $26,877,000 for fiscal year 2020.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796e–3,
Amendments
2014—
subpart 3—centers for independent living
§796f. Program authorization
(a) In general
From the funds appropriated for fiscal year 2015 and for each subsequent fiscal year to carry out this subpart, the Administrator shall make available such sums as may be necessary to States, centers for independent living, and other entities in accordance with subsections (b) through (d).
(b) Training
(1) Grants; contracts; cooperative agreements
From the funds appropriated to carry out this subpart for any fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 2015, the Administrator shall first reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of the funds, to provide training and technical assistance to centers for independent living and eligible agencies for such fiscal year.
(2) Allocation
From the funds reserved under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, entities that have experience in the operation of centers for independent living to provide such training and technical assistance with respect to fiscal management of,1 planning, developing, conducting, administering, and evaluating centers for independent living.
(3) Funding priorities
The Administrator shall conduct a survey of centers for independent living regarding training and technical assistance needs in order to determine funding priorities for such grants, contracts, and other arrangements.
(4) Review
To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this subsection, such an entity shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing a proposal to provide such training and technical assistance, and containing such additional information as the Administrator may require. The Administrator shall provide for peer review of grant applications by panels that include persons who are not government employees and who have experience in the operation of centers for independent living.
(5) Prohibition on combined funds
No funds reserved by the Administrator under this subsection may be combined with funds appropriated under any other Act or part of this chapter if the purpose of combining funds is to make a single discretionary grant or a single discretionary payment, unless such funds appropriated under this part are separately identified in such grant or payment and are used for the purposes of this part.
(c) In general
(1) States
(A) Population basis
After the reservation required by subsection (b) has been made, and except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), from the remainder of the amounts appropriated for each such fiscal year to carry out this subpart, the Administrator shall make an allotment to each State whose State plan has been approved under
(B) Maintenance of 1992 amounts
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subpart, the amount of any allotment made under subparagraph (A) to a State for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount of financial assistance received by centers for independent living in the State for fiscal year 1992 under part B of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992.
(C) Minimums
Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this subpart and except as provided in subparagraph (B), for a fiscal year in which the amounts appropriated to carry out this subpart exceed the amounts appropriated for fiscal year 1992 to carry out part B of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992—
(i) if such excess is not less than $8,000,000, the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $450,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of the sums made available for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment of any State under this section for any fiscal year that is less than $450,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of such sums shall be increased to the greater of the 2 amounts;
(ii) if such excess is not less than $4,000,000 and is less than $8,000,000, the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $400,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of the sums made available for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment of any State under this section for any fiscal year that is less than $400,000 or 1/3 of 1 percent of such sums shall be increased to the greater of the 2 amounts; and
(iii) if such excess is less than $4,000,000, the allotment to any State under subparagraph (A) shall approach, as nearly as possible, the greater of the 2 amounts described in clause (ii).
(2) Certain territories
(A) In general
For the purposes of paragraph (1)(C), Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be considered to be States.
(B) Allotment
Each jurisdiction described in subparagraph (A) shall be allotted under paragraph (1)(A) not less than 1/8 of 1 percent of the remainder for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made.
(3) Adjustment for inflation
For any fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 1999, in which the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart exceeds the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart for the preceding fiscal year, the Administrator shall increase the minimum allotment under paragraph (1)(C) by a percentage that shall not exceed the percentage increase in the total amount appropriated to carry out this subpart between the preceding fiscal year and the fiscal year involved.
(4) Proportional reduction
To provide allotments to States in accordance with paragraph (1)(B), to provide minimum allotments to States (as increased under paragraph (3)) under paragraph (1)(C), or to provide minimum allotments to States under paragraph (2)(B), the Administrator shall proportionately reduce the allotments of the remaining States under paragraph (1)(A), with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the allotment of any such remaining State from being reduced to less than the amount required by paragraph (1)(B).
(d) Reallotment
Whenever the Administrator determines that any amount of an allotment to a State for any fiscal year will not be expended by such State for carrying out the provisions of this subpart, the Administrator shall make such amount available for carrying out the provisions of this subpart to one or more of the States that the Administrator determines will be able to use additional amounts during such year for carrying out such provisions. Any amount made available to a State for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for the purposes of this section, be regarded as an increase in the allotment of the State (as determined under the preceding provisions of this section) for such year.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Part B of this subchapter, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(B), (C), means former part B (§796e) which was included in the repeal of subchapter VII of this chapter by
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796f,
Another prior section 796f,
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (b)(3).
Subsec. (b)(4).
Subsec. (b)(5).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d).
§796f–1. Grants to centers for independent living in States in which Federal funding exceeds State funding
(a) Establishment
(1) In general
Unless the director of a designated State unit awards grants under
(2) Grants
The Administrator shall award such grants, from the amount of funds so allotted, to such eligible agencies for the planning, conduct, administration, and evaluation of centers for independent living that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in
(b) Eligible agencies
In any State in which the Administrator has approved the State plan required by
(1) has the power and authority to carry out the purpose of this subpart and perform the functions set forth in
(2) is determined by the Administrator to be able to plan, conduct, administer, and evaluate a center for independent living consistent with the standards and assurances set forth in
(3) submits an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.
(c) Existing eligible agencies
In the administration of the provisions of this section, the Administrator shall award grants for a fiscal year to any eligible agency that has been awarded a grant under this subpart for the preceding fiscal year, unless the Administrator makes a finding that the agency involved fails to meet program and fiscal standards and assurances set forth in
(d) New centers for independent living
(1) In general
If there is no center for independent living serving a region of the State or a region is underserved, and the increase in the allotment of the State is sufficient to support an additional center for independent living in the State, the Administrator may award a grant under this section to the most qualified applicant proposing to serve such region. The Administrator's determination of the most qualified applicant shall be consistent with the provisions in the State plan setting forth the design of the State for establishing a statewide network of centers for independent living.
(2) Selection
In selecting from among applicants for a grant under this section for a new center for independent living, the Administrator—
(A) shall consider comments regarding the application—
(i) by individuals with disabilities and other interested parties within the new region proposed to be served; and
(ii) if any, by the Statewide Independent Living Council in the State in which the applicant is located;
(B) shall consider the ability of each such applicant to operate a center for independent living based on—
(i) evidence of the need for such a center;
(ii) any past performance of such applicant in providing services comparable to independent living services;
(iii) the plan for satisfying or demonstrated success in satisfying the standards and the assurances set forth in
(iv) the quality of key personnel and the involvement of individuals with significant disabilities;
(v) budgets and cost-effectiveness;
(vi) an evaluation plan; and
(vii) the ability of such applicant to carry out the plans; and
(C) shall give priority to applications from applicants proposing to serve geographic areas within each State that are currently unserved or underserved by independent living programs, consistent with the provisions of the State plan submitted under
(3) Current centers
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), a center for independent living that receives assistance under subpart 2 for a fiscal year shall be eligible for a grant for the subsequent fiscal year under this subsection.
(e) Order of priorities
The Administrator shall be guided by the following order of priorities in allocating funds among centers for independent living within a State, to the extent funds are available:
(1) The Administrator shall support existing centers for independent living, as described in subsection (c), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in
(2) The Administrator shall provide for a cost-of-living increase for such existing centers for independent living.
(3) The Administrator shall fund new centers for independent living, as described in subsection (d), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in
(f) Nonresidential agencies
A center that provides or manages residential housing after October 1, 1994, shall not be considered to be an eligible agency under this section.
(g) Review
(1) In general
The Administrator shall periodically review each center receiving funds under this section to determine whether such center is in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in
(2) Enforcement
The Administrator shall terminate all funds under this section to such center 90 days after the date of such notification unless the center submits a plan to achieve compliance within 90 days of such notification and such plan is approved by the Administrator.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796f–1,
Amendments
2014—Subsecs. (a), (b).
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (d)(1).
Subsec. (d)(2).
Subsec. (d)(2)(A).
Subsecs. (e), (g).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Grants to Centers for Independent Living in States in Which Federal Funding Exceeds State Funding
"(1)
"(A) in fiscal year 2010—
"(i) shall distribute among such centers funds appropriated for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (
"(ii) shall disregard any funds provided to such centers from funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (
"(B) in fiscal year 2011 and subsequent fiscal years, shall disregard any funds provided to such centers from funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (
"(2)
"(A) The Commissioner receives a request from the State, not later than August 5, 2010, jointly signed by the State's designated State unit (referred to in section 704(c) of such Act (
"(B) The Commissioner is not conducting a competition to establish a new part C center for independent living with funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in the State."
§796f–2. Grants to centers for independent living in States in which State funding equals or exceeds Federal funding
(a) Establishment
(1) In general
(A) Initial year
(i) Determination
The director of a designated State unit, as provided in paragraph (2), or the Administrator, as provided in paragraph (3), shall award grants under this section for an initial fiscal year if the Administrator determines that the amount of State funds that were earmarked by a State for a preceding fiscal year to support the general operation of centers for independent living meeting the requirements of this subpart equaled or exceeded the amount of funds allotted to the State under subsection (c) or (d) of
(ii) Grants
The director of a designated State unit or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall award such grants, from the amount of funds so allotted for the initial fiscal year, to eligible agencies in the State for the planning, conduct, administration, and evaluation of centers for independent living that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in
(iii) Regulation
The Administrator shall by regulation specify the preceding fiscal year with respect to which the Administrator will make the determinations described in clause (i) and subparagraph (B), making such adjustments as may be necessary to accommodate State funding cycles such as 2-year funding cycles or State fiscal years that do not coincide with the Federal fiscal year.
(B) Subsequent years
For each year subsequent to the initial fiscal year described in subparagraph (A), the director of the designated State unit shall continue to have the authority to award such grants under this section if the Administrator determines that the State continues to earmark the amount of State funds described in subparagraph (A)(i). If the State does not continue to earmark such an amount for a fiscal year, the State shall be ineligible to make grants under this section after a final year following such fiscal year, as defined in accordance with regulations established by the Administrator, and for each subsequent fiscal year.
(2) Grants by designated State units
In order for the designated State unit to be eligible to award the grants described in paragraph (1) and carry out this section for a fiscal year with respect to a State, the designated State agency shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, and in such manner as the Administrator may require, including information about the amount of State funds described in paragraph (1) for the preceding fiscal year. If the Administrator makes a determination described in subparagraph (A)(i) or (B), as appropriate, of paragraph (1), the Administrator shall approve the application and designate the director of the designated State unit to award the grant and carry out this section.
(3) Grants by Administrator
If the designated State agency of a State described in paragraph (1) does not submit and obtain approval of an application under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall award the grant described in paragraph (1) to eligible agencies in the State in accordance with
(b) Eligible agencies
In any State in which the Administrator has approved the State plan required by
(1) has the power and authority to carry out the purpose of this subpart and perform the functions set forth in
(2) is determined by the director to be able to plan, conduct, administer, and evaluate a center for independent living, consistent with the standards and assurances set forth in
(3) submits an application to the director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the head of the designated State unit may require.
(c) Existing eligible agencies
In the administration of the provisions of this section, the director of the designated State unit shall award grants for a fiscal year under this section to any eligible agency that has been awarded a grant under this subpart for the preceding fiscal year, unless the director makes a finding that the agency involved fails to comply with the standards and assurances set forth in
(d) New centers for independent living
(1) In general
If there is no center for independent living serving a region of the State or the region is unserved or underserved, and the increase in the allotment of the State is sufficient to support an additional center for independent living in the State, the director of the designated State unit may award a grant under this section from among eligible agencies, consistent with the provisions of the State plan under
(2) Selection
In selecting from among eligible agencies in awarding a grant under this subpart for a new center for independent living—
(A) the director of the designated State unit and the chairperson of, or other individual designated by, the Statewide Independent Living Council acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council, shall jointly appoint a peer review committee that shall rank applications in accordance with the standards and assurances set forth in
(B) the peer review committee shall consider the ability of each such applicant to operate a center for independent living, and shall recommend an applicant to receive a grant under this section, based on—
(i) evidence of the need for a center for independent living, consistent with the State plan;
(ii) any past performance of such applicant in providing services comparable to independent living services;
(iii) the plan for complying with, or demonstrated success in complying with, the standards and the assurances set forth in
(iv) the quality of key personnel of the applicant and the involvement of individuals with significant disabilities by the applicant;
(v) the budgets and cost-effectiveness of the applicant;
(vi) the evaluation plan of the applicant; and
(vii) the ability of such applicant to carry out the plans; and
(C) the director of the designated State unit shall award the grant on the basis of the recommendations of the peer review committee if the actions of the committee are consistent with Federal and State law.
(3) Current centers
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), a center for independent living that receives assistance under subpart 2 for a fiscal year shall be eligible for a grant for the subsequent fiscal year under this subsection.
(e) Order of priorities
Unless the director of the designated State unit and the chairperson of the Council or other individual designated by the Council acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council jointly agree on another order of priority, the director shall be guided by the following order of priorities in allocating funds among centers for independent living within a State, to the extent funds are available:
(1) The director of the designated State unit shall support existing centers for independent living, as described in subsection (c), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in
(2) The director of the designated State unit shall provide for a cost-of-living increase for such existing centers for independent living.
(3) The director of the designated State unit shall fund new centers for independent living, as described in subsection (d), that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in
(f) Nonresidential agencies
A center that provides or manages residential housing after October 1, 1994, shall not be considered to be an eligible agency under this section.
(g) Review
(1) In general
The director of the designated State unit shall periodically review each center receiving funds under this section to determine whether such center is in compliance with the standards and assurances set forth in
(2) Enforcement
The director of the designated State unit shall terminate all funds under this section to such center 90 days after—
(A) the date of such notification; or
(B) in the case of a center that requests an appeal under subsection (i), the date of any final decision under subsection (i),
unless the center submits a plan to achieve compliance within 90 days and such plan is approved by the director, or if appealed, by the Administrator.
(h) Onsite compliance review
The director of the designated State unit shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least 15 percent of the centers for independent living that receive funding under this section in the State. Each team that conducts onsite compliance review of centers for independent living shall include at least one person who is not an employee of the designated State agency, who has experience in the operation of centers for independent living, and who is jointly selected by the director of the designated State unit and the chairperson of or other individual designated by the Council acting on behalf of and at the direction of the Council. A copy of this review shall be provided to the Administrator.
(i) Adverse actions
If the director of the designated State unit proposes to take a significant adverse action against a center for independent living, the center may seek mediation and conciliation to be provided by an individual or individuals who are free of conflicts of interest identified by the chairperson of or other individual designated by the Council. If the issue is not resolved through the mediation and conciliation, the center may appeal the proposed adverse action to the Administrator for a final decision.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796f–2,
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (a)(1)(A)(ii).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c).
Subsecs. (g)(2), (h), (i).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Grants to Centers for Independent Living in States in Which State Funding Equals or Exceeds Federal Funding
"(1) in fiscal year 2010—
"(A) may distribute among such centers funds appropriated for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (
"(B) may disregard any funds provided to such centers from funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (
"(2) in fiscal year 2011 and subsequent fiscal years, may disregard any funds provided to such centers from funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the centers for independent living program under part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (
§796f–3. Centers operated by State agencies
A State that receives assistance for fiscal year 2015 with respect to a center in accordance with subsection (a) of this section (as in effect on the day before July 22, 2014) may continue to receive assistance under this subpart for fiscal year 2015 or a succeeding fiscal year if, for such fiscal year—
(1) no nonprofit private agency—
(A) submits an acceptable application to operate a center for independent living for the fiscal year before a date specified by the Administrator; and
(B) obtains approval of the application under
(2) after funding all applications so submitted and approved, the Administrator determines that funds remain available to provide such assistance.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796f–3,
Amendments
2014—
Pars. (1)(A), (2).
§796f–4. Standards and assurances for centers for independent living
(a) In general
Each center for independent living that receives assistance under this subpart shall comply with the standards set out in subsection (b) and provide and comply with the assurances set out in subsection (c) in order to ensure that all programs and activities under this subpart are planned, conducted, administered, and evaluated in a manner consistent with the purposes of this part and the objective of providing assistance effectively and efficiently.
(b) Standards
(1) Philosophy
The center shall promote and practice the independent living philosophy of—
(A) consumer control of the center regarding decisionmaking, service delivery, management, and establishment of the policy and direction of the center;
(B) self-help and self-advocacy;
(C) development of peer relationships and peer role models; and
(D) equal access for individuals with significant disabilities, within their communities, to all services, programs, activities, resources, and facilities, whether public or private and regardless of the funding source.
(2) Provision of services
The center shall provide services to individuals with a range of significant disabilities. The center shall provide services on a cross-disability basis (for individuals with all different types of significant disabilities, including individuals with significant disabilities who are members of populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under this subchapter). Eligibility for services at any center for independent living shall be determined by the center, and shall not be based on the presence of any one or more specific significant disabilities.
(3) Independent living goals
The center shall facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals selected by individuals with significant disabilities who seek such assistance by the center.
(4) Community options
The center shall work to increase the availability and improve the quality of community options for independent living in order to facilitate the development and achievement of independent living goals by individuals with significant disabilities.
(5) Independent living core services
The center shall provide independent living core services and, as appropriate, a combination of any other independent living services.
(6) Activities to increase community capacity
The center shall conduct activities to increase the capacity of communities within the service area of the center to meet the needs of individuals with significant disabilities.
(7) Resource development activities
The center shall conduct resource development activities to obtain funding from sources other than this part.
(c) Assurances
The eligible agency shall provide at such time and in such manner as the Administrator may require, such satisfactory assurances as the Administrator may require, including satisfactory assurances that—
(1) the applicant is an eligible agency;
(2) the center will be designed and operated within local communities by individuals with disabilities, including an assurance that the center will have a Board that is the principal governing body of the center and a majority of which shall be composed of individuals with significant disabilities;
(3) the applicant will comply with the standards set forth in subsection (b);
(4) the applicant will establish clear priorities through annual and 3-year program and financial planning objectives for the center, including overall goals or a mission for the center, a work plan for achieving the goals or mission, specific objectives, service priorities, and types of services to be provided, and a description that shall demonstrate how the proposed activities of the applicant are consistent with the most recent 3-year State plan under
(5) the applicant will use sound organizational and personnel assignment practices, including taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with significant disabilities on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of individuals with disabilities under
(6) the applicant will ensure that the majority of the staff, and individuals in decisionmaking positions, of the applicant are individuals with disabilities;
(7) the applicant will practice sound fiscal management;
(8) the applicant will conduct annual self-evaluations, prepare an annual report, and maintain records adequate to measure performance with respect to the standards, containing information regarding, at a minimum—
(A) the extent to which the center is in compliance with the standards;
(B) the number and types of individuals with significant disabilities receiving services through the center;
(C) the types of services provided through the center and the number of individuals with significant disabilities receiving each type of service;
(D) the sources and amounts of funding for the operation of the center;
(E) the number of individuals with significant disabilities who are employed by, and the number who are in management and decisionmaking positions in, the center; and
(F) a comparison, when appropriate, of the activities of the center in prior years with the activities of the center in the most recent year;
(9) individuals with significant disabilities who are seeking or receiving services at the center will be notified by the center of the existence of, the availability of, and how to contact, the client assistance program;
(10) aggressive outreach regarding services provided through the center will be conducted in an effort to reach populations of individuals with significant disabilities that are unserved or underserved by programs under this subchapter, especially minority groups and urban and rural populations;
(11) staff at centers for independent living will receive training on how to serve such unserved and underserved populations, including minority groups and urban and rural populations;
(12) the center will submit to the Statewide Independent Living Council a copy of its approved grant application and the annual report required under paragraph (8);
(13) the center will prepare and submit a report to the designated State unit or the Administrator, as the case may be, at the end of each fiscal year that contains the information described in paragraph (8) and information regarding the extent to which the center is in compliance with the standards set forth in subsection (b); and
(14) an independent living plan described in
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796f–4,
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (b)(1)(D).
Subsec. (c).
1998—Subsec. (c)(7).
§796f–5. "Eligible agency" defined
As used in this subpart, the term "eligible agency" means a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796f–5,
§796f–6. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $78,305,000 for fiscal year 2015, $84,353,000 for fiscal year 2016, $86,104,000 for fiscal year 2017, $88,013,000 for fiscal year 2018, $90,083,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $91,992,000 for fiscal year 2020.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796f–6,
Prior sections 796g to 796i were repealed by
Section 796g,
Section 796h,
Section 796i,
Amendments
2014—
Part B—Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind
§796j. "Older individual who is blind" defined
For purposes of this part, the term "older individual who is blind" means an individual age 55 or older whose significant visual impairment makes competitive employment extremely difficult to attain but for whom independent living goals are feasible.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796j,
§796j–1. Training and technical assistance
(a) In general
From the funds appropriated and made available to carry out this part for any fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 2015, the Commissioner shall first reserve not less than 1.8 percent and not more than 2 percent of the funds to provide, either directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, training and technical assistance to designated State agencies, or other providers of independent living services for older individuals who are blind, that are funded under this part for such fiscal year.
(b) Survey
The Commissioner shall conduct a survey of designated State agencies that receive grants under
(c) Application for grant
To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this section, an entity shall submit an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such manner, containing a proposal to provide such training and technical assistance, and containing such additional information, as the Commissioner may require. The Commissioner shall provide for peer review of applications by panels that include persons who are not government employees and who have experience in the provision of services to older individuals who are blind.
(
§796k. Program of grants
(a) In general
(1) Authority for grants
Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Commissioner may make grants to States for the purpose of providing the services described in subsection (d) to older individuals who are blind.
(2) Designated State agency
The Commissioner may not make a grant under this subsection unless the State involved agrees that the grant will be administered solely by the agency described in
(b) Contingent competitive grants
Beginning with fiscal year 1993, in the case of any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under
(1) discretionary grants made on a competitive basis to States; or
(2) grants made on a noncompetitive basis to pay for the continuation costs of activities for which a grant was awarded—
(A) under this part; or
(B) under part C, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992.
(c) Contingent formula grants
(1) In general
In the case of any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under
(2) Allotments
For grants under subsection (a) for a fiscal year described in paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall make an allotment to each State in an amount determined in accordance with subsection (i), and shall make a grant to the State of the allotment made for the State if the State submits to the Commissioner an application in accordance with subsection (h).
(d) Services generally
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless the State involved agrees that the grant will be expended only for purposes of—
(1) providing independent living services to older individuals who are blind;
(2) conducting activities that will improve or expand services for such individuals; and
(3) conducting activities to help improve public understanding of the problems of such individuals.
(e) Independent living services
Independent living services for purposes of subsection (d)(1) include—
(1) services to help correct blindness, such as—
(A) outreach services;
(B) visual screening;
(C) surgical or therapeutic treatment to prevent, correct, or modify disabling eye conditions; and
(D) hospitalization related to such services;
(2) the provision of eyeglasses and other visual aids;
(3) the provision of services and equipment to assist an older individual who is blind to become more mobile and more self-sufficient;
(4) mobility training, braille instruction, and other services and equipment to help an older individual who is blind adjust to blindness;
(5) guide services, reader services, and transportation;
(6) any other appropriate service designed to assist an older individual who is blind in coping with daily living activities, including supportive services and rehabilitation teaching services;
(7) independent living skills training, information and referral services, peer counseling, and individual advocacy training; and
(8) other independent living services.
(f) Matching funds
(1) In general
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless the State involved agrees, with respect to the costs of the program to be carried out by the State pursuant to such subsection, to make available (directly or through donations from public or private entities) non-Federal contributions toward such costs in an amount that is not less than $1 for each $9 of Federal funds provided in the grant.
(2) Determination of amount contributed
Non-Federal contributions required in paragraph (1) may be in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services. Amounts provided by the Federal Government, or services assisted or subsidized to any significant extent by the Federal Government, may not be included in determining the amount of such non-Federal contributions.
(g) Certain expenditures of grants
A State may expend a grant under subsection (a) to carry out the purposes specified in subsection (d) through grants to, or contracts or cooperative agreements with, public and nonprofit private agencies or organizations.
(h) Application for grant
(1) In general
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subsection (a) unless an application for the grant is submitted to the Commissioner and the application is in such form, is made in such manner, and contains such agreements, assurances, and information as the Commissioner determines to be necessary to carry out this section (including agreements, assurances, and information with respect to any grants under subsection (i)(4)).
(2) Contents
An application for a grant under this section shall contain—
(A) an assurance that the agency described in subsection (a)(2) will prepare and submit to the Commissioner a report, at the end of each fiscal year, with respect to each project or program the agency operates or administers under this section, whether directly or through a grant or contract, which report shall contain, at a minimum, information on—
(i) the number and types of older individuals who are blind and are receiving services;
(ii) the types of services provided and the number of older individuals who are blind and are receiving each type of service;
(iii) the sources and amounts of funding for the operation of each project or program;
(iv) the amounts and percentages of resources committed to each type of service provided;
(v) data on actions taken to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with significant disabilities, including older individuals who are blind; and
(vi) a comparison, if appropriate, of prior year activities with the activities of the most recent year; and
(B) an assurance that the agency will—
(i) provide services that contribute to the maintenance of, or the increased independence of, older individuals who are blind; and
(ii) engage in—
(I) capacity-building activities, including collaboration with other agencies and organizations;
(II) activities to promote community awareness, involvement, and assistance; and
(III) outreach efforts.
(i) Amount of formula grant
(1) In general
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the amount of an allotment under subsection (a) for a State for a fiscal year shall be the greater of—
(A) the amount determined under paragraph (2); or
(B) the amount determined under paragraph (3).
(2) Minimum allotment
(A) States
In the case of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the amount referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) for a fiscal year is the greater of—
(i) $225,000; or
(ii) an amount equal to 1/3 of 1 percent of the amount appropriated under
(B) Certain territories
In the case of Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the amount referred to in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) for a fiscal year is $40,000.
(3) Formula
The amount referred to in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) for a State for a fiscal year is the product of—
(A) the amount appropriated under
(B) a percentage equal to the quotient of—
(i) an amount equal to the number of individuals residing in the State who are not less than 55 years of age; divided by
(ii) an amount equal to the number of individuals residing in the United States who are not less than 55 years of age.
(4) Disposition of certain amounts
(A) Grants
From the amounts specified in subparagraph (B), the Commissioner may make grants to States whose population of older individuals who are blind has a substantial need for the services specified in subsection (d) relative to the populations in other States of older individuals who are blind.
(B) Amounts
The amounts referred to in subparagraph (A) are any amounts that are not paid to States under subsection (a) as a result of—
(i) the failure of any State to submit an application under subsection (h);
(ii) the failure of any State to prepare within a reasonable period of time such application in compliance with such subsection; or
(iii) any State informing the Commissioner that the State does not intend to expend the full amount of the allotment made for the State under subsection (a).
(C) Conditions
The Commissioner may not make a grant under subparagraph (A) unless the State involved agrees that the grant is subject to the same conditions as grants made under subsection (a).
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Part C, as in effect on the day before October 29, 1992, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B), means former part C (§796f) which was included in the repeal of subchapter VII of this chapter by
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796k,
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (c)(2).
Subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h).
Subsec. (h)(1).
Subsec. (h)(2)(A)(vi) to (C).
Subsec. (i).
Subsec. (i)(2)(A)(ii), (3)(A).
Subsec. (i)(4)(B)(i).
Subsec. (j).
§796l. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part $33,317,000 for fiscal year 2015, $35,890,000 for fiscal year 2016, $36,635,000 for fiscal year 2017, $37,448,000 for fiscal year 2018, $38,328,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $39,141,000 for fiscal year 2020.
(
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior section 796l,
Amendments
2014—