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 section 796d of this title, State vocational rehabilitation programs receiving assistance under subchapter I of this chapter, State programs of supported employment services receiving assistance under part B of subchapter VI of this chapter, client assistance programs receiving assistance under section 732 of this title, programs funded under other subchapters of this chapter, programs funded under other Federal law, and programs funded through non-Federal sources.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §701, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1217.)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §701, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4443; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(a), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 728, related to purpose of program to provide assistance for independent living for individuals with severe disabilities, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §701, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2995, provided Congressional statement of purpose of former subchapter VII, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

§796a. Definitions

As used in this part:

(1) Center for independent living

The term "center for independent living" means a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that—

(A) is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities; and

(B) provides an array of independent living services.

(2) 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.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §702, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1218.)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796a, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §702, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4443, defined terms "center for independent living" and "consumer control", prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796a, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §702, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2995; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(A), (C), title VIII, §801, title X, §§1001(g)(1), 1002(h), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1837, 1843, 1844; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(a), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, provided eligibility requirements and definition of "comprehensive services for independent living", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

§796b. Eligibility for receipt of services

Services may be provided under this part to any individual with a significant disability, as defined in section 705(21)(B) of this title.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §703, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1218.)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796b, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §703, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4444, related to eligibility for receipt of services, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796b, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §703, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2996; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title X, §1001(g)(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1843; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(b), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, related to State allotments for comprehensive services for independent living, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

§796c. State plan

(a) In general

(1) Requirement

To be eligible to receive financial assistance under this part, a State shall submit to the Commissioner, and obtain approval of, a State plan containing such provisions as the Commissioner may require, including, at a minimum, the provisions required in this section.

(2) Joint development

The plan under paragraph (1) shall be jointly developed and signed by—

(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.

(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 State independent living services;

(B) the development and support of a statewide network of centers for independent living; and

(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.

(4) Date of submission

The State shall submit the plan to the Commissioner 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 Commissioner may withhold financial assistance under this part until such time as the State submits such a plan.

(b) Statewide Independent Living Council

The plan shall provide for the establishment of a Statewide Independent Living Council in accordance with section 796d of this title.

(c) Designation of State unit

The plan shall designate the designated State unit of such State 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 section 796f–2 of this title;

(3) keep such records and afford such access to such records as the Commissioner finds to be necessary with respect to the programs; and

(4) submit such additional information or provide such assurances as the Commissioner may require with respect to the programs.

(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 section 796f–4 of this title.

(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 section 796f–2 of this title, the plan shall include policies, practices, and procedures governing the awarding of grants to centers for independent living and oversight of such centers consistent with section 796f–2 of this title.

(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 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.

(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 section 732 of this title, the purposes of the services provided under such program, and how to contact such program;

(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 section 793 of this title;

(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 Commissioner determines to be appropriate to facilitate an effective audit;

(C) afford such access to records maintained under subparagraphs (A) and (B) as the Commissioner determines to be appropriate; and

(D) submit such reports with respect to such records as the Commissioner determines to be appropriate;

(5) provide access to the Commissioner 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) of this section, including evaluation of satisfaction by individuals with disabilities.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §704, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1218.)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796c, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §704, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4444; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(b), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 728, related to State plans, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796c, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §704, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2997; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, related to payments to States from allotments to pay Federal share of expenditures, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

§796d. Statewide Independent Living Council

(a) Establishment

To be eligible to receive financial assistance under this part, each State shall establish 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) at least one director of a center for independent living chosen by the directors of centers for independent living within the State;

(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 section 741 of this title, at least one representative of the directors of the projects.

(3) Additional members

The Council may include—

(A) other representatives from centers for independent living;

(B) parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities;

(C) advocates of and for individuals with disabilities;

(D) representatives from private businesses;

(E) representatives from organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities; and

(F) 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 section 705(20)(B) of this title; and

(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 section 705(20)(B) of this title; and

(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 (3) 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 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) Duties

The Council shall—

(1) jointly develop and sign (in conjunction with the designated State unit) the State plan required in section 796c of this title;

(2) monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the State plan;

(3) coordinate activities with the State Rehabilitation Council established under section 725 of this title, if the State has such a Council, or the commission described in section 721(a)(21)(A) of this title, if the State has such a commission, and councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues under other Federal law;

(4) ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings of the Statewide Independent Living Council are open to the public and sufficient advance notice is provided; and

(5) submit to the Commissioner such periodic reports as the Commissioner may reasonably request, and keep such records, and afford such access to such records, as the Commissioner finds necessary to verify such reports.

(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 unit, 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 section 730 of this title (consistent with section 721(a)(18) of this title), and from other public and private sources. The resource plan shall, to the maximum extent possible, rely on the use of resources in existence during the period of implementation of the plan.

(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 agency or any other agency or office of the State, that would create a conflict of interest.

(f) Compensation and expenses

The Council may use such resources to reimburse members of the Council for reasonable and necessary expenses of attending Council meetings and performing Council duties (including child care and personal assistance services), and to pay 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.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §705, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1220; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(7)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-416.)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796d, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §705, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4446; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(c), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 728, related to Statewide Independent Living Councils, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796d, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §705, as added Pub. L. 95–602, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2997; amended Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §103(d)(2)(B), (C), (h)(2), title VIII, §802, title X, §1001(g)(3), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1810, 1811, 1837, 1843; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(d), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314; Pub. L. 102–119, §26(e), Oct. 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 607, related to State plans for providing comprehensive services for independent living, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).

Amendments

1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(7)(A)], in first sentence, substituted "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" for "by the Governor" and, in second sentence, substituted "The appointing authority" for "The Governor".

Subsec. (b)(5)(B). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(7)(B)], substituted "chief executive officer" for "Governor" in heading and "appointing authority described in paragraph (3) shall" for "Governor shall" in text.

Subsec. (b)(6)(A)(ii), (7)(B). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(c)(7)(C)], substituted "appointing authority described in paragraph (3)" for "Governor".

§796d–1. Responsibilities of Commissioner

(a) Approval of State plans

(1) In general

The Commissioner shall approve any State plan submitted under section 796c of this title that the Commissioner determines meets the requirements of section 796c of this title, and shall disapprove any such plan that does not meet such requirements, as soon as practicable after receiving the plan. Prior to such disapproval, the Commissioner shall notify the State of the intention to disapprove the plan, and shall afford such State reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing.

(2) Procedures

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of section 727 of this title shall apply to any State plan submitted to the Commissioner under section 796c of this title.

(B) Application

For purposes of the application described in subparagraph (A), all references in such provisions—

(i) to the Secretary shall be deemed to be references to the Commissioner; and

(ii) to section 721 of this title shall be deemed to be references to section 796c of this title.

(b) Indicators

Not later than October 1, 1993, the Commissioner shall develop and publish in the Federal Register indicators of minimum compliance consistent with the standards set forth in section 796f–4 of this title.

(c) Onsite compliance reviews

(1) Reviews

The Commissioner shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least 15 percent of the centers for independent living that receive funds under section 796f–1 of this title and shall periodically conduct such a review of each such center. The Commissioner shall annually conduct onsite compliance reviews of at least one-third of the designated State units that receive funding under section 796f–2 of this title, and, to the extent necessary to determine the compliance of such a State unit with subsections (f) and (g) of section 796f–2 of this title, centers that receive funding under section 796f–2 of this title in such State. The Commissioner shall select the centers and State units described in this paragraph for review on a random basis.

(2) Qualifications of employees conducting reviews

The Commissioner shall—

(A) to the maximum extent practicable, carry out such a review by using employees of the Department who are knowledgeable about the provision of independent living services;

(B) ensure that the employee of the Department 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

The Commissioner shall include, in the annual report required under section 710 of this title, information on the extent to which centers for independent living receiving funds under subpart 3 have complied with the standards and assurances set forth in section 796f–4 of this title. The Commissioner may identify individual centers for independent living in the analysis. The Commissioner shall report the results of onsite compliance reviews, identifying individual centers for independent living and other recipients of assistance under this part.

(Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §706, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §410, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1223.)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 796d–1, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §706, as added Pub. L. 102–569, title VII, §701(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4448; amended Pub. L. 103–73, title I, §114(d), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 729, related to responsibilities of Commissioner, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Another prior section 796d–1, Pub. L. 93–112, title VII, §706, as added Pub. L. 99–506, title VIII, §803(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1837; amended Pub. L. 100–630, title II, §208(e), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3314, provided for a State Independent Living Council, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–569, §701(1).