Public Comment Opportunities
MEMORANDUM
TO: Colorado Centers for Independent Living Executive Directors, Staff, and Consumers,
Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council Members,
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Consumers and Staff
Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council Staff and Consumers
State Rehabilitation Council Members
Colorado Commission on Aging Members
Colorado Commission on Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Residents of the State of Colorado
FROM: Karen Prince, Independent Living Program Coordinator
DATE: April 20, 2016
SUBJECT: Notice of Proposed State Plan for Independent Living
______________________________________________________________________________
Notice is given that the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) in conjunction with the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation/Independent Living Program is posting the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for the upcoming three year cycle of October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2019 for comment and review.
The SPIL directs the goals of the Independent Living Program and The SILC in the upcoming three years. It also provides the authorization for Federal funds to enter the State and flow to the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) located in all areas of the State.
The SPIL will be presented at the public open meeting of the SILC May 4, 2016 at the Center For Independence, 740 Gunnison, Grand Junction, CO, Conference Call in Number: 1-877-820-7831, code 871677, at 10:45 am.
The SPIL is available for review on the Colorado SILC website here or for large print
Please provide any comments to Karen Prince at Karen.Prince@state.co.us or 303-866-4730 before May 31, 2016.
**********************************************
MEMORANDUM
TO: Colorado Centers for Independent Living Executive Directors, Staff, and Consumers,
Colorado Statewide Independent Living Council Members,
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Consumers and Staff
Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council Staff and Consumers
Colorado State Rehabilitation Council Members
FROM: Karen Prince, Independent Living Program Coordinator
DATE: March 29, 2016
SUBJECT: Notice of State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) Amendment
______________________________________________________________________________
Notice is hereby given that the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) is being proposed to have amendments to address changes that have or will be occurring in the SPIL and the placement of the Independent Living program in the State of Colorado related to Legislative action at the State and/or Federal level.
Changes to SPIL
Original SPIL Language:
1.3B(2) Describe efforts to coordinate Federal and State funding for centers and IL services, including the amounts, sources and purposes of the funding to be coordinated.
Currently, Part B funds provide $30,000 for a SILC Coordinator; Part B funds are also utilized to fund a portion of the IL Coordinator position. The remaining Part B funds are combined with the State General Fund allocation to support the Colorado State Independent Living Services (SILS) program. These funds are allocated to nine of ten operating Colorado centers for independent living, consisting of five Part C centers and four state funded centers. (Note: One Part C center was out of compliance at the time of this SPIL development and was not receiving State General or Part B funds). State General Funds are divided equally amongst all 9 centers. Part B funds are allocated based on a five-tier system developed to offset the disparities in Part C and local funding. This allocation process is described in the CO IL Program’s Procedures Manual; State IL Rules provide guidance on determining the allocation committee and developing the formula. In order to receive SILS funding, all centers must be currently certified in compliance with Title VII, Section 725 of the Federal Act, as defined in 34 CFR 366.60.
SPIL Amendment Language:
These funds are allocated to Certified Colorado centers for independent living, consisting of five Part C centers and four state funded centers. State General Funds are divided equally amongst all centers. Part B funds are allocated based on a five-tier system developed to offset the disparities in Part C and local funding. This allocation process is described in the CO IL Program’s Procedures Manual; State IL Rules provide guidance on determining the allocation committee and developing the formula. In order to receive SILS funding, all centers must be currently certified in compliance with Title VII, Section 725 of the Federal Act, as defined in 34 CFR 366.60.
Original SPIL Language:
2.2 Arrangements for State-Provided Services – 34 CFR 364.43(d) and (e)
2.2A If the DSU will provide any of the IL services identified in section 2.1A through grants or contractual arrangements with third parties, describe such arrangements.
The DSU does not provide IL services directly, but utilizes the state contracting system to contract with the network of IL Centers for the provision of the four core IL services and any others identified by consumers. The contracts are the funding vehicles through which State General and Part B funds flow to support the general operations of the Center.
2.2B If the State contracts with or awards a grant to a center for the general operation of the center, describe how the State will ensure that the determination of an individual’s eligibility for services from that center shall be delegated to the center.
The DSU awards State General and Part B Funds in the amount of $ (complete when funding confirmed) amongst the network of 9 CILs through the State contracting process. Recipients of funding must be state-certified and comply with the requirements of Title VII Chapter 1, Part C regulations. Eligibility for IL services is determined by individual CILs per Colorado State Rules.
SPIL Amendment Language:
2.2 Arrangements for State-Provided Services – 34 CFR 364.43(d) and (e)
2.2A If the DSU will provide any of the IL services identified in section 2.1A through grants or contractual arrangements with third parties, describe such arrangements.
The DSU does not provide IL services directly, but utilizes the state contracting system to contract with the network of IL Centers for the provision of the five core IL services and any others identified by consumers. The contracts are the funding vehicles through which State General and Part B funds flow to support the general operations of the Center.
2.2B If the State contracts with or awards a grant to a center for the general operation of the center, describe how the State will ensure that the determination of an individual’s eligibility for services from that center shall be delegated to the center.
The DSU awards State General and Part B Funds in the amount of $ 4,831,945 SGF and $305,350 Part B amongst the network of 9 CILs through the State contracting process. Recipients of funding must be state-certified and comply with the requirements of Title VII Chapter 1, Part C regulations. Eligibility for IL services is determined by individual CILs per Colorado State Rules.
Original SPIL Language
3.1 Existing Network – 34 CFR 364.25
Provide an overview of the existing network of centers, including non-Part C-funded centers that comply with the standards and assurances in section 725 (b) and (c) of the Act, and the geographic areas and populations currently served by the centers.
There are 10 centers in the statewide network of centers; however, only 9 of them are currently certified with the state. The network provides cross disability services and depending upon their location within the state, their underserved consumers may include: deaf and hard of hearing, people of color, youth, and people living in rural and frontier counties.
| CENTER | PART C Geographic Areas Served | Part B and State General Fund Geographic Areas Served
|
| Atlantis Community, Inc., Denver | Adams, Arapahoe,
Boulder, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson |
Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Jefferson |
| Center for Disabilities, Pueblo
|
Baca, Bent, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo | Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Pueblo, Prowers, Rio Grande, Saguache |
| Center for Independence, Grand Junction
|
Delta, Eagle,
Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Jackson, Lake, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, San Miguel |
Delta, Chaffee, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hindsdale, Lake, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, San Miguel |
| Center for PWD, Boulder
|
Adams, Boulder,
Weld |
Adams (shared),
Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin, Jefferson (shared) |
| Connections for Independence, Greeley | Larimer, Morgan, Washington, Weld | Logan, Morgan,
Phillips, onhealthy.net Sedgwick, Washington, Weld, Yuma
|
| Disabled Resource Services, Fort Collins | NA | Jackson, Larimer |
| The Independence Center, CO Springs | NA | Cheyenne, Elbert, El Paso, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Park, Teller |
| Southwest Center for Independence, Durango | NA | Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan |
| Northwest CO Center for Independence, Craig, Steamboat Springs
(Independent Life Center) |
NA | Grand, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt, Summit |
| Mile High Independent Living Center, Denver | Adams, Arapahoe, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson | Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson
(Note: this Center was out of compliance and did not receive State General and Part B Funds at the time this SPIL was developed) |
SPIL Amendment Language:
3.1 Existing Network – 34 CFR 364.25
Provide an overview of the existing network of centers, including non-Part C-funded centers that comply with the standards and assurances in section 725 (b) and (c) of the Act, and the geographic areas and populations currently served by the centers.
With the closing of Mile High Independent Living Center, there are 9 centers in the statewide network of centers. The network provides cross disability services and depending upon their location within the state, their underserved consumers may include: deaf and hard of hearing, people of color, youth, and people living in rural and frontier counties.
| CENTER | PART C Geographic Areas Served | Part B and State General Fund Geographic Areas Served
|
| Atlantis Community, Inc., Denver | Adams, Arapahoe,
Boulder, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson |
Adams (shared), Arapahoe, Denver, Elbert, Jefferson (shared) |
| Center for Disabilities, Pueblo
|
Baca, Bent, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo | Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Mineral, Otero, Pueblo, Prowers, Rio Grande, Saguache |
| Center for Independence, Grand Junction
|
Delta, Eagle,
Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Jackson, Lake, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, San Miguel |
Delta, Chaffee, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hindsdale, Lake, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, San Miguel |
| Center for PWD, Boulder
|
Adams, Boulder,
Weld |
Adams (shared),
Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin, Jefferson (shared), Weld (shared) |
| Connections for Independence, Greeley | Larimer, Morgan, Washington, Weld | Logan, Morgan,
Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld (shared), Yuma
|
| Disabled Resource Services, Fort Collins | NA | Jackson, Larimer |
| Colorado Springs Independence Center dba The Independence Center, CO Springs | NA | Cheyenne, El Paso, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Park, Teller |
| Southwest Center for Independence, Durango | NA | Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan |
| Northwest CO Center for Independence, Steamboat Springs | NA | Grand, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt, Summit |
Original SPIL Language
4.1A Describe the administrative support services to be provided by the DSU for the SILS (Part B) program and, if the State is a Section 723 State, for the CIL (Part C) Program.
The DSU employs a .50 FTE to serve as the state’s IL Program Coordinator. This person is the designated liaison with the SILC, attends all SILC meetings and provides technical assistance. The role of the ILPC with the network of Centers includes monitoring, oversight, and technical assistance. The ILPC promotes collaboration between the Centers, the SILC, and the DSU.
The DSU had employed a .25 FTE Administrative Assistant to provide support to the SILC. Duties included arranging SILC meetings, reimbursing SILC members for travel and other meeting expenses, paying SILC bills and tracking SILC expenditures, providing a monthly financial report, maintaining the SILC roster, distributing meeting notices, and other duties as assigned. The AA vacated the position and due to a hiring freeze, the state has not been able to re-fill it.
4.1B Describe other DSU arrangements for the administration of the IL program, if any.
NA
SPIL Amendment Language:
4.1A Describe the administrative support services to be provided by the DSU for the SILS (Part B) program and, if the State is a Section 723 State, for the CIL (Part C) Program.
The DSU employs an .50 FTE to serve as the state’s IL Program Coordinator. The role of the ILPC with the network of Centers includes monitoring, oversight, and technical assistance. The ILPC promotes collaboration between the Centers, the SILC, and the DSU. The ILPC also handles all contracts, invoices, and payment inquiries.
The Colorado Legislature has introduced a bill (Senate Bill 16-093) to move the Independent Living Program to the Department of Labor and Employment from the Department of Human Services. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is already scheduled to move to the Department of Labor and Employment due to legislation (Senate Bill 15-239) that passed last year. The Independent Living Program will remain under the purview of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation under the current structure. There are no anticipated changes to the SILC Resource Plan, SILC placement, or current staffing. There are no anticipated changes to the Part B funding, Part C funding, or State General Funds.
Original SPIL Language
5.1 Resource plan – 34 CFR 364.21(i)
5.1A Describe the resource plan prepared by the SILC in conjunction with the DSU for the provision of resources, including staff and personnel, made available under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII, section 101(a) (18) of the Act, and from other public and private sources that may be necessary to carry out the functions of the SILC identified in section 705(c). The description must address the three years of this SPIL.
- Refer to the SPIL Instructions for more information about completing this section.
The SILC Resource plan is funded through two sources: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Part B under Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act. Under the General fund, the SILC has received $48,500 annually for at least three SPILs or nine years. These funds are used to support the operating expenses of the SILC. In addition the SILC receives $30,000 from Part B which funds the part time coordinator who is a consultant on contract. This amount has not changed over at least three SPIL cycles either.
The SILC does not have an office or office related expenses except those that are incurred by the DSU on the SILC’s behalf. The consultant works from his/her own space and uses his/her personal computer and other equipment. Much of the work of the SILC is done by committee using teleconferencing and at the five to six formal meetings that the SILC conducts in various parts of the state.
The budget for the next three year cycle of the SPIL was set by the SILC Finance Committee; the first year is based on the same figures from previous SPILs; however, years 2 and 3 reflect additional funds to continue and expand the SILC’s work on behalf of Coloradoans with disabilities and to meet the goals and objectives included in this SPIL.
SPIL Amendment Language:
5.1A Describe the resource plan prepared by the SILC in conjunction with the DSU for the provision of resources, including staff and personnel, made available under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII, section 101(a) (18) of the Act, and from other public and private sources that may be necessary to carry out the functions of the SILC identified in section 705(c). The description must address the three years of this SPIL.
- Refer to the SPIL Instructions for more information about completing this section.
The SILC Resource plan is funded through Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Under the General fund, the SILC has received $48,500 annually for at least three SPILs or nine years.
The SILC does not have an office or office related expenses except those that are incurred by the DSU on the SILC’s behalf. Much of the work of the SILC is done by committee using teleconferencing and at the five to six formal meetings that the SILC conducts in various parts of the state.
The budget for the next three year cycle of the SPIL was set by the SILC Finance Committee; the first year is based on the same figures from previous SPILs; however, years 2 and 3 reflect additional funds to continue and expand the SILC’s work on behalf of Coloradoans with disabilities and to meet the goals and objectives included in this SPIL.
Please provide any comments to Karen Prince at Karen.Prince@state.co.us or 303-866-4730 before April 30, 2016.
