Centers for Independent Living

What is Independent Living?

Independent living can be considered a movement, a philosophy, or specific programs. In the context of ACL, independent living programs are supported through funding authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (The Act). Title VII, chapter 1 of the Act states the current purpose of the program 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.”

Key provisions of the Act include responsibilities of the Designated State Entity (DSE), provisions for the Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), requirements for the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), and Center for Independent Living standards and assurances. (See below for details on all these areas.)

To receive funding, states must jointly develop and submit a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), which is a three-year plan for providing independent living services in the state. The Designated State Entity (DSE) is the agency that, on behalf of the state, receives, accounts for and disburses funds received under Subpart B of the Act. The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is an independent entity responsible to monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the SPIL. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private non-profit agency that are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities, and provides an array of independent living services.

What are Centers for Independent Living (CILs)?

Designed and operated by individuals with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide independent living services for people with disabilities. CILs are at the core of ACL's independent living programs, which work to support community living and independence for people with disabilities across the nation based on the belief that all people can live with dignity, make their own choices, and participate fully in society. These programs provide tools, resources, and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote equal opportunities, self-determination, and respect.

Download a graphic about how Centers for Independent Living make community living possible.

What are the core requirements for CILs?

The Centers for Independent Living (CILs) Program provides 354 discretionary grants to CILs, which are consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private nonprofit agencies that provide IL services. At a minimum, centers funded by the program are required to provide the following IL core services:

• Information and referral;
• IL skills training;
• Peer counseling;
• Individual and systems advocacy; and
• Services that facilitate transition from nursing homes and other institutions to the community, provide assistance to those at risk of entering institutions, and facilitate transition of youth to postsecondary life.

Centers also may provide, among other services: psychological counseling, assistance in securing housing or shelter, personal assistance services, transportation referral and assistance, physical therapy, mobility training, rehabilitation technology, recreation, and other services necessary to improve the ability of individuals with significant disabilities to function independently in the family or community and/or to continue in employment.

To continue receiving CIL program funding, eligible centers must demonstrate minimum compliance with the following standards:

• Promotion of the IL philosophy;
• Provision of IL services on a cross-disability basis;
• Support for the development and achievement of IL goals chosen by the consumer;
• Efforts to increase the availability of quality community options for IL;
• Provision of IL core services and, as appropriate, a combination of any other IL service;
• Building community capacity to meet the needs of individuals with significant disabilities; and
• Resource development activities to secure other funding sources.

A population-based formula determines the total funding available for discretionary grants to centers in each state. Subject to the availability of appropriations, ACL is required to provide continuation funding to existing centers at the same level of funding they received the prior fiscal year and to provide them with a cost-of-living increase. Funding for new centers in a state is awarded on a competitive basis, based on the state’s State Plan for Independent Living and the availability of sufficient additional funds within the state.

The Independent Living Discretionary Grant Program is authorized Under Title VII, Chapter I, Subchapter C of the Rehabilitation Act, as Amended by the workforce innovation and opportunity act (WIOA) of 2014.

Other Related Questions:

What is the Independent Living Services Program?

ACL's independent living programs work to support community living and independence for people with disabilities across the nation based on the belief that all people can live with dignity, make their own choices, and participate fully in society. These programs provide tools, resources, and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities to promote equal opportunities, self-determination, and respect.

Learn more about the Independent Living Services (ILS) Program.

What is a State Independent Living Council (SILC)?

Each state and U.S. territory is required to maintain a statewide independent living council (SILC). The Council and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) within the state develop a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL is a document required by law that indicates how the IL Network is going to improve independent living services for individuals with disabilities over the next three years. It identifies the needs and priorities of consumers, providers, and other stakeholders and sets forth goals and objectives to respond to them.

Having a strong network for independent living in a state or territory is crucial. Collaborating on the SPIL development can help create a cohesive and unified vision among all stakeholders who have an interest in issues that impact citizens with disabilities. 

Learn more about the Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs).

What is a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)?

State Plans for Independent Living (SPILs) show how federal, state, and other funds will be used to support the state’s independent living programs as well as collaborations with other partners in the state and other ACL grantees to enhance and expand service delivery and options for individuals with disabilities.

Sec. 704(a) of The Rehabilitation Act, as amended requires the review and revision of the SPIL, not less than once every three 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.

The SPILs also includes the following:

- The core services that WIOA requires
- An explanation and requirement for the state matching requirement
- Legal basis and certifications, DSE assurances, and SILC assurances
- A chart for the financial plan 
- A chart for centers' for independent living service areas and oversight
- A signatures section.

More Information and Resources:

List of Centers for Independent Living by State

View a list of Centers for Independent Living by state.

Office of Independent Living Programs Contact List

View the Office of Independent Living Contact List.

Office of Independent Living Programs Monthly Newsletters

• May 2023

Program Performance Reporting Information

• Centers for Independent Living PPR: Instructions, Instrument

• Independent Living Services PPR: Instructions, Instrument

• CIL CARES Act Funding: Instructions, Instrument

• CDC Vaccination Funding: Instrument

• Public Health Workforce Funding: Instrument

Compliance and Outcome Monitoring

The Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP) uses a three-tier system to evaluate and monitor Center for Independent Living (CIL) grantees. Tier one includes a grantee dashboard completed over the course of the fiscal year. Tier two reviews focus on specific program(s) or fiscal issues. Tier three are comprehensive program and fiscal reviews. The Compliance and Outcome Monitoring Protocol (COMP) provides transparency and consistency in the oversight of CIL grantees, helps identify training, and technical assistance needs across the network. 

The purpose of the COMP is to improve program performance. The OILP relies on the COMP to provide consistent federal oversight of CIL grantees. Grantees may use the COMP to understand program and fiscal requirements and to conduct self-evaluations. Non-federal reviewers will use the COMP as a resource to ensure consistency during onsite reviews. 

Learn more and view COMP documents.

Compliance Reviews:

FY2021

• Harlem Independent Living Center (New York, NY)

FY2020

• Blue Water Center for Independent Living (Port Huron, MI)
• The Disability Network (Flint, MI)
• Disability Network West Michigan Center for Independent Living (Muskegon, MI)

FY2019

• ACL conducted pilot desktop reviews. Pilot reports were not made public.

 

Funding Tables

See funding tables for federal grant funds, provided to each state, under Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Executive Director (ED) Changes & Organization Name Changes (March 2023)

Change in Executive Director

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are grantees that receive funding from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, in Part C. Federal guidelines require grantees to inform funding agencies and receive prior approval of changes in “Key Personnel.” For the purposes of this FAQ, “Key Personnel” refers to the CIL Executive Director (ED) or interim Executive Director; the ED—interim or permanent—is the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR).

 

The independent-living philosophy of consumer control means that a CIL chooses its ED.

It is crucial to both the grantee and ACL that information about the Executive Director/Authorized Organizational Representative is always current and accurate. It is, therefore, important for grantees to have a clear understanding of the requirements associated with changes to the ED/AOR position.

 

Q1: What are the responsibilities of the ED and of the CIL grant program, who typically serves in the role?

A1: The ED is the designated representative of the recipient organization and has the authority to act on the organization’s behalf in matters related to the award and administration of grants. In signing the grant application, this individual agrees that the organization will assume the obligations imposed by the applicable Federal statutes and regulations and other terms and conditions of the award, including any assurances, if a grant is awarded. These responsibilities include accountability both for the appropriate use of funds awarded and the performance of the grant-supported project or activities as specified in the approved application. For CILs, the Executive Director or interim Executive Director is the AOR.

 

Q2: What is considered a “change” in status or absence of ED/AOR?

A2: A change is when the existing ED, as identified on the Notice of Award (NoA), resigns or withdraws from the project entirely, is continuously absent from the project for three (3) months or more, or reduces time devoted to the project by 25 percent or more from the level that was approved at the time of award.

 

Q3: What if the ED/AOR remains the same but changes his/her name?

A3: The grantee must update the SAM, IRS, and all federal reporting systems and notify the Project Officer (PO) of the name change.

 

Q4: Does ACL enforce minimum qualifications for EDs?

A4: No. Each grantee determines the qualifications necessary to successfully serve as an ED/AOR; the grantee should refer to the ILRU document titled “Tips for hiring an Executive Director” at http://ilnet-ta.org/wp/2017/01/06/tips-for-hiring-an-executive-director/. ACL staff does run the name through SAM.gov to affirm the person is able to receive federal funds, and must request prior approval through current regulations, § 2 CFR 200.308(c)(2). Information requested is submitted in Grant Solutions.

 

Q5: Are there other resources that would be helpful to a new ED?

A5: The information under “Managing a Grant” on ACL’s website (at https://www.acl.gov/node/670) is helpful. ACL also funds Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) to provide grantees training and technical assistance (“CIL-NET Technical Assistance” [http://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-net-technical-assistance]). ILRU hosts monthly teleconference calls for new CIL EDs and has resources available on issues such as service delivery, nonprofit management, and general operations of a CIL. Resources that ILRU provides that may be helpful include

- IL-NET TA: Tips for hiring an Executive Director, http://ilnet-ta.org/wp/2017/01/06/tips-for-hiring-an-executive-director/;

- Job Announcements: Post a job announcement on the ILRU website, http://www.ilru.org/job-announcements;

- On-Demand Training: CIL Financial Management, http://www.ilru.org/topics/cil-financial-management; and

- On-Demand Training: CIL Management and Operations, http://www.ilru.org/topics/cil-management-operations.

 

Q6: What grant-related systems does a change in ED impact, and how these systems updated?

A6: The new ED needs to learn how to use, access, and update the following Federal reporting systems.

- GrantSolutions: An end-to-end grants management service that provides solutions for grantors, grantees, and the public.

Website: https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/.

Recipient User Account Request Form

- Payment Management System (PMS): The Payment Management System accomplishes all payment-related activities for HHS grants from the time of award through closeout. PMS was developed for the purpose of creating a central system that is capable of paying most Federal assistance grants, block grants, and contracts.

Website: https://pms.psc.gov/

PMS System Access Form

- Q90: The portal for submitting program performance reports (PPRs).

Website: https://portal.q90.com/external/login.php

 

Before the ED change, the current ED needs to

- Tell the program officer (PO), in writing, about the change.

- Send the board of directors (BoD)

this document.

the PO’s name

the PO’s phone number

and the PO’s email address

 

Before the ED change, the BoD needs to

- Tell the PO, in writing, of the BoD’s intent to change the ED.

- Tell the PO the expected hire date.

- Submit change request in Grant Solutions.

Pursuant to § 2 CFR 200.308(c)(2), recipients of federal funds must request approval from the grantor for a number of changes related to the grant, including a Change in Key Personnel identified in the application for federal funds or in the grant award. All requests for a Change in Key Personnel for your federal grant should be submitted by the grantee in the Grants Management Module as a new amendment by accessing Manage Amendments, click New, select appropriate key personnel change amendment and Create Amendment:

Change in Key Personnel amendments:

ACL Change PI/PD Info

 

GrantSolutions has a training video showing grantees how to request and manage grant amendments – which in addition to changes in personnel, includes information regarding no-cost extension requests, supplements, changes in address, and more. You can access the video here.

 

Documents Required in Grant Solutions:

- A dated cover letter signed by the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) or designee with:

- Grant Award Number and Grantee Organization Name

- Justification for the change in key personnel

- New personnel contact information (name, title, business phone number and business email address)

- A resume, biographical sketch or curriculum vitae of the proposed individual

 

After the new ED officially starts, the new ED needs to

- Tell the PO the new ED’s full contact information.

- Complete and submit the PMS System Access Form in PMS.

- Update contact information on the following websites:

System for Award Management (SAM): www.sam.gov

Internal Revenue Service: https://www.irs.gov/

- Ask ILRU about participating in new-ED calls.

 

Source: ACL memo on Key Personnel Change issued 9/3/21 - Mandatory_Formula Grantee Notice_Non-Discretionary Grants Module_Final.pdf (acl.gov)

 

Organization Name Change

 

Q7: If the CIL name has changed, what do I need to do?

- Forward the new name to your PO so we can update the grantee distribution list

- Email the change to our financial office so it can be updated in PMS so you can drawdown funds. You can forward the name change documents to our financial office for signature approval to facilitate the name change: Vincent.Woodard@acl.hhs.gov and Yi-Hsin.Yan@acl.hhs.gov.  Documents they will ask for are the following:

The IRS letter/memo which clearly shows your EIN and Name;

Your current grant number(s);

Your active UEI and if it has changed from before

If you are unsure who to contact in the fiscal office, reach out to your Program Officer.

- You also have to update the name within the Sam.gov: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=1e7b29af1b9609d0cc45ea04bc4bcb20 

- Make amendment to your grant in Grant Solutions

- Follow any state requirements regarding legal name changes

- Notify your Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) once you’ve changed the name and your DSE if you receive Part B funds.

 

FAQ: Allowable Advocacy Activities for Federal Grantees

The 1973 Rehabilitation Act as Amended (“the Rehab Act as Amended”), requires Centers of Independent Living (CILs) to perform Core Services, including systems advocacy (29 U.S.C §§ 705(17)(D) & 796f-4(b)(5); defined at 45 C.F.R § 1329.4). ACL and ILA have received several requests for guidance describing allowable advocacy activities to help ensure that CILs and other ACL grantees can best serve their target populations and meet their grant obligations without violating federal law.

Federal laws and regulations prohibit federal grantees, which includes recipients of funding related to the Rehab Act as Amended, from using federal funds to lobby government officials (18 U.S.C. § 1913; 31 U.S.C. § 1352; 2 C.F.R § 200.450).

We have provided the FAQs to help clarify how these laws function for ACL grantees. This guidance is intended to help ACL grantees better understand their rights and obligations. It is not a comprehensive guide to every circumstance that could be a violation of the regulations cited above. ACL grantees are responsible for understanding the full scope of their legal responsibilities as federal grantees, and are strongly encouraged to reach out to ACL program officers with any questions about the appropriate use of federal funds.

For the purposes of these FAQs, a “grantee” includes employees; board members; and council members acting on behalf of the grantee, and not in their individual capacity. Grantees should note that they may not act in their individual capacity while they are also operating in an official capacity. (For example, a grantee could not attend a meeting in an official capacity and avoid anti-lobbying regulations by claiming to speak briefly “in their individual capacity” or “in their personal opinion.”)

FAQ: Conflicts of Interest

As part of the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) ongoing responsibility to ensure the proper stewardship of federal funds, the above frequently asked questions (FAQs) are intended to help grantees identify and avoid actual or perceived personal conflicts of interest. Per HHS Grant Policy, ACL grantees have an obligation to avoid actual or perceived personal conflicts of interest, including nepotism.

This guidance is intended to help ACL grantees understand when conflicts of interest may be a compliance risk. This FAQ is not a comprehensive guide to every circumstance that could be a violation of a grantee’s obligation to avoid personal conflicts of interest. ACL grantees are responsible for understanding the full scope of their legal responsibilities as federal grantees and are strongly encouraged to reach out to ACL program officers with any questions related to conflicts of interest. For the purposes of these FAQs, a “grantee” includes employees acting on behalf of the grantee, and not in their individual capacity.

For purposes of this FAQ, a “Conflict of Interest” is a significant financial interest that could compromise or bias professional judgement and objectivity related to the management of federal financial assistance. A financial interest in this context means potential for gaining, losing, increasing or decreasing a salary, indebtedness, job offer, or other thing of monetary value. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Designated State Entities (DSEs)

1. What is the effective Date of the ACL Guidance issued on June 5, 2015?
A: The ACL guidance was effective the date it was issued. ILA PI-15-01 Selection of the DSE was effective June 5th, 2015.

2. What is the IL Network?
A: For the purpose of ACL and its guidance, the Independent Living Network or “IL Network” in each state includes: SILC, Part B and Subchapter C CILs, and the DSE. In some States, there may be more than one DSE, if there is a separate agency for the blind.

3. ACL encouraged SILCs to involve the DSE in the SPIL process. What does that mean?
A: The guidance encourages communication between the parties who are developing the SPIL and the DSE. The chairperson of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and directors of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) jointly develop the SPIL, consistent with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), collaborating with IL consumers and the public. While the law removes the requirement that the DSE participate in the development of the SPIL, the DSE is one of the parties required to sign the SPIL. To put it another way, the DSE must sign in order to meet the requirements for an approvable plan. The DSE will continue to be responsible for administering Part B funds that they receive and disburse based on the SPIL, as required by law. Therefore, given the DSE’s role in signing the SPIL, and carrying out its statutory responsibilities, the SILC should involve the DSE to promote the effective and efficient administration of the IL program.

4. Did WIOA change the duties of the DSE?
A: Yes, the DSE no longer has a responsibility to develop the SPIL. Though WIOA eliminates the director of the DSE from the SPIL development process, the DSE continues to be the agency that acts as the grantee on behalf of the State for Title VII Part B Independent Living Services programs authorized under Section 713 of the Act and the Subchapter C programs administered by the State under Section 723 of the Act. The general responsibilities of the DSE as required in the statute include:

-Receive, account for, and disburse funds received by the State based on the SPIL;
-Provide administrative support services;
-Keep such records and afford such access to such records as ACL finds to be necessary with respect to the programs;
-Submit additional information or provide assurances as ACL may require with respect to the programs; and
-Retain not more than 5% of the Part B funds received by the State for any fiscal year, as required to perform the responsibilities above.

The DSE must also sign the SPIL.

5. Who selects the DSE?
A: The DSE is a governmental State entity that carries out the functions described in Q & A number 4 on behalf of the state. If the DSE does not carry out those functions, the state is legally responsible. Therefore, the state decides which governmental entity will serve as the DSE. To the extent that the SILC and CILs may engage in the DSE selection process under state and federal law, they may provide input to the state concerning the DSE. Such input may include a reminder to the State that the selection of a new DSE is a significant change to the SPIL. If the change in the DSE occurs during an active approved SPIL cycle, the SPIL amendment process must be followed to change the DSE. If the change coincides with the regular SPIL development cycle, the SPIL development process must be followed, and the SPIL must identify the new DSE. Both the SPIL amendment process and the SPIL development process require public hearings conducted by the SILC. The new DSE must be included in an approvable SPIL that is submitted in a timely manner in order for the State to receive funding.

6. Who should I contact regarding ideas for our IL Network in my State?
A: First, collaborate with the SILC members and Center directors. If you have further questions, including tips on collaborating with fellow ACL community partners and other stakeholders in your State, please contact your ILA point of contact for your State available on the ILRU website.

ACL Suggested DSE Best Practices

ACL encourages the following best practices:

-Because the director of the DSE must sign the SPIL to affirm agreement to execute the DSE’s statutory responsibilities, ACL encourages SILCs and CILs to involve the DSE in the SPIL development process.
-Section 704(i) of the Rehabilitation Act requires the SPIL to “set forth the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination, and working relationships among the …” SILC, the CILs, the DSE, and other state agencies that address the needs of specific disability populations. ACL encourages incorporation of involvement of the DSE into the plan.
-ACL encourages States* to involve the current and prospective DSE, Statewide Independent Living Councils and Centers for Independent Living in discussions around the designation of a State entity to receive and administer State Independent Living Services funds.

*“The term ‘State’ includes, in addition to each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.” —Section 7(34) of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. 705.


FAQ on Independent Living Services for Children and Youth with Disabilities

May 17, 2017

Dear Colleagues,

ACL is pleased to announce the release of Frequently Asked Questions on Independent Living Services for Children and Youth with Disabilities (Youth Services FAQ), which was developed in response to questions from grantees about the  provisions for transitions of youth  included in the  Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA).

WIOA added new “core services” to the missions of centers for independent living that include the transition of youth and young adults with disabilities to postsecondary life once they are no longer receiving a secondary education.  WIOA defines youth with a disability to mean “an individual with a disability who is not younger than 14 years of age; and is not older than 24 years of age.”  ACL adopted this definition in the final IL regulation.

The Youth Services FAQ is intended to help explain this new core service and provide clarification to grantees about reporting of services provided to youth, which may differ depending on their eligibility for the new services or for other independent living services.  We hope it will help centers for independent living design and provide these new core services.  If you have specific questions regarding the implementation or reporting of youth services please contact the ILA project officer for your state.

Thank you, 

Bob Williams

Director, Independent Living Administration

View this letter in PDF format.

FAQ on Independent Living Subchapter C Funding Distribution

Introductory Note: Each year the Administration for Community Living (ACL) distributes funding to support the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) program as authorized in the Rehabilitation Act, as amended (the Act), Subchapter C Sec. 721. In response to ongoing questions and concerns regarding how funding to the CILs is determined and more specifically, how the funding formula is applied, the following FAQ is provided as guidance to assist in understanding the distribution of Subchapter C funds.

Q1: What are the steps ACL follows to determine annual Subchapter C grant awards to States?

A1: The Act at Section 721 sets forth the program authorization and steps ACL must take to make available appropriated funds to States as authorized by Subchapter C.

Our first step is determining how much is available for grants and other program activities, including training and technical assistance, Section 21 activities, and program support costs. These costs vary but represent about 3 percent of the appropriations amount for Subchapter C. Once this is done, ACL calculates awards to States as follows:

- Applying a population based formula to determine the allotment to each State whose State plan has been approved;
- Applying minimum allotment amounts of $839,761 to States and $95,139 to territories, as appropriate;
- Applying adjustments for inflation, as appropriate;
- Applying proportional reduction, as appropriate; and
- Applying real allotment as appropriate.
 

Under certain conditions, i.e., a competed service area does not receive eligible applicants, a State or Territory’s allotment may be used to increase state allotments for such year.

Q2: What are the steps ACL follows to determine annual Subchapter C grant awards to CILs?

A2: Once the grant awards to States are determined, for grants to CILs in states in which federal funding exceeds state funding (Sec.722), ACL is guided by an order of priorities to the extent funds are available:

- Support existing CILs that comply with the standards and assurances set forth in Section 725, at the level of funding for the previous year;
- Provide a cost of living increase for existing CILs; and
- Fund new CILs.

Language in each State’s State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) sets forth the distribution of State funds to each CIL in the State. Funding formulas set in a SPIL may be Proportionate, Equal or Other. When a State determines a need for SPIL amendments, to include changes to its CIL funding formula, a SPIL amendment must be reviewed and approved by ACL prior to the award continuation process.

Q3: ACL is distributing $12,406 less in Subchapter C funds to CILs on September 30, 2017 than in September 2016. Why is this?

A3: In October 2015, ACL discovered that the IL program had unused ARRA Subchapter C funds from grants awarded in 2010. Those funds expired on September 30, 2015. Some grantees had been told by the Department of Education that the funds would be available for 90 days after the expiration date to reimburse obligations made before that date. Unfortunately, that guidance was not accurate. When the funds expired, they were no longer available to grantees or to ACL. CILs that attempted to draw funds after September 30 to reimburse 2015 expenses were unable to do so. As a result, 19 CILs in 14 states would lose a total of $559,000 if no action was taken.

After careful consideration of the impact to the affected CILs, ACL decided to use current-year funds (FY16) to make up for the shortfall. This reduction in FY16 Subchapter C funding was reflected in the initial allocations that were provided on June 1, 2016.

However, as promised, ACL continued to explore other options to mitigate the impact, and ACL found other resources to offset a significant portion of the shortfall. It was explicitly stated in a “dear colleague” letter last summer however, that this was a one-time event, and that ACL made available resources by waiving the IL program’s share of the costs that would normally be borne by all other ACL programs, including those for program data systems, grants systems, grant review, and the Secretary’s transfer. In addition, because no eligible applicant could be considered for funding a CIL in Guam, the minimum allotment otherwise available to support services in Guam ($95,139) was made available to support existing centers.

When those costs are factored in this year, the result is that the costs are slightly greater in total than the FY16 ARAA amount, resulting in a net of -$12,406 less being available for the Subchapter C grants than we had last year.

Note: These costs may fluctuate from year to year, and as such funding available for grants may vary slightly from year to year.

Q4: Why were the grant awards of some but not all CILs in certain States reduced?

A4: The Subchapter C formula is meant to redistribute funding annually. After the initial distribution was run based on each state/territory’s population percentage, the state/territories who were below the minimum amount had their award amounts increased to the minimum amounts. CILs located within the minimum amount states/territories will also receive the same amounts unless there was a change in the number of CILs within the state/territory.

Q5: How many CILs and States were subjected to these reductions?

A5: Sixteen states had population percentage decreases that resulted in receiving decreased award amounts. One state had population percentage decreases that resulted in receiving decreased award amounts, and 29 states/territories received the minimum award amounts. (See table below for States and Territories in each category).

Q6: Some Subchapter C awards appear to have been reduced in States where population increased or stayed the same. Why?

A6: As a population-based formula, population percentage is factored into the calculation of award amounts. Population percentage is each state/territory’s population figure in comparison to the collective total of all entities. Some states may have seen an increase in their population from the data used in the previous fiscal year. However, when comparing the state/territory’s population to the collective total, the population percentage may not have increased from the previous fiscal year but decreased. This means the percentage of the state population compared to the collective total in FY16 was less than the percentage of the state population compared to the collective total in FY17. The decrease in the population percentages resulted in a reduced award amount for the states and CILs.

Q7: Why didn't ACL take reductions across all Subchapter C awards in respect to the program support costs and Secretary transfer?

A7: After determining how much is available in the aggregate for grant awards, funding for each grant is determined by formula based on statutory and regulatory requirements. Please refer to questions 2 and 3 for more information.

Q8: What factors influenced the reduction to individual grant awards?

A8: As a result of formula driven factors, the total amount for the states receiving increases was $140,461 and the total amount for the states receiving decreases was $152,867. Therefore, the net difference was $12,406.

Q9: What authority does ACL have to use Subchapter C program funds for administrative costs and for the Secretary transfer?

A9: Program support costs including program data systems, grants systems, and grant review costs are allocated to all ACL programs consistent with appropriations language and the budget request. Budget decisions such as the allocation of a Secretarial transfer are made at the program level, not on a grant by grant basis. Specific authority related to the Secretary’s transfer is contained in Section 205 of Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017.

 

States received increased funding (both population and population percentage increased)	States received decreased funding (population increased but population percentage decreased)	State received decreased funding (both population and population percentage decreased)	“Minimum” states and territories received level funding
Arizona California Colorado Florida Georgia North Carolina South Carolina Texas Washington	Alabama Indiana Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia Wisconsin	Illinois	Alaska Arkansas Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Hawaii Idaho Iowa Kansas Maine Mississippi Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Mexico North Dakota Oklahoma Oregon Rhode Island South Dakota Utah Vermont West Virginia Wyoming American Samoa Northern Mariana Islands Puerto Rico Virgin Islands

 

Annual Performance Data and Outcomes

CIL Annual Performance Data

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, requires CILs that receive Title VII Subchapter C funding to report annually on their activities, achievements, resources, and needs.

CIL’s, using the Annual Program Performance Report (PPR) form, submit these data to the ACL Independent Living Administration.

ILS Annual Comments Data

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, requires that each Designated State Entity (DSE) and Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) report annually on their activities, achievements, resources, and needs.

DSEs and SILCs, using the Annual Program Performance Report (PPR) form, jointly submit these data to ACL's Independent Living Administration.

The following includes downloadable ILS and CIL PPR datafiles.

CIL Annual Program Performance Report (PPR) Datafiles*            

• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015

ILS Annual Program Performance Report (PPR) Datafiles*             

Coming Soon

*The datafiles provided here do not include qualitative data. These data have been removed from these files to protect the privacy of individuals receiving and providing ILS and CIL services.

Annual Reports

2019 Annual Report

On Monday, November 30, 2020, Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities Julie Hocker submitted the 2019 annual report for the independent living programs, in accordance with Title VII, Chapter I, Part C in the Rehabilitation Act as amended. This report reflects the more than 200,000 individuals who in PY2019 benefited from community-based services to live independently in communities across our nation.

• Letter from AOD Commissioner to ACL Administrator
• 2019 Annual Report

2018 Annual Report 

On Monday, March 30, 2020, Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities Julie Hocker submitted the 2018 annual report for the independent living programs, in accordance with Title VII, Chapter I, Part C in the Rehabilitation Act as amended. 

• Letter from AOD Commissioner to ACL Administrator
• 2018 Annual Report

Related Projects:

COVID-19

ACL's webpage with COVID-19 resources and information.

CILs and SILCs are encouraged to participate in ACL's and the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) program for distributing free COVID-19 tests in local communities. For more information, please contact Ed Ahern at Edward.ahern@acl.hhs.gov.

Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center 

The ACL-funded Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) provides evidence-based training and technical assistance to Administration on Disabilities grantees for improving competitive, integrated employment (CIE) and economic outcomes for individuals with disabilities across the nation.

Housing and Services Resource Center

The Housing and Services Resource Center (HSRC) is part of a partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to make community living a reality for all. This partnership will expand accessible, affordable housing; help people exit homelessness; improve home and community-based services; and address the institutional bias in America's long-term care system.

Inclusive Transportation

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) is a program of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) administered by Easterseals and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with guidance from ACL. NADTC goal is to promote the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. 

Learn more about ACL's inclusive transportation work.

Youth Transition

Independent Living Transition Services for Youth and Young Adults with Significant Disabilities from Minority Backgrounds: This particular priority is a joint-funding collaboration between NIDILRR and the Office for Independent Living Administration, both at ACL. The grantee conducts research to generate evidence-based practices for services provided by centers for independent living (CILs) to facilitate the transition of youth with significant disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds who were eligible for individualized education programs and who have completed their secondary education or otherwise left school.