Michigan State Plan for Independent Living

Section 5,Design for the Statewide Network:

3.1 Existing Network

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.

Michigan’s Network of CILs is comprised of fifteen Centers for Independent Living, serving people across the state. Yet many populations and areas remain underserved or unserved. Michigan’s CILs report that about 21% of Michigan’s residents are in areas they have capacity to serve. 39% in areas that are significantly underserved, and 40% in areas that are classified as unserved. (Efforts to expand the network are explained in section 3.2)

Each CIL in Michigan’s Network of CILs is required to be in compliance with Section 725 Standards and Assurances in order to retain eligibility to be included in the SPIL Network of CILs and to receive any base core funding through Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Michigan CILs operate with any combination of the following funding sources:

Federal Title VII Part C funds paid directly from RSA to eligible CILs (as of 1/1/2010, Michigan has ten CILs that receive federal C funds

Title VII Part B funds matched with required 10% state funds, administered by Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Title VII Part B funds are included in the core funding grants received by all 15 Michigan CILs and SILC.

Other State appropriated IL funds included in the MRS state budget and administered by MRS through contracts with CILs and SILC based on the IL funding priorities listed in Section 3.2 “Expansion of the Network”.

Other public and/or private funding sources paid directly to the CIL based on fund-raising, fee for services, and successful application for contracts and grants.

Michigan has 10 Title VII, Part C Funded Centers for Independent Living (CILs). These CILs are monitored by RSA to confirm compliance with Section 725 Standards and Assurances, with the SILC participating in the federal review process. They include:

1. Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (AACIL), 3941 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Service Area: Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties – Population of 625,791, Geographic area of: 1,872 Square Miles.
2. Blue Water Center for Independent Living (BWCIL), 1042 Griswold, Suite 2, Port Huron MI 48060. Service Area: Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola Counties – Population of 269,380, Geographic area of: 4,309 Square Miles
3. Capital Area Center for Independent Living (CACIL), 1048 Pierpont Suite 9-10, Lansing MI 48911. Service Area: Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Shiawassee Counties – Population of 519,415, Geographic area of: 2,255 Square Miles
4. Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC), 3600 Camelot Dr. SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546. Service Area: Kent, Ionia, Mecosta, Montcalm, Osceola Counties – Population of 760,869, Geographic Area of: 3,317 Square Miles
5. Disability Network Lakeshore, 426 Century Lane, Holland, Mi 49423. Service Area: Allegan and Ottawa Counties, Geographic area of: 1,420 Square Miles
6. Disability Network/Mid-Michigan (DNMM), 1160 James Savage Road, Midland MI 48640. Service Area: Alcona, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Iosco, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon, Saginaw Counties, Geographic area of: 6,281 Square Miles.
7. Disability Network Oakland & Macomb (DNOM), 16645 15 Mile Road, Clinton Township MI 48035. Service Area: Macomb and Oakland Counties – Population of 1,982,304, Geographic Area of: 1,391 Square Miles.
8. Disability Network Southwest Michigan (DNSWM), 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo MI 49001. Service Area: Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph Van Buren Counties – Population of 617,815, Geographic Area of: 3,539 Square Miles
9. Superior alliance for Independent Living (SAIL), 129 W. Barage Ave. Suite H, Marquette MI 49855. Service Area: Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft Counties – Population of 317,616, Service Area of: 17,004 Square Miles
10. The Disability Network (TDN), 3600 S. Dort Hwy, Ste. 54, Flint MI 48507. Service Area: Genesee County – Population of 436,141, Service Area of: 649 Square Miles.

Michigan has 5 Non-Federally funded Centers for Independent Living. They are funded by any combination of Title VII, Part B funds, state appropriated IL funds, and/or other public or private sources. The plan is that ARRA funding will soon enable these 5 to be Part C funded. These CILs are currently monitored by the State via on-site review teams to confirm compliance with Section 725 Standards and Assurances. They include:

1. Disability Network Southwest-Michigan – Berrian and Cass Counties . Service Area: Berrien and Cass Counties – Population of 216,557, Service Area of: 1,088 Square Miles
2. Disability Network/Wayne County-Detroit (DNWAYNE), 5555 Conner, Suite 2075 Detroit MI 48213. Service Area: Wayne County – Population of 2,061,162, Service Area of: 634 Square Miles
3. Disability Network/Northern Michigan (DNNM), 3333 State Street, Traverse City MI 49684. Service Area: Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oscoda, Ostego, Presque Isle, Wexford Counties – Population of 410,948, Service Area: 9,365 Square Miles
4. disability Connections, Inc (dC), 409 Linden, Jackson MI 49203. Service Area: Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee Counties – Geographic area of: 2.092 Square Miles
5. Disability Connection/West Michigan (DCWM) 1871 Peck Street, Muskegon MI 49441 Service Area: Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newago, Oceano Counties – Population 284,554, Geographic Service area of: 3020 Square Miles.

3.2 Expansion of Network

Describe the design for the further expansion of the network, including identification of the unserved and underserved areas in the State and the order of priority for serving these areas as additional funding becomes available (beyond the required cost-of-living increase)

Michigan’s CIL network values grass roots principles. The CILs have been developed from grass roots initiatives and continue to operate under this approach. For several years there have been 16 counties (Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Ionia, Iosco, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon) or 4% of Michigan’s population which have not been formally affiliated with a CIL.

In order to address statewide coverage, and in support of SPIL Goals (2011-2013 SPIL Goals I and III) the 16 counties have been initially affiliated with adjoining CIL service areas. This has been done with the explicit understanding that the statewide needs assessment coordinated by SILC (2011-2013 SPIL Goal IV, Objective 3) will address needs and preferences of these counties. The initial affiliations will then be confirmed and/or adjusted as appropriate based upon the statewide needs assessment and other consumer/community input.

Even though all 83 counties are now in a CIL service area, no county is fully served – i.e., where the CIL has a clear presence and a full array of IL core supports and services that are readily available to meet identified community and consumer needs. Annually, SPIL Partners assess Network needs, apply funding principles, and prioritize how state-administered funds can be coordinated with federally administered Title VII, Part C funds to most effectively support operation, development, and expansion of the Network. The SPIL Partners, in partnership with the CILs and their association DN/M, also conduct activities as needed throughout the year to coordinate state and federal Core Funding. This includes activities to recommend federal distribution of Title VII, Part C grants, provide information and recommendations for the annual state appropriations process, determine planned funding levels for the MRS SILS/CIL grants, and deal with any changes in available SILS/CIL funding that occur during the year. The emphasis in all activities is to encourage centers to serve their service areas more effectively and avoid duplication of services as funding becomes available.

FUNDING PRIORITIES AND DECISION CRITERIA FOR FEDERAL TITLE VII, PART C FUNDING:
Recommendations for allocation of federal Title VII, Part C funding will – after maintenance of the previous year’s level of Part C funding and recognition of required cost-of-living allowance — place priority on the following:

1. If sufficient federal funding is available, recommending competition for one or more new federally funded CILs in priority unserved or underserved areas determined ready for such competition.
2. If sufficient federal funding is not available for a new federally funded CIL, recommending that available funds be spread among the funded CILs to – insofar as possible – equalize the grants for all CILs.
3. If RSA informs SILC and the DSUs of a funding decrease in Title VII Part C grants, recommending that the decrease be spread among the funded CILs to – insofar as possible – equalize the grants for all CILs.

FUNDING PRIORITIES FOR FUNDING OF NEW CILS:
SPIL partners have no current plans to establish new centers, unless all of the following conditions are present:

1. A strong grass roots expression of need arises for consumers and services in a given area.
2. The area can feasibly support a new center.
3. Additional funding becomes available from state and/or federal sources. (In accordance with the NCIL 2009 State Survey, $500,000 annually is necessary to successfully start a new CIL)

FUNDING PRIORITIES AND DECISION CRITERIA FOR TOTAL COMBINED STATE AND FEDERAL CORE FUNDING:
The SPIL Partners, in partnership with the CILs and their association DN/M, conduct activities as needed throughout the year to coordinate state and federal Core Funding. This includes activities to recommend federal distribution of Title VII, Part C grants, provide information and recommendations for the annual state appropriations process, determine planned funding levels for the MRS SILS/CIL grants, and deal with any changes in available SILS/CIL funding that occur during the year.

In annually coordinating state and federal Core Funding, the SPIL Partners will strive, within the limits of available resources, to adhere to the following funding priorities and principles:

Recommendations for allocation of State IL funding will – after Part C determinations are made as outlined above — place priority on the following, within the limits of available funding:

1. Consistent with federal cost-of-living allowances, each CIL will be given a total annual cost-of-living increase proportional to its total federal and state Core Funding.
2. 50% of any remaining increase will be divided equally among the funded CILs.
3. The remaining 50% of any increase will be used to increase the equity/equality of funding to CILs. This will first be used to bring underfunded CILs up to a base core funding level of $500,000 annually. Any remaining funding will be used to increase equity in accordance with the Michigan CIL Prototype.
4. If there is a decrease in total combined federal and state core funding, the decrease will be distributed across the 15 CILs proportional to their total combined federal and state core funding awards.
5. In any considerations of reallocating Core Funding, including reallocations to address budget reductions, collaborative efforts will be taken to protect maintenance-of-effort levels or – if that is not possible – to minimize negative impacts upon individual CILs and the communities they serve.

Due to size restrictions on the RSA web site, the current composition of Goal 1: “Collaborative relationships necessary to support persons with disabilities in the State of Michigan are supported and enhanced.” will need to be shortened.

Pending Writing team final review/approval, Goal 1 now reads “Collaborative relationships are supported and enhanced”. There is a large space under Goal Descriptions to further explain the goal if necessary.

Please submit any comments through the comments section of this post or at spil@misilc.org.

A question has come into the SILC office as to why there are not goals or objectives regarding youth transitions and de-institutionalizations. This has been important in the past, why are we not continuing work in this area.

This question will be given to the SPIL writing team during the March 8th writing session.

Updates will be posted as necessary.

This is the current Goals/Objectives created by the writing team. The team has looked at Goals/Objectives received from both the public and the SILC Partnership retreat.

This section is available in in a downloadable format:

Goals and Objectives, Microsoft Word format
Goals and Objectives, Rich Text format
Goals and Objectives, PDF format

Goal I: Collaborative relationships necessary to support persons with disabilities in the State of Michigan are supported and enhanced.

Objective 1: Develop local Aging and Disability Resource Center partnerships using “no wrong door” and “person centered planning” approaches that will be fully functional within 5 years.

• Geographic Scope: Statewide
• Three Year Performance Targets: Have all 83 Counties served and be awarded Federal operational funds.
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Semi-Annual

Indicators:

• Established Partnership prototype (2011)
• Number of signed ADRC partnership agreements (2011,2012,2013)
• Percentage of state coverage. (2011,2012,2013)
• Award of Federal Operational Funding (2013)
• Verification of “no wrong door” and “person centered planning” via OSA reviews/audits. (2011,2012,2013)
• Lead Organization: Office of Service to the Aging
• Key Partners: SILC, DN/M, MDRC, MAP, AAA, CILs, Hospital Assoc, State Long Term Care Ombudsman’s Office, Comunity Development Agency, 4am, MSA, SHIP, BEOC
• Resources Needed: Staff
• Funding Sources: Office of Service to the Aging

Activity

• Collaborate with disability and aging organizations to develop community driven partnerships.
• Participate in development of certification and designation process for ADRC applicants, including demonstrating equal partnerships
• Participate in provision of technical assistance to communities that are struggling.
• Participate in the development of indicators and oversight ensuring provision of unbiased information and assistance.
• Provide information technology support to DHS for electronic submission of CIL relevant data.

Objective 2: Support initiatives to increase programmatic & physical access within communities

• Geographic Scope: Statewide
• Three-Year Performance Targets:
• 10% of DOT Funding for Mass Transit
• 100% of Michigan polling places are accessible
• 50% of Michigan 700 communities are involved with Complete Streets initiatives.
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Annually
• Lead Organization: League of Michigan Bicyclists, AARP, MPAS, DD Council
• Key Partner(s): CILs, RICCs, DN/M, SILC, UCP/Michigan, MDOT, Let’s Get Moving, (others ?)
• Resources Needed: Staff Time, Volunteer Time

Activity:

• Participate in Complete Streets initiative
• Participate in transportation initiatives
• Participate in polling place accessibility initiatives.

Objective 3: Continue public and private support for the annual Michigan Youth Leadership Forum.

• Geographic Scope: Statewide
• Three-Year Performance Targets: Three forums held
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Annually
• Lead Organization: MCDC
• Key Partner(s): SILC, DN/M, MPAS
• Resources Needed: Staff Time, Volunteer Time, Meeting Space, Overnight Rooms, Materials
• Funding Sources: Private donations

Indicator:

• Michigan Youth Leadership Forums convened.
• Number of public and private contributors and volunteers.
• Total contributions.

Activity:

• Mentoring support
• Steering committee participation
• Recruitment of participants
• Funding
• Preparation of Manuals
• Contracting for services and facilities
• Fiduciary support (DN/M)

Objective 4: Support and enhance a collaborative relationship between the Statewide Independent Living Council, Disability Network/Michigan and its member CILs

• Geographic Scope: Statewide
• Three-Year Performance Targets: Continued and enhanced partnership and collaboration
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Annually
• Lead Organization: SILC, DN/M
• Key Partner(s): CILs
• Resources Needed: Staff Time, Council Member Time
• Funding Sources: SILS/CIL program funding

Indicators:

• Hours spent in collaborative activities. (2011,2012,2013)
• Number of collaborative initiatives and/or projects. (2011,2012,2013)
• Number of joint meetings. (2011,2012,2013)

Activity:

• Engage in mutual education of organizational activities of SILC, DN/M and its member CILs
• Engage in mutual state-level projects, supports, and technical assistance to CILs

Objective 5: Promote quality employment outcomes and independence for persons with disabilities by building stronger relationships between vocational rehabilitation and IL

• Geographic Scope: Statewide
• Three-Year Performance Targets: All CIL offices have operational agreements with VR
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Quarterly
• Lead Organization: MRS, MCB
• Key Partner(s): DN/M, MRC, CILs, SILC
• Resources Needed: Staff Time, Case Service Funding
• Funding Sources: VR Title I

Indicators:

• Number of joint meetings (Quarterly for 2011,2012,2013)
• Number of operational agreements and/or memorandums of understanding. (2011,2012,2013)
• VR and IL customer satisfaction ratings for jointly served customers (2011,2012,2013)

Activity:

• Convene and sustain joint planning between vocational rehab and IL at local/state/regional levels.
• Vocational rehab and IL collaborate to promote better understanding and use of community supports and services by individuals with disabilities, employers and partner
• Vocational rehab and IL collaborate to ensure individuals have a comprehensive knowledge of available resources in support of employment outcomes
• Promote customer self-advocacy through increased collaboration between vocational rehabilitation and IL

Policy makers understand issues for people with disabilities

Objective 1: Build a unified statewide voice to Inform State and Federal policy makers regarding disability issues

• Geographic Scope: Statewide

Three-Year Performance Targets:

• Revision of Common Disability Agenda
• Legislators informed of disability issues
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Annually
• Lead Organization: SILC, MPAS, DN/M
• Key Partner(s): CILs, ARC, AAA, Brain Injury assoc, Deaf/Hard of Hearing assoc, Bridge for Kids, DDI, MARO, MCDC, (Members of Common Disability Agenda. Needs full listing)
• Resources Needed: Staff Time, Printing/Electronic Media, Postage, Volunteer Time, Public Relations Services, News Releases/Press Conferences
• Funding Sources: SILS/CILs Program funding, Donations

Indicators:

• Revision of Common Disability Agenda. (2012)
• Number of key issues jointly identified and disseminated to policy makers (2011,2012,2013)
• Number of Policy Makers informed about key issues (2011,2012,2013)
• Number of Democracy in Action Campaigns. (2011,2012,2013)

Activity:

• Identify and collaborate on key issues
• Periodically review and revise Michigan Common Disability Agenda.
• Use 2010 Census Data to identify and present key issues from Common Disability Agenda.
• Identify and develop other ways of promoting understanding of disability as a natural human occurrence.
• Visit with state/federal elected officials regarding the needs of people with disabilities and IL related programs, services, supports for Michigan residents and related cost savings.
• Communicate state concerns to NCIL/SILC Congress and Federal Officials.
• Communicate to disability partners pending Federal legislation, activities and concerns.
• Advise partners of opportunities to provide input and/or testimony.

Objective 2: Ensure that people with disabilities are represented at the Michigan Constitutional Convention — if convened

• Geographic Scope: Statewide
• Three-Year Performance Targets: Disability issues are identified and addressed by the Constitutional Convention – if convened
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Semi-Annually – If Convened
• Lead Organization: MPAS
• Key Partner(s): League of Women Voters, Michigan League of Human Services, DN/M, SILC, CILs, MDRC, DD Council, UCP Michigan
• Resources Needed: Staff Time, Volunteer Time, Printing/Electronic Media, Stipend, Donations
• Funding Sources: Donations (Public/Private), (Mix of Operational funding)

Indicator:

• Number of Convention members who represent people with disabilities.
• Number of delegates trained
• Number of testimonies provided
• Number of position papers disseminated.

Activity:

• If convened get information on delegate selection and plans
• Recruit persons with disabilities to run as delegates
• Train delegates and advocates on election procedures
• Develop position papers on constitutional issues related to people with disabilities.
• Identify persons with disabilities to provide testimony.
• Utilize Social Media to disseminate pertinent disability information and provide a central clearinghouse of information.
• Monitor Constitutional convention activities, disseminate information to disability organizations and advocates, and provide relevant response to delegates.

Goal III: Needs of Veterans are addressed through collaboration among VA, DN/M and SILC

Objective 1: Promote and assist local collaboration efforts and coordination of services between CILs and local VR&E offices for veterans

• Geographic Scope: Statewide

Three-Year Performance Targets:

• VA counselors have relationships with CILs which provide services to veterans statewide
• Information is widely disseminated to Michigan Veterans.
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Semi-Annually
• Lead Organization: VA, DN/M and SILC
• Key Partner(s): CILs, Michigan PVA, NCIL, APRIL
• Resources Needed: Staff Time, Meeting Space, Materials, Printing/Electronic Media, Travel Reimbursement, Public Relations, Funding/New & Continuation
• Funding Sources: VA

Indicator:

• Number of planning/coordination meetings (Local and State) (Semi-Annually 2011, 2012, 2013).
• Statewide contract with national entity. (2011)
• Number of CILs signed as facilities. (2011, 2012, 2013)

Activity:

• Convene planning/coordination meetings of CIL staff and VR&E counselors
• Maintain/enhance state-level collaboration to support local efforts
• Establishment of a statewide Outreach Program.

Objective 2: Training is provided to all CIL and VA Staff involved in demonstration project

• Geographic Scope: Statewide

Three-Year Performance Targets:

• Model curriculum, training, handbooks are completed
• Key VA & CIL Staff trained
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Semi-Annually
• Lead Organization: VA, SILC and DN/M
• Key Partner(s): CILs
• Resources Needed: Funding, Staff Time, Printing/Electronic Media, Meeting Space, Travel Reimbursement
• Funding Sources: VA

Indicators:

• Training Outline developed
• Draft training materials developed
• Number of workgroup planning sessions
• Final draft approved for dissemination
• Number/percentage of CIL Staff & VA VR&E Counselors involved in the demonstration project trained

Activity:

• Convene small workgroup planning sessions
• Seek input from CILs and VR&E counselors
• Review minutes of the DN/M VA Team
• Review other training materials
• Post interim drafts for feedback
• Complete and disseminate final draft
• Provide training to key CIL & VA Staff

Goal IV: Michigan’s CIL Network has capacity to serve people with disabilities

Objective: Sustain and/or increase the funding of the Michigan CIL Network.

• Geographic Scope: Statewide
• Three-Year Performance Targets: CIL Network has sustained or increased funding
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Annually
• Lead Organization: DN/M and SILC
• Key Partner(s): CILs, MRS, MCB, DCH
• Resources Needed: Funding, Staff Time, Volunteer Time.
• Funding Sources: State Funding, Federal Funding, Other Funding, including donations

Indicators:

• State funding appropriated for CILs. (2011,2012,2013)
• Federal funding appropriated for CILs. (2011,2012,2013)
• Other funding from State agencies for CILs (2011,2012,2013)
• Total funding for CILs (2011,2012,2013)

Activity:

• Advocate to sustain and/or increase State (GF/GP) Funding for services for people with disabilities.
• Gather and present information on current and unmet State IL needs

Objective 2: Conduct a CIL consumer satisfaction survey and statewide needs assessment for use in expanding the availability of quality comprehensive services

Indicators:
• Completion of annual Satisfaction Surveys
• Completion of a Statewide needs assessment
• Report generated with results of satisfaction surveys and needs assessment
• Using needs assessment results, plan developed to support and expand services to unserved and unaffiliated areas.

Activity (Pending dialog)

• A query provided by SILC System Support Administrator will be given to each CIL for customer identification.
• Data will be gathered and reported by SILC
• SPIL Partners in collaboration w/DNM-CIL Network will support need to expand the availability of services to all persons with disabilities in Michigan

Objective 3: Provide technical assistance and training to support and enhance the capacity of Michigan CILs to meet the needs of Michigan residents with disabilities.

• Geographic Scope: Statewide
• Three-Year Performance Targets:
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Annually
• Lead Organization: DN/M
• Key Partner(s): CILs, MRS, MCB, SILC
• Resources Needed: Funding, Staff Time, Volunteer Time.
• Funding Sources: State Funding, Federal Funding, Other Funding, including donations

Indicators:

• Number of trainings
• Number of participants
• Evaluation results

Activity:

• Identify CIL Training and Technical Assistance needs, including utilization of volunteers
• Develop or obtain appropriate training materials.
• Provide and/or coordinate training.
• Evaluate satisfaction and effectiveness of training.

Objective 4: Support operation and continue enhancements to statewide database and reporting system.

• Geographic Scope: Statewide
• Three-Year Performance Targets: Statewide database system and reporting processes are operationally current and producing required reports
• Timeframes for Interim Progress: Annually
• Lead Organization: SILC & DN/M
• Key Partner(s): CILs
• Resources Needed: Funding, Staff Time, including statewide representation, IT Infrastructure
• Funding Sources: SILS/CIL Program Funding

Indicators:

• Updated and maintained statewide database system and reporting processes.
• Refine/enhance system functions and reporting processes
• Develop or obtain appropriate training materials.
• Provide and/or coordinate training.
• Provide technical support
• Provide system quality assurance verifications.

Posted below is PART I of the Michigan SPIL which deals with Assurances.  This portion of the SPIL is mostly composed of legal  language which is required.

This section is also available as a downloadable document:

Part I Assurances- Microsoft Word Document

Part I Assurances – Rich Text Format

Part I Assurances- PDF Format

PART I: Assurances

State of:     MICHIGAN

Section 1: Legal Basis and Certifications

1.1 The designated State unit (DSU) eligible to submit the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL or the plan) and authorized under State law to perform the functions of the State Plan under the State Independent Living Services (SILS) and Centers for Independent Living (CIL) programs is Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) (insert name of DSU).  34 CFR 76.104(a)(1) and (2); 34 CFR 364.22(a)

1.2 The separate State agency eligible to submit the plan and authorized under State law to provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to individuals who are blind is Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) (insert name of separate State agency).  Indicate N/A if not applicable.  34 CFR 76.104(a)(1) and (2); 34 CFR 364.20(d) and 364.22(c)

1.3 The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) that meets the requirements of section 705 of the Act and is authorized to perform the functions outlined in section 705(c) of the Act in the State is Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) (insert name of SILC).  34 CFR 364.21(a)

1.4 The DSU and, if applicable, the separate State agency authorized to provide VR services to individuals who are blind, and the SILC are authorized to jointly develop, sign and submit this SPIL on behalf of the State, and have adopted or otherwise formally approved the SPIL.  34 CFR 76.104(a)(7); 34 CFR 364.20(c) and (d)

1.5 The DSU, and, if applicable, the separate State agency authorized to provide VR services to individuals who are blind, may legally carry out each provision of the plan and will comply with all applicable Federal statutes and regulations in effect with respect to the three-year period it receives funding under the SPIL. 34 CFR 76.104; 34 CFR 80.11(c)

1.6 The SPIL is the basis for State operation and administration of the program.  All provisions of the SPIL plan are consistent with State law. 34 CFR 76.104(a)(4) and (8)

1.7 The representative(s) of the DSU and, if applicable, of the separate State agency authorized to provide VR services to individuals who are blind, who has/have the authority under State law to receive, hold, and disburse Federal funds made available under the SPIL and to submit the SPIL jointly with the SILC chairperson is/are: Jaye N. Shamsiddeen (Name of DSU director) and Patrick Cannon (Name of separate State agency director). 34 CFR 76.104(a)(5) and (6)

Section 2: SPIL Development

2.1    The plan shall be reviewed and revised 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, the 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 programs providing Independent Living services and Independent Living centers, the vocational rehabilitation program established under title I, and other programs providing services for individuals with disabilities.  34 CFR 364.20(f)

2.2    The DSU and SILC conduct public meetings to provide all segments of the public, including interested groups, organizations and individuals, an opportunity to comment on the State plan prior to its submission to the Commissioner and on any revisions to the approved State plan. 34 CFR 20(g)(1)

2.3    The DSU and SILC establish and maintain a written description of procedures for conducting public meetings in accordance with the following requirements:

The DSU and SILC shall provide:

i. Appropriate and sufficient notice of the public meetings (that is, at least 30 days prior to the public meeting through various media available to the general public, such as newspapers and public service announcements, and through specific contacts with appropriate constituency groups and organizations identified by the DSU and SILC);

ii. Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities who rely on alternative modes of communication in the conduct of the public meetings, including providing sign language interpreters and audio-loops; and

iii. Public meeting notices, written material provided prior to or at the public meetings, and the approved State plan in accessible formats for individuals who rely on alternative modes of communication. 34 CFR 364.20(g)(2)

2.4    At the public meetings to develop the State plan, the DSU and SILC identify those provisions in the SPIL that are State-imposed requirements beyond what would be required to comply with the regulations in 34 CFR parts 364, 365, 366, and 367.  34 CFR 364.20(h)

2.5    The DSU will seek to incorporate into and describe in the State plan any new methods or approaches for the provision of IL services to older individuals who are blind that are developed under a project funded under chapter 2 of title VII of the Act and that the DSU determines to be effective. 34 CFR 364.28

2.6    The DSU and SILC actively consult, as appropriate, in the development of the State plan with the director of the Client Assistance Program (CAP) authorized under section 112 of the Act.  34 CFR 364.20(e)

Section 3: Independent Living Services

3.1 The State, directly or through grants or contracts, will provide IL services with Federal, State, or other funds.  34 CFR 364.43(b)

3.2 Independent Living services shall be provided to individuals with significant disabilities 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.  34 CFR 364.43(c)

3.3 All service providers will use formats that are accessible to notify individuals seeking or receiving IL services under chapter 1 of title VII about:

(a) The availability of the CAP authorized by section 112 of the Act;

(b) The purposes of the services provided under the CAP; and

(c) How to contact the CAP. 34 CFR 364.30

3.4 Participating service providers meet all applicable State licensure or certification requirements. 34 CFR 365.31(c)

Section 4: Eligibility

4.1 Any individual with a significant disability, as defined in 34 CFR 364.4(b), is eligible for IL services under the SILS and CIL programs authorized under chapter 1 of title VII of the Act.  Any individual may seek information about IL services under these programs and request referral to other services and programs for individuals with significant disabilities, as appropriate.  The determination of an individual’s eligibility for IL services under the SILS and CIL programs meets the requirements of 34 CFR 364.51.  34 CFR 364.40(a), (b) and (c)

4.2 Service providers apply eligibility requirements without regard to age, color, creed, gender, national origin, race, religion or type of significant disability of the individual applying for IL services.  34 CFR 364.41(a)

4.3 Service providers do not impose any State or local residence requirement that excludes any individual who is present in the State and who is otherwise eligible for IL services from receiving IL services.  34 CFR 364.41(b)

Section 5: Staffing Requirements

5.1 Service provider staff includes personnel who are specialists in the development and provision of IL services and in the development and support of centers.  34 CFR 364.23(a)

5.2 To the maximum extent feasible, a service provider makes available personnel able to communicate:

(1) With individuals with significant disabilities who rely on alternative modes of communication, such as manual communication, nonverbal communication devices, Braille or audio tapes, and who apply for or receive IL services under title VII of the Act and (2) in the native languages of individuals with significant disabilities whose English proficiency is limited and who apply for or receive IL services under title VII of the Act. 34 CFR 364.23(b)

5.3 Service providers establish and maintain a program of staff development for all classes of positions involved in providing IL services and, if appropriate, in administering the CIL program. The staff development programs emphasize improving the skills of staff directly responsible for the provision of IL services, including knowledge of and practice in the IL philosophy.  34 CFR 364.24

5.4 All recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will take 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 section 503 of the Act. 34 CFR 364.31

Section 6: Fiscal Control And Fund Accounting

6.1 All recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will comply with applicable EDGAR fiscal and accounting requirements and will adopt those fiscal control and fund accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure the proper disbursement of and accounting for those funds.  34 CFR 364.34

Section 7: Recordkeeping, Access and Reporting

7.1 In addition to complying with applicable EDGAR recordkeeping requirements, all recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will maintain records that fully disclose and document:

a)     The amount and disposition by the recipient of that financial assistance;

b)     The total cost of the project or undertaking in connection with which the financial assistance is given or used;

c)     The amount of that portion of the cost of the project or undertaking supplied by other sources;

d)     Compliance with the requirements of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act and Part 364 of the regulations; and

e)     Other information that the Commissioner determines to be appropriate to facilitate an effective audit.  34 CFR 364.35(a) and (b)

7.2 All recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will submit reports that the Commissioner determines to be appropriate with respect to the records that are required by 34 CFR 364.35 and .36

7.3 All recipients of financial assistance under parts B and C of chapter 1 and chapter 2 of title VII of the Act will provide access to the Commissioner and the Comptroller General, or any of their duly authorized representatives, to the records listed in 34 CFR 364.37 for the purpose of conducting audits, examinations and compliance reviews.  34 CFR 364.37

Section 8: Protection, Use and Release of Personal Information

8.1 Each service provider will adopt and implement policies and procedures to safeguard the confidentiality of all personal information, including photographs and lists of names in accordance with the requirements of 34 CFR 364.56(a)(1-6). 34 CFR 364.56(a)