Centers for Independent Living (CILs)

Department of Education and Commissioner of Education

Department of Education - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

48160000

GAA Line #30; $5,087,789.00; FY 2026-27

101694

413.371, F.S. Chapter 2026-232, Laws of Florida

Services shall be provided to eligible persons with significant disabilities in accordance with the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) as required by 45 §1329.17, C.F.R., and 413.393, Florida Statute (F.S.), as appropriate and in the geographic area identified for each Center by the most recent SPIL. Through a coordinated effort with community based and other referral sources, the Center(s):
1. Provide, at a minimum, the five Independent Living Core Services, as defined in 45 CFR 1329.4, and listed below:
a. Information and Referral Services;
b. Independent Living Skills Training;
c. Peer Counseling;
d. Individual and Systems Advocacy; and
e. Services that: 
(i) Facilitate the transition of individuals with significant
disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based
residences, with the requisite supports and services. This process may include providing services and supports that a consumer identifies are needed to move that person from an institutional setting to a community based setting, including systems advocacy required for the individual to move to a home of his or her choosing;
(ii) Provide assistance to individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals may remain in the community. A determination of who is at risk of entering an institution should include self-identification by the individual as part of the intake or goal-setting process; and
(iii) Facilitate the transition of youth who are individuals with significant disabilities, who were eligible for individualized education programs under section 614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)), and who have completed their secondary education or otherwise left school, to postsecondary life. Individuals who have reached the age of 18 and are still receiving services in accordance with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under IDEA and have not "completed their secondary education."

Grants

Non-Profit

The Centers and the Council shall comply with the applicable provisions of:
* Section 215.97, Florida Statutes - This section of statute is the Florida Single Audit  Act. The purpose of the act is to promote sound financial management, including effective internal controls, with respect to state financial assistance administered by  non-state entities by establishing uniform state audit requirements for state financial assistance provided by state agencies to non-state entities to carry out state projects.
* Section 112.061, Florida Statutes - This section establishes rates for travel reimbursement using funds that flow through the State Treasury.
* Florida Department of Financial Services Reference Guide for State Expenditures -The Reference Guide for State Expenditures provides comprehensive information about appropriate expenditures using funds that flow through the State Treasury.
* Section 286.011, Florida Statutes - This section of statute is the Government in the Sunshine Act. It establishes open meeting and public records requirements for certain entities operating using state funding to carry out a public purpose, including the Centers and the Council.
* Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, providing for public access to certain documents generated by the Council and through the DSE, documents generated by the Centers.
* Chapter 112, Florida Statutes, governing appointment and conditions of terms of appointed public officials, code of ethics and removal from office.
* Chapters 413 and 435, Florida Statutes, related to background screening of certain independent living services providers, board members, executives and volunteers.
* Both 45 CFR Part 1329 Subpart C and Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The RFA is approved by VR leadership and sent to each CIL.

Application procedures are outlined in "The Green Book, Project Application and Amendment Procedures for Federal and State Programs," a comprehensive document that also includes required applications and forms.  The Green Book may be obtained by visiting: http://www.fldoe.org/comptroller/gbook/asp.

Application or award deadlines are specified in the RFA.

Centers for Independent Living have the primary responsibility for outreach to individuals with significant disabilities. Centers respond to the needs of their local community. CILs consider strategies for outreach that include the following:
* Make brochures and other information available in English, alternate formats and high-concentration foreign languages such as Spanish and Creole to consumers directly and through county officials, disability organizations, refugee assistance organizations and other local contacts in underserved counties or areas with other underserved groups.
* Communicate and provide culturally appropriate services for underserved groups.
* Advertise in publications serving ethnic cultural, immigrant and other communities identified by the Center as underserved.
* Work with community organizations serving those identified by the agency as underserved.
* Develop programs, advocacy efforts and outreach that will target people identified as 
underserved for advocacy efforts.
* Partner with other organizations for office space or meeting space or open and support an office in an underserved area to coordinate work with consumers and others in that area.
* Recruit Board and staff members from identified underserved communities.
* Recruit and develop leadership by youth and other people with disabilities representing underserved groups within the Center.
* Track veteran status for consumers served.
* Develop services for veterans, people living in healthcare facilities and people with significant mental/emotional disability, especially when funding is available for providing those services
* Conduct outreach activities in nursing homes or other institutions serving individuals with significant disabilities.

Terry Hoffman
Bureau Chief
Vocational Rehabilitation
325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32399
Terry.Hoffman1@vr.fldoe.org
850-245-3399