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RSA-7-OB for FY-2025: Submission #4

Instructions

Submittal Instructions

Grantees of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) program must complete and submit their annual RSA 7-OB Report online through RSA’s website (https://rsa.ed.gov).

To register with RSA’s MIS, go to https://rsa.ed.gov and click on Info for new users. The link provides instructions for obtaining an agency- specific username and password. Further instructions for completing and submitting the RSA 7-OB Report online are provided upon completion of the registration process.

OIB grantees submitting the RSA 7-OB Report online are not required to mail signed copies of the 7-OB Report to RSA. Grantees must submit the 7-OB report in the MIS with an authorized signature and date. The signed lobbying certification form must be submitted by mail, fax, or electronically with the authorized signature and date.

The RSA 7-OB Report must be submitted to RSA no later than 90 days after the end of the reported Federal fiscal year (FFY) (i.e., December 31).

PART I: FUNDING SOURCES AND EXPENDITURES IN SUPPORT OF THE OIB PROGRAM

NOTE: References to Title VII below are to Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

  1. Funding Sources and Amounts in Support of the OIB Program for the Reported Federal Fiscal Year (FFY)

    1. Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant award for reported FFY – Enter the total amount of your Title VII-Chapter 2 grant award for the reported FFY. Amount must agree with 10d of the Federal Financial Report form (SF-425).
    2. Title VII-Chapter 2 carryover from previous FFY – Enter the amount of Title VII-Chapter 2 grant funds carried over from the previous FFY. Enter zero, if none.
    3. TOTAL Title VII-Chapter 2 funds – The sum of A1 + A2. Total will be automatically populated.
    4. Title VII-Chapter 1, Part B funds – Enter the total amount of Federal Title VII-Chapter 1, Part B (State Independent Living Services) funds made available for support of the OIB program in the reported FFY.
    5. Other Federal funds available for expenditure in the reported FFY - Enter the total amount of any other Federal funds available for expenditure to support the OIB program for the reported FFY. Other Federal funds may include, but are not limited to, such funds as SSA reimbursement, Title XX Social Security Act funds, and Older Americans Act funds, including the carryover of such funds that are available for expenditure in the reported FFY.
    6. Total Federal funds - Sum of A3 + A4 + A5. Total will be automatically populated.
    7. State funds (excluding in-kind contributions) - Enter the total amount of State funds available for expenditure in the OIB program. Include funds from State appropriations as well as funds from other State sources that were available to support the OIB program for the reported FFY.
    8. In-kind contributions - Enter the total dollar amount of fairly evaluated and documented in-kind contributions from state, local, and public agencies, as well as non-profit and for-profit organizations. These can include but are not limited to services, materials, equipment, buildings, or office space that was utilized in support of the OIB program.
    9. Other non-Federal funds - Enter the total amount of funds from other non-Federal sources including local and community funding, non-profit or for-profit agency funding, voluntary client contributions, etc. Do not include in-kind contributions. State funds should be reported in A7 above.
    10. Total non-Federal funds - Sum of A7 + A9 above; do not include In- kind contributions reported in A8. Total will be automatically populated.
    11. Total of all funds available for expenditure in the reported FFY - Sum of A6 + A7 + A9. Do not include in-kind contributions reported in A8. Total will be automatically populated.
  2. OIB Program Expenditures in Reported FFY

In this section, report allowable expenditures made in support of the OIB program in the reported FFY. For the purpose of this data collection, the term ”expenditures” means charges made by a non- Federal entity to the Federal OIB award (2 C.F.R. § 200.34).

In this data collection, expenditures are to be reported under two categories, (1) administrative costs, and (2) direct service costs. Within these categories, funds expended from the Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal OIB grant award and from non-Federal funds used to meet the match requirement in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 367.31(b) and

§ 367.61 are reported separately from allowable OIB expenditures made from other Federal and non-Federal sources. However, OIB grantees remain responsible for tracking specific information related to the expenditure of OIB funds from each source. For example, specific information on expenditures made from the OIB Federal award and from non-Federal sources used in meeting the match requirement must be reported on the SF-425.

  1. Funds expended for administrative costs in the reported FFY - Enter the total amount of funds expended for administrative costs, including administrative support staff and general overhead costs, during the reported FFY. Do not include expenditures for direct services provided by agency staff or the expenditures of contract or sub-grantee staff that provide direct services under contracts or sub-grants. For example, if an administrator spends a portion of his or her time providing administrative services and the remainder providing direct services, include only the expenditures for administrative services.
    1. Administrative expenditures from (1) Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant award funds, including allowable carryover funds from the previous FFY and (2) non-Federal sources used in meeting the match requirement as reported on line 10j of the SF-425.
    2. Administrative expenditures from all other allowable sources as identified in Part I - A above.
    3. Total administrative expenditures - Sum of 1a + 1b. Total will be automatically populated.
  2. Funds expended for direct services during the reported FFY - Enter the total funds expended for direct program services during the reported FFY. Amount reported must equal the total funds expended for services in Part IV – F.
    1. Direct service expenditures from (1) Title VII-Chapter 2 OIB Federal grant award, including allowable carryover funds from the previous FFY and (2) non-Federal sources used in meeting the match requirement as reported on line 10j of the SF-425.
    2. Direct service expenditures from all other allowable sources as identified in Part I - A above.
    3. Total direct services expenditures - Sum of 2a + 2b. Total will be automatically populated.
  3. Total funds expended for the program during the reported FFY - Sum of B1c + B2c. Total will be automatically populated.

Part II: Program Staffing

Base all full-time equivalent (FTE) calculations on the number of hours per week considered full time for the position. Record all FTEs assigned to the OIB program during the reported FFY irrespective of whether salary is paid with Title VII-Chapter 2 funds. Report the number of hours per week that define FTE for State Agency staff and for Contract/Subgrant staff (e.g. 40 hours, 35 hours, etc.).

  1. Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Program Staff

    Record the FTE administrative and support staff and direct service staff, including State agency staff and contract/subgrant staff, for the OIB program. If a staff member provides both administrative and support functions and direct services, report the percentage of FTE devoted to administrative and support activities under “Administrative & Support” and the percentage of FTE devoted to direct services under “Direct Services.” For example, assuming a full-time 40 hour work week, if 20% (8 hours per week) of a staff person’s time was spent on administrative and support functions related to this program, and 80% (32 hours per week) of the staff person’s time was spent in providing direct services for this program, the reported FTE for that staff person would be 0.2 for administrative and support functions and 0.8 for direct services.

    1. FTE State Agency staff assigned to the OIB program
      1. Administrative and support – Under “Administrative & Support,” enter the FTE of all administrative and support staff (e.g., management, program directors, supervisors, readers, drivers for staff, etc.) assigned to the OIB program from the State agency.
      2. Direct service – Under “Direct Service”, enter the FTE of all State agency direct service staff (e.g., rehabilitation teachers, Independent Living (IL) specialists, orientation and mobility specialists, social workers, drivers for individuals receiving services, etc.) assigned to the OIB program from the State agency.
      3. Total – The total State agency FTE (A1C) is the sum of the “Administrative & Support” FTE (A1A) and “Direct Service” FTE (A1B). Total will be automatically populated.
    2. FTE through contract/subgrant – FTE assigned to the OIB program through a contract or subgrant.
      1. Administrative & support – Under “Administrative & Support” (A2a), enter the FTE of all administrative and support staff (e.g., management, program directors, supervisors, readers, drivers for staff, etc.) assigned to the OIB program through contract/subgrant.
      2. Direct service – Under “Direct Service” (A2b), enter the FTE of all direct service staff (e.g., rehabilitation teachers, independent living specialists, orientation and mobility specialists, social

        workers, drivers for individuals receiving services, etc.) assigned to the OIB program through contract/subgrant.

      3. Total – The Total Contract/subgrantee FTE (A2c) is the sum of the “Administrative & Support” FTE (A2a) and the “Direct Service” FTE (A2b). Total will be automatically populated.
    3. Total FTE – The system will generate the FTE totals for Administrative & Support and for Direct Service, as well as the total FTE for the program.
  2. Employees with Disabilities

    Record the number of employees with disabilities that are represented in the categories below. Individuals reported here should include both agency and contract/subgrant staff.

    1. Employees with disabilities other than with blindness or severe visual impairments – Enter the total number of employees with disabilities, excluding those with blindness or severe visual impairments. Employees with blindness or severe visual impairments are reported separately in B2 and B3 below.
    2. Employees with blindness or severe visual impairments who are age

      55 and older – Enter the total number who are blind or who have severe visual impairments and are age 55 and older.

    3. Employees with blindness or severe visual impairments who are under age 55 – Enter the total number who are blind or have a severe visual impairment and are under age 55.
    4. Total employees with disabilities – Enter the number of employees reported in B1, B2, and B3. Total in B4 will be automatically populated.

      Part III: Data on Individuals Served

      Provide data in each of the categories below on the number of individuals for whom one or more services were provided (program participants) during the reported FFY.

      1. Individuals Served

        1. Enter the number of program participants carried over from the previous FFY who received services in this reported FFY (i.e., an individual who received services in September (or any other month) of the previous FFY and continued to receive additional services in the reported FFY).
        2. Enter the number of program participants who began receiving services during the reported FFY irrespective of whether they have completed all services.
        3. Total individuals served during the reported FFY - Sum of A1 + A2. Total will be automatically populated.
      2. Age at Application

        Categories 1 through 4 - The total number of individuals served in each respective age category (B1 through B4).

    5. The sum of age categories B1 through B4. This total must agree with the total reported in A3. Total will be automatically populated.
  3. Gender

    1. Self-identifies as female – Enter the total number of individuals receiving services who self-identify as female.
    2. Self-identifies as male – Enter the total number of individuals receiving services who self-identify as male.
    3. Did not self-identify gender – Enter the total number of Individuals receiving services who did not self-identify gender.
    4. Total – Sum of C1 + C2 + C3. This total must agree with the total reported in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
  4. Race

    Categories 1 through 7 - Enter the number of individuals served in the reported FFY for each of the 7 race categories (D1 through D7). Self- identification is required to the greatest extent possible. It is generally expected that the information recorded will reflect the individual’s own identification of race from these categories.

    Observer identification is not required. If the individual refuses to self-identify, record in item 6 (individual did not self-identify race). An individual should only be reported in one of the 7 categories. Item 7 should be used to report individuals served who identify two or more races. The multi-race category (item 7) should not be used to report an individual who identifies only 1 of the 5 races listed and also identifies that they are of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is recorded in section E, regardless of race.

    1. American Indian – Enter the number of individuals served who are American Indian or Alaska Native. American Indian/Alaska Native means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
    2. Asian – Enter the number of individuals served who are Asian. Asian means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for

      example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.

    3. Black or African American – Enter the number of individuals served who are Black or African American. Black or African American means a person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
    4. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander – Enter the number of individuals served who are Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
    5. White – Enter the number of individuals served who are White. White means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
    6. Individual did not self-identify race – Enter the number of individuals served who did not self-identify race or refused to self- identify race.
    7. Two or more races – Enter the number of individuals served who report two or more races (for multi-race individuals).
    8. Total – Sum of items D1 through D7. This total must agree with the total reported in A3 above. Do not include the Ethnicity sum from E1. Total will be automatically populated.
  5. Ethnicity

    1. Enter the number of individuals served who reported that they are Hispanic or Latino. Hispanic or Latino means a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.

  6. Degree of Visual Impairment

    1. Enter the number of individuals served who are totally blind (e.g., have light perception only or no light perception).
    2. Enter the number of individuals served who are considered legally blind, excluding those recorded in F1.
    3. Enter the number of individuals served who have severe visual impairment, excluding those recorded in F1 and F2.
    4. Total - Sum of F1 + F2 + F3. The total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
  7. Major Cause of Visual Impairment

     

    Enter only one major cause of visual impairment for each individual served during the reported FFY. Below are the most common causes of visual impairment among older individuals.

    1. Macular degeneration – Enter the number of individuals served who have macular degeneration as the major cause of visual impairment. Macular degeneration is a progressive disease of the retina wherein the light-sensing cells in the central area of vision (the macula) stop working and eventually die.
    2. Diabetic retinopathy – Enter the number of individuals served who have diabetic retinopathy as the major cause of visual impairment. Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels of the light- sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina) caused by diabetes.
    3. Glaucoma – Enter the number of individuals served who have glaucoma as the major cause of visual impairment. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing optic nerve damage that involves mechanical compression or decreased blood flow.
    4. Cataracts – Enter the number of individuals served who have cataracts as the major cause of visual impairment. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye resulting in blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare, distortion, and dimming of colors.
    5. Other cause of visual impairment – Enter the number of individuals served whose major cause of visual impairment is not listed above.
    6. Total - Sum of G1 through G5. This total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
  8. Other Age-Related Impairments

    Older individuals who are blind may have one or more other age-related impairments or disorders that impact their ability to carry out customary daily life activities in the home and community. Listed below are age-related impairments (other than visual impairments) that are common among older individuals. Enter the total number of individuals served in each of the categories listed in H1 through H-6. Individuals may report one or more non-visual impairments/conditions.

    1. Hearing impairment – Hearing impairment occurs when there is a problem with or damage to one or more parts of the ear, and may be a conductive hearing loss (outer or middle ear) or a sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear) or a combination. Presbycusis is the gradual hearing loss that occurs with aging.
    2. Mobility impairment – Older individuals may have difficulty with gross motor behavior, such as moving around in the environment, or with fine motor skills, such as writing. Conditions such as Osteoporosis (loss of mass and quality of bones), osteoarthritis (inflammation and deterioration of joints), and sarcopenia (age- related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength) may contribute to frailty and injury in older individuals. Other conditions that contribute to loss of mobility and independence include disorders in the central nervous system that control movement such as in Parkinson’s disease.
    3. Communication impairment – Older individuals may have impairments in expressive communication, receptive communication, or both, as a result of stroke, dementia, or other conditions.
    4. Cognitive or intellectual impairment – Cognitive impairments, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, impact parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and executive functioning. Individuals with intellectual disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome), should also be included in this category.
    5. Mental health impairment – Older individuals may have impairments or disorders that affect their mental health such as: Mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder); Sundown syndrome, which affects individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s; and psychosis or a personality disorder.
    6. Other impairment – Enter other impairments not captured in H1 – H5 above.
  9. Type of Residence

    1. Private residence – Enter the number of individuals served who live in a private residence (house or apartment).
    2. Senior independent living facility – Enter the number of individuals served who live in senior independent living housing in which minimal support is provided.
    3. Assisted living facility – Enter the number of individuals served who live in assisted living facilities (e.g., housing that provides personal care and services which meet needs beyond basic provision of food, shelter and laundry).
    4. Nursing home/long-term care facility – Enter the number of individuals served who live in nursing homes/long-term care facilities (e.g., any facility that provides care to one or more persons who require nursing care and related medical services of such complexity to require professional nursing care under the direction of a physician on a 24 hour a day basis).
    5. Homeless – Enter the number of individuals served who are homeless.
    6. Total – Sum of I1 through I5. This total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.

J. Source of Referral

  1. Eye care provider – Enter the number of individuals served referred by an eye care provider (e.g., ophthalmologist or optometrist).
  2. Physician/medical provider – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a medical provider other than an eye care provider.
  3. State VR agency – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency.
  4. Government/public or private social services agency – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a government/public or private social services agency, not listed elsewhere, that provides assistance to consumers related to eligibility and securing entitlements and benefits, counseling, elder law services, or assistance with housing.
  5. Veterans Administration – Enter the number of individuals served referred by the Veterans Administration.
  6. Senior program – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a senior program defined as a community-based educational recreational, or socialization program operated by a senior center, nutrition site, or senior club.
  7. Assisted living facility – Enter the number of individuals served referred by an assisted living facility defined as housing that provides personal care and services which meet needs beyond basic provision of food, shelter and laundry.
  8. Nursing home/long-term care facility – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a nursing home/long-term care facility defined as any facility that provides care to one or more persons who require nursing care and related medical services of such complexity to require professional nursing care under the direction of a physician on a 24 hour a day basis.
  9. Independent living center – Enter the number of individuals served referred by an independent living center (ILC) defined as a consumer- controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities, and provides an array of independent living services.
  10. Family member or friend – Enter the number of individuals referred by a family member or friend.
  11. Self-referral – Enter the number of individuals who were self- referred.
  12. All other sources – Enter the number of individuals referred from All other sources aside from those listed above, including Faith based organizations.
  13. Total – The sum of J1 through J12. This total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.

Part IV: Types of Services Provided and Funds Expended

Provide data related to the number of program participants receiving each type of service and funds expended for each type of service.

Total expenditures for direct program services in Part I - B2 must equal the total funds spent on services in Part IV - F. In other words, the amount reported in Part I - B2 must equal the sum of the expenditures reported in Part IV - F. Salary or expenditures associated with direct service staff or contractors providing direct services should be included in the expenditure of services provided in A1, B1, C1, D1 and E1.

  1. Clinical/Functional Vision Assessments and Services

     

    1. Total expenditures from all sources of program funding - Enter the total expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funding, for clinical and/or functional vision assessments and services, whether purchased or provided directly.
    2. Persons served – Vision Screening/Vision Examination/Low Vision Evaluation (unduplicated count): Enter the total number of individuals who received clinical vision screening or vision examinations from qualified or certified professionals such as ophthalmologists, optometrists, or low vision specialists (i.e., one individual may receive multiple services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time). Assessment areas may include functional visual acuity and fields, efficiency of vision in the performance of everyday tasks, and evaluation for low vision aids or equipment. Functional vision assessments are typically provided by professionals who are certified or have a master’s degree in low vision rehabilitation. Do not include evaluations for orientation and mobility, which should be included in IV - C3.
    3. Persons served – Surgical or therapeutic treatments to prevent, correct, or modify disabling eye conditions (unduplicated count): Enter the total number of individuals who received surgical or therapeutic treatment to prevent, correct, or modify disabling eye conditions, including prescription optical devices(i.e., one individual may receive multiple services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time). Nonprescription optical aids and devices should be reported in IV - B2.
  2. Assistive Technology devices and services

    As defined in Section 3(4) of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-364), “assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” Assistive

    technology devices may include such items as canes, slates, insulin gauges, closed circuit televisions, computers, adaptive software, magnifiers, adaptive cooking items, adaptive recreational items, handwriting guides, braille devices, large button telephones, etc. Assistive technology services may include the evaluation of assistive technology needs of an individual, services related to acquisition of technology, loan programs, maintenance and repair of assistive technology, training or technical assistance for the individual or professionals related to the use of assistive technology, programs to expand the availability of assistive technology, low vision services related to the use of optical aids and devices, and other services related to the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.

    1. Total expenditures from all sources of program funding – Enter the total amount of expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII- Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funds, for the provision of assistive technology devices and services.
    2. Persons served – Provision of assistive technology devices and/or services (unduplicated count): Enter the unduplicated count of individuals who received one or more assistive technology devices and services (i.e., one individual may receive multiple assistive technology devices and services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time).
  3. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services

    1. Total expenditures from all sources of program funding - Enter the total expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funding, for the provision of services and adjustment training leading to independent living. Evaluation and assessment services (excluding those included in IV - A2 or IV - B2) leading to the planning and implementation of services and training should be included in these costs.
    2. Persons served – Independent living and adjustment training services (unduplicated count): Enter the unduplicated count of individuals who received one or more independent living and adjustment training services (i.e., one individual may receive multiple independent living and adjustment training services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time).
    3. Number of persons reported in IV - C2 who received the following services:
      1. Persons served – Orientation and mobility training: Enter the total number of individuals who received orientation and mobility (O & M) services or travel training (i.e., learning to access public or private transportation and to travel safely and as independently as possible in the home and community with or without the use of mobility aids and devices).
      2. Persons served – Communication skills training: Enter the total number of individuals who received communication skills training. This category includes, for example, training in reading and writing braille; training in the use of the telephone (including mobile phones); training in the use of readers, newspaper reading services, radio and talking book services; and training in other communication skills and technologies. This category also includes training in keyboarding and computer literacy. Training in the use of specialized computer software (e.g., screen reading software) and adaptive equipment should be reported under assistive technology services (IV - B2 above).
      3. Persons served – Daily living skills training: Enter the total number of individuals who received daily living skills training. This category includes, for example, training in the use of blindness and low vision alternative techniques for telling time, food preparation, grooming and dress, household chores, medical management, shopping, and recreational activities.
      4. Persons served – Advocacy training: Enter the total number of individuals who participated in advocacy training including consumer organization meetings.
      5. Persons served – Adjustment counseling and/or peer support services: Enter the total number of individuals who received adjustment counseling and/or peer support services (individual or group) to assist them in adjusting to visual impairment and blindness.
      6. Persons served – Information and referral services: Enter the total number of individuals (program participants) who received information and referral to other service providers, programs, and agencies (e.g., senior programs, public and private social service programs, faith-based organizations, consumer groups, etc.) to enhance adjustment, independent living, and integration into the community. Do not include individuals who received only information and referral and for whom no other services were provided (e.g., non-participants, the general public, and other service providers).
      7. Persons served – Other independent living services: Enter the total number of individuals who received any other independent living service not listed above.
  4. Supportive Services

    Supportive services are services provided to individuals with disabilities so that they can access other program services. Under

    this category, report the number of individuals who received reader services, transportation, personal attendant services, interpreters, or other support services while actively participating in the program or attaining independent living goals.

    1. Expenditures – Enter the total expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funding, for the provision of supportive services.
    2. Persons served – supportive services (unduplicated count): Enter the unduplicated count of individuals who received supportive services as described above (i.e., one individual may receive multiple supportive services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time).
  5. Community Awareness Activities and Information and Referral

    1. Expenditures – Enter the total expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funding, used to support community awareness activities/events and providing information and referral services to individuals for whom this was the only service provided (e.g., health fair for seniors, training for other professionals, telephone inquiries, and general inquiries about services for older individuals who are blind).
  6. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES

Sum of A1 through E1. The total must agree with the direct service expenditures reported in Part 1 - B2c.

Part V: Program Performance Measures and Outcome Data

The revised GPRA measures for the OIB program are listed below. Grantees must report the data necessary to calculate program performance on these measures as outlined in the instructions below following the list of measures.

Program Measures

Objective: To restore, improve, or maintain the independence of older individuals whose functional capabilities have been lost or diminished as a result of vision loss or blindness.

  1. Assistive Technology Devices and Services

    Measure A – The percentage of individuals receiving assistive technology devices and services who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities during the reported FFY consistent with the objectives for receiving such devices and services.

  2. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services

    Measure B - The percentage of individuals receiving one or more independent living and adjustment training services who demonstrated improvement in functional capabilities during the reported FFY.

  3. Independence in the Home and Community

    Measure C1 – The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported feeling more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation.

    Measure C2 - The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported an increased ability to engage in their customary daily life activities in the home and community.

  4. Efficiency Measure – (Measure will be calculated by RSA using MIS data reported in PARTS I and III)

Objective: To provide cost effective supports and services to increase the independence of older individuals who are blind so that they may remain in the community and to prevent or delay the need for an increasing level of care, particularly for those individuals who are at risk of entering institutions.

Measure D – The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the reported FFY.

Instructions for Reporting of Performance Data in Part V:

For measures A, Assistive Technology Devices and Services, and B, Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services, data is reported for individuals whose change in functional capabilities was assessed during the reported FFY, following the receipt of one or more services provided through the program.

For measures under C, Independence in the Home and Community, data is reported for individuals completing a plan of services during the reported FFY. For the purpose of this measure, “a plan of services is a set of services provided through the OIB program designed to meet an individual’s goals.” For the purpose of the items reported under C, an individual who has completed his or her plan of services does not need to have formally exited the program.

Grantees are not required to report data for efficiency measure D in Part V. The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the reported FFY will be calculated by RSA based on data reported in Part I, B3 and Part III, A3.

  1. Assistive Technology Devices and Services

    1. From the unduplicated number of persons served that received assistive technology devices and services reported in IV - B2, enter the number of unduplicated individuals receiving assistive technology

      devices and services for whom change in functional capabilities was assessed, during the reported FFY (Denominator).

    2. From the unduplicated number of persons reported in A1 above, enter the unduplicated number of individuals receiving assistive technology devices and services who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities, during the reported FFY. Note: An individual who maintained but did not improve their capabilities may be reported here if the individual’s goal was to prevent further decline in their capabilities (Numerator).
    3. The percentage of individuals receiving assistive technology devices and services who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities during the reported FFY consistent with the objectives for receiving such devices and services. (A2 divided by A1 X 100). The percentage is calculated by RSA MIS.
  2. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services

    1. From the unduplicated number of individuals receiving independent living and adjustment training services reported in IV C2, during the reported FFY, enter the unduplicated number of individuals receiving independent living and adjustment training services for whom change in functional capabilities was assessed during the reported FFY (Denominator).
    2. From the unduplicated number of persons reported in B1 above, enter the unduplicated number of individuals receiving independent living and adjustment training services who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities. Note: An individual who maintained but did not improve their capabilities may be reported here if the individual’s goal was to prevent further decline in their capabilities (Numerator).
    3. The percentage of individuals receiving one or more independent living and adjustment training services who demonstrated improvement in functional capabilities during the reported FFY (B2 divided by B1 X 100). The percentage is calculated by RSA MIS.
  3. Independence in the Home and Community

    Responses to items C1 through C5 below are based on individuals who completed their plan of services during the reported FFY. Note: For the purpose of these measures, an individual who has completed his or her plan of services does not need to have formally exited the program. For example, an individual who has completed individualized services but continues to participate in ongoing peer support activities provided through the program would be included.

    1. Total: Enter the total number of individuals completing a plan of services during the reported FFY (Denominator). Note: This means a specific set of services designed for the individual to meet his or her goals.
    2. Engage in customary daily life activities: Enter the number of individuals completing a plan of services during the reported FFY who reported an increased ability to engage in their customary daily life activities in the home and community (Numerator).
    3. The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported an increased ability to engage in their customary daily life activities in the home and community. (C2 divided by C1 X 100). The percentage is calculated by RSA MIS.
    4. Maintain Living Situation – Enter the number of individuals completing a plan of services during the reported FFY who reported feeling that they are more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation (Numerator).
    5. The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported feeling that they are more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation (C4 divided by C1 X 100). The percentage is calculated by RSA MIS.
  4. Efficiency Measure – (To be calculated by RSA MIS from data reported in PARTS I and III)
    1. Total funds expended for direct services provided during the reported FFY (as reported in I B2c)
    2. Number of individuals receiving services during the reported FFY (as reported in III A3)
    3. The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the reported period (D1 divided by D2).

Part VI: Training and Technical Assistance

On July 22, 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was enacted and included a new requirement under Section 751A that the RSA Commissioner shall conduct a survey of designated State agencies that receive grants under section 752 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by Title IV of WIOA, regarding training and technical assistance needs in order to determine funding priorities for such training and technical assistance. Enter a brief description of your training and technical assistance needs related to the implementation and improvement of the performance of your OIB program (for example, financial management, reporting requirements on the 7-OB, program management, data analysis and program performance, law and applicable regulations, provision of services and service delivery, promising practices, resources and information, outreach, etc.).

Part VII: Narrative

See descriptions of items to be included in the narrative on the 7-OB form.

Part VIII: Signature Instructions

SIGN AND PRINT THE NAME, TITLE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE OIB PROGRAM DIRECTOR.

The certifying official (either the Program Director or a designated officer) must have the legal authority to submit the form on behalf of the agency.

Part I: Funding Sources and Expenditures in Support of the OIB Program
A. Funding Sources and Amounts in Support of the OIB Program for the Reported Federal Fiscal Year (FFY)
666,052
139,122
805,174
0
140,554
945,728
273,451
0
0
273,451
1,219,179
B. OIB Program Expenditures in Reported FFY
1. Funds expended for administrative costs in the reported FFY
190,955
0
190955.00
2. Funds expended for direct services during the reported FFY
202,337
581,505
783,842
3. Total funds expended for the program during the reported FFY (B1c + B2c)
974,797
Part II: Program Staffing
A. Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Program Staff
FTE (full time equivalent) is the number of hours per week considered full time for the positions reported below.
Please report the number of hours per week that define FTE for: (e.g., 40 hours, 35 hours, etc.).
4
0
1.00
3.00
4.0000
0.00
0.00
0.0000
1.0000
3.0000
4.0000
B. Employees with Disabilities
0
1
0
1
Part III: Data on Individuals Served
Provide data in each of the categories below on the number of individuals for whom one or more services were provided (program participants) during the reported FFY.
A. Individuals Served
391
593
984
B. Age at Application
67
188
301
428
984
C. Gender
659
325
0
984
D. Race
6
26
89
2
822
8
31
984
E. Ethnicity
39
F. Degree of Visual Impairment
59
925
0
984
G. Major Cause of Visual Impairment
671
78
147
57
31
984
H. Other Age-Related Impairments
371
294
133
117
302
143
I. Type of Residence
658
205
98
19
4
984
J. Source of Referral
848
3
0
0
12
41
5
2
14
41
18
0
984
Part IV: Types of Services Provided and Funds Expended
Provide data related to the number of older individuals who are blind receiving each type of service and funds expended for each type of service.
A. Clinical/Functional Vision Assessments and Services
8,622.00
52
0
B. Assistive Technology Devices and Services
446,007.00
612
C. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
195,960.00
371
3. Number of persons receiving the following services:
613
749
604
493
377
392
73
D. Supportive Services
90,141.00
183
E. Community Awareness Activities and Information and Referral
43,112.00
F. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES
783842.00
Part V: Program Performance Measures and Outcome Data

Program Measures

Objective: To restore, improve, or maintain the independence of older individuals whose functional capabilities have been lost or diminished as a result of vision loss or blindness.
A. Assistive Technology Devices and Services
Measure A: The percentage of individuals receiving assistive technology devices and services who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities during the reported FFY consistent with the objectives for receiving such devices and services.
B. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
Measure B: The percentage of individuals receiving one or more independent living and adjustment training services who demonstrated improvement in functional capabilities during the reported FFY.
C. Independence in the Home and Community
Measure C1: The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported feeling that they are more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation. Measure C2: The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported an increased ability to engage in their customary daily life activities in the home and community.
D. Efficiency Measure
Objective: To provide cost effective supports and services to increase the independence of older individuals who are blind so that they may remain in the community and to prevent or delay the need for an increasing level of care, particularly for those individuals who are at risk of entering institutions.
Measure: The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the reported FFY.
Provide the following data for each of the performance measures below. This will assist RSA in reporting results and outcomes related to the program.

Program Performance Data

A. Assistive Technology Devices and Services
469
419
89
B. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
392
347
89
C. Independence in the Home and Community
398
342
86
332
83.42
D. Efficiency Measure
783,842.00
984
796.59
Part VI: Training and Technical Assistance Needs
The MA Commission for the Blind and the OIB program provides in-depth training to all employees througout the year. Training provided focuses on the intake process for new consumers, all of the emotional aspects in losing vision, rehabilitation teaching, orientation and mobility, social worker trainings, VRT trainings and various HR training, along with low vision support group participation and observation. The MCB-OIB program contracts with 2 outside vendors to provide oversight to our large network of low vision peer support groups throughout the Commonwealth, and 1 outside vendor who provides low vision evaluations and essential skills programs, which include technology trainings. New technology for the blind populations continues to move at a very fast pace, which has been welcomed by our consumers. This is one area where more training is necessary for all of us. The OIB Program is fortunate to have the OIB-TAC as our central support partner. The monthly Director ZOOM meetings provide a space for all of us to meet with each other from all states and territories to discuss various subjects, whether the subject is outreach, collaboration or technology as well as the 7-OB reporting and managing the fiscal portion of our programs, OIB-TAC is always available. The in-person annual conference always include a robust agenda, which we all participate in, and how our individual State programs are managed are shared with the team.
Part VII: Narrative
The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is a comprehensive rehabilitation agency with a broad mandate (M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 29) to provide independent living and rehabilitation services to approximately 28,000 blind citizens of the Commonwealth. Social and rehabilitative services are designed to increase independence and to overcome the physical, psychological, social and economic problems that may accompany blindness. The focus of the MCB is the legally blind consumer for whom the agency provides an organizational and programmatic framework for comprehensive services. Within this framework, individual service plans are developed for each legally blind consumer, and services are designed to promote the individual's maximum functioning compatible with his/her individual desires and capabilities for independence. The Commission seeks to promote the full integration of blind persons into the mainstream of the social and economic life and fabric of the community. The MCB's service plans encompass a wide range of services that are drawn upon to meet the special needs of each consumer. In keeping with state statutes, the Commission for the Blind maintains a central register of all legally blind persons in Massachusetts. Legal blindness is defined as a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses or a visual field of 20 degrees diameter or less. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind’s (MCB) Title VII, Chapter 2 Program (OIB Program) utilizes a program design that includes both In-House and Sub-Grantee components. The In-House OIB Program employs a full-time Program Director, and three Rehabilitation Counselors who provide direct independent living services to legally blind elders age 55+ and older. The direct IL Services include case management, information and referral, adjustment to blindness counseling, advocacy, low vision services, low vision devices, assistive technology products and services, as well as devices including the provision of magnifiers, cooking items, clocks and watches, communication devices, adaptive software, and assistive listening devices. The OIB program funds over 50 peer-to-peer low vision support groups consisting of both legally blind consumers and visually impaired members of the community. In FY 2025, there were 377 MCB consumers attending a group in their area. Transportation is funded when needed, for MCB consumers only, who are eligible for the OIB program. The MA Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Brookline is a contracted partner of MCB and manages 39 support groups in and around Boston, while Sight Loss Services is the MCB's other contracted partner, located in S. Dennis, MA and manages 14 support groups covering the Cape and the Islands. The OIB program has added 3 new low vision support groups in and around the Boston area, to support the growing population of the visually impairedin the area. The third sub-contractor for the OIB program is the Carroll Center located in Newton MA. MCB's contract with the Carroll Center includes senior low vision evaluations, essential skills training, which includes a 2 weeks stay, focusing on safety, kitchen skills, orientation and mobility training, medication and financial management. In 2025, the OIB program funded tech training at the Carroll Center, including I-phone, I-pad, computer and keyboarding training on a daily basis, which proved to be a success. The OIB program is in direct partnership with the Perkins Talking Book program in which 95% of our older population are members of the program. There is no cost to MCB for this service to our consumers. The OIB Director presents information on MCB and OIB program to underserved populations, retirement and assisted living communities, senior centers as well as in-service classes nursing home and hospital staff. In 2025 the OIB program director conducted outreach to 71 different locations, reaching 4,287 people with vision impairment.
The FY 2025 satisfaction survey was focused on the low vision peer to peer support groups in the Commonwealth, which is an integral part of the OIB program in MA. MCB consumers responded quite favorably. There were 105 respondents out of 230 random surveys to consumers attending the groups. This was a 45% response rate. 81% attended meetings in person, 5% continued via phone conference calls and the remaining 14% of the attendees both attended in person and or via ZOOM. 97% of all participants stated that they felt more connected when attending the support groups, 93% stated that they were better able to cope with their vision loss as a result of their participation. Reasons included the exchange of information with each other was helpful, the social interaction and laughter with other group members and the supportive experience of meeting others with vision loss helped them to talk more comfortable about their own situation. 97% enjoyed the speakers and information they provided and above all, 98% felt their outlook for the future was much improved as a result of participating in the support group. There were members who voiced negative comments which included that when attending via phone, it was difficult to hear when everybody wanted to speak at once, some didn't feel that they were connecting with others in their respective group and others mentioned having challenges with their hearing that affected their participation. All agreed that the most successful groups are planned with an effective combination of speakers and therapeutic talk within the group. The overall score on the satisfaction survey was very positive at 96%.
1. When a young girl from Groveland MA was just six years old, she went to live with her grandmother, an MCB consumer, in Haverhill MA, who raised her. When she moved in, she said, “Grammy, I’m little and you’re big and you're taking care of me”. When you’re little and I’m big, I’m going to take care of you,” and her granddaughter kept her word. After losing her husband in 2020, the consumer relocated to Virginia to live with family, but things did not work out the way she had planned. When her granddaughter learned of her grandmother’s sub-par living situation, there was never a doubt in her mind what she needed to do. In April 2024, the consumer returned to Massachusetts for a visit and never left. “She had taken care of me for so many years, when I felt unsafe, so I knew I had to do something,” the young girl turned adult said, “Grammy saved me, now I’m saving her.” Our MCB consumer now lives with her adult granddaughter and her husband, who have welcomed her into their home. The consumer struggles with osteoarthritis, diabetes, hearing loss, and macular degeneration and declared legally blind, but these challenges don’t stop her. She has embraced technology and enjoys keeping active. The MCB has provided the consumer with a video-magnifier, bump dots to mark appliances, writing tools, kitchen safety aids, and tech training. Her granddaughter and husband introduced the consumer to The Society for Creative Anachronism, a group which celebrates Pre-17th century arts and culture, attending events all over the northeast and recently, she went camping for the first time! The granddaughter has her own health challenges dealing with severe pain from fibromyalgia, but that doesn’t stop her from being there for her Grammy. It’s the cycle of life and Sarah is honored to return the favor of caring for the woman who cared for her.
2. Client is an 82-year-old married woman who lives with her husband in a one-level condominium, located in a condominium community for individuals who are at least 55-years-old. She has regular contact with a daughter who lives in the same town. Her husband was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Client became registered with MCB in December 2024 with a visual diagnosis of macular degeneration OU; and a visual acuity of 20/200 OD and 20/400 OS. She also has glaucoma and dry eye OU. She has an extreme sensitivity to light too. In addition to her visual condition, client has atrial fibrillation; a pacemaker; and osteoarthritis, especially in her left knee and right hip. Up until her vision loss, client had led an extremely active life. During initial intake, she was eager to learn about the range of vision rehabilitation services. Worker and client jointly developed a rehabilitation plan to address functional deficits triggered by her vison loss. Client received RT services from a VRT. The VRT showed the client how to use Siri, the digital assistant, on her iPad. The VRT demonstrated how to use an accessibility feature on her iPad that would read her email. The VRT also told client how she could use her Echo Dot, a smart speaker, to notify her when an Amazon order had been shipped and when it had been delivered. Client was also provided with various independent living aids. She received a talking clock with key chain so she could monitor the time independently. She was given an Optelec PowerMag 5x LED-illuminated pocket magnifier for spot reading tasks. She obtained bold line writing paper for note taking. She received bump dots to place on the controls of household appliances (e.g., stove, microwave oven). To compensate for her sensitivity to light, she was provided with Noir U48 light amber for indoor use and Noir U22 dark amber for outdoor use. As far as leisure time activities, she received Eschenbach 2.1x MaxTV glasses so she could see the images on her television more clearly. Client received OM services from a COMS. The mobility instructor provided client with an Ambutech 48” white cane with roller tip for ID. Client received training in the human guide technique and basic cane skills. The COMS also oriented client to her home. Client completed a Senior Vision Assessment from a CLVT at the Carroll Carroll Center for the Blind, Newton, Mass. During the evaluation, client benefitted from using a hand-held video magnifier for short-term reading tasks (e.g., food package directions, recipes, newsletters).Client was provided with a Ruby hand-held video magnifier. Client was also referred to the Mass. Equipment Distribution Program for specialized telephone equipment. She was given a Clarity XLC3.4 portable telephone with big buttons and talk-back feature. At the completion of her rehabilitation plan, client had managed to achieve functional gains in time management, spot reading, short-term reading, iPad usage, writing, household appliance operation, telephone operation, independent travel, and leisure time activities. She is very grateful for the rehabilitation services that she received from MCB. With her newly acquired aids and skills, she is much more confident about her ability to live independently as an older adult with vision loss.
In 2025, outreach to underserved populations included a senior health fair in Taunton at the Haitian Day Center where over 250 attended, and a senior health fair in the Worcester area, 215 participated. In addition, the OIB Director presented to 71 audiences, including in-service training on how to work with the blind population in nursing homes and other facilities. OIB/MCB presentations at senior centers throughout the Commonwealth, retirement communities, assisted living communities, low vision support groups and in under-served communities in Western Mass, Dorchester, Taunton and Mattapan. The OIB Director presented on ZOOM to 8 additional audiences. The total number of partcipants in all was 4,287.
In FY 2025, the MA OIB Director continued to participate in the Falls Prevention Coalition, started within the Department of Public Health, which consists of over 90 representatives from different agencies within state government, home healthcare agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes. The focus is on preventing and lowering the fall risk of the older population in MA through education and training. These meetings take place quarterly. Presentations to the group include Building Confidence: Exploring Fall Risks, Fear and Prevention Strategies, Harvard Mobility and Fall Project and Update: Developing Older Adult Falls Prevention Presentation. The OIB Director participates in the MA Healthy Aging Collaborative, started by the Department of Elder Affairs, which meets bi-annually to discuss ways in which the older population can live and age within their communities. The Age Strong network in MA continues to work on transportation to wellness appointments in a partnership with Lyft, to offer funds geared toward family caregivers, and through creating dementia-friendly spaces throughout the Commonwealth. The Department of Mental Health created the Older Mental Heath Collaborative, with a focus on the mental health challeges faced by the older population in the Commonwealth. The MA OIB Director attended the NCOA Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium, all with a focus on the challenges faced by our older population throughout the nation. The OIB Director participates in the Vision Aware ZOOM meetings throught the year, as well.
Certification
I agree to submit this form by electronic means. By signing this form electronically, I certify under penalty of perjury that my answers are correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that an electronic signature has the same legal meaning and can be enforced in the same way as a written signature.
Name and Title of Authorized Certifying Official
Karen Ann Ryan
Director - MA Older Independent Blind Program
Yes
Mon, 12/15/2025 - 00:00
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