RSA-7-OB for FY-2025: Submission #16
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.
Funding Sources and Amounts in Support of the OIB Program for the Reported Federal Fiscal Year (FFY)
- 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).
- 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.
- TOTAL Title VII-Chapter 2 funds – The sum of A1 + A2. Total will be automatically populated.
- 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.
- 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.
- Total Federal funds - Sum of A3 + A4 + A5. Total will be automatically populated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Total non-Federal funds - Sum of A7 + A9 above; do not include In- kind contributions reported in A8. Total will be automatically populated.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Administrative expenditures from all other allowable sources as identified in Part I - A above.
- Total administrative expenditures - Sum of 1a + 1b. Total will be automatically populated.
- 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.
- 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.
- Direct service expenditures from all other allowable sources as identified in Part I - A above.
- Total direct services expenditures - Sum of 2a + 2b. Total will be automatically populated.
- 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.).
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.
- FTE State Agency staff assigned to the OIB program
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FTE through contract/subgrant – FTE assigned to the OIB program through a contract or subgrant.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FTE State Agency staff assigned to the OIB program
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
Individuals Served
- 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).
- Enter the number of program participants who began receiving services during the reported FFY irrespective of whether they have completed all services.
- Total individuals served during the reported FFY - Sum of A1 + A2. Total will be automatically populated.
Age at Application
Categories 1 through 4 - The total number of individuals served in each respective age category (B1 through B4).
- The sum of age categories B1 through B4. This total must agree with the total reported in A3. Total will be automatically populated.
Gender
- Self-identifies as female – Enter the total number of individuals receiving services who self-identify as female.
- Self-identifies as male – Enter the total number of individuals receiving services who self-identify as male.
- Did not self-identify gender – Enter the total number of Individuals receiving services who did not self-identify gender.
- Total – Sum of C1 + C2 + C3. This total must agree with the total reported in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Individual did not self-identify race – Enter the number of individuals served who did not self-identify race or refused to self- identify race.
- Two or more races – Enter the number of individuals served who report two or more races (for multi-race individuals).
- 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.
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.
Degree of Visual Impairment
- Enter the number of individuals served who are totally blind (e.g., have light perception only or no light perception).
- Enter the number of individuals served who are considered legally blind, excluding those recorded in F1.
- Enter the number of individuals served who have severe visual impairment, excluding those recorded in F1 and F2.
- Total - Sum of F1 + F2 + F3. The total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Other cause of visual impairment – Enter the number of individuals served whose major cause of visual impairment is not listed above.
- Total - Sum of G1 through G5. This total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Communication impairment – Older individuals may have impairments in expressive communication, receptive communication, or both, as a result of stroke, dementia, or other conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- Other impairment – Enter other impairments not captured in H1 – H5 above.
Type of Residence
- Private residence – Enter the number of individuals served who live in a private residence (house or apartment).
- Senior independent living facility – Enter the number of individuals served who live in senior independent living housing in which minimal support is provided.
- 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).
- 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).
- Homeless – Enter the number of individuals served who are homeless.
- 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
- Eye care provider – Enter the number of individuals served referred by an eye care provider (e.g., ophthalmologist or optometrist).
- Physician/medical provider – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a medical provider other than an eye care provider.
- State VR agency – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency.
- 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.
- Veterans Administration – Enter the number of individuals served referred by the Veterans Administration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Family member or friend – Enter the number of individuals referred by a family member or friend.
- Self-referral – Enter the number of individuals who were self- referred.
- All other sources – Enter the number of individuals referred from All other sources aside from those listed above, including Faith based organizations.
- 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.
Clinical/Functional Vision Assessments and Services
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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).
Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
- 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.
- 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).
- Number of persons reported in IV - C2 who received the following services:
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- Persons served – Advocacy training: Enter the total number of individuals who participated in advocacy training including consumer organization meetings.
- 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.
- 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).
- Persons served – Other independent living services: Enter the total number of individuals who received any other independent living service not listed above.
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.
- 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.
- 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).
Community Awareness Activities and Information and Referral
- 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Assistive Technology Devices and Services
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).
- 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).
- 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.
Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
- 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).
- 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).
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Efficiency Measure – (To be calculated by RSA MIS from data reported in PARTS I and III)
- Total funds expended for direct services provided during the reported FFY (as reported in I B2c)
- Number of individuals receiving services during the reported FFY (as reported in III A3)
- 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
Part II: Program Staffing
Part III: Data on Individuals Served
Part IV: Types of Services Provided and Funds Expended
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.Measure: The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the reported FFY.
Program Performance Data
Part VI: Training and Technical Assistance Needs
Part VII: Narrative
In recent years, significant efforts have been made to reach historically unserved or underserved populations. As part of this initiative, sub-grantees engage in various outreach activities, including networking and collaborating with community agencies. Their activities include participation in health fairs and professional conferences, as well as the provision of educational programs at assisted living facilities, medical offices, the Council on Aging, and other community organizations. Additionally, their collaboration with other organizations, along with offering both onsite and virtual educational seminars, further strengthens their outreach efforts.
While the overall goal of each sub-grantee is to increase awareness and provide resources to reduce barriers to services available to older individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Their efforts focus on building connections and enhancing visibility within the community, promoting safety and independence, and connecting individuals to essential services and referrals. These efforts include distributing brochures, hosting educational seminars, and organizing both in-person and virtual support groups. They also conduct presentations to disseminate valuable information and equip customers with practical tools. Furthermore, sub-grantees engage in a mutual referral process with governmental and community organizations to address other specific needs of their customers. Transportation barriers continue to limit the mobility of consumers receiving services. To address these challenges, sub-grantees provide flexible service delivery options, including in-home and virtual services. Additionally, sub-grantees enhance accessibility by offering transportation through a company van or coordinated Uber rides. By implementing a holistic approach, each sub-grantee can deliver comprehensive, interconnected services. This strategy not only creates a well-rounded support system but also enhances their reach to a broader array of culturally diverse communities throughout both urban and rural regions of Louisiana.
The sub-grantees receive a heartfelt array of communication, including phone calls, thank-you cards, emails, and heartfelt letters from family members and customers of the older blind services. Many individuals have embraced their training skills and assistive devices, which empowers them to express gratitude and share experiences. Each message highlights the significant impact of these services on their lives, showcasing growth and connection.
On-site monitoring of contracts typically involves observing the interactions between sub-grantees' staff and consumers. During these observations, consumers have expressed high satisfaction with the services provided.
Negative feedback from consumers typically stems from several key issues. Often, it is related to long wait times for more costly assistive technology devices, such as video magnifiers, due to limited funding, which can lead to frustration. Additionally, consumers may express disappointment with assistive technology devices when they fail to meet expectations or prove to be too difficult for them to operate effectively.
This is a letter one of our sub-grantees received from one of their customers. Some minor edits have been made to protect the customer’s identity.
I lost my sight due to glaucoma at the age of 50, which forced me to take early retirement. After losing my sight and job, I spent 10 years just sitting all alone in my home. I felt like a prisoner in my own home. I was scared, lonely, depressed, and wondering what my purpose was. I felt as if I had nothing to give to society. My son had to come to my house every day after a long day of work and get my mail, take out my trash, and bring me meals. I felt like a burden. I prayed daily and hoped for an answer to my situation. I knew there had to be someone or something out there to help blind people like myself. My prayer was finally answered 13 long years later when a friend told my niece about older blind services. She called that day and signed me up for the Program, and for the first time in years, I had a glimmer of hope. Within a week of that call, one of their representatives visited me at my home. She told me all about the program and how blind people can continue to live an independent and active life. I wasn’t quite sure I believed that, but the more she taught me and the more I could do on my own, the more I came to believe it was true. She invited me to attend a group training class. This was a four day training with several other blind seniors. I was a little hesitant about leaving my home, but decided to do it anyway. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. My main goal for attending the group class was to learn to use the cane so I could independently get my mail and take out my trash so my son wouldn’t have to. I am happy to say that I accomplished those goals and learned so much more., I also learned so many skills that have helped me to become independent. I learned to grocery shop, cook, use the cane to travel wherever I want to go, and to use technology like my cell phone and computer. The greatest gift I received was meeting so many blind role models who really were living an amazing, independent life.
The Program has completely changed my life. It has freed me from the prison that my house had become. I now know that I am no longer alone, but have a huge support system of other blind individuals who can teach me and support me when I need it. Since completing the training program, I have begun traveling around the United States to visit friends and family and to attend educational seminars and conventions. I am now able to give back to my community by serving on the residential council at my housing complex. I am an usher and choir member at my church. I do my own shopping, cooking, and I am truly living the life I wanted. I think back to those long years I spent sitting in my home, hopeless and scared, and I don’t want anyone else to go through that. I use every avenue I can to spread the word about services, so no one else has to waste years of their life sitting and waiting.
Example 2
A retired physician who initially struggled with the emotional and other challenges of his declining vision was referred for services. After participating in a group training session, he expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to meet others facing similar circumstances, noting that the sense of community alleviated feelings of isolation.
Through the Independent Living Older Blind program, he received training in daily living skills as well as individualized instruction in assistive technology. Over the following months, he diligently practiced and strengthened his new skills. As his confidence grew in himself, he began to recognize that his vision loss did not have to limit his ability to contribute in other ways. As a result, he has determined to pursue work as a telehealth provider, and attributes this decision to the introductory skills and confidence he gained through the ILOB program.
• Continued work with the VA to accept and to make referrals of consumers, as appropriate.
• Collaboration with universities to accept interns in low vision related fields or to otherwise assist in the education of their students in allied health and other areas, as appropriate. These include students in the following areas: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, physician assistant, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, pharmacy, etc.
• Calls on ophthalmologist and optometrist offices to inform them about Independent Living Older Blind services and to distribute educational materials for their patients.
• Presentations to staff of home health clinics, rural health clinics, councils on aging, and other professional groups including pharmacists, diabetes educators, dieticians, and various health clinic workers such as endocrinology and eye clinic workers. This includes participation in health fairs and other community outreach events.
• Partnerships with numerous ophthalmologists and optometrists around the state to conduct low vision evaluations and for the purpose of obtaining referrals.
• Participation in local observations of events such as National White Cane Day and “Meet the Blind month”
• All contractors have established working relationships with numerous assisted living facilities in their respective regions. In recent years, two contractors who service the southwestern region of the state focused particular attention on provision of services to individuals who are deaf-blind. This is due to the fact that there is a higher than average prevalence of individuals who are deaf-blind in that particular region. They are assisted in the promotion of these services through networking with the I Can Connect program, the Helen Keller National Center, as well as through making presentations at deaf-blind support groups. Additionally, personal amplification devices are used to promote better communication with individuals who are hard-of-hearing.
• Our contractor who serves the largest and most rural part of the state has continued to encourage consumers to participate in educational phone conferences that cover a variety of topics of interest to blind seniors. Thus far, discussion Topics have included fall prevention, accessible voting, preventing and handling medical emergencies, hobbies and leisure pursuits, cooking, financial management, traveling, family dynamics, learning Braille, organizing paperwork, emergency preparation and disaster recovery, elder abuse, etc.
• In order to reach individuals in the most rural areas of the state, group classes are being held at small town libraries, as well as rural health centers. To assist in spreading the word about services, contacts are frequently established with Lions clubs, churches, councils on aging, home health businesses, etc.
• One of our sub-grantee agencies joined the Aging and Vision Loss National Coalition, and all have been given copies of the OIB-TAC’s “Time to be Bold” information and brochures in order to promote ILOB services nationally.
One example of this is the continued increase in requests by pharmacists for information on medication organization, management and identification. This is the direct result of the increased awareness that resulted from outreach efforts to pharmacy students as well as direct outreach efforts to participants and existing pharmacists in regards to the Script Talk medication identification system.
Each contractor also maintains a list of providers of other services which can assist participants with their identified needs to which they regularly make referrals. These include providers of diabetes management services, the Veteran’s Administration, Computers for the Blind, the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation, the I Can Connect program for individuals who are deaf-blind, and countless others.
Sub-grantee agencies also utilize peer mentors to provide ongoing assistance to participants when appropriate.
This year, one of our sub-grantees developed a partnership with PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly) to provide a single day of training on a monthly basis for their visually impaired and blind participants in their day program. This initiative has not only delivered education to PACE patients, but has also increased PACE staff awareness of the OIB program, which is beginning to expand to other areas of the state.
In addition, one of our sub-grantees developed a partnership with the Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center and presented at the 4th annual conference on Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Since then, they have been invited to speak at future engagements geared toward educating families and professionals in an effort to promote services to individuals who are traditionally unserved or under-served.
Certification
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 6 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain a benefit (Section 13 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, toU.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537or email ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1820-0608. Note: Please do not return the completed form to this address.