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RSA-7-OB for FY-2025: Submission #40

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)
225,000
0
225,000
31,625
645,757
902,382
933,609
0
0
933,609
1,835,991
B. OIB Program Expenditures in Reported FFY
1. Funds expended for administrative costs in the reported FFY
77,393
454,173
531566.00
2. Funds expended for direct services during the reported FFY
211,194
1,093,232
1,304,426
3. Total funds expended for the program during the reported FFY (B1c + B2c)
1,835,992
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.).
40
0
7.64
5.20
12.8400
0.00
0.00
0.0000
7.6400
5.2000
12.8400
B. Employees with Disabilities
0
2
5
7
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
167
132
299
B. Age at Application
48
67
109
75
299
C. Gender
214
85
0
299
D. Race
8
2
6
4
261
10
8
299
E. Ethnicity
79
F. Degree of Visual Impairment
11
267
21
299
G. Major Cause of Visual Impairment
143
12
52
8
84
299
H. Other Age-Related Impairments
26
11
0
7
2
0
I. Type of Residence
283
6
6
2
2
299
J. Source of Referral
118
22
11
0
0
1
1
0
1
40
80
25
299
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
11,187.00
5
0
B. Assistive Technology Devices and Services
664,519.00
297
C. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
628,720.00
281
3. Number of persons receiving the following services:
166
76
236
78
180
1
2
D. Supportive Services
0.00
0
E. Community Awareness Activities and Information and Referral
0.00
F. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES
1304426.00
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
297
243
82
B. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
291
227
78
C. Independence in the Home and Community
110
103
94
98
89.09
D. Efficiency Measure
1,304,426.00
299
4,362.63
Part VI: Training and Technical Assistance Needs
The Title VII-Chapter 2 program currently has eight Blindness Skills Instructor positions, one Blindness Skills Instructor Assistant and one program manager position across New Mexico.
Training to Blindness Skills Instructors was provided on ten formal occasions and offered on five more occasions during FFY 2025. Sessions ranged from two-hour teleconference meetings/trainings to attendance of meetings of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico and its Senior Action Group Energy (SAGE) group. Monthly staff meetings included presentations from the New Mexico Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, Hadley Helps, Professor Gonzales-Walker from New Mexico Highlands University and Eschenbach. Training sessions were provided in the areas of deaf and hard of hearing strategies, outreach approaches, and eligibility determinations.
In FFY 2024, the agency purchased desktop video magnifiers to provide consumers who have usable vision. These tools continue to significantly expand the quality of life for those consumers.
There are plans for additional assistive technology training in FFY 2026 in order to build the capacity of Blindness Skills Instructors to serve the technology training needs of more and more Commission consumers.
The Commission's teaching staff needs support and advanced training in working with consumers who have both hearing and vision loss as well as mobility impairments. The proportion of consumers presenting with this combination of disabilities continues to increase yet funding to support training has been scarce.
Part VII: Narrative
The Older Blind Program of the NM Commission for the Blind has eight full time equivalent Blindness Skills Instructor positions, one full time Blindness Skills Instructor's Assistant position and one program manager position that serve New Mexico. The Commission does not employ sub-grantees or contractors. Outreach efforts include but are not limited to the following: presentation at the Conference on Aging which is coordinated by the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department; presentations at senior health fairs; training provided to caregivers, occupational, and physical therapists; development and support of peer support groups; regular visits to senior centers throughout urban and rural New Mexico; collaboration and coordination with medical providers; and awareness-raising speaking engagements and guest appearances on radio stations with a rural reach.
The Outreach efforts included, but were not limited to: NM State Veterans home in Truth or Consequences, Anthony's Senior Community Center, Columbus Library, Chaparral Community Center, The Adobe Assistive Living Las Cruces, Artesia Nursing Home, Carlsbad Inhabit Home Care, Hillcrest Senior Center, Clovis Senior Center, Sunset Villa Nursing Home, Gentiva Hospice Roswell, Vision Celestial Assembly of God Roswell, Saint John's Catholic Roswell, Gallup Senior Center, Embudo Public Library, San Juan Center for Independence, Pueblo Pintado Senior Center, Pueblo Pintado Chapter House, Twin Lakes Chapter House, Tohatchi Chapter House, Fruitland Chapter House, Christian Mission Church, Zuni Senior citizen Center, Zuni Adult daycare, Zuni Wellness Center, Zuni Comprehensive Health Center, El Rancho Senior Center, Eye Associates of Santa Fe, Eye Specialist in Las Vegas, NM State Library, Ultimate Eye Care, Accent Vision, I Can Connect, GoGo Grandparent, United Way, Governors’ Commission on Disability, Picuris Indian Health Center in Taos, Hadley helps, Alzheimer’s Association, Life Circle Adult Day Center, Eye Associates of Santa Fe, Rio En Medio Community Center, Sierra Vista Assisted Living, San Ildefonso Senior Center, NFB of New Mexico, New Vistas Center for Independent Living, Computers for the Blind, State of the Heart Recovery, Hearing for All, 20/20 Low Vision Club, NM Aging and Long-Term Services Department, Presbyterian Self-Directed Case Management, and Alamo Navajo Health Center.

The Commission's IL teachers attended fifteen support group meetings around New Mexico, providing information to 182 attendees. They also delivered five other training sessions to 74 attendees.
New Mexicans are again beginning to contact the Commission for older blind services. In-person activities have not returned quite to pre-pandemic levels, but they are trending upward. The Commission has implemented case-opening criteria that has resulted in more cases being opened. Older blind services were provided utilizing a combination of in-person and remote training methods.
The Commission for the Blind strives to provide a superior level of service through our Independent Living Program. The Commission does this by providing a very significant level of funding for our Independent Living programs, amounting to approximately three times the Part B and Chapter 2 funds that the Commission receives. In addition to the Part B and Chapter 2 funds, the Commission uses its Social Security program income to support its Independent Living program. The Commission also supplements these funds with a significant amount of state funds for its Independent Living program. This enables the Commission to provide a level of service that maximizes consumer satisfaction. The Commission provides a range of assistive technology devices, most significantly including items such as hand-held video magnifiers that have 5-inch screens and advanced features as a mobile print-access solution for individuals who have usable low vision; or hand-held devices that provide optical character recognition capability as a mobile print-access solution for individuals with no usable vision.
During federal FY 2024, the commission purchased low vision devices to include desktop video magnifiers with 24-inch screens to help consumers read with greater ease in their homes. During FY 2025, 21 of these units were distributed to older blind consumers.
The Commission also provides services in consumer homes and communities, helping to ensure that their individualized needs are met.
A customer satisfaction survey was not conducted for FFY 2025, but the results from FFY 2024 indicated that Consumers who received independent living services from the New Mexico Commission for the Blind express very high levels of satisfaction with various aspects of their experience. On a general level, 85% said they were either very satisfied (58%) or satisfied (27%) with the services they received overall, compared to just 7% who were dissatisfied. On a similar note, 88% were either very satisfied (63%) or satisfied (25%) with the quality of services they received. Specific to older individuals, 80% of respondents who were age 55 or over said the services they received helped them avoid or delay moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home.
The impact of the Title VII-Chapter 2 program in New Mexico is measured best by consumers' personal stories. The following four stories are written by the servicing Blindness Skills Instructors:
1.
This consumer is a 68-year-old individual. He is the 5th one from a family of 7. He has mentioned that he has worked pretty much all his life since he was a young child. He mentioned that he worked on a farm growing up. He said that his father would take him and his brothers to work on the farm and teach them to work as a team. The consumer mentioned that he enjoyed the time because his father would teach them easy ways to do the job and not get as tired as others at the farm. As he and his brothers grew older, he noticed that one of his older brothers was struggling to see objects in front of him, but neither he or his older brother would say anything since they did not know if it was because of the bright sun or if they were just tired. The years passed and This consumer started noticing a change in his own eyes as well. He was having the same problems his older brother had when they were younger. The consumer now understands that his brother was dealing with the effects of a hereditary eye disease. Approximately one year ago, he found out he had retinitis pigmentosa and it has progressed significantly. Although it was a difficult diagnosis, and some days he feels like he cannot do it, he has drawn the courage to ask for help from the commission. This consumer started from zero experience with blindness and after a few months, he has learned basic techniques that have helped him to be a lot more independent such as cooking basic meals by himself when his wife is not home. He has also learned the basics of the white cane and has been able to walk to a nearby store and get some groceries. The consumer feels useful and also feels like he has taken a load off his wife’s back since now he is not a burden to his family. The consumer has good support at home such as his wife, a young adult son, and daughter who watch him when he is practicing his cooking or when he is practicing with his white cane. Now, every time I visit him, he sounds happier and more eager to continue with our lessons. I believe that if he continues to be this way, at some point, he will be able to make a whole meal for his family and feel proud of himself.
2.
My consumer is a blind individual living in Northern New Mexico. She is, therefore, dependent on her other senses to try to maintain an independent living routine, the benefits of magnification, for example, being of no use. Additionally, this individual, by her own admission, isn’t a regular technology user.
It was, then, with a good deal of satisfaction that a voice recording device, a Milestone 112, was placed with her. She showed patience and a willingness to absorb as much instruction as possible at the visit which introduced this device to her. After the visit, she continued to train herself on Milestone by using it regularly. At a follow-up telephone call, she expressed delight with this device, commenting that it was helping her with her daily tasks.
3.
This individual had one Independent Living Plan, and she learned so much in that year. At the start of the plan, she really wanted to be able to magnify recipes and cooking instructions again, as she has always loved to cook. Unfortunately, handheld optical magnifiers didn’t work as well for her, so I placed a Smartlux electronic video magnifier with her and made sure she was able to use it effectively and independently. During our next visit, she couldn’t stop saying, “thank you,” for the device. She said it changed her life and that she was able to cook and bake again, which significantly improved her quality of life.
As the plan progressed, we discussed several other issues she was experiencing due to her vision loss, including makeup application, cell phone use, and computer use. Throughout our open ILP, we worked on all of these issues. She attended our makeup workshop last spring and sang its praises. She has told me on numerous occasions how fun and how informative it was. After participating in the workshop, she was able to purchase some makeup and has started wearing it again since she is able to apply it using non-visual techniques. I also purchased an iPhone for her, which she was a bit hesitant about. The plan was for her to use it just on home wi-fi, without phone service, for the first month. If she was comfortable with it, she would then get it activated, and we would schedule more training. However, after having it for just a few days, she and her husband had it activated. When I met with her the next time, she told me she has been making and receiving calls and that she really liked it! We worked on adding and managing contacts, using Siri, using navigation, sending, receiving, and deleting texts, etc. She never failed to practice between visits and just loved the phone. We were unfortunately not able to set up Seeing AI before closing her case because of a phone glitch, but I will provide a courtesy visit to help with that.
Also, before closing her case, we worked on her Windows 11 PC, and I showed her how to navigate the internet and her email inbox using Windows Magnifier. We were able to mark some important buttons on her keyboard that she would use to turn the application on and off and increase and decrease the magnification power. She was so pleased after learning about the built in magnifier. Overall, this consumer really took advantage of our services and took advantage of every opportunity to ask questions, practice skills and techniques, and learn and grow in her independence. It was truly a pleasure to work with her and see her grow.
4.
This year, I had the pleasure of working with a 100-year-old woman. In recent years, she has been experiencing vision loss slowly throughout this time. Little by little, she felt limited in the ability to do those things she previously enjoyed. Reading was becoming problematic and a hassle. She tried various magnifiers to resolve her difficulties.
One of her biggest desires was to continue reading her Bible. Although she had some remaining vision, our magnification options were simply not going to be the best tool for accomplishing her goal. After going over a variety of possible solutions, she chose the State Library for the Blind Talking Book Program due to the easy-to-use digital book player. I navigated her through the application process and showed her how to operate the player. Due to some hearing loss, she liked the audio player due to its louder volume and clarity.
She has been delighted and uses the player regularly to listen to her daily Bible study. Her cheery disposition and her can-do attitude made it a pleasure to see her grow and to continue doing those things that she most enjoyed.
A member of the Commission's Statewide Rehabilitation Council represented the Commission on the Statewide Independent Living Council, and the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Program Manager for Independent Living Services attend and participate in SILC meetings. In addition, the Commission's Executive Director serves on the New Mexico State Workforce Development Board, and the Commission is represented on the various local workforce boards. The Commission's Executive Director also serves on the New Mexico Council for Purchasing from Persons with Disabilities. A Commission VR Counselor serves on the Deaf-Blind Task Force, and the Assistive Technology program manager serves on the New Mexico Technology Assistance Program Advisory Council. The Commission also works closely with agencies such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Commission for the Blind also has cooperative agreements with agencies such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, and many other agencies and entities.
Outreach efforts include but are not limited to the following: presentations at the Conference on Aging, which is coordinated by the NM Aging and Long Term Services Department, Senior health fairs; training provided to caregivers, occupational, and physical therapists; development and support of peer support groups; regular visits to senior centers throughout urban and rural New Mexico; collaboration and coordination with medical providers; and awareness-raising speaking engagements and guest appearances on radio stations with a rural reach.

City of Albuquerque Third Annual Age-Friendly Summit: During PY 2025, the Commission presented at this event, which this year focused on employment for seniors.

Medical access curriculum project: The Commission's Deputy Director for Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living has been participating in a project involving the University of New Mexico (UNM) Rehabilitation Medicine Program and the Governor's Commission on Disability (GCD). The coordinator of the UNM Rehab Medicine Program had the thought that doctors could benefit from information regarding various disabilities since those topics are not taught in medical school, but doctors deal with them every day in their medical practices. He thought that providing this information during a medical residency might be the best time to educate residents in the appropriate ways to work with people with disabilities. This would provide the residents with ways to give these patients dignity and respect while they undergo various testing and discussion with their physician about results. So, he reached out to the GCD for help. The GCD convened a planning group that included representatives from a variety of organizations of and for people with disabilities. The result was a schedule of eighteen one-hour presentations, dealing with topics such as service animals, safe and equitable exams, communication access for person who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, civil rights for persons with disabilities, assistive technology, blindness and low vision, developmental disabilities, mental illness, how to write a letter of medical necessity, and women's health.

In April, the Independent Living and Older Blind program was able to host a makeup workshop for consumers who were struggling with the effects vision loss had on their ability to utilize makeup. We had 8 attendees, 7 of whom were age 55 and over and 1 of whom was under age 55. We were able to bring in a local cosmetology school to help each attendee learn what colors would work best for them. They were also provided with a card that had their specific colors, shades, tools, etc., so they could independently purchase their cosmetics. The school made sure to provide recommendations that the clients could get from anywhere, from drugstores to beauty shops. We also had 2 presenters who are blind speak to the attendees and provide their tips, tricks, and techniques for applying makeup non-visually. We had magnified mirrors and makeup remover wipes available for anyone who wanted to follow along, and practice techniques provided by each presenter. The feedback from this event has been overwhelmingly positive. Several of the attendees followed up throughout their IL cases and let us know they have been able to start purchasing their own makeup, that they have started wearing makeup again on a more regular basis because of what they learned at the workshop, and that they have started to feel a little more like themselves again since attending the workshop. They have all expressed sincere gratitude, and many have expressed interest in attending more workshops on differing topics with us in the future.

Commission Independent Living Teachers regularly refer Commission older blind consumers to the following entities and receive referrals of prospective older blind consumers from those same entities.
• Support groups throughout New Mexico
*The National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico, including local chapters, and their senior group, known as Senior Action Group Energy (SAGE)
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Visual Impairment Services Team
• New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Persons
• New Mexico Human Services Department Income Support Division for SNAP
• New Mexico Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
• Housing offices across New Mexico
• Community Outreach Programs for the Deaf (COPD), which had been the New Mexico iCanConnect affiliate, has ceased operations. Mr. Larry Rhodes, former director of COPD, has become the New Mexico iCanConnect affiliate and the Commission is working with Mr. Rhodes in this capacity.
The Commission makes a significant effort to refer consumers to support groups and consumer organizations like the national Federation of the Blind of New Mexico. The Commission had referred consumers to the American Council of the Blind of New Mexico as well, but the ACBNM has not been active in New Mexico for a few years. Affiliation with other blind and low vision individuals is very important, so support groups and NFBNM chapters and divisions provide an opportunity for Commission consumers to communicate with other blind and low vision individuals. In-person support group meetings are valuable, but some support groups like Creating Options have turned to conducting their meetings via a hybrid format with a combination of in-person and Zoom platform option as a result of the coronavirus. The NFBNM SAGE group meets virtually because it is a statewide group, so there is an opportunity for every consumer, regardless of where they live, to participate.
• The Commission also refers consumers not eligible for Commission services to centers for independent living across the state and receives referrals as well.
A handful of collaborations stand out:
The Commission finalized a Memorandum of Agreement with the New Mexico Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Support Division during FFY 2021. The MOA focused on expanding and streamlining services for New Mexicans with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Although the agreement primarily focused on the provision of vocational rehabilitation services, it served to heighten the awareness of Commission services by the DDSD and will lead to a collaboration between the agencies regarding independent living services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities.

The Commission maintains a close relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs Visual Impairment Services Teams based in Albuquerque for the northern part of the state and El Paso for the southern part of the state. The Commission and the VIST partner to provide a combination of equipment and training for veterans with vision loss in New Mexico.
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
Greg Trapp
Executive Director
Yes
Wed, 01/14/2026 - 00:00
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