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RSA-7-OB for FY-2025: Submission #46

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)
684,597
564,427
1,249,024
0
0
1,249,024
76,066
0
0
76,066
1,325,090
B. OIB Program Expenditures in Reported FFY
1. Funds expended for administrative costs in the reported FFY
346,123
25,682
371805.00
2. Funds expended for direct services during the reported FFY
679,039
50,384
729,423
3. Total funds expended for the program during the reported FFY (B1c + B2c)
1,101,228
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
20
2.02
0.00
2.0200
0.00
4.90
4.9000
2.0200
4.9000
6.9200
B. Employees with Disabilities
5
3
4
12
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
165
871
1,036
B. Age at Application
86
200
360
390
1,036
C. Gender
764
272
0
1,036
D. Race
14
36
37
2
912
20
15
1,036
E. Ethnicity
40
F. Degree of Visual Impairment
60
371
605
1,036
G. Major Cause of Visual Impairment
597
51
148
20
220
1,036
H. Other Age-Related Impairments
408
592
80
151
123
467
I. Type of Residence
781
144
91
17
3
1,036
J. Source of Referral
423
42
46
53
6
16
8
4
1
183
215
39
1,036
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
46,685.00
366
0
B. Assistive Technology Devices and Services
412,215.00
766
C. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
248,066.00
521
3. Number of persons receiving the following services:
164
276
311
0
51
74
0
D. Supportive Services
7,557.00
13
E. Community Awareness Activities and Information and Referral
14,900.00
F. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES
729423.00
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
760
740
97
B. Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
507
488
96
C. Independence in the Home and Community
800
771
96
753
94.13
D. Efficiency Measure
729,423.00
1,036
704.08
Part VI: Training and Technical Assistance Needs
The OIB Program in Washington State has recently experienced a significant reduction in state funding. Now limited to only the federal grant and required state match, the OIB Program is exploring different ways of providing services. Namely, a hybrid online or telephone model with limited in-person services. Washington State’s OIB Program is currently working out the details of this model and will be piloting it with the assistance of the OIB-TAC. The goal of this approach is to provide meaningful training and support, while reducing costs and ensuring services reach geographically hard to serve areas of the state. The OIB Program would appreciate the OIB-TAC’s continued support of this pilot.
Part VII: Narrative
The OIB Program in Washington State is managed through a sub-grant to the Center for Technology and Disability (CTD) at the University of Washington. CTD is responsible for managing all subcontracts; data collection, reporting and compliance; outreach; and all other OIB program functions. CTD reports quarterly to the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) and the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind on all aspects of the program. CTD staff also meet monthly, via web conferencing, with the DSB’s contract manager and Chief Financial Officer to discuss spending trends, challenges the program may be experiencing, and to develop long-term plans to increase program stability. CTD maintains a client database for the purposes of tracking cases served by the program.

The OIB Program is delivered through a network of community-based providers who meet rigorous qualification and performance standards based on high risk factors related to serving a vulnerable population. Providers have extensive training on how to teach adaptive skills of blindness as well as highly specialized knowledge of adaptive aids and devices. Several providers also have lived experience as people with low vision or blindness. Providers for this reporting period include: En Gedi Occupational Therapy & Vision Rehabilitation; Encore Independence; Grandstaff Consulting; Independent Skills for the Blind & Visually Impaired of Washington; Klein Compass Consulting; Legacy Independent Living Services; Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.; Lilac Services for the Blind; Rafael Ramirez (Independent Contractor;) Rehab On-Sight LLC; Ryan Kupfer (Independent Contractor;) and Whatcom Independent Living and Braille Services. All of Washington State’s 39 counties had a provider during the current reporting period.

In Washington State, all IL programs are underserving Hispanic and Asian populations. The OIB Program continues to provide financial incentive to providers to conduct outreach presentations to increase contact with these populations. Some providers produce their own marketing materials and information products in alternative languages. The OIB Program also distributes program brochures and forms in several languages, including Vietnamese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish.
The OIB Program's satisfaction rate is approximately 97%, with 100% of the survey respondents indicating that they would recommend the program to others; one already had at the time they responded to the survey! Any issues identified are typically related to limitations of service. The satisfaction survey is conducted primarily by mail with an invitation to complete the survey by phone or online if the client would prefer. This year, the OIB Program got more than a 15% return rate on the satisfaction surveys; while not significant in numbers, the OIB Program believes the results are accurate. Results are shared with the community providers quarterly.

DSB has partnered with the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) to distribute desktop video magnifiers (CCTVs) to OIB Program participants through a long-term, and free, lending program. (See more information about this partnership in Item E below.) In 2025, the OIB Program conducted a survey of CCTV recipients who had received their device at least six months prior. Through one-on-one phone calls with these participants, OIB Program staff talked to 68 individuals, which is more than 50% of all CCTV recipients. Of the recipients that responded to the survey, about 80% still have and regularly use their CCTV; the other 20% returned theirs due to various reasons, most commonly progressive vision loss making the device no longer useful. Of the respondents who indicated they regularly use their CCTVs daily or weekly, 100% reported improved quality of life, and 93% felt more independent. When asked how they use their CCTVs, respondents described many different activities, including reading mail and prescription bottles; writing letters and cards; looking at photos of loved ones; reading blood sugar levels on their glucose monitors; and enjoying hobbies like knitting and birdwatching. Many respondents emphasized how essential their CCTVs are to their independence. One respondent even said, “I would probably sell a kidney to keep it. It’s my independence…At the time, I didn’t think I was worthy, but this has given me my independence. I don’t know what I’d do without it. I love it.”
Each year, the OIB Program empowers Washingtonians struggling with vision loss to live independently in their homes and communities. To help participants achieve independence and adapt to significant vision loss, the OIB Program provides a wide range of services and training. Services are usually provided in the participant’s home and are always geared towards helping the participant meet self-identified goals. The OIB Program provides a variety of low vision or blindness skills training, including reading with a magnifier; financial management, including paperwork and accessing mail; cooking with adapted blindness skills and practicing kitchen safety; medication identification and management; maintaining personal hygiene; alternative techniques to keep a home clean, safe, and clutter-free; dialing the telephone by touch so that they can access family, friends, or 911; fall prevention; and walking safely around the participant’s home and community. Additionally, adjustment counseling is available for participants who are experiencing grief, fear, or anger as their vision declines or they experience sudden blindness. The OIB Program refers participants to other services they may qualify for and benefit from, including the state’s talking book and Braille library, diabetic nurses, or para-transit services. The program also provides adaptive devices such as white canes, medical devices, kitchen devices, and magnification and lighting for reading and writing.

The following success stories demonstrate just a few ways the OIB Program in Washington State significantly increases the independence and quality of life for its participants through Independent Living (IL) services provided by IL Specialists. All identifying information has been changed to protect the participants’ privacy.

Story #1: Esme

Esme is a friendly and sociable 61-year-old woman who lives in a suburban area of Washington's capitol city. Esme had been independent for many years and functioned well in her home without much support. Her declining vision, however, left her feeling isolated as she found it increasingly difficult to get out in her community. A naturally outgoing person, Esme thrives when she regularly meets with other folks who share common interests. To not only learn about different assistive technology options that might suit her, but also to connect with various blindness and low vision groups in her area, Esme reached out to the OIB Program for assistance.

After hearing about her goals, Esme’s IL Specialist began working with her on utilizing her iPhone and iPad with voice controls and text-to-speech enabled. Using these tools, Esme was able to better engage with her friends and family over text. With lessons on how to access Zoom, Esme could also now participate in telehealth appointments with her primary care physician and mental health counselor.

After meeting her communication goals enabling Esme to connect virtually with her support network, Esme and her IL Specialist worked to find her low vision and blindness community resources and activities in her area. Esme’s IL Specialist gave her a list of support and advocacy groups in her county, and she wasted no time acting on it. During her last session with her IL Specialist, Esme reported that she had joined her local Lion’s Club. She even volunteered at a water station the club sponsored during a marathon and said that she was able to meet new people. Esme found the support group meetings she attended to be “uplifting,” motivating, and was overall feeling less isolated than she had before starting IL services. While Esme was still “developing a new normal,” she felt ready to practice her new skills and continue exploring resources in her community on her own, knowing that the OIB Program would be there in the future if she needed more help.

Story #2: Jolene

Jolene is a 72-year-old woman who recently moved to an assisted living facility with her loving husband, Carl. While her assisted living facility provided her support, cleaning services, and social events, Jolene’s progressing glaucoma and dry eye macular degeneration had begun to make it difficult to do daily household chores and read printed text. Jolene couldn't read her and Carl’s prescription bottles, bills, or the directions in her recipe books. This left her feeling limited, depressed, and anxious. With help from her daughter, Jolene learned about the OIB Program and reached out for help.

When Jolene first connected with her IL Specialist, they agreed to focus on exploring assistive technology options and developing her kitchen skills. Using grid patterns and overlapping circles to clear areas of debris, Jolene learned cleaning and searching techniques for her countertops. Jolene’s IL Specialist then showed her different kitchen devices: a palm peeler, a finger guard, a black-and-white high contrast cutting board to make chopping and peeling vegetables safer, and a liquid level indicator to avoid spills. The IL Specialist taught Jolene to put a baking tray underneath the container she was pouring liquids into to ensure spills were caught and easy to clean, instead of spilling onto the surrounding counter and floor. Jolene took to these devices and techniques quickly and practiced using them between their sessions. Once Jolene was confident in her ability to use the adaptive kitchen tools independently, she and her IL Specialist investigated more high-tech assistive technology.

After an assessment, Jolene’s IL Specialist determined she would be a good fit for a Ruby 10, a large and powerful handheld electronic magnifier. With the device in hand, Jolene and her IL Specialist practiced reading her prescriptions, her calendar, and forms from her husband’s doctor. They also practiced using the Ruby to read recipes in her cookbooks; she was excited to be able to use her new adaptive kitchen tools and the magnifier to cook again.

When Jolene’s IL Specialist returned to visit her for their next appointment, Jolene was self-assured in her use of the Ruby. She had been practicing using the electronic magnifier and the kitchen tools, and felt prepared to work with them independently. When Jolene and her IL Specialist agreed that her current case was ready to close, Jolene was brought to grateful tears. She told her IL Specialist how appreciative she was for all the devices she had received, and the time spent working together. The IL Specialist made sure to assure Jolene that she could return to the OIB Program at any point in the future if her vision or needs changed.

Story #3: Vivian

Vivian is a lively, intelligent, and talkative 96-year-old, who lives alone in suburban part of Eastern Washington in a clean and comfortable house. With lots of family nearby, Vivian has a great support system and is rarely on her own. Being legally blind due to macular degeneration is the tip of the iceberg for Vivian. She has also been dealing with ongoing cancer-related complications for many years, and in the summer of 2024, Vivian found herself briefly in the hospital. While there, her son, Ron, learned about the OIB Program from the hospital’s social worker; he immediately reached out to see what help his mom could receive. Vivian had been talking about wanting to use her appliances independently and, as a retired English teacher, was missing being able to read. After talking to both Ron and Vivian, the IL Specialist made an appointment to help with those goals and anything else that might give Vivian some more independence.

During their first visit together, Ron, Vivian, and her IL Specialist got right to work. They walked through the house, Vivian acting as tour guide, marking a few appliances with bump dots so that Vivian could use them independently. Not wanting to overdo it on the first visit, the IL Specialist showed Ron how to place the tactile markers for future use. Vivian was also interested in a large print calendar to keep track of important dates, like the birthdays of all her grandchildren. Before starting services, Vivian had used a standard calendar that her grandson had tried to make easier to use by going over the lines and numbers using a bold, black marker. But, when she saw the difference the large print calendar made, she said that it was even better than what her grandson had whipped up for her. Before leaving for the day, the IL Specialist showed some magnifiers to Vivian and determined that a 5X handheld magnifier would help. Vivian agreed she’d practice with it.

The next appointment took a while to schedule because Vivian was entertaining her large, extended family. When they finally could meet again, the IL Specialist had two goals. The first was to check in on the magnifier, and the second was to show Vivian how to use the talking book player from the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL). When the IL Specialist asked about the magnifier, Vivian said that maybe it wasn’t strong enough. She really wanted to be able to look at pictures of her family, including some pictures that were nearly 100 years old! So, the IL Specialist pulled out a 7X magnifier; together, they tried looking at pictures of Vivian as a one-year-old. Vivian was thrilled to be able to see herself and the bald head she had as a baby. She told the IL Specialist that she couldn’t wait to show her pictures to her grandson, who was coming over later that day. After giving Vivian the magnifier, the IL Specialist asked her if she was ready to look at the talking book player. Vivian was very reluctant. The English teacher in her was not ready to let go of physical books, even though she could no longer read them. The IL Specialist gently persuaded Vivian to give it a shot. She showed Vivian how to use the machine and signed her up for the services.

The last time the IL provider visited, after sharing brownies that Vivian offered her, they started by talking about how the book player from WTBBL was working for her. Vivian said she’d been reading a book and enjoying it. She still missed holding a “real” book, but was happy she could access good memoirs of current political figures. The IL Specialist showed Vivian some of the talking book player’s features again to be sure Vivian could use it effectively. Eventually, they fell into a conversation about life and before they knew it, an hour had passed. Vivian was ready to close her case, and the IL Specialist agreed it was time. As the IL Specialist left, Vivian said, “Oh, I’m so happy you came to see me. Thanks for all you have done for me.” And then, as is Vivian’s way, she gave the IL Specialist a big hug and squeezed her hands.
OIB outreach efforts and information and referral activities are conducted in a variety of ways in Washington State. Information and referral services are offered on an individualized basis. In addition, community providers are encouraged to conduct outreach efforts to increase referrals to the OIB Program.

All community providers offer information and referral services to anybody who needs it, regardless of whether individuals are program participants. These services focus on local resources, like para-transit services and Washington State’s Talking Book and Braille Library, and national resources, like Hadley or the American Foundation for the Blind, that offer services, advocacy, and support for individuals with vision loss or blindness. OIB community providers are well-versed in general resources so that they may connect any individual to resources that can assist with general age-related issues, mental health counseling, or housing assistance, to name a few. Information and referral services are offered as part of a plan of services, but also as the only service provided when individuals decline or don’t qualify for further services. In the reporting period, 49 individuals received information and referral services only. An additional four individuals received information and referral services initially and then later came back to the program to participate in a plan of services.

In addition to providing information and referral services, most community providers offer outreach presentations that are likely to result in OIB Program referrals. For each of the twelve community providers, up to twelve outreach presentations, annually, are reimbursed at various rates, depending on who the presentation targets. Presentations for Asian or Hispanic populations or provided to geographically underserved areas are reimbursed at a higher rate than others. To receive reimbursement, presentations or tabling events must be at least one hour in duration and must be given to potential participants (those who are not yet receiving IL services or are not currently active with services). Community providers submit outreach summaries detailing the location of the presentation, group (receiving the presentation) or event name, how many attended, and the topics discussed (in addition to IL services.) In the reporting period, nine of the twelve OIB community providers conducted a total of 28 outreach presentations or other outreach events. During the reporting period, over 550 individuals participated in the presentations or other community events, including general health and senior services fairs, resulting in at least 41 known referrals.

OIB community providers are also encouraged to participate in an outreach day, which is a day spent contacting local organizations or businesses to introduce the OIB Program with the end goal of leaving program materials with the local entities. The outreach day effort may include talking to local organizations or businesses by phone or in person. It also may include traveling to local organizations or businesses to drop off program materials. Outreach day summaries must be submitted to receive reimbursement. Summaries must include a list of local organizations or businesses contacted and should identify which of them agreed to hand out program materials. In the reporting period, two of the twelve OIB community providers conducted outreach days, reaching over 20 organizations to discuss the OIB Program. Several of these organizations agreed to display OIB Program brochures and a few retirement communities agreed to host an outreach presentation for their residents. A variety of organizations were contacted, including optometry offices, assisted living entities, and senior centers.

It should be noted that OIB community providers conduct outreach based on availability of resources to provide services. If they have a waiting list, they are less likely to conduct outreach. This is possibly why not all of the OIB community providers conducted outreach presentations.
The OIB Program supports the National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Washington State has the second largest population in the country of people who are deaf or deaf-blind. The OIB program is specifically doing outreach in the deaf-blind community as part of our relationship with Washington State’s NDBEDP program. The OIB Program provides assessment and training services to deaf-blind individuals who otherwise qualify for OIB services and supports them as they receive equipment from the NDBEDP.

Within CTD, the OIB Program is housed alongside the Washington State Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP). The OIB Program collaborates closely with WATAP to support older individuals who wish to try or borrow AT to increase their independence. The OIB Program and WATAP collaborate to make sure the inventory is up to date and maintained and that consumers receive knowledgeable consultation and assistance. If appropriate, consumers can receive additional training through the OB program. This year, several OIB participants received equipment from WATAP to try out as a way of deciding if the equipment would benefit them. This saves the OIB Program money by not buying equipment that will not be useful for clients.

In addition to partnering with WATAP to serve clients through WATAP’s demo and loan program, a WATAP AT Specialist with low vision and blindness expertise was invited to participate in the OIB Program’s semi-annual professional development retreat aimed at increasing the skills of the OIB community providers to train and work with participants. Presenters, including WATAP’s AT Specialist, covered built in accessibility features of the iPhone; kitchen skills and adaptive devices; how to conduct a low vision field eval and what types of magnification devices work best for specific eye conditions; and motivational interviewing techniques for participants who may be a little reluctant or resistant to suggestions. As funding allows, the OIB Program will continue to partner with WATAP’s AT Specialist and a mental health provider who specializes in vision loss to provide continued training to providers in these areas.

Finally, the OIB Program in Washington State partners with the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) to implement a desktop video magnifier (CCTV) lending program (previously mentioned in Item B above.) CCTVs are provided at no cost to OIB Program clients to keep for as long as the devices are beneficial to them. OIB IL Specialists provide training on the devices, and WTBBL provides the infrastructure to house the devices and utilizes their library database to manage the loans of the devices. The CCTVs available to OIB Program clients range in features, prioritizing optical character recognition (otherwise known as OCR which translates printed materials into text that can then be read aloud to the CCTV user,) simplicity, and portability. The program has over 100 CCTVs, with nearly all of them in circulation in clients’ homes on a long-term basis. During the reporting cycle, two CCTVs were recirculated after the original participant returned their device, ensuring that returned machines continue to help new OIB clients live independently. Participants who receive CCTVs through this lending program report that their quality of life has drastically improved, since they can now engage in hobbies or important daily activities that previously seemed challenging or impossible due to their vision loss, like crafting or sewing; reading books, pill bottles, and recipe cards; accessing their cell phones; and writing checks and letters to loved ones.
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
Michael MacKillop
Executive Director, Washington State Department of Services for the Blind
Yes
Mon, 01/26/2026 - 00:00
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