RSA-7-OB for FY-2025: Submission #51
Instructions
Submittal Instructions
Grantees of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) program must complete and submit their annual RSA 7-OB Report online through RSA’s website (https://rsa.ed.gov).
To register with RSA’s MIS, go to https://rsa.ed.gov and click on Info for new users. The link provides instructions for obtaining an agency- specific username and password. Further instructions for completing and submitting the RSA 7-OB Report online are provided upon completion of the registration process.
OIB grantees submitting the RSA 7-OB Report online are not required to mail signed copies of the 7-OB Report to RSA. Grantees must submit the 7-OB report in the MIS with an authorized signature and date. The signed lobbying certification form must be submitted by mail, fax, or electronically with the authorized signature and date.
The RSA 7-OB Report must be submitted to RSA no later than 90 days after the end of the reported Federal fiscal year (FFY) (i.e., December 31).
PART I: FUNDING SOURCES AND EXPENDITURES IN SUPPORT OF THE OIB PROGRAM
NOTE: References to Title VII below are to Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Funding Sources and Amounts in Support of the OIB Program for the Reported Federal Fiscal Year (FFY)
- Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant award for reported FFY – Enter the total amount of your Title VII-Chapter 2 grant award for the reported FFY. Amount must agree with 10d of the Federal Financial Report form (SF-425).
- Title VII-Chapter 2 carryover from previous FFY – Enter the amount of Title VII-Chapter 2 grant funds carried over from the previous FFY. Enter zero, if none.
- TOTAL Title VII-Chapter 2 funds – The sum of A1 + A2. Total will be automatically populated.
- Title VII-Chapter 1, Part B funds – Enter the total amount of Federal Title VII-Chapter 1, Part B (State Independent Living Services) funds made available for support of the OIB program in the reported FFY.
- Other Federal funds available for expenditure in the reported FFY - Enter the total amount of any other Federal funds available for expenditure to support the OIB program for the reported FFY. Other Federal funds may include, but are not limited to, such funds as SSA reimbursement, Title XX Social Security Act funds, and Older Americans Act funds, including the carryover of such funds that are available for expenditure in the reported FFY.
- Total Federal funds - Sum of A3 + A4 + A5. Total will be automatically populated.
- State funds (excluding in-kind contributions) - Enter the total amount of State funds available for expenditure in the OIB program. Include funds from State appropriations as well as funds from other State sources that were available to support the OIB program for the reported FFY.
- In-kind contributions - Enter the total dollar amount of fairly evaluated and documented in-kind contributions from state, local, and public agencies, as well as non-profit and for-profit organizations. These can include but are not limited to services, materials, equipment, buildings, or office space that was utilized in support of the OIB program.
- Other non-Federal funds - Enter the total amount of funds from other non-Federal sources including local and community funding, non-profit or for-profit agency funding, voluntary client contributions, etc. Do not include in-kind contributions. State funds should be reported in A7 above.
- Total non-Federal funds - Sum of A7 + A9 above; do not include In- kind contributions reported in A8. Total will be automatically populated.
- Total of all funds available for expenditure in the reported FFY - Sum of A6 + A7 + A9. Do not include in-kind contributions reported in A8. Total will be automatically populated.
OIB Program Expenditures in Reported FFY
In this section, report allowable expenditures made in support of the OIB program in the reported FFY. For the purpose of this data collection, the term ”expenditures” means charges made by a non- Federal entity to the Federal OIB award (2 C.F.R. § 200.34).
In this data collection, expenditures are to be reported under two categories, (1) administrative costs, and (2) direct service costs. Within these categories, funds expended from the Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal OIB grant award and from non-Federal funds used to meet the match requirement in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 367.31(b) and
§ 367.61 are reported separately from allowable OIB expenditures made from other Federal and non-Federal sources. However, OIB grantees remain responsible for tracking specific information related to the expenditure of OIB funds from each source. For example, specific information on expenditures made from the OIB Federal award and from non-Federal sources used in meeting the match requirement must be reported on the SF-425.
- Funds expended for administrative costs in the reported FFY - Enter the total amount of funds expended for administrative costs, including administrative support staff and general overhead costs, during the reported FFY. Do not include expenditures for direct services provided by agency staff or the expenditures of contract or sub-grantee staff that provide direct services under contracts or sub-grants. For example, if an administrator spends a portion of his or her time providing administrative services and the remainder providing direct services, include only the expenditures for administrative services.
- Administrative expenditures from (1) Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant award funds, including allowable carryover funds from the previous FFY and (2) non-Federal sources used in meeting the match requirement as reported on line 10j of the SF-425.
- Administrative expenditures from all other allowable sources as identified in Part I - A above.
- Total administrative expenditures - Sum of 1a + 1b. Total will be automatically populated.
- Funds expended for direct services during the reported FFY - Enter the total funds expended for direct program services during the reported FFY. Amount reported must equal the total funds expended for services in Part IV – F.
- Direct service expenditures from (1) Title VII-Chapter 2 OIB Federal grant award, including allowable carryover funds from the previous FFY and (2) non-Federal sources used in meeting the match requirement as reported on line 10j of the SF-425.
- Direct service expenditures from all other allowable sources as identified in Part I - A above.
- Total direct services expenditures - Sum of 2a + 2b. Total will be automatically populated.
- Total funds expended for the program during the reported FFY - Sum of B1c + B2c. Total will be automatically populated.
Part II: Program Staffing
Base all full-time equivalent (FTE) calculations on the number of hours per week considered full time for the position. Record all FTEs assigned to the OIB program during the reported FFY irrespective of whether salary is paid with Title VII-Chapter 2 funds. Report the number of hours per week that define FTE for State Agency staff and for Contract/Subgrant staff (e.g. 40 hours, 35 hours, etc.).
Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Program Staff
Record the FTE administrative and support staff and direct service staff, including State agency staff and contract/subgrant staff, for the OIB program. If a staff member provides both administrative and support functions and direct services, report the percentage of FTE devoted to administrative and support activities under “Administrative & Support” and the percentage of FTE devoted to direct services under “Direct Services.” For example, assuming a full-time 40 hour work week, if 20% (8 hours per week) of a staff person’s time was spent on administrative and support functions related to this program, and 80% (32 hours per week) of the staff person’s time was spent in providing direct services for this program, the reported FTE for that staff person would be 0.2 for administrative and support functions and 0.8 for direct services.
- FTE State Agency staff assigned to the OIB program
- Administrative and support – Under “Administrative & Support,” enter the FTE of all administrative and support staff (e.g., management, program directors, supervisors, readers, drivers for staff, etc.) assigned to the OIB program from the State agency.
- Direct service – Under “Direct Service”, enter the FTE of all State agency direct service staff (e.g., rehabilitation teachers, Independent Living (IL) specialists, orientation and mobility specialists, social workers, drivers for individuals receiving services, etc.) assigned to the OIB program from the State agency.
- Total – The total State agency FTE (A1C) is the sum of the “Administrative & Support” FTE (A1A) and “Direct Service” FTE (A1B). Total will be automatically populated.
- FTE through contract/subgrant – FTE assigned to the OIB program through a contract or subgrant.
- Administrative & support – Under “Administrative & Support” (A2a), enter the FTE of all administrative and support staff (e.g., management, program directors, supervisors, readers, drivers for staff, etc.) assigned to the OIB program through contract/subgrant.
Direct service – Under “Direct Service” (A2b), enter the FTE of all direct service staff (e.g., rehabilitation teachers, independent living specialists, orientation and mobility specialists, social
workers, drivers for individuals receiving services, etc.) assigned to the OIB program through contract/subgrant.
- Total – The Total Contract/subgrantee FTE (A2c) is the sum of the “Administrative & Support” FTE (A2a) and the “Direct Service” FTE (A2b). Total will be automatically populated.
- Total FTE – The system will generate the FTE totals for Administrative & Support and for Direct Service, as well as the total FTE for the program.
- FTE State Agency staff assigned to the OIB program
Employees with Disabilities
Record the number of employees with disabilities that are represented in the categories below. Individuals reported here should include both agency and contract/subgrant staff.
- Employees with disabilities other than with blindness or severe visual impairments – Enter the total number of employees with disabilities, excluding those with blindness or severe visual impairments. Employees with blindness or severe visual impairments are reported separately in B2 and B3 below.
Employees with blindness or severe visual impairments who are age
55 and older – Enter the total number who are blind or who have severe visual impairments and are age 55 and older.
- Employees with blindness or severe visual impairments who are under age 55 – Enter the total number who are blind or have a severe visual impairment and are under age 55.
Total employees with disabilities – Enter the number of employees reported in B1, B2, and B3. Total in B4 will be automatically populated.
Part III: Data on Individuals Served
Provide data in each of the categories below on the number of individuals for whom one or more services were provided (program participants) during the reported FFY.
Individuals Served
- Enter the number of program participants carried over from the previous FFY who received services in this reported FFY (i.e., an individual who received services in September (or any other month) of the previous FFY and continued to receive additional services in the reported FFY).
- Enter the number of program participants who began receiving services during the reported FFY irrespective of whether they have completed all services.
- Total individuals served during the reported FFY - Sum of A1 + A2. Total will be automatically populated.
Age at Application
Categories 1 through 4 - The total number of individuals served in each respective age category (B1 through B4).
- The sum of age categories B1 through B4. This total must agree with the total reported in A3. Total will be automatically populated.
Gender
- Self-identifies as female – Enter the total number of individuals receiving services who self-identify as female.
- Self-identifies as male – Enter the total number of individuals receiving services who self-identify as male.
- Did not self-identify gender – Enter the total number of Individuals receiving services who did not self-identify gender.
- Total – Sum of C1 + C2 + C3. This total must agree with the total reported in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
Race
Categories 1 through 7 - Enter the number of individuals served in the reported FFY for each of the 7 race categories (D1 through D7). Self- identification is required to the greatest extent possible. It is generally expected that the information recorded will reflect the individual’s own identification of race from these categories.
Observer identification is not required. If the individual refuses to self-identify, record in item 6 (individual did not self-identify race). An individual should only be reported in one of the 7 categories. Item 7 should be used to report individuals served who identify two or more races. The multi-race category (item 7) should not be used to report an individual who identifies only 1 of the 5 races listed and also identifies that they are of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is recorded in section E, regardless of race.
- American Indian – Enter the number of individuals served who are American Indian or Alaska Native. American Indian/Alaska Native means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
Asian – Enter the number of individuals served who are Asian. Asian means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for
example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Black or African American – Enter the number of individuals served who are Black or African American. Black or African American means a person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander – Enter the number of individuals served who are Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
- White – Enter the number of individuals served who are White. White means a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
- Individual did not self-identify race – Enter the number of individuals served who did not self-identify race or refused to self- identify race.
- Two or more races – Enter the number of individuals served who report two or more races (for multi-race individuals).
- Total – Sum of items D1 through D7. This total must agree with the total reported in A3 above. Do not include the Ethnicity sum from E1. Total will be automatically populated.
Ethnicity
1. Enter the number of individuals served who reported that they are Hispanic or Latino. Hispanic or Latino means a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
Degree of Visual Impairment
- Enter the number of individuals served who are totally blind (e.g., have light perception only or no light perception).
- Enter the number of individuals served who are considered legally blind, excluding those recorded in F1.
- Enter the number of individuals served who have severe visual impairment, excluding those recorded in F1 and F2.
- Total - Sum of F1 + F2 + F3. The total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
Major Cause of Visual Impairment
Enter only one major cause of visual impairment for each individual served during the reported FFY. Below are the most common causes of visual impairment among older individuals.
- Macular degeneration – Enter the number of individuals served who have macular degeneration as the major cause of visual impairment. Macular degeneration is a progressive disease of the retina wherein the light-sensing cells in the central area of vision (the macula) stop working and eventually die.
- Diabetic retinopathy – Enter the number of individuals served who have diabetic retinopathy as the major cause of visual impairment. Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels of the light- sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina) caused by diabetes.
- Glaucoma – Enter the number of individuals served who have glaucoma as the major cause of visual impairment. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing optic nerve damage that involves mechanical compression or decreased blood flow.
- Cataracts – Enter the number of individuals served who have cataracts as the major cause of visual impairment. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye resulting in blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare, distortion, and dimming of colors.
- Other cause of visual impairment – Enter the number of individuals served whose major cause of visual impairment is not listed above.
- Total - Sum of G1 through G5. This total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
Other Age-Related Impairments
Older individuals who are blind may have one or more other age-related impairments or disorders that impact their ability to carry out customary daily life activities in the home and community. Listed below are age-related impairments (other than visual impairments) that are common among older individuals. Enter the total number of individuals served in each of the categories listed in H1 through H-6. Individuals may report one or more non-visual impairments/conditions.
- Hearing impairment – Hearing impairment occurs when there is a problem with or damage to one or more parts of the ear, and may be a conductive hearing loss (outer or middle ear) or a sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear) or a combination. Presbycusis is the gradual hearing loss that occurs with aging.
- Mobility impairment – Older individuals may have difficulty with gross motor behavior, such as moving around in the environment, or with fine motor skills, such as writing. Conditions such as Osteoporosis (loss of mass and quality of bones), osteoarthritis (inflammation and deterioration of joints), and sarcopenia (age- related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength) may contribute to frailty and injury in older individuals. Other conditions that contribute to loss of mobility and independence include disorders in the central nervous system that control movement such as in Parkinson’s disease.
- Communication impairment – Older individuals may have impairments in expressive communication, receptive communication, or both, as a result of stroke, dementia, or other conditions.
- Cognitive or intellectual impairment – Cognitive impairments, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, impact parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and executive functioning. Individuals with intellectual disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome), should also be included in this category.
- Mental health impairment – Older individuals may have impairments or disorders that affect their mental health such as: Mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder); Sundown syndrome, which affects individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s; and psychosis or a personality disorder.
- Other impairment – Enter other impairments not captured in H1 – H5 above.
Type of Residence
- Private residence – Enter the number of individuals served who live in a private residence (house or apartment).
- Senior independent living facility – Enter the number of individuals served who live in senior independent living housing in which minimal support is provided.
- Assisted living facility – Enter the number of individuals served who live in assisted living facilities (e.g., housing that provides personal care and services which meet needs beyond basic provision of food, shelter and laundry).
- Nursing home/long-term care facility – Enter the number of individuals served who live in nursing homes/long-term care facilities (e.g., any facility that provides care to one or more persons who require nursing care and related medical services of such complexity to require professional nursing care under the direction of a physician on a 24 hour a day basis).
- Homeless – Enter the number of individuals served who are homeless.
- Total – Sum of I1 through I5. This total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
J. Source of Referral
- Eye care provider – Enter the number of individuals served referred by an eye care provider (e.g., ophthalmologist or optometrist).
- Physician/medical provider – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a medical provider other than an eye care provider.
- State VR agency – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency.
- Government/public or private social services agency – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a government/public or private social services agency, not listed elsewhere, that provides assistance to consumers related to eligibility and securing entitlements and benefits, counseling, elder law services, or assistance with housing.
- Veterans Administration – Enter the number of individuals served referred by the Veterans Administration.
- Senior program – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a senior program defined as a community-based educational recreational, or socialization program operated by a senior center, nutrition site, or senior club.
- Assisted living facility – Enter the number of individuals served referred by an assisted living facility defined as housing that provides personal care and services which meet needs beyond basic provision of food, shelter and laundry.
- Nursing home/long-term care facility – Enter the number of individuals served referred by a nursing home/long-term care facility defined as any facility that provides care to one or more persons who require nursing care and related medical services of such complexity to require professional nursing care under the direction of a physician on a 24 hour a day basis.
- Independent living center – Enter the number of individuals served referred by an independent living center (ILC) defined as a consumer- controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities, and provides an array of independent living services.
- Family member or friend – Enter the number of individuals referred by a family member or friend.
- Self-referral – Enter the number of individuals who were self- referred.
- All other sources – Enter the number of individuals referred from All other sources aside from those listed above, including Faith based organizations.
- Total – The sum of J1 through J12. This total must agree with the total in A3 above. Total will be automatically populated.
Part IV: Types of Services Provided and Funds Expended
Provide data related to the number of program participants receiving each type of service and funds expended for each type of service.
Total expenditures for direct program services in Part I - B2 must equal the total funds spent on services in Part IV - F. In other words, the amount reported in Part I - B2 must equal the sum of the expenditures reported in Part IV - F. Salary or expenditures associated with direct service staff or contractors providing direct services should be included in the expenditure of services provided in A1, B1, C1, D1 and E1.
Clinical/Functional Vision Assessments and Services
- Total expenditures from all sources of program funding - Enter the total expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funding, for clinical and/or functional vision assessments and services, whether purchased or provided directly.
- Persons served – Vision Screening/Vision Examination/Low Vision Evaluation (unduplicated count): Enter the total number of individuals who received clinical vision screening or vision examinations from qualified or certified professionals such as ophthalmologists, optometrists, or low vision specialists (i.e., one individual may receive multiple services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time). Assessment areas may include functional visual acuity and fields, efficiency of vision in the performance of everyday tasks, and evaluation for low vision aids or equipment. Functional vision assessments are typically provided by professionals who are certified or have a master’s degree in low vision rehabilitation. Do not include evaluations for orientation and mobility, which should be included in IV - C3.
- Persons served – Surgical or therapeutic treatments to prevent, correct, or modify disabling eye conditions (unduplicated count): Enter the total number of individuals who received surgical or therapeutic treatment to prevent, correct, or modify disabling eye conditions, including prescription optical devices(i.e., one individual may receive multiple services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time). Nonprescription optical aids and devices should be reported in IV - B2.
Assistive Technology devices and services
As defined in Section 3(4) of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-364), “assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” Assistive
technology devices may include such items as canes, slates, insulin gauges, closed circuit televisions, computers, adaptive software, magnifiers, adaptive cooking items, adaptive recreational items, handwriting guides, braille devices, large button telephones, etc. Assistive technology services may include the evaluation of assistive technology needs of an individual, services related to acquisition of technology, loan programs, maintenance and repair of assistive technology, training or technical assistance for the individual or professionals related to the use of assistive technology, programs to expand the availability of assistive technology, low vision services related to the use of optical aids and devices, and other services related to the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
- Total expenditures from all sources of program funding – Enter the total amount of expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII- Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funds, for the provision of assistive technology devices and services.
- Persons served – Provision of assistive technology devices and/or services (unduplicated count): Enter the unduplicated count of individuals who received one or more assistive technology devices and services (i.e., one individual may receive multiple assistive technology devices and services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time).
Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
- Total expenditures from all sources of program funding - Enter the total expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funding, for the provision of services and adjustment training leading to independent living. Evaluation and assessment services (excluding those included in IV - A2 or IV - B2) leading to the planning and implementation of services and training should be included in these costs.
- Persons served – Independent living and adjustment training services (unduplicated count): Enter the unduplicated count of individuals who received one or more independent living and adjustment training services (i.e., one individual may receive multiple independent living and adjustment training services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time).
- Number of persons reported in IV - C2 who received the following services:
- Persons served – Orientation and mobility training: Enter the total number of individuals who received orientation and mobility (O & M) services or travel training (i.e., learning to access public or private transportation and to travel safely and as independently as possible in the home and community with or without the use of mobility aids and devices).
- Persons served – Communication skills training: Enter the total number of individuals who received communication skills training. This category includes, for example, training in reading and writing braille; training in the use of the telephone (including mobile phones); training in the use of readers, newspaper reading services, radio and talking book services; and training in other communication skills and technologies. This category also includes training in keyboarding and computer literacy. Training in the use of specialized computer software (e.g., screen reading software) and adaptive equipment should be reported under assistive technology services (IV - B2 above).
- Persons served – Daily living skills training: Enter the total number of individuals who received daily living skills training. This category includes, for example, training in the use of blindness and low vision alternative techniques for telling time, food preparation, grooming and dress, household chores, medical management, shopping, and recreational activities.
- Persons served – Advocacy training: Enter the total number of individuals who participated in advocacy training including consumer organization meetings.
- Persons served – Adjustment counseling and/or peer support services: Enter the total number of individuals who received adjustment counseling and/or peer support services (individual or group) to assist them in adjusting to visual impairment and blindness.
- Persons served – Information and referral services: Enter the total number of individuals (program participants) who received information and referral to other service providers, programs, and agencies (e.g., senior programs, public and private social service programs, faith-based organizations, consumer groups, etc.) to enhance adjustment, independent living, and integration into the community. Do not include individuals who received only information and referral and for whom no other services were provided (e.g., non-participants, the general public, and other service providers).
- Persons served – Other independent living services: Enter the total number of individuals who received any other independent living service not listed above.
Supportive Services
Supportive services are services provided to individuals with disabilities so that they can access other program services. Under
this category, report the number of individuals who received reader services, transportation, personal attendant services, interpreters, or other support services while actively participating in the program or attaining independent living goals.
- Expenditures – Enter the total expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funding, for the provision of supportive services.
- Persons served – supportive services (unduplicated count): Enter the unduplicated count of individuals who received supportive services as described above (i.e., one individual may receive multiple supportive services during the reported FFY but should only be counted one time).
Community Awareness Activities and Information and Referral
- Expenditures – Enter the total expenditures, including expenditures from Title VII-Chapter 2 Federal grant funds and all other sources of program funding, used to support community awareness activities/events and providing information and referral services to individuals for whom this was the only service provided (e.g., health fair for seniors, training for other professionals, telephone inquiries, and general inquiries about services for older individuals who are blind).
TOTAL DIRECT EXPENDITURES
Sum of A1 through E1. The total must agree with the direct service expenditures reported in Part 1 - B2c.
Part V: Program Performance Measures and Outcome Data
The revised GPRA measures for the OIB program are listed below. Grantees must report the data necessary to calculate program performance on these measures as outlined in the instructions below following the list of measures.
Program Measures
Objective: To restore, improve, or maintain the independence of older individuals whose functional capabilities have been lost or diminished as a result of vision loss or blindness.
Assistive Technology Devices and Services
Measure A – The percentage of individuals receiving assistive technology devices and services who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities during the reported FFY consistent with the objectives for receiving such devices and services.
Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
Measure B - The percentage of individuals receiving one or more independent living and adjustment training services who demonstrated improvement in functional capabilities during the reported FFY.
Independence in the Home and Community
Measure C1 – The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported feeling more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation.
Measure C2 - The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported an increased ability to engage in their customary daily life activities in the home and community.
- Efficiency Measure – (Measure will be calculated by RSA using MIS data reported in PARTS I and III)
Objective: To provide cost effective supports and services to increase the independence of older individuals who are blind so that they may remain in the community and to prevent or delay the need for an increasing level of care, particularly for those individuals who are at risk of entering institutions.
Measure D – The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the reported FFY.
Instructions for Reporting of Performance Data in Part V:
For measures A, Assistive Technology Devices and Services, and B, Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services, data is reported for individuals whose change in functional capabilities was assessed during the reported FFY, following the receipt of one or more services provided through the program.
For measures under C, Independence in the Home and Community, data is reported for individuals completing a plan of services during the reported FFY. For the purpose of this measure, “a plan of services is a set of services provided through the OIB program designed to meet an individual’s goals.” For the purpose of the items reported under C, an individual who has completed his or her plan of services does not need to have formally exited the program.
Grantees are not required to report data for efficiency measure D in Part V. The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the reported FFY will be calculated by RSA based on data reported in Part I, B3 and Part III, A3.
Assistive Technology Devices and Services
From the unduplicated number of persons served that received assistive technology devices and services reported in IV - B2, enter the number of unduplicated individuals receiving assistive technology
devices and services for whom change in functional capabilities was assessed, during the reported FFY (Denominator).
- From the unduplicated number of persons reported in A1 above, enter the unduplicated number of individuals receiving assistive technology devices and services who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities, during the reported FFY. Note: An individual who maintained but did not improve their capabilities may be reported here if the individual’s goal was to prevent further decline in their capabilities (Numerator).
- The percentage of individuals receiving assistive technology devices and services who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities during the reported FFY consistent with the objectives for receiving such devices and services. (A2 divided by A1 X 100). The percentage is calculated by RSA MIS.
Independent Living and Adjustment Training Services
- From the unduplicated number of individuals receiving independent living and adjustment training services reported in IV C2, during the reported FFY, enter the unduplicated number of individuals receiving independent living and adjustment training services for whom change in functional capabilities was assessed during the reported FFY (Denominator).
- From the unduplicated number of persons reported in B1 above, enter the unduplicated number of individuals receiving independent living and adjustment training services who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities. Note: An individual who maintained but did not improve their capabilities may be reported here if the individual’s goal was to prevent further decline in their capabilities (Numerator).
- The percentage of individuals receiving one or more independent living and adjustment training services who demonstrated improvement in functional capabilities during the reported FFY (B2 divided by B1 X 100). The percentage is calculated by RSA MIS.
Independence in the Home and Community
Responses to items C1 through C5 below are based on individuals who completed their plan of services during the reported FFY. Note: For the purpose of these measures, an individual who has completed his or her plan of services does not need to have formally exited the program. For example, an individual who has completed individualized services but continues to participate in ongoing peer support activities provided through the program would be included.
- Total: Enter the total number of individuals completing a plan of services during the reported FFY (Denominator). Note: This means a specific set of services designed for the individual to meet his or her goals.
- Engage in customary daily life activities: Enter the number of individuals completing a plan of services during the reported FFY who reported an increased ability to engage in their customary daily life activities in the home and community (Numerator).
- The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported an increased ability to engage in their customary daily life activities in the home and community. (C2 divided by C1 X 100). The percentage is calculated by RSA MIS.
- Maintain Living Situation – Enter the number of individuals completing a plan of services during the reported FFY who reported feeling that they are more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation (Numerator).
- The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported feeling that they are more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation (C4 divided by C1 X 100). The percentage is calculated by RSA MIS.
- Efficiency Measure – (To be calculated by RSA MIS from data reported in PARTS I and III)
- Total funds expended for direct services provided during the reported FFY (as reported in I B2c)
- Number of individuals receiving services during the reported FFY (as reported in III A3)
- The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the reported period (D1 divided by D2).
Part VI: Training and Technical Assistance
On July 22, 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was enacted and included a new requirement under Section 751A that the RSA Commissioner shall conduct a survey of designated State agencies that receive grants under section 752 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by Title IV of WIOA, regarding training and technical assistance needs in order to determine funding priorities for such training and technical assistance. Enter a brief description of your training and technical assistance needs related to the implementation and improvement of the performance of your OIB program (for example, financial management, reporting requirements on the 7-OB, program management, data analysis and program performance, law and applicable regulations, provision of services and service delivery, promising practices, resources and information, outreach, etc.).
Part VII: Narrative
See descriptions of items to be included in the narrative on the 7-OB form.
Part VIII: Signature Instructions
SIGN AND PRINT THE NAME, TITLE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE OIB PROGRAM DIRECTOR.
The certifying official (either the Program Director or a designated officer) must have the legal authority to submit the form on behalf of the agency.
Part I: Funding Sources and Expenditures in Support of the OIB Program
Part II: Program Staffing
Part III: Data on Individuals Served
Part IV: Types of Services Provided and Funds Expended
Part V: Program Performance Measures and Outcome Data
Program Measures
Objective: To restore, improve, or maintain the independence of older individuals whose functional capabilities have been lost or diminished as a result of vision loss or blindness.Measure: The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the reported FFY.
Program Performance Data
Part VI: Training and Technical Assistance Needs
Part VII: Narrative
AGENCY/ORGANIZATION PROVIDERS: AZRSA Older Individuals who are Blind providers consist of twelve state agency employees and five agencies as follows:
State Agency Employees:
1. Garcia, Vasant (Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist)
2. Tokunaga, Scott (National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC)
3. Patel, Deenaz (Rehabilitation Teacher/Masters Social Worker)
4. Miller, Anna (Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist/Certified Rehabilitation Counselor)
5. Bravo, Maria (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) Assistant Program Manager
6. Crist, Lanelle (Rehabilitation Teacher)
7. Cuellar, Alonzo (Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Instructor)
8. Dreicer, Zachary (Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist) One Administrative Support Staff
9. Jeffrey, Daniel (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor) Program Supervisor
10. Pierce, Justin (Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist)
Administrative staff:
11. Garfio-Inzunza, Cindy (Rehabilitation Technician)
12. Garcia Daffne (Inventory Specialist)
Provider Agencies:
1. Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI)
2. Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired (SAAVI)
3. Collaborative Technology solutions
4. DIRECT Independent Living
5. Hellen Keller National Center
5 = strongly agree
4 = agree
3 = neutral, neither agree or disagree
2 = disagree
1 = strongly disagree
The last three questions are open-ended, so client can express anything they need. Their answers were summarized by similarity among answers. The results of the surveys are shown below: Surveys Completed are n = 10
Question 1
1. My teacher was attentive and interested in my well-being and listened and sympathized with my feelings and concerns
1 - Strongly disagree 0
2 - Disagree 0
3 - Neutral 0
4 – Agree 3 or 30%
5 - Strongly agree 7 or 70%
2. My teacher was knowledgeable regarding techniques, aids/ devices and resources used by people who are blind or visually impaired.
1 - Strongly disagree 0
2 – Disagree 0
3 – Neutral 2 or 20%
4 – Agree 2 or 20%
5 - Strongly agree 6 or 60%
3. I received information regarding other services available related to other health issues and personal concerns which was helpful to me
1 - Strongly disagree 0
2 – Disagree 0
3 – Neutral 1 or 10%
4 – Agree 6 or 60%
5 - Strongly agree 3 or 30%
4. The services and the aids/ devices I received addressed the needs I expressed when I first contacted the program.
1 - Strongly disagree 0
2 – Disagree 1 or 10%
3 – Neutral 1 or 10%
4 – Agree 4 or 40%
5 - Strongly agree 4 or 40%
5. After receiving the blind rehabilitation services I am more confident and better able to complete my desired daily living tasks and less dependent on others
1 - Strongly disagree 0
2 – Disagree 1 or 10%
3 – Neutral 2 or 20%
4 – Agree 4 or 40%
5 - Strongly agree 3 or 30%
Open-ended questions:
1. What is one thing you would change to improve blind rehabilitation services for you and future consumers?
NA
Client felt the program is well constructed
Client explains that it’s a good program and is happy with the services ILOB staff provided.
Client explains to me that her goals were not met. Client feels they will need services in the future again.
Client was happy with the services ILOB staff provided.
Client suggested better choices for the questions.
NA
NA
Client felt they didn't really receive services until we started the case management.
Client explains the communication between vendors. Client said now ILOB staff is doing case management services are alot better.
2. What is the greatest impact Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB) has made in your life?
Client feels more confident doing daily activities.
The services that the client received were wonderful.
Client feels that they have aids/devices that they can use at home and they feel more confident.
Client has no impact with are services.
The devices client was provided helped with check writing, and knowing different colors, and providing time management.
feels really grateful
client feels more confident. Client can now use a White Cane and can be more independent.
Learning everything they could. Happy with all services RT teacher provided.
Client feels ILOB program didn't really give her a huge impact
Client feels more confident. Client can now advocate for himself. Client also can walk through the airport on his own
3. Additional comment: Client enjoyed the program through ILOB services.
Client will recommend the ILOB services to anyone who is losing vision.
N/A
N/A
Client recommendations are staff/vendors providing in person services.
Client explain that receiving services at home through SAAVI was extremely helpful.
now feels prepared if her vision changes again
Vision is changing daily and the Davinci is helping him read.
The support client received from the RT teacher was wonderful. Client explain "VG" was amazing teacher.
Client wished when they first got contacted her needs were met.
The changes we made at first were scary for the client. Client explains that they feel we are heading toward the right direction.
Ms. R is a 60 year old woman. Five years ago, she experienced a significant loss in vision, due to diabetic
retinopathy and macular degeneration, and subsequently sought services from the Independent Living Older Blind program. In addition to her vision loss, Ms. R also
shared that she has mobility and movement issues, at the time of her daily living skills training assessment. During her initial assessment, Ms. R indicated she was having difficulty in numerous areas of daily living and functioning. In the area of communication, she was having trouble with time management activities, and only had her phone for letting her know the time. In the area of home management, Ms. R stated she was having difficulty with using her appliances, and in other cooking tasks, including cutting, measuring, and pouring. Finally, in the area of personal management, Ms. R indicated that she could no longer read her mail, and was having trouble identifying/organizing money.To address her communication needs, Ms. R was provided training in the use of a talking clock, as well as in how to use a portable digital recorder for tracking information such as phone numbers and appointments. Within the area of food preparation, Ms. R was taught adaptive and nonvisual methods for cutting foods, measuring wet and dry ingredients (e.g. bent measuring spoons, use of graduated measuring cups), and in pouring cold and hot liquids (e.g. listening, liquid level indicator). Furthermore, she was also provided instruction in how to mark and set her appliances using adhesive bumps, methods for working with heat, testing the doneness of foods, and general safety considerations for all cooking environments. Lastly, to address her personal management needs, Ms. R was provided training in the use of an OCR capable smart reader, so that she could read her mail as it is translated from text to speech. She was also provided training in the use of a talking money identifier, folding techniques, and how to label/identify her important cards. In addition to the above listed areas, Ms. R also received adjustment to disability
services. She was provided the opportunity to learn about numerous community and blindness related resources, discuss coping strategies and the use of self advocacy,
and generally explore her own adjustment process, as she experienced success in other areas of training. As a result of receiving services, Ms. R gained confidence in her
ability to organize her house hold items and paperwork, and began cooking more at home, rather than eating out all the time. She also enhanced her ability to track
information, to also include the purchase of a computer with screen reading software, of which she learned to browse the internet. Ms. R indicated that as a result of receiving services, she feels more confidence about remaining in her home, and feels she has to rely less on others for assistance she may have received in the past.
Mrs. S was a 68 year old who had recently retired with plans to travel the world when she experienced sudden, complete vision loss due to a stroke. S’s adjustment to living with vision loss was extremely challenging, because she lived alone and had a limited support system in Arizona. S had to re-learn all of her daily living tasks including doing her laundry, cooking, finding her way around her home, traveling to her mailbox and finding her way around her back yard. S initially required a daily caregiver to come to her home to help with basic activities of daily living. S regained a small portion of her vision, but attempting to use it created further challenges because the area of her brain responsible for visual processing was damaged. Her vision created greater confusion because everything was distorted. S was able to see letters, with high powered magnification, but could not put the letters together to formulate words she had always known. S was able to regain some of her visual processing with the help of a video magnifier with speech, where she was able to follow along as words were read to her. S was initially tearful about cooking, and needed support and devices to accomplish her goals. Over the course of six months she progressed from having all of her meals delivered to her to being able to prepare all of her meals. S also developed the skills to do her laundry independently. S got lost multiple times a day in her house, despite having lived there for decades. She was incapable of combining a mental picture of her home’s layout with the visual distortion she was receiving. With the assistance of an orientation and mobility specialist she was able to develop the skills to navigate inside her home, independently navigate to/from her mailbox, find her way around her backyard and participate in church. She eventually accomplished her ultimate goal of being able to independently take communion in her church, without assistance. S continues to happily live independently and volunteers in her church several days a week. She prepares her own meals and skillfully accomplishes all of her activities of daily living.
Mr. JT aged 65 years old had been a client of independent living older blind in past. Client reported that his primary concerns were accessing some websites on his computer as well as being able to magnify print into something he could read or perhaps being able to listen to it. Through collaboration and informed choice, it was decided between instructor and client that client would most benefit from a da Vinci pro magnifier. The magnifier was requested, nearly assembled, then had to be returned and repaired due to malfunction that the client and instructor noticed in the camera arm. When the replacement arrived, instructor and client worked together two assemble it, then instructor provided mostly hands-on, but some virtual training to a company in and ensure that the client was successful. at the end of a couple lessons on this device, client reported being successful at reading as well as listening to all of the printed material that he used to have a hard time working with. The instructor also worked with the client on some basic computer skills as well as requested a license for dragon for this client. considering that the client reported an inability to use a standard keyboard for a projected duration due to other disabilities, a former supervisor allowed the purchasing of a Dragon NaturallySpeaking license at clients request. Instructor and client works together towards ensuring that this software was functioning as to the clients needs. finally, the client requested to see if instructor could provide him with Meta Rayban glasses for working with outside the home in particular at medical appointments or when browsing grocery store aisles. Considering that the da Vinci pro was not portable enough to transport easily and given a prior supervisors approval, the medic glasses were ordered and the client received training on those from another instructor. with his regained independence, client and instructor agreed to close his case successfully.
The OIB staff and contractors presented to the National Federation of the Blind's state convention as well as at various national seminars for professionals and consumers within the blindness community. Some of the organizations we collaborated with during the past year include, but are not limited to the following:
1. American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
2. Ability 360
3. Area Agency on Aging
4. Arizona Council of the Blind (ACB)
5. Arizona Technology Assistance Program
6. Arizona Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
7. Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)
9. Braille and Talking Book Library
10. Center for Disability Law
11. Digital Apex Technologies
12. Eschenbach
13. Governor’s Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment
14. Guide Dogs for the Blind
15. Hadley Institute for the Blind
16. Independence Low Vision
17. LS & S Low Vision Products
18. Mississippi State University Rehabilitation Research Training Center
19. National Federation of the Blind
20. National federation of the Blind of Arizona
21. National Federation of the Blind Senior Division
22. Navaho Coalition on Disability
23. Sun Sounds of Arizona
24. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
25. Veterans Affairs
26. Vision Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Expo (VRATE)
27. Vocational Rehabilitation of Arizona
28. United Healthcare
Some of the activities completed with these agencies are as follows:
1. Mississippi State University Technical Assistance
Collaboration with MSU to improve the OIB program nationwide and receive individualized assistance to specifically examine and improve the Arizona model for service provision and readiness for data collection as is required and beneficial in tracking for future improvement. We also engaged in intensive Technical Assistance and met many of the goals we set including improved outreach.
2. Ability 360 Consultation for older blind clients needing resources for other life issues including housing, financial, hearing, cognitive, mental and physical; plus, involvement in the peer mentoring program. People with vision loss can become a mentor for others with vision loss or can receive a mentor to help in their adjustment to vision loss.
3. Vision Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Expo (VRATE) Collaboration included participation in information sessions in the exhibit hall reaching out to older blind participants throughout the state of Arizona.
Certification
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 6 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain a benefit (Section 13 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, toU.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537or email ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1820-0608. Note: Please do not return the completed form to this address.