Part II: Narrative

State of: Texas

 

Section 1: Goals, Objectives and Activities

1.1 Goals and Mission – 34 CFR 364.42(b)(1)

1.1 A Describe the overall goals and mission of the State's IL programs and services. The SPIL must address the goals and mission of both the SILS and the CIL programs.

This State Plan for Independent Living has been developed in a collaborative effort of the State Independent Living Council, the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and the Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living (TACIL), and is based on substantial input from persons with disabilities residing throughout the state. The overall mission of the entities forming the independent living service delivery network in Texas is to promote the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of Texans with disabilities and the integration and full inclusion of such persons into the mainstream of community life.

The goals cited below reflect current priorities of the SILC and CIL toward the fulfillment of this mission:

Goal 1 – To improve and expand the overall operational capacity of the Texas Statewide Independent Living Council.

Goal II – To support and advance the efforts of Texans with disabilities to establish and maintain an independent lifestyle.

Goal III - To enhance opportunities for older Texans who are blind to enjoy the same opportunities as other Texans to live independently in their communities.

Goal IV - To increase public awareness of, and interaction with, the SILC and network of CIL’s in Texas.

Goal V - To expand the availability of appropriate housing options for people with disabilities throughout the state.

Goal VI - To improve access to public transportation and para-transit services in Texas.

Goal VII - To promote positive systemic change to positively impact public policy and/or procedure through systems change activities of the IL network of CILs.

Goal VIII - To adequately prepare for the effective implementation of the “fifth core service” specified in the upcoming reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act.

Goal IX - To elevate access for persons with disabilities to medical services and benefits in a changing health care environment.

Goal X- To advance the use of the Community-directed Service Option for consumers accessing personal assistants through the Department of Aging and Disability Services as a means of promoting the philosophy of self-determination.

Goal XI - To promote the use of assistive technology (AT) as a means of addressing limitations imposed by various disabilities.

Goal XII - To ensure that the network of CIL’s are incorporated within the Governor’s overall emergency preparedness plan for the state.

Goal XIII - To increase Consumer, CIL staff, and public awareness of physical, sexual, and financial abuse within the disability population.

1.2 Objectives – 34 CFR 364.42(a)(1) and (d); 34 CFR 364.32; 34 CFR 364.33

1.2A Specify the objectives to be achieved and the time frame for achieving them.
Specific objectives are presented to support each of the goals listed in Section 1.1 A above.

Given the expansiveness of these objectives, time to accomplish specific components of each will vary, but all activities will be accomplished during the 2008-2010 SPIL cycle as required. Progress on all objectives will be assessed annually.

Objectives toward the achievement of Goal I are:

A. Demonstrated compliance with the standards and indicators, adopted by the 2004 SILC Congress (see Attachment 1), as indicated by the annual online assessment hosted on the ILRU website;

B. Achievement of satisfactory financial audits and program reviews during the duration of the Plan;

C. Maintenance of a fully appointed council with statewide and cross-disability representation as indicated by a membership matrix (see Attachment 3);

D. Attainment of annual training on topics relevant to the purpose and function of state independent living councils.

Objectives toward the achievement of Goal II are:

A. Operation of an independent living services program through the Division of Rehabilitation Services, which will assist 2,023 consumers in 2008, 2,024 consumers in 2009, and 2,025 consumers in 2010;

B. Provision of direct IL services through the network of CILs in Texas for 8,600 consumers in 2008, 8,800 in 2009, and 9,000 in 2010;

C. Achievement of sixty percent of the IL goals set by participating consumers annually;

D. Coordination of direct services that will enable 1,000 persons to relocate from nursing facilities into the community and 1,200 individuals who are at risk of institutionalization to maintain their independence;

E. Provision of information and referral assistance to 59,000 contacts in 2008, 59,500 in 2009, and 60,000 in 2010;

F. Through the Division for Blind Services, provision of information and referral assistance to 1,125 individuals with vision loss in 2008, 1,125 in 2009, and 1,125 in 2010.

Objectives toward the achievement of Goal III are:

A. Distribution of the Independent Living Resource Guide to ninety percent of all new contacts for the purpose of providing information and referral to promote self-advocacy and use of available disability, aging, blindness and independent living resources;

B. Provision of independent living services to older consumers with visual impairments meeting program eligibility requirements-- 1100 consumers in 2008, 1,078 consumers in 2009, and 1,078 consumers in 2010;

C. Achievement of established IL goals by 732 Older Blind consumers in 2008, 740 in 2009, and 740 in 2010.

Objectives toward the attainment of Goal IV include:

A. Development and implementation of a statewide IL outreach plan –Formation of plan in 2008, initiation of strategies in 2009, achievement of full implementation in 2010;

B. Participation by SILC/CIL representatives in the following:

  1. All quarterly Promoting Independence Advisory Committee meetings, the state committee overseeing activities in response to implementation of the Olmstead Decision;
  2. Board meetings and relevant public hearings conducted by the Health and Human Services Commission, the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, and the Department of Aging and Disability Services;
  3. Regularly scheduled meetings of the Rehabilitation Council of Texas;
  4. Regional community Transition Team meetings as scheduled.

C. Partnership by local CILs in the three Aging and Disability Resource Centers being piloted in the state;

D. Participation in education and technical assistance activities by SILC/CIL representatives to discuss issues related to IL services.

Objectives toward the accomplishment of Goal V include:

A. Submittal of a letter by November 1, 2007 to the Governor’s office requesting appointment of an ex-officio member to the SILC from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs;

B. CIL/SILC participation in the Money Follows the Person demonstration by approaching at least fifteen local public housing authorities annually to establish set-aside vouchers for persons transitioning from residential institutions;

C. Dissemination by DADS of the housing related barriers identified through relocation contracts to all CILS in the first quarter of each new federal fiscal year and initiation of strategies to reduce or eliminate at least one noted obstacle;

D. Establishment of a dialog between the IL community and the Office of Rural and Community Affairs to identify mutual benefit regarding housing for people with disabilities in sparsely populated areas.

Objectives toward the achievement of Goal VI are:

A. Participation by CILs in all local, county, regional TXDOT meetings for their service areas;

B. Submittal of a letter by November 1, 2007, to the Governor’s Office requesting appointment of an ex-officio SILC member from the Texas Department of Transportation;

C. Participation in the annual conference of the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living to learn about best practices, issues and potential solutions regarding rural transportation for persons with disabilities;

D. Coordination of a SILC/TACIL joint meeting with parties involved in actual implementation of a rural transportation voucher program —initial consultation in 2008, identification of funding and implementation options in 2009, development of action plan in 2010;

E. Pursuit of interaction with the Office of Rural and Community Affairs in order to impact the lack of public transportation for persons with disabilities living in remote areas.

Objectives identified to accomplish Goal VII are:

A. Identification of key issues through input obtained from consumers and stakeholders;

B. Formation of a task force of the IL community which will meet twice annually to direct and monitor implementation of a three-year systems advocacy plan;

C. Consistent participation by representatives of the IL community in meetings and activities of the Texas Disability Policy Consortium.

Objectives toward the accomplishment of Goal VIII include:

A. Provision of, or arrangement for, technical assistance and training for CIL’s regarding youth transition and consumer relocation from nursing facilities, once each year during the term of the SPIL;

B. Publication of articles and resources to facilitate transition and relocation in the SILC newsletter and on the Council website;

C. Participation of the SILC and at least ten CILs in the collaborative project developed by the Region VI Continuing Education Center to facilitate partnerships between center staffs and DARS transition vocational rehabilitation counselors;

D. Participation by CIL service personnel in at least sixty Regional Community Transition Teams;

E. Establishment of service delivery procedures by all CILs prior to the time that the Rehabilitation Act is reauthorized and transition/relocation becomes a core service.

Objectives toward the attainment of Goal IX are:

A. Initiation of at least one opportunity annually to educate workers with disabilities and consumers seeking employment of the Medicaid Buy-in program adopted by the state;

B. Participation by IL representatives in the advocacy advisory committee of the managed care model for provision of acute and long-term services and supports that is currently being piloted in Texas;

C. Involvement by IL representatives in a Money Follows the Person work group addressing institutionalized populations that are currently unserved;

D. Attainment of sponsorship for the passage of the Community Choice Act by at least twelve Texas congresspersons.

Objectives toward the achievement of Goal X include:

A. SILC sponsorship of at least two workshops or forums to educate the disability population regarding the Consumer-directed Service Option, (CDSO);

B. Distribution of information regarding the Consumer-directed Service Option through the SILC newsletter and at least six CIL newsletters;

C. Initiation of consumer training at fifty percent of the CILs in Texas concerning the use of the CDSO as a means of recruiting, using, and managing personal assistants;

D. Documentation of an increase in the use of the CDSO by the end of SPIL implementation.

Objectives toward the fulfillment of Goal XI are:

A. Arrangement for the presentation of Assistive Technology exhibits and demonstrations at all annual IL conferences;

B. Inclusion of an Assistive Technology column in each edition of the SILC newsletter;

C. Establishment of at least ten links to Assistive Technology manufacturers and distributors on the SILC and CILS’ websites;

D. Collaboration with the current administrator of Technology Act funds for Texas to create a mechanism for allowing consumers to share information and experiences regarding specific assistive technology.

Objectives toward the achievement of Goal XII include:

A. By Sept. 30, 2008, presentation of an overview of the state’s emergency plan by a representative from the governor’s office at a joint SILC/TACIL meeting;

B. Identification of contacts for local entities responsible for emergency preparedness within the service areas of each CIL and forward to directors by March 31, 2009;

C. Inclusion of a center representative on the Community Emergency Response Team for each CIL service area by Sept. 30, 2009;

D. Initiation of outreach and education activities to inform the disability constituency of the state’s plan for emergency preparedness (e.g. distribution of a user friendly fact sheet, presentation of a workshop at the IL conference, posting information on the SILC’s website).

Objectives for achieving Goal XIII are:

A. Initiation of annual meetings with administrators from Women, Adult, and Child Protective Services to ensure that CIL’s are part of the network of community supports available for people with disabilities experiencing abuse;

B. Inclusion of inquiries about Consumer abuse in the needs assessment to be conducted through the SILC during the term of the 2008/2010 SPIL;

C. Presentation of a workshop on some aspect of abuse as part of the annual IL conference.

D. Publication of articles concerning resources and methods for assisting victims of abuse in at least two editions of the SILC newsletter.

1.2B Describe the steps planned regarding outreach to populations in the State that are unserved or underserved by programs under title VII, including minority groups and urban and rural populations. This section of the SPIL must:

In preparation for development of the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), the State Independent Living Council (SILC) held three public hearings in currently unserved areas to solicit input from local residents with disabilities and other interested parties. These hearings were conducted in Bryan/College Station, Laredo, and Wichita Falls. Other opportunities for input included public comment invited at all regularly scheduled meetings of the council, and sessions related to the SPIL as part of the SILC annual conference.

Target areas and consumer groups for outreach efforts:
Comments from the public hearings, public comments, TACIL and SILC dialogue reflected the need for:

Service areas cited in the public hearings as lacking or insufficient in target areas were:

Strategies to address the IL needs of individuals from minority group backgrounds in areas will include:

1.3 Financial Plan – 34 CFR 364.42(a)(2) and (3); 34 CFR 364.29

Describe in sections 1.3A and 1.3B, below, the financial plan for the use of Federal and non-Federal funds to meet the SPIL objectives.

1.3A Financial Plan Tables

Complete the financial plan tables covering years 1, 2 and 3 of this SPIL. The first column in each of the tables lists the potential SPIL funding sources. The four other columns represent the potential uses of funds. For each funding source, provide estimated dollar amounts anticipated for the applicable uses. To the extent possible, the tables and narratives must reflect the applicable financial information from centers for independent living. Refer to the SPIL Instructions for additional information about completing the financial tables and narratives.

Insert additional rows for the specific funding sources and amounts expected within the categories of Other Federal Funds and Non-Federal Funds.

Year 1

Sources Approximate Funding Amounts and Uses
  SILC Resource Plan IL Services General CIL Operations Other SPIL Activities
Title VII Funds        
Chapter 1, Part B $183,870 $1,202,069   $123,426
Chapter 1, Part C     $4,766,171  
Chapter 2, Individuals Who are Older Blind   $1,928,245    
Other Federal Funds        
Sec. 101(a)(18) of the Act (Innovation and Expansion)        
Other (1)     $1,362,169  
Other (2)     $1,439,283  
Non-Federal Funds        
State Funds (GR)     $500,000  
Other        

Other (1) Relocation funds from Department of Aging and Disability Services (approximated from previous experience)
Other (2) SSA-VR Funds (approximated from previous experience)

Year 2

Sources Approximate Funding Amounts and Uses
  SILC Resource Plan IL Services General CIL Operations Other SPIL Activities
Title VII Funds        
Chapter 1, Part B $183,870 $1,202,069   $123,426
Chapter 1, Part C     $4,766,171  
Chapter 2, Individuals Who are Older Blind   $1,928,245    
Other Federal Funds        
Sec. 101(a)(18) of the Act (Innovation and Expansion)        
Other (1)     $1,362,169  
Other (2)     $1,439,283  
Non-Federal Funds        
State Funds (GR)     $500,000  
Other        

Other (1) Relocation funds from Department of Aging and Disability Services (approximated from previous experience)
Other (2) SSA-VR Funds (approximated from previous experience)

Year 3

Sources Approximate Funding Amounts and Uses
  SILC Resource Plan IL Services General CIL Operations Other SPIL Activities
Title VII Funds        
Chapter 1, Part B $191,200 $1,202,069   $123,426
Chapter 1, Part C     $4,766,171  
Other Federal Funds        
Sec. 101(a)(18) of the Act (Innovation and Expansion)        
Other (1)     $1,362,169  
Other (2)     $1,439,283  
Non-Federal Funds        
State Funds (GR)     $500,000  
Other        

Other (1) Relocation funds from Department of Aging and Disability Services (approximated from previous experience)
Other (2) SSA-VR Funds (approximated from previous experience)

1.3B Financial Plan Narratives

1.3B(1) Specify how the part B, part C and chapter 2 (Older Blind) funds, if applicable, will further the SPIL objectives.

Availability of these funds provides the framework through which SPIL objectives will be realized. The SPIL addresses the IL service network in Texas and anticipated results. Specific SPIL objectives are delineated for the DSUs - DRS and DBS, CILs and the SILC overall. Funding details and specific objectives are noted in the appropriate sections of the SPIL.

1.3B(2) Describe efforts to coordinate Federal and State funding for centers and IL services, including the amounts, sources and purposes of the funding to be coordinated.

Budget resources for the SPIL cycle are delineated in 1.3A. These funds are coordinated in the execution of SPIL activities. The CILS report $1,362,169 coming from the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) being used in their relocation activities. A mix of federal and state funding sources are used to maximize availability of IL services in Texas. DARS uses $1,439,283 from SSA-VR reimbursements to fund CILs operations and hold their funding at a constant level. The SILC and the DSU use $123,426 to fund two demonstration projects and limited funding for one center’s operation. The demonstration projects are competitive proposals to augment objectives outlined in the SPIL. State funds primarily include general revenue match to complement the federal funding sources (Title VII, Chapter 1 - Part B & C; Title VII, Chapter 2).

1.3B(3) Describe any in-kind resources including plant, equipment or services to be provided in support of the SILC resource plan, IL services, general CIL operations and/or other SPIL objectives.

In-kind contributions support the framework of IL services in Texas. The DSU provides operational support as needed for SILC, CIL, and SPIL related activities—e.g. multi-media assistance, reproduction of materials in alternate formats, space for meetings, and technical support particularly regarding administrative issues. The SILC provides stipends for CIL consumers and board members to attend the annual statewide conference and sponsors a yearly training for CIL personnel. CILs provide support by circulating outreach materials and needs assessments developed by the SILC and by cosponsoring the annual conference. A spirit of collaboration is encouraged to maximize use of resources.

1.3B(4) Provide any additional information about the financial plan, as appropriate.

N/A

1.4 Compatibility with Title VII and the CIL Work plans – 34 CFR 364.42(c) and (e)

1.4A Describe how the SPIL objectives are consistent with and further the purpose of chapter 1 of title VII of the Act as stated in section 701 of the Act and 34 CFR 364.2.

Section 701 of the Act and 34 CFR 364.2 cite the intent of IL services to:

(a) Promote a philosophy of independent living (IL), including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual, and system advocacy, to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with significant disabilities, and to promote and maximize the integration and full inclusion of individuals with significant disabilities into the mainstream of American society by providing financial assistance to States;

(b) Provide financial assistance for providing, expanding, or improving the provision of IL services;

(c) Provide assistance to develop and support a Statewide network of centers for independent living (CILs), operated by consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agencies that are operated within local communities by individuals with disabilities and that provide an array of IL services; and

(d) Advocate for improving working relationships among the various entities providing services to and for people with significant disabilities.

SPIL objectives noted in 1.2A are the means by which the above stated criteria will be satisfied. In summary, the objectives will:

1.4B Describe how, in developing the SPIL objectives, the DSU and the SILC considered and incorporated, where appropriate, the priorities and objectives established by centers for independent living under section 725(c)(4) of the Act.

The SPIL goals and objectives were developed based on extensive dialog through SILC meetings, public hearings, and input from attendees at the 2007 statewide IL conference. The CIL network is represented on the SILC through the chair of the statewide association of centers and this representative brings concerns and priorities of the CILs to the attention of the Council.

Focus has been on identifying critical areas affecting lives of Texans with disabilities within the scope of the IL legislation. Special meetings were held specifically to discuss the goals, objectives, and specific actions to be accomplished through the SPIL by all partners. Drafts were made available and input also solicited from CILs in Texas who are not active participants in the association. The resulting document is a representative picture of a commonly shared vision regarding IL services in the state.

1.5 Cooperation, Coordination, and Working Relationships Among Various Entities – 34 CFR 364.26

Describe the steps that will be taken to maximize the cooperation, coordination and working relationships among:

The description must identify the entities with which the DSU and the SILC will cooperate and coordinate.

b) State agencies represented on the SILC as ex officio members include Division for Blind Services and Division for Rehabilitation Services through the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, and Department of Aging and Disability Services. Public entities include the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities. The SILC chair is a liaison to the Rehabilitation Council of Texas. A member of the DARS advisory Board also participates as an interested party. The SILC Director also participates in the Texas Disability Policy Consortium.
Activities defined for SPIL objectives cite a number of entities with whom coordination will be important to achieve objectives — namely, Housing and Urban Development, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Regional Transportation Service Planning committees, Area on Aging network, Region VI RCEC Centers Hatching Initiatives in Reaching Potential (CHIRP), Department of State Health Services, and Women, Adult and Child Protective Services.

1.6 Coordination of Services – 34 CFR 364.27

Describe how IL services funded under chapter 1 of title VII of the Act will be coordinated with and complement other services to avoid unnecessary duplication with other Federal, State, and local programs, including the OIB program authorized by chapter 2 of title VII of the Act, that provide IL- or VR-related services.

All of the service components described in the state plan are related to the overall goal of full inclusion in community life for Texans with disabilities. Information about respective offerings from each component of the IL service network is promoted so that staff in each sector can make appropriate and timely referrals.

Centers for Independent Living are community organizations that, under Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act, serve cross-disability populations. Centers are charged with four core services (information and referral, individual and system advocacy, peer support, and independent living skills training and enhancement), and local community needs define service priorities. Examples of various community services are assistance with accessing benefit programs, sponsoring housing voucher programs, and a radio reading service. Coordinating the relocation of individuals from nursing homes to the local community (in conjunction with DADS grants) has been a major service within the IL community the past few years.

DADS provides contracts to centers to coordinate the assistance necessary for individuals with severe disabilities to transition into the community. These individuals require services from CIL staff in order to be successful in the transition. According to DADS, with DADS’ funding for relocation and the core services of the IL staff individuals have a lower failure rate than individuals receiving relocation from providers not using the IL philosophy.

DRS IL services target individuals with disabilities other than blindness with the intent to increase their opportunities to live independently. Given the different population focus, DRS services tend to focus on assistive devices and rehabilitation technology needed to accomplish living independently. The DRS Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services program helps persons with spinal cord and brain injuries receive intensive therapies to increase independence. As authorized by the 72nd Legislature, a percentage of court costs collected for misdemeanor and felony convictions goes into a special fund to pay for these services.

DBS IL services target individuals who are blind and have unique challenges in addressing the impact of vision loss. Program services focus extensively on understanding and experiencing the possibilities of living without fear and/or dependence on others for daily activities. The primary approach is based on the consumer handling their own daily living activities rather than someone doing the task for them, and thus our service methodologies are designed to reduce or diminish the need for long term care. Examples include learning to travel using a cane, shopping & preparing one’s meals, identifying medications, using Braille to record and read information, managing one’s financial records, participating in recreation and other community events. As needed, individuals are referred to other community resources. Individuals who, through becoming more independent, realize their potential for returning to work are referred for VR services. DBS staff offer a “train the trainer” service to institutional settings to promote independence. Services are available statewide.

The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) provides a wide array of personal and long term care services so that individuals with disabilities will be able to live in the community or the least restrictive setting with availability of needed supports. Services for Older Adults and for Persons with Disabilities are provided primarily through Medicaid and Medicare or related waiver programs. Medicaid recipients may be eligible for over 2 dozen community care program with varying eligibility criteria and availability. Service examples are adaptive aids, attendant services, meals, medication assistance, medical supplies, nursing services, and therapy. DADS provides an array of services to persons over 60 through the network of local area agencies on aging (benefits counseling, help for caregivers, health information counseling, state ombudsman related to nursing homes). Promoting Independence focuses on relocation from institution to community: this has been and continues a major initiative.

DADS also is the contracting entity with Areas on Aging which provide local services complementary to those available via CILs and DSUs. Through collaboration at the Central office level, meetings have delineated specific plans for cross training of respective staff in DARS, DADS and the AAA system.

The Manager of the Promoting Independence Initiative administered by DADS is an ex-officio member of the SILC and in this capacity is the conduit for information between the two entities. Representatives from the SILC serve on the Promoting Independence Advisory Committee. Historically, the link between DADS and the IL service delivery system has not been maximized. However, with the focus on the implementation of the Olmstead decision, this collaboration has become a priority.

1.7 Independent Living Services for Individuals who are Older Blind – 34 CFR 364.28

Describe how the DSU seeks to incorporate into and describe in the State plan any new methods or approaches for the provision of IL services to older individuals who are blind that are developed under the Older Individuals who are Blind program and that the DSU determines to be effective.

This plan includes specific goals and objectives related to older individuals who are blind:

Goal III - To enhance opportunities for older Texans who are blind to enjoy the same opportunities as other Texans to live independently in their communities.

Objectives:

A. Distribution of the Independent Living Resource Guide to ninety percent of all new contacts for the purpose of providing information and referral to promote self-advocacy and use of available disability, aging, blindness and independent living resources;

B. Provision of independent living services to older consumers with visual impairments meeting program eligibility requirements-- 1100 consumers in 2008, 1,078 consumers in 2009, and 1,078 consumers in 2010;

C. Achievement of established IL goals by 732 Older Blind consumers in 2008, 740 in 2009, and 740 in 2010.

Over the past several years, DBS has focused on introduction and assimilation of various service delivery strategies to enhance IL services to this target population. Among the more successful strategies currently employed by DBS are:

In addition, focus will be directed during this SPIL cycle to strengthening the opportunities for employment for individuals interested in returning to the workforce. Many individuals in our society today opt to continue employment past age when of eligibility for retirement. It has been DBS’ experience that some individuals, after participating in various training opportunities, come to realize that their vision loss does not need to be a deterrent to returning to work and decide to request vocational rehabilitation services.

Next Section 2: Scope, Extent and Arrangements of Services