The mission of the CIL is to raise the vision and the capability of the community at large to the point where people of all abilities will have equal access.
OVERALL PROGRAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION...... 1
B. STAFFING DESCRIPTION ...... 1
C. INDEPENDENT LIVING STANDARDS ...... 2
D. PROGRAM AREA ...... 4
E. TARGET POPULATION...... 4
F. NONDISCRIMINATION...... 4
G. ELIGIBILITY...... 4
H. OUTREACH ...... 6
I. BARRIER AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT ...... 7
J. PROGRAM, OPPORTUNITY AND ADVOCACY PLANNING ...... 8
K. DISABILITY LANGUAGE AND PORTRAYAL...... 8
L. CONFIDENTIALITY...... 8
M. PROGRAM EVALUATION ...... 9
N. PARTICIPANT GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE . . . . . 11
O. INFORMATION AND REFERRAL ...... 12
P. SYSTEMS ADVOCACY ...... 13
Q. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVOCACY ...... 15
R. INDIVIDUAL ADVOCACY, SELF-ADVOCACY, AND SELF-HELP. . 15
SUPPORTING FORMS AND MATERIALS ......
TITLE VII POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. INTRODUCTION ...... 1
B. SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES ...... 1
C. GENERAL REFERRAL PROCESS ...... 1
D. PARTICIPANT ORIENTATION...... 2
E. APPLICATION PROCEDURE...... 3
F. REFERRAL TO OTHER PARTICIPATION...... 3
G. ON-GOING PARTICIPATION ...... 4
H. EARLY TERMINATION...... 4
I. PARTICIPANT CLOSURES AND PARTICIPANT CONSUMER. . . . .4
J. GENERAL PARTICIPATION PROCEDURES ...... 5
K. REPORTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS ...... 6
L. RECORD KEEPING AND DOCUMENTATION FOR PARTICIPANTS. . .7
M. PARTICIPANT FILE REVIEW...... 7
N. CONTROL OF PARTICIPANT RECORDS ...... 8
O. PARTICIPANT RECORD STORAGE ...... 8
P. USE OF PARTICIPANT RECORDS FOR RESEARCH...... 9
Q. PARTICIPANT RECORD CHECKLIST ...... 10
R. CONSUMER INDEPENDENCE QUESTIONNAIRE...... 11
SUPPORTING FORMS AND MATERIALS ......
THE CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING OVERALL PROGRAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the CIL is to assist systems and communities to become fully accessible to people with disabilities and to enable people with disabilities to control their own lives and function with maximum independence in their families and communities. The programs and opportunities offered by the CIL essentially fall into three categories: 1)1) Information and Referral, 2) systems advocacy and community options development, and 3) direct services. The following programs and opportunities are offered at the CIL.
1. Basic Opportunities
o Information and Referral oPeer Support
o Systems Advocacy, o Independent
o Community Options Developmento Living Skills
o Individual Advocacy o Training
2. Support Opportunities
oAssistive Device Assistance o Transportation
oHousing Assistance o Recreation
oSupport Groups o PAS Referrals
3. Opportunities for the Community
o Assistive Device Information oPublic Education
o Consultation on Barrier Removal oADA Technical Assistance
B. STAFFING DESCRIPTION
Although staff members have specific areas of focus for their work, all are subject to general CIL program policies and all are expected to do their jobs with full knowledge of and commitment to Independent Living philosophy and standards.
o Executive Director o Center Manager/Secretary
o Fiscal Officer o IL Coordinator
o Program Assistant
IL Coordinator/Older People Recreation
with Visual Disabilities Coordinator
Peer Support/Outreach VISTAAT/ADA
Driver
Coordinator
Outdoor Recreation/Outreach/ADA VISTAs (2)
C. INDEPENDENT LIVING STANDARDS
It is the CIL’s policy that each program, which it administers, fully complies with the Independent Living Standards set out in Chapter 1, Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act as Amended.
1. IL Philosophy
It is the joint responsibility of the Governing Board and the Executive Director to assure that the planning and implementation of all the CIL’s programs and opportunities are grounded in Independent Living philosophy and fully comply with the Independent Living Standards.
a. Consumer Control. In addition to the Governing Board and staff being comprised predominantly of people with disabilities, advisory groups and steering committees consisting predominantly of members with disabilities determine and planactivities. Expressed individual participant needs and desires are the basis for decisions on goals and methods to accomplish the goals.
b. Self-help and Self-Advocacy. The inherent goal of all activities is to enable participants to learn the skills necessary to help themselves and to advocate for themselves to the end that they can control their own lives and function fully in their communities.
c. Development of Peer Relationships and Peer Role Models. Programs and activities are conducted in such a way as to promote the development of peer relationships and role models when appropriate.
d. Equal Access. For all programs, activities and opportunities, written material is made available in alternate format upon request, interpreters and personal assistants are made available as needed, speech devices are made available as needed and the Center is physically and communicatively accessible to ensure equal access to people with all types of disabilities.
2. Cross Disability Basis of Services
The CIL’s programs and opportunities are not targeted or limited based on type of disability. Although one program is targeted to older people with visual disabilities and the outdoor recreation program is targeted to youth, anyone wishing to participate who does not fit the target definition is referred to other CIL programs for opportunities to participate.
3. Independent Living Goals
Those programs and opportunities that incur direct costs require a written IL Plan with specified goals unless waived by participants. Other programs and opportunities may or may not entail a formal plan with written goals but the implicit goal always is for participants to learn new ways to take control of their lives and participate fully in the community or for systems and communities to remove barriers to people with disabilities and become fully accessible.
4. Community Options and Community Capacity
All CIL programs and opportunities are designed to promote the availability and improved quality of community-based programs, promote the removal of systemic, architectural, attitudinal, communication, environmental, and other types of barriers to people with disabilities through systems advocacy, technical assistance, public information and education, aggressive outreach to underserved and unserved populations and collaboration with other agencies and organizations that could assist in improving the options and community capacity to accommodate people with disabilities.
5. IL Core Opportunities and Other IL Opportunities
Each staff person inculcates the core IL opportunities and other IL opportunities her/his programs and work. These opportunities are not limited to specific, limited programs or positions. Actions taken by all staff members, as appropriate and possible, entail identification of and advocacy to remove all types of barriers to people with disabilities, helping people with disabilities to learn Independent Living skills, promoting peer support and self-advocacy, and assisting with housing, transportation, education and other supportive opportunities.
6. Resource Development Activities
Each staff member is responsible to consistently be on the lookout for possible sources of funding other than Chapter 1, Title VII appropriations and to report the possibilities to the Executive Director for pursuit.
D. PROGRAM AREA
The CIL policy is to offer IL opportunities equitably, within its limited resources, to people with disabilities in the Counties. With a population of roughly ______, the estimated number of people with significant disabilities is ______and the estimated total number with disabilities is ______. In addition, AT opportunities are offered in the county. Systems advocacy is undertaken on local, state and national levels.
E. TARGET POPULATION
The target population for programs with paid opportunities is people of all ages with all types of significant disabilities and for programs without paid services people of all ages with all types of disabilities.
F. NONDISCRIMINATION
No person is excluded from participation in, is denied the benefits of, or is otherwise subjected to discrimination in the conduct of the CIL’s programs, opportunities, or theoperation of its facilities on the grounds of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, gender, age, national origin, political affiliation, disability, or severity of disability. The CIL is committed to, and assures that it will comply with, all equal opportunity regulations as they apply to the CIL.
Any person who believes her/himself, or any specific class of individuals to be subjected to discrimination by the CIL is urged to contact or file a complaint with:
Client Assistance Project, Street, City, State, 1-800-xxx-xxxx
G. ELIGIBILITY
1. Three basic criteria are used in the determination of eligibility. The person must have:
a. A disability.
b. Limitations on the Control of her/his own life and on functioning independently in her/his family and/or community.
c. The ability to benefit from programs and opportunities offered by the CIL.
Three additional criteria are used to determine eligibility for Chapter 2, Title VII applicants.
a. The person has a visual disability.
b. The person is age 55 or older.
c. For paid services, the person must meet income guidelines.
Chapter 2 operates on a first come, first addressed basis.
Three criteria, in addition to the basic criteria, are used to determine eligibility for paid services under Part B, Chapter 1, Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act as amended.
a. The person must have a significant disability.
b. The person and/or family must meet income standards based on the Federal Government's poverty levels.
c. The person must meet the order of selection criteria:
1)Individuals with severe disabilities who are institutionalized, have been institutionalized in the past, or are at risk of being institutionalized.
2)All others.
2. Eligibility is determined during the application process.
a. The applicant self-declares a disability. In accord with the 1992 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act, persons currently using alcohol or drugs are not eligible.
b. Based on what is learned about the applicant's problem(s) and background on the application and in discussion, the IL Coordinator determines if the disability limits the applicants ability to function independently in the family and community and if the applicant can benefit from the CIL’s IL opportunities.
c. When the applicant is requesting paid services, the IL Coordinator has the applicant complete income and expense forms.
d. The IL Coordinator determines if the level of income with allowable deductions meets the acceptable income standards.
e. A certificate of eligibility is completed by the IL Coordinator if the criteria for eligibility are met.
f. If eligibility is denied, a letter is sent to the applicant stating the reasons for the denial and including a copy ofthe CIL’s appeal policy and procedures and information on the contacting the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP).
g. A copy of the letter will be placed in a participant record file along with other documentation for the denial. Files will be maintained on people who are denied in a separate section from those found eligible.
H. OUTREACH
The CIL policy is to aggressively reach out into the community to let people with disabilities and the general public know of the programs and opportunities available.
1. Staff members actively seek out membership in various interagency and other organizations and consistently provide information on Independent Living philosophy,disability issues and the CIL programs and opportunities at their meetings. Information for making referrals is given.
2. Staff members actively seek to make presentations on Independent Living, disability issues, and the CIL’s programs and opportunities, at community organization meetings, conferences, and other types of gatherings as well as on radio and T.V. shows.
3. State University professors often invite staff members to do presentations to classes and on distance learning T.V. channels.
4. Media releases are routinely sent out by staff members to newspapers, radio stations and T.V. channels concerning various activities taking place. This is done in accord with the CIL's public relations policy.
5. Newspaper, radio and T.V. coverage is solicited concerning events, advocacy projects and community development projects.
6. On a bimonthly basis, the Recreation Coordinator makes staff assignments for articles, does the layout, produces and distributes a newsletter to about 400 people with disabilities, community leaders and agencies.
7. When staff members become aware of people with disabilities who have not previously participated in the CIL’s opportunities, programs or activities, they complete a form that is filed and the name is added to the newsletter distribution list.
8. In conjunction with the Peer Support Program, contacts are made once a month with the ______Rehabilitation Center by the Peer Support VISTA to identify people who have recently sustained disabilities. Packets of information are taken to them in person or mailed to let them know of the resources available at the CIL, as well as at many other agencies and organizations throughout the area.
8. The CIL has identified several segments of the population that appear to be unserved or underserved including the Hispanic population, people who are deaf and/or blind, and Psychiatric Survivors. Outreach is made to them using the procedures listed above through their own organizations, places where they gather and media outlets targeted to them.
9. Program Coordinators report semiannually on the number of presentation done, the estimated number of people reached including unserved and underserved populationsand the number of media publications and announcements made.
I. BARRIER AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT
On the basis that the CIL is a consumer controlled organization, it is the policy of the CIL to seek input from people with disabilities concerning the barriers they encounter and their needs and desires as well as their experiences, if any, with the CIL’s programs, activities, and opportunities offered.
1. A Consumer Conference is held in conjunction with the Board of Director's annual Meeting each June.
a. Staff members divide out responsibilities for notifying people with disabilities, including personal contacts, flyers, media releases and presentations to other agencies and organizations.
b. At its April meeting, the Boardplans the format and questions for the Conference and determines what information to distribute to consumers prior to the Conference to encourage free and honest input.
2. Each person who applies for Chapter 1, Title VII opportunities completes a needs assessment that is compiled by the IL Coordinator once a year. The Board, staff members and Executive Director use the results in developing the long term plan as well as the annual work program.
3. Barriers encountered by the AT Coordinator to the acquisition of Assistive Technology are documented on a form and are compiled semiannually. The results are used by the Board, staff and Executive Director to plan systems change activities.
4. The Recreation Coordinator has each participant and potential participants complete a needs assessment form concerning their needs and desires for recreational activities. The results are compiled semiannually and used in planning recreation activities.
J. PROGRAM, OPPORTUNITY AND ADVOCACY PLANNING
Annually in the month designated for such in its work program, the Board modifies the Long Term Plan and completes the Annual Plan and Work Program based on input from the staff, the Consumer Conference, the needs assessments and the barrier identification results within the constraints of the approved Grant Applications and their budgets.
K. DISABILITY LANGUAGE AND PORTRAYAL
It is the policy of the CIL to employ affirming, validating, "people first" language when speaking about, writing about and/or portraying people with disabilities. In addition the CIL is developing language to more accurately describe itsrelationship with participants as one of partnership in which opportunities are offered by the CIL and consumers respond by taking responsibility for their participation at every step of the way rather than the CIL "providing" to and "serving" consumers.
L. CONFIDENTIALITY
The CIL’s policy is to maintain complete confidentiality on information concerning participants including simple identification. Information to sources both outside the CIL and within the CIL’s staff is shared ONLY on a "need to know" and/or an "ability to contribute" basis. Information, both oral and written, is shared with outside sources only with a Participant’s signature on a release of information form and information about participants is sought from outside sources only with a participants signature on a request for information form.
1. Participant records are kept in locked file cabinets.
2. Participant records are not left unattended on tables, desks or in other places.
3. Participant records are not taken or mailed out of the Center at any time without the written approval of the Executive Director for each file. Only extreme circumstances warrant approval.
4. Participants names are not used on staff member’s schedules, expense claims or other documents. Initials are used. Staff members must not discuss except on a "need to know" or "ability to contribute" basis, information obtained in confidential meetings. Precautions are taken to assure that discussions of participants in confidential meetings are not overheard by people not involved in the meeting.
5. A photo release is obtained prior to the use or release ofphotographs of participants for whatever reason. Media coverage of an event is up to the responsibility of the participant to agree to or deny at the event.
6. Breach of these confidentiality policies and procedures constitutesgrounds for disciplinary action or dismissal.
M. PROGRAM EVALUATION
Each program administered by the CIL is evaluated at least annually for its effectiveness in producing desired outcomes.
1. Part B
An annual report is completed showing progress toward the objectives and the number and characteristics of participants and opportunities engaged in.
2. Part C
A semiannual report is completed for the continuation grant and an annual report based on Section 704, Part II is completed for compliance and progress purposes.
3. Chapter 2
Semiannual reports are completed on the number of participants, demographics, opportunities and progress toward goals.
4. Assistive Technology
Quarterly reports and an annual report are completed on the number of participants, demographics, and opportunities for assistive technology.
An annual report is completed on the assistive technology loan bank.
5. Americans with Disabilities Act
Monthly reports and an annual report are completed on the number of contacts, training sessions, participants and ADA surveys as well as the volume of information dissemination.
An annual report is completed which organizes and analyzes identified systems and community barriers.
6. Opportunities for Recreation
Semiannual reports are completed, one for the continuation grant and one year end. The reports indicate the number of participants, demographics, service units, transportation units, the activities, and progress toward objectives.