Independent Living Rehabilitation (ILR) Services Program

NC DIVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE BLIND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Combined: Policy and Procedures

I. ELIGIBILITY

The Independent Living Rehabilitation (ILR) Program provides extensive adjustment services for individuals who are blind or have significant vision loss. These services are designed to enable eligible individuals to obtain, regain, and maintain their independence. Extensive adjustment services are defined as those that require direct instruction from the Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselor over an extended period of time. Instruction can be provided on an individual basis within the individual’s homes and/or on a group basis in the Mini-Centers.

Services may be provided under the ILR Services Chapter I, Title VII to any individual with a significant disability. For the purposes of independent living services (ILS), the term “individual with a significant disability” means an individual whose ability to function independently in the family or community is substantially limited and for whom the delivery of ILS will improve the ability to function independently in the family or community and for whom the delivery of ILS will improve the ability to function, continue functioning, or move towards functioning in the family or community.

For persons referred to the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB), the primary disability would be a severe visual limitation.

Eligibility criteria for Chapter II (Older Blind) services will be the same as for Chapter I except that the person must be 55 years old or older.

The individual’s financial needs in relation to the costs of certain services will be determined.

II. INDEPENDENT LIVING PLAN

The Independent Living Plan (ILP) (On-Line DSB-4005b-ILR with Independent Living Plan with instructions) is similar to the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) (On-Line DSB-4005b-VR Individual Plan for Employment with instructions). The plan must indicate the goals that are established, the services that are to be provided, and the date of the initiation of services. The program must have been the participation of the individual it is designed for or it may have been developed by the individual, although it must be approved by and signed by a qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

III. SCOPE OF INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES

Services may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Independent living core services:

a. Information and referral services;

b. Independent living skills training;

c. Peer counseling (including cross-disability peer counseling); and

d. Individual and systems advocacy;

2. Guidance and counseling services;

3. Assistive Technology;

4. Mobility training;

5. Interpreter and reader services

6. Individual information programs on VR and independent living services especially for minorities and underserved individuals;

7. Education and training necessary for living in the community and participating in community activities;

8. Transportation;

9. Physical rehabilitation and treatment;

10. Prostheses;

11. Social and recreational services;

12. Training to develop advocacy and self-empowerment skills and explore career options;

13. Services for children with severe disabilities;

14. Identification of services available under other programs to provide resources, etc., to enhance independence.

15. Appropriate preventive services to decrease the need of individuals with severe disabilities for similar services in the future;

16. Community awareness programs to enhance the understanding and integration into society of individuals with disabilities;

17. Advocacy;

18. Personal and home care management;

19. Communication skills development;

20. Orientation and mobility; and

21. Leisure activities.

ILR Services are available to eligible individuals of all ages in all 100 counties. This program is funded primarily by Federal grants with matching State funds. Referrals should be made to the Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselors who are located in the DSB District Offices.