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Standards and Assurances for Centers for Independent Living (CILs)

Independent Living is not just a philosophy. It’s a statutory or legal program guided by standards and assurances of how that philosophy is implemented. This module will review the seven standards and fourteen assurances that CILs must follow in order to maintain compliance and receive Subchapter C continuation funding each year.

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Sections:

  • Introduction to the Standards and Assurances
  • The Standards (29 U.S.C. § 796f-4(b))
  • The Assurances (29 U.S.C. § 796f-4(c))
  • The Real-World Impact of Standards and Assurances

Course Details:

  • 90-120 minutes
  • Great for newcomers to the Independent Living network
  • A 10-question assessment at the conclusion of the course
    • Must pass with 80% to receive a certificate of completion from the IL T&TA Center

Objectives:

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Understand the evolution of Title VII (7) CIL Standards and Assurances since the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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Know the seven standards or expectations for performance that CILs must follow and report on to receive federal funding.

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Know the fourteen assurances or promises that CILs must follow and report on to receive federal funding.

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Understand the common challenges CILs face in implementing the Standards and Assurances, and regulatory details you might not know.

Course Lessons

Introduction

Lessons

Welcome!

Section 1: Introduction to the Standards and Assurances

In this module, students will learn how the Standards and Assurances guide CILs to be consumer-driven, accountable, and effective in promoting independence and disability rights.

Lessons

What are these "Standards and Assurances" for? Timeline: Evolution of CIL Standards and Assurances Big Picture Themes Section 1: Reflect and Look Forward

Section 2: The Standards (29 U.S.C. § 796f-4(b))

These are the operational expectations. A CIL must satisfy all of these standards:

Lessons

Standard #1: Promote and Practice the IL Philosophy Standard #2: Provision of Services Standard #3: Independent Living Goals Standard #4: Community Options Standard #5: Independent Living Core Services Standard #6: Activities to Increase Community Capacity Standard #7: Resource Development Activities Section 2: Reflect and Expand

Section 3: Assurances (29 U.S.C. § 796f-4(c))

The fourteen commitments CILs must make as part of applying for/maintaining funding:

Lessons

Assurance #1: Eligibility Assurance #2: Governance by Individuals with Disabilities Assurance #3: Compliance with Standards Assurance #4: Planning and Objectives Assurance #5: Organizational and Personnel Practices Assurance #6: Staff and Decision-Making Leadership Assurance #7: Sound Fiscal Management Assurance #8: Evaluation, Reporting, Record-Keeping Assurance #9: Notification to Client Assistance Program (CAP) Assurance #10: Outreach to Unserved/Underserved Assurance #11: Staff Training Assurance #12: Coordination with Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Assurance #13: Annual Fiscal/Program Report and Compliance Statement Assurance #14: Independent Living Plan Section 3: Reflect and Expand

Section 4: The Real-World Impact of Standards and Assurances

How CIL standards and assurances affect real-world practice by highlighting challenges, hidden regulations, practical applications, and ongoing debates in the independent living field.

Lessons

Regulatory Details You Might Not Know Standards and Assurances for CILs: Paper vs. Practice Ongoing Issues and Debates Section 4: Reflect and Look Forward

Conclusion & Quiz

Lessons

Course Wrap-Up