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Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (IL-OIB)

Federal formula grant program funding state agencies to deliver independent living services to individuals age 55 or older with severe visual impairment. Services help older blind individuals maintain daily functioning and community independence, reducing family caregiving burden. Administered by RSA at the U.S. Department of Education through grants to Designated State Agencies (DSAs) serving individuals who are blind.

Formula grants to state Designated State Agencies (DSAs) support direct services to older individuals who are blind, including: (1) adjustment to blindness training; (2) orientation and mobility instruction; (3) training in daily living skills (meal preparation, housekeeping, grooming); (4) assistive technology devices and training (home appliances, low vision aids, communication aids); (5) low vision services and screenings; (6) peer counseling and support groups; (7) community integration, outreach, and information and referral; (8) transportation and reader/guide services; (9) restorative services and management of secondary disabilities. States must match every $9 federal with $1 nonfederal cash or in-kind resources. FY2025 total: $32,069,441 across 56 jurisdictions. Grantees may carry over unobligated funds one additional fiscal year. No income test; services are delivered at no charge to eligible individuals.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

  • Care recipient must have a qualifying disability
  • Care recipient age: at least 55

Services

Formula grants to state Designated State Agencies (DSAs) support direct services to older individuals who are blind, including: (1) adjustment to blindness training; (2) orientation and mobility instruction; (3) training in daily living skills (meal preparation, housekeeping, grooming); (4) assistive technology devices and training (home appliances, low vision aids, communication aids); (5) low vision services and screenings; (6) peer counseling and support groups; (7) community integration, outreach, and information and referral; (8) transportation and reader/guide services; (9) restorative services and management of secondary disabilities. States must match every $9 federal with $1 nonfederal cash or in-kind resources. FY2025 total: $32,069,441 across 56 jurisdictions. Grantees may carry over unobligated funds one additional fiscal year. No income test; services are delivered at no charge to eligible individuals.

How to apply

Apply online or find more information at the official program page.

  • rehab-title7-cil (companion): Title VII Chapter 1 CILs also serve individuals with disabilities but are transferred to ACL/HHS; OIB targets 55+ with severe visual impairment under separate ED authority
  • nfcsp (companion): NFCSP provides caregiver support for adults 60+; OIB provides direct services to the older blind individual reducing caregiving burden