Amended IN Senate June 14, 2022 Amended IN Assembly April 20, 2022 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2480Introduced by Assembly Member ArambulaFebruary 17, 2022 An act to add and repeal amend Sections 19525 and 19526 of, and to add Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 19510) of to Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to rehabilitation services. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2480, as amended, Arambula. Rehabilitation services: persons with vision loss.Existing law provides for various services for individuals who are blind, including authorization for the Department of Rehabilitation to appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training that will enable adult individuals who are blind adjust to daily living in the home and the community. Existing law requires a counselor-teacher to teach an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, and household arts and crafts in accordance with the needs of the blind person.This bill would eliminate the requirement for a counselor-teacher to teach typing and household arts and crafts, and instead would require the counselor-teacher to teach independent living skills and to provide assistive technology training to an adult individual who is blind.Existing federal law establishes the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, under which funds are awarded to states to provide independent living services to individuals who are 55 years of age or older and whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment difficult to obtain, but for whom independent living goals are feasible. Pursuant to this federal program, the state Department of Rehabilitation administers the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, which provides grants to specified organizations across the state to provide services to visually impaired individuals who are 55 years of age and older, to assist them to live independently. Other federal law, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, among other things, awards grants to states for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.This bill would require the department to establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The bill would require the department to award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The bill would authorize the department to select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process. The bill would require the department to implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described by the bill.The bill would eliminate an obsolete funding requirement in a related provision.Existing law provides for various services for persons who are blind, including authorization for the Department of Rehabilitation to establish orientation centers for the blind that provide services for personal and vocational training, and to appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training that will enable them to adjust to daily living in the home and the community.This bill would, until January 1, 2026, subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act, require the department to establish pilot projects in at least 6 counties to provide services to adults who are blind or have low vision to enable them to transition to the community from institutional settings or to avoid placement in an institutional setting. The bill would require the department to award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision, and would specify the services that may be provided by those grantees, including orientation and mobility services and daily living skills instruction. The bill would require participating organizations to report specified information to the department and the Legislature no later than December 31, 2025.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Persons who lose all or most of their vision, especially those who lose vision later in life, face a variety of challenges, including job loss, depression and isolation, social stigma, and an inability to undertake tasks of daily living.(b) In many cases, these individuals leave their homes and communities and are placed in nursing facilities or other institutional settings. Estimates indicate that as much as 50 percent of those persons residing in nursing facility placements have some level of significant vision loss.(c) Programs exist in California to provide goods and services to persons with vision loss that enable them to acquire the skills they need to remain in the community and live independently and productively. However, it is estimated that funding for these programs only meets approximately 3 percent of the need for the services they provide.(d) Funding for these programs is exclusively federal in nature and totals approximately $3,000,000 statewide.(e) Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to begin to address the ever-increasing, unmet need for services to adults with vision loss.SEC. 2. Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 19510) is added to Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read: Article 1.5. Services for Persons with Vision Loss19510. (a) The Department of Rehabilitation shall establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.). The services shall assist adults who are blind or have low vision, including those individuals who may be at risk of institutionalization or who wish to transition into the community from an institutionalized setting, to receive vision rehabilitation services that will enable them to live independently.(b) The department shall implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for purposes of this program, or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described in this article, including any funding available pursuant to Sections 19525 and 19526.(c) To implement the program, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The department may select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process.(d) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Adult means an individual 18 years of age or older.(2) Services means independent living services as described in Section 367.3(b) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are appropriate for adults who are blind regardless of age.SEC. 3. Section 19525 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:19525. The department may appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training to the adult blind of the state. Such adult individuals who are blind. The counselor-teachers shall give individual instruction in those techniques which will enable the that will enable adult individuals who are blind to adjust to daily living in the home and in the community. They A counselor-teacher shall teach the an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, household arts and crafts and independent living skills, and provide assistive technology training, in accordance with the needs of the adult individual who is blind, and give them such other instruction as may enhance their opportunities for personal rehabilitation. This program shall be closely coordinated with vocational rehabilitation services for the blind, adult individuals who are blind and the Orientation Center for the Blind and opportunity work centers for the blind. Blind.SEC. 4. Section 19526 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:19526. (a) Whenever any a blind person with who has the proper educational qualifications regularly matriculates, enters, and works for a degree, or for a diploma of graduation, in any university, college, or state college in this state, and who is not a recipient of federally assisted vocational rehabilitation services, the Director of Rehabilitation shall provide from any funds appropriated for the this purpose from the General Fund a reader to assist him in his studies. Of the funds appropriated by the 1969 Legislature in the Budget Act for such purpose, the sum of thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars ($36,500) shall be used for this purpose for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and any appropriations for succeeding years shall be determined by the Legislature. the individual in their studies.Any(b) A reader whose services are provided pursuant to this section shall be deemed an independent contractor whose services shall have been contracted by the Director of Rehabilitation for the benefit of such blind person and not the blind person, and the reader shall not be an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation. Compensation for readers shall be established at a rate high enough to obtain competent readers but in no event shall such the compensation be less than the basic federal minimum wage. No more than 1,100 hours of service by a reader per annum shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, except that for graduate students not more than 1,300 hours of service by a reader shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, provided that a greater amount may be expended if the Director of Rehabilitation finds that the instruction of a student will be facilitated by such the additional expenditure.SECTION 1.The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a)Persons who lose all or most of their vision, especially those who lose vision later in life, face a variety of challenges, including job loss, depression and isolation, social stigma, and an inability to undertake tasks of daily living.(b)In many cases, these individuals leave their homes and communities and are placed in nursing facilities or other institutional settings. Estimates indicate that as much as 50 percent of those persons residing in nursing facility placements have some level of significant vision loss.(c)Programs exist in California to provide goods and services to persons with vision loss that enable them to acquire the skills they need to remain in the community and live independently and productively. However, it is estimated that funding for these programs only meets approximately 3 percent of the need for the services they provide.(d)Funding for these programs is exclusively federal in nature and totals approximately $3,000,000 statewide.(e)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to begin to address the ever-increasing unmet need for services to adults with vision loss.SEC. 2.Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 19510) is added to Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:1.5.Services for Persons with Vision Loss19510.(a)Subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for this purpose, the Department of Rehabilitation shall establish pilot projects in at least six counties to provide services to adults who are blind or have low vision to enable them to transition to the community from institutional settings or to avoid placement in an institutional setting. The department shall establish pilot projects in at least one county from the northern, central, and southern regions of the state, and shall take into account representation of urban, rural, and suburban areas.(b)To implement the pilot projects, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision.(c)Services to be provided by private organizations awarded a grant pursuant to this article may include, but are not limited to, the provision of technology and technology training, orientation and mobility services, daily living skills instruction, and peer support and other mental health services.(d)Pursuant to Section 9795 of the Government code, each participating organization shall report to the department and the Legislature no later than December 31, 2025 the following information:(1)Methods for outreach to those who are blind or have low vision.(2)The number of active participants in the pilot program.(3)The types of services provided.(4)The types of service providers other than the organization awarded a grant.(5)Challenges faced in outreach.(6)An assessment of additional needs of transitional services targeted toward those who are blind or have low vision.(e)This article shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
Amended IN Senate June 14, 2022 Amended IN Assembly April 20, 2022 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2480Introduced by Assembly Member ArambulaFebruary 17, 2022 An act to add and repeal amend Sections 19525 and 19526 of, and to add Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 19510) of to Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to rehabilitation services. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 2480, as amended, Arambula. Rehabilitation services: persons with vision loss.Existing law provides for various services for individuals who are blind, including authorization for the Department of Rehabilitation to appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training that will enable adult individuals who are blind adjust to daily living in the home and the community. Existing law requires a counselor-teacher to teach an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, and household arts and crafts in accordance with the needs of the blind person.This bill would eliminate the requirement for a counselor-teacher to teach typing and household arts and crafts, and instead would require the counselor-teacher to teach independent living skills and to provide assistive technology training to an adult individual who is blind.Existing federal law establishes the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, under which funds are awarded to states to provide independent living services to individuals who are 55 years of age or older and whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment difficult to obtain, but for whom independent living goals are feasible. Pursuant to this federal program, the state Department of Rehabilitation administers the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, which provides grants to specified organizations across the state to provide services to visually impaired individuals who are 55 years of age and older, to assist them to live independently. Other federal law, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, among other things, awards grants to states for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.This bill would require the department to establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The bill would require the department to award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The bill would authorize the department to select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process. The bill would require the department to implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described by the bill.The bill would eliminate an obsolete funding requirement in a related provision.Existing law provides for various services for persons who are blind, including authorization for the Department of Rehabilitation to establish orientation centers for the blind that provide services for personal and vocational training, and to appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training that will enable them to adjust to daily living in the home and the community.This bill would, until January 1, 2026, subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act, require the department to establish pilot projects in at least 6 counties to provide services to adults who are blind or have low vision to enable them to transition to the community from institutional settings or to avoid placement in an institutional setting. The bill would require the department to award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision, and would specify the services that may be provided by those grantees, including orientation and mobility services and daily living skills instruction. The bill would require participating organizations to report specified information to the department and the Legislature no later than December 31, 2025.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Senate June 14, 2022 Amended IN Assembly April 20, 2022
Amended IN Senate June 14, 2022
Amended IN Assembly April 20, 2022
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 2480
Introduced by Assembly Member ArambulaFebruary 17, 2022
Introduced by Assembly Member Arambula
February 17, 2022
An act to add and repeal amend Sections 19525 and 19526 of, and to add Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 19510) of to Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to rehabilitation services.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 2480, as amended, Arambula. Rehabilitation services: persons with vision loss.
Existing law provides for various services for individuals who are blind, including authorization for the Department of Rehabilitation to appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training that will enable adult individuals who are blind adjust to daily living in the home and the community. Existing law requires a counselor-teacher to teach an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, and household arts and crafts in accordance with the needs of the blind person.This bill would eliminate the requirement for a counselor-teacher to teach typing and household arts and crafts, and instead would require the counselor-teacher to teach independent living skills and to provide assistive technology training to an adult individual who is blind.Existing federal law establishes the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, under which funds are awarded to states to provide independent living services to individuals who are 55 years of age or older and whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment difficult to obtain, but for whom independent living goals are feasible. Pursuant to this federal program, the state Department of Rehabilitation administers the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, which provides grants to specified organizations across the state to provide services to visually impaired individuals who are 55 years of age and older, to assist them to live independently. Other federal law, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, among other things, awards grants to states for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.This bill would require the department to establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The bill would require the department to award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The bill would authorize the department to select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process. The bill would require the department to implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described by the bill.The bill would eliminate an obsolete funding requirement in a related provision.Existing law provides for various services for persons who are blind, including authorization for the Department of Rehabilitation to establish orientation centers for the blind that provide services for personal and vocational training, and to appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training that will enable them to adjust to daily living in the home and the community.This bill would, until January 1, 2026, subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act, require the department to establish pilot projects in at least 6 counties to provide services to adults who are blind or have low vision to enable them to transition to the community from institutional settings or to avoid placement in an institutional setting. The bill would require the department to award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision, and would specify the services that may be provided by those grantees, including orientation and mobility services and daily living skills instruction. The bill would require participating organizations to report specified information to the department and the Legislature no later than December 31, 2025.
Existing law provides for various services for individuals who are blind, including authorization for the Department of Rehabilitation to appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training that will enable adult individuals who are blind adjust to daily living in the home and the community. Existing law requires a counselor-teacher to teach an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, and household arts and crafts in accordance with the needs of the blind person.
This bill would eliminate the requirement for a counselor-teacher to teach typing and household arts and crafts, and instead would require the counselor-teacher to teach independent living skills and to provide assistive technology training to an adult individual who is blind.
Existing federal law establishes the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, under which funds are awarded to states to provide independent living services to individuals who are 55 years of age or older and whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment difficult to obtain, but for whom independent living goals are feasible. Pursuant to this federal program, the state Department of Rehabilitation administers the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, which provides grants to specified organizations across the state to provide services to visually impaired individuals who are 55 years of age and older, to assist them to live independently. Other federal law, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, among other things, awards grants to states for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.
This bill would require the department to establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The bill would require the department to award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The bill would authorize the department to select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process. The bill would require the department to implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described by the bill.
The bill would eliminate an obsolete funding requirement in a related provision.
Existing law provides for various services for persons who are blind, including authorization for the Department of Rehabilitation to establish orientation centers for the blind that provide services for personal and vocational training, and to appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training that will enable them to adjust to daily living in the home and the community.
This bill would, until January 1, 2026, subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act, require the department to establish pilot projects in at least 6 counties to provide services to adults who are blind or have low vision to enable them to transition to the community from institutional settings or to avoid placement in an institutional setting. The bill would require the department to award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision, and would specify the services that may be provided by those grantees, including orientation and mobility services and daily living skills instruction. The bill would require participating organizations to report specified information to the department and the Legislature no later than December 31, 2025.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Persons who lose all or most of their vision, especially those who lose vision later in life, face a variety of challenges, including job loss, depression and isolation, social stigma, and an inability to undertake tasks of daily living.(b) In many cases, these individuals leave their homes and communities and are placed in nursing facilities or other institutional settings. Estimates indicate that as much as 50 percent of those persons residing in nursing facility placements have some level of significant vision loss.(c) Programs exist in California to provide goods and services to persons with vision loss that enable them to acquire the skills they need to remain in the community and live independently and productively. However, it is estimated that funding for these programs only meets approximately 3 percent of the need for the services they provide.(d) Funding for these programs is exclusively federal in nature and totals approximately $3,000,000 statewide.(e) Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to begin to address the ever-increasing, unmet need for services to adults with vision loss.SEC. 2. Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 19510) is added to Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read: Article 1.5. Services for Persons with Vision Loss19510. (a) The Department of Rehabilitation shall establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.). The services shall assist adults who are blind or have low vision, including those individuals who may be at risk of institutionalization or who wish to transition into the community from an institutionalized setting, to receive vision rehabilitation services that will enable them to live independently.(b) The department shall implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for purposes of this program, or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described in this article, including any funding available pursuant to Sections 19525 and 19526.(c) To implement the program, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The department may select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process.(d) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Adult means an individual 18 years of age or older.(2) Services means independent living services as described in Section 367.3(b) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are appropriate for adults who are blind regardless of age.SEC. 3. Section 19525 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:19525. The department may appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training to the adult blind of the state. Such adult individuals who are blind. The counselor-teachers shall give individual instruction in those techniques which will enable the that will enable adult individuals who are blind to adjust to daily living in the home and in the community. They A counselor-teacher shall teach the an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, household arts and crafts and independent living skills, and provide assistive technology training, in accordance with the needs of the adult individual who is blind, and give them such other instruction as may enhance their opportunities for personal rehabilitation. This program shall be closely coordinated with vocational rehabilitation services for the blind, adult individuals who are blind and the Orientation Center for the Blind and opportunity work centers for the blind. Blind.SEC. 4. Section 19526 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:19526. (a) Whenever any a blind person with who has the proper educational qualifications regularly matriculates, enters, and works for a degree, or for a diploma of graduation, in any university, college, or state college in this state, and who is not a recipient of federally assisted vocational rehabilitation services, the Director of Rehabilitation shall provide from any funds appropriated for the this purpose from the General Fund a reader to assist him in his studies. Of the funds appropriated by the 1969 Legislature in the Budget Act for such purpose, the sum of thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars ($36,500) shall be used for this purpose for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and any appropriations for succeeding years shall be determined by the Legislature. the individual in their studies.Any(b) A reader whose services are provided pursuant to this section shall be deemed an independent contractor whose services shall have been contracted by the Director of Rehabilitation for the benefit of such blind person and not the blind person, and the reader shall not be an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation. Compensation for readers shall be established at a rate high enough to obtain competent readers but in no event shall such the compensation be less than the basic federal minimum wage. No more than 1,100 hours of service by a reader per annum shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, except that for graduate students not more than 1,300 hours of service by a reader shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, provided that a greater amount may be expended if the Director of Rehabilitation finds that the instruction of a student will be facilitated by such the additional expenditure.SECTION 1.The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a)Persons who lose all or most of their vision, especially those who lose vision later in life, face a variety of challenges, including job loss, depression and isolation, social stigma, and an inability to undertake tasks of daily living.(b)In many cases, these individuals leave their homes and communities and are placed in nursing facilities or other institutional settings. Estimates indicate that as much as 50 percent of those persons residing in nursing facility placements have some level of significant vision loss.(c)Programs exist in California to provide goods and services to persons with vision loss that enable them to acquire the skills they need to remain in the community and live independently and productively. However, it is estimated that funding for these programs only meets approximately 3 percent of the need for the services they provide.(d)Funding for these programs is exclusively federal in nature and totals approximately $3,000,000 statewide.(e)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to begin to address the ever-increasing unmet need for services to adults with vision loss.SEC. 2.Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 19510) is added to Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:1.5.Services for Persons with Vision Loss19510.(a)Subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for this purpose, the Department of Rehabilitation shall establish pilot projects in at least six counties to provide services to adults who are blind or have low vision to enable them to transition to the community from institutional settings or to avoid placement in an institutional setting. The department shall establish pilot projects in at least one county from the northern, central, and southern regions of the state, and shall take into account representation of urban, rural, and suburban areas.(b)To implement the pilot projects, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision.(c)Services to be provided by private organizations awarded a grant pursuant to this article may include, but are not limited to, the provision of technology and technology training, orientation and mobility services, daily living skills instruction, and peer support and other mental health services.(d)Pursuant to Section 9795 of the Government code, each participating organization shall report to the department and the Legislature no later than December 31, 2025 the following information:(1)Methods for outreach to those who are blind or have low vision.(2)The number of active participants in the pilot program.(3)The types of services provided.(4)The types of service providers other than the organization awarded a grant.(5)Challenges faced in outreach.(6)An assessment of additional needs of transitional services targeted toward those who are blind or have low vision.(e)This article shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Persons who lose all or most of their vision, especially those who lose vision later in life, face a variety of challenges, including job loss, depression and isolation, social stigma, and an inability to undertake tasks of daily living.(b) In many cases, these individuals leave their homes and communities and are placed in nursing facilities or other institutional settings. Estimates indicate that as much as 50 percent of those persons residing in nursing facility placements have some level of significant vision loss.(c) Programs exist in California to provide goods and services to persons with vision loss that enable them to acquire the skills they need to remain in the community and live independently and productively. However, it is estimated that funding for these programs only meets approximately 3 percent of the need for the services they provide.(d) Funding for these programs is exclusively federal in nature and totals approximately $3,000,000 statewide.(e) Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to begin to address the ever-increasing, unmet need for services to adults with vision loss.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Persons who lose all or most of their vision, especially those who lose vision later in life, face a variety of challenges, including job loss, depression and isolation, social stigma, and an inability to undertake tasks of daily living.(b) In many cases, these individuals leave their homes and communities and are placed in nursing facilities or other institutional settings. Estimates indicate that as much as 50 percent of those persons residing in nursing facility placements have some level of significant vision loss.(c) Programs exist in California to provide goods and services to persons with vision loss that enable them to acquire the skills they need to remain in the community and live independently and productively. However, it is estimated that funding for these programs only meets approximately 3 percent of the need for the services they provide.(d) Funding for these programs is exclusively federal in nature and totals approximately $3,000,000 statewide.(e) Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to begin to address the ever-increasing, unmet need for services to adults with vision loss.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SECTION 1.
(a) Persons who lose all or most of their vision, especially those who lose vision later in life, face a variety of challenges, including job loss, depression and isolation, social stigma, and an inability to undertake tasks of daily living.
(b) In many cases, these individuals leave their homes and communities and are placed in nursing facilities or other institutional settings. Estimates indicate that as much as 50 percent of those persons residing in nursing facility placements have some level of significant vision loss.
(c) Programs exist in California to provide goods and services to persons with vision loss that enable them to acquire the skills they need to remain in the community and live independently and productively. However, it is estimated that funding for these programs only meets approximately 3 percent of the need for the services they provide.
(d) Funding for these programs is exclusively federal in nature and totals approximately $3,000,000 statewide.
(e) Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to begin to address the ever-increasing, unmet need for services to adults with vision loss.
SEC. 2. Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 19510) is added to Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read: Article 1.5. Services for Persons with Vision Loss19510. (a) The Department of Rehabilitation shall establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.). The services shall assist adults who are blind or have low vision, including those individuals who may be at risk of institutionalization or who wish to transition into the community from an institutionalized setting, to receive vision rehabilitation services that will enable them to live independently.(b) The department shall implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for purposes of this program, or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described in this article, including any funding available pursuant to Sections 19525 and 19526.(c) To implement the program, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The department may select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process.(d) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Adult means an individual 18 years of age or older.(2) Services means independent living services as described in Section 367.3(b) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are appropriate for adults who are blind regardless of age.
SEC. 2. Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 19510) is added to Chapter 6 of Part 2 of Division 10 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:
### SEC. 2.
Article 1.5. Services for Persons with Vision Loss19510. (a) The Department of Rehabilitation shall establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.). The services shall assist adults who are blind or have low vision, including those individuals who may be at risk of institutionalization or who wish to transition into the community from an institutionalized setting, to receive vision rehabilitation services that will enable them to live independently.(b) The department shall implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for purposes of this program, or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described in this article, including any funding available pursuant to Sections 19525 and 19526.(c) To implement the program, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The department may select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process.(d) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Adult means an individual 18 years of age or older.(2) Services means independent living services as described in Section 367.3(b) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are appropriate for adults who are blind regardless of age.
Article 1.5. Services for Persons with Vision Loss19510. (a) The Department of Rehabilitation shall establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.). The services shall assist adults who are blind or have low vision, including those individuals who may be at risk of institutionalization or who wish to transition into the community from an institutionalized setting, to receive vision rehabilitation services that will enable them to live independently.(b) The department shall implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for purposes of this program, or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described in this article, including any funding available pursuant to Sections 19525 and 19526.(c) To implement the program, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The department may select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process.(d) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Adult means an individual 18 years of age or older.(2) Services means independent living services as described in Section 367.3(b) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are appropriate for adults who are blind regardless of age.
Article 1.5. Services for Persons with Vision Loss
Article 1.5. Services for Persons with Vision Loss
19510. (a) The Department of Rehabilitation shall establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.). The services shall assist adults who are blind or have low vision, including those individuals who may be at risk of institutionalization or who wish to transition into the community from an institutionalized setting, to receive vision rehabilitation services that will enable them to live independently.(b) The department shall implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for purposes of this program, or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described in this article, including any funding available pursuant to Sections 19525 and 19526.(c) To implement the program, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The department may select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process.(d) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:(1) Adult means an individual 18 years of age or older.(2) Services means independent living services as described in Section 367.3(b) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are appropriate for adults who are blind regardless of age.
19510. (a) The Department of Rehabilitation shall establish a grant program to provide services to promote independent living to adults who are blind or have low vision, and who are not eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services pursuant to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. Sec. 701 et seq.). The services shall assist adults who are blind or have low vision, including those individuals who may be at risk of institutionalization or who wish to transition into the community from an institutionalized setting, to receive vision rehabilitation services that will enable them to live independently.
(b) The department shall implement the program subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for purposes of this program, or through the use of any other funds already made available for the purposes described in this article, including any funding available pursuant to Sections 19525 and 19526.
(c) To implement the program, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision. The department may select private organizations awarded grants under the most recent solicitation of grantees under the states Older Individuals who are Blind program without using a competitive awards process.
(d) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) Adult means an individual 18 years of age or older.
(2) Services means independent living services as described in Section 367.3(b) of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations that are appropriate for adults who are blind regardless of age.
SEC. 3. Section 19525 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:19525. The department may appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training to the adult blind of the state. Such adult individuals who are blind. The counselor-teachers shall give individual instruction in those techniques which will enable the that will enable adult individuals who are blind to adjust to daily living in the home and in the community. They A counselor-teacher shall teach the an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, household arts and crafts and independent living skills, and provide assistive technology training, in accordance with the needs of the adult individual who is blind, and give them such other instruction as may enhance their opportunities for personal rehabilitation. This program shall be closely coordinated with vocational rehabilitation services for the blind, adult individuals who are blind and the Orientation Center for the Blind and opportunity work centers for the blind. Blind.
SEC. 3. Section 19525 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 3.
19525. The department may appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training to the adult blind of the state. Such adult individuals who are blind. The counselor-teachers shall give individual instruction in those techniques which will enable the that will enable adult individuals who are blind to adjust to daily living in the home and in the community. They A counselor-teacher shall teach the an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, household arts and crafts and independent living skills, and provide assistive technology training, in accordance with the needs of the adult individual who is blind, and give them such other instruction as may enhance their opportunities for personal rehabilitation. This program shall be closely coordinated with vocational rehabilitation services for the blind, adult individuals who are blind and the Orientation Center for the Blind and opportunity work centers for the blind. Blind.
19525. The department may appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training to the adult blind of the state. Such adult individuals who are blind. The counselor-teachers shall give individual instruction in those techniques which will enable the that will enable adult individuals who are blind to adjust to daily living in the home and in the community. They A counselor-teacher shall teach the an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, household arts and crafts and independent living skills, and provide assistive technology training, in accordance with the needs of the adult individual who is blind, and give them such other instruction as may enhance their opportunities for personal rehabilitation. This program shall be closely coordinated with vocational rehabilitation services for the blind, adult individuals who are blind and the Orientation Center for the Blind and opportunity work centers for the blind. Blind.
19525. The department may appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training to the adult blind of the state. Such adult individuals who are blind. The counselor-teachers shall give individual instruction in those techniques which will enable the that will enable adult individuals who are blind to adjust to daily living in the home and in the community. They A counselor-teacher shall teach the an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, household arts and crafts and independent living skills, and provide assistive technology training, in accordance with the needs of the adult individual who is blind, and give them such other instruction as may enhance their opportunities for personal rehabilitation. This program shall be closely coordinated with vocational rehabilitation services for the blind, adult individuals who are blind and the Orientation Center for the Blind and opportunity work centers for the blind. Blind.
19525. The department may appoint counselor-teachers to provide individual guidance and training to the adult blind of the state. Such adult individuals who are blind. The counselor-teachers shall give individual instruction in those techniques which will enable the that will enable adult individuals who are blind to adjust to daily living in the home and in the community. They A counselor-teacher shall teach the an adult individual who is blind reading and writing of braille, typing, travel techniques, household arts and crafts and independent living skills, and provide assistive technology training, in accordance with the needs of the adult individual who is blind, and give them such other instruction as may enhance their opportunities for personal rehabilitation. This program shall be closely coordinated with vocational rehabilitation services for the blind, adult individuals who are blind and the Orientation Center for the Blind and opportunity work centers for the blind. Blind.
SEC. 4. Section 19526 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:19526. (a) Whenever any a blind person with who has the proper educational qualifications regularly matriculates, enters, and works for a degree, or for a diploma of graduation, in any university, college, or state college in this state, and who is not a recipient of federally assisted vocational rehabilitation services, the Director of Rehabilitation shall provide from any funds appropriated for the this purpose from the General Fund a reader to assist him in his studies. Of the funds appropriated by the 1969 Legislature in the Budget Act for such purpose, the sum of thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars ($36,500) shall be used for this purpose for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and any appropriations for succeeding years shall be determined by the Legislature. the individual in their studies.Any(b) A reader whose services are provided pursuant to this section shall be deemed an independent contractor whose services shall have been contracted by the Director of Rehabilitation for the benefit of such blind person and not the blind person, and the reader shall not be an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation. Compensation for readers shall be established at a rate high enough to obtain competent readers but in no event shall such the compensation be less than the basic federal minimum wage. No more than 1,100 hours of service by a reader per annum shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, except that for graduate students not more than 1,300 hours of service by a reader shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, provided that a greater amount may be expended if the Director of Rehabilitation finds that the instruction of a student will be facilitated by such the additional expenditure.
SEC. 4. Section 19526 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 4.
19526. (a) Whenever any a blind person with who has the proper educational qualifications regularly matriculates, enters, and works for a degree, or for a diploma of graduation, in any university, college, or state college in this state, and who is not a recipient of federally assisted vocational rehabilitation services, the Director of Rehabilitation shall provide from any funds appropriated for the this purpose from the General Fund a reader to assist him in his studies. Of the funds appropriated by the 1969 Legislature in the Budget Act for such purpose, the sum of thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars ($36,500) shall be used for this purpose for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and any appropriations for succeeding years shall be determined by the Legislature. the individual in their studies.Any(b) A reader whose services are provided pursuant to this section shall be deemed an independent contractor whose services shall have been contracted by the Director of Rehabilitation for the benefit of such blind person and not the blind person, and the reader shall not be an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation. Compensation for readers shall be established at a rate high enough to obtain competent readers but in no event shall such the compensation be less than the basic federal minimum wage. No more than 1,100 hours of service by a reader per annum shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, except that for graduate students not more than 1,300 hours of service by a reader shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, provided that a greater amount may be expended if the Director of Rehabilitation finds that the instruction of a student will be facilitated by such the additional expenditure.
19526. (a) Whenever any a blind person with who has the proper educational qualifications regularly matriculates, enters, and works for a degree, or for a diploma of graduation, in any university, college, or state college in this state, and who is not a recipient of federally assisted vocational rehabilitation services, the Director of Rehabilitation shall provide from any funds appropriated for the this purpose from the General Fund a reader to assist him in his studies. Of the funds appropriated by the 1969 Legislature in the Budget Act for such purpose, the sum of thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars ($36,500) shall be used for this purpose for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and any appropriations for succeeding years shall be determined by the Legislature. the individual in their studies.Any(b) A reader whose services are provided pursuant to this section shall be deemed an independent contractor whose services shall have been contracted by the Director of Rehabilitation for the benefit of such blind person and not the blind person, and the reader shall not be an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation. Compensation for readers shall be established at a rate high enough to obtain competent readers but in no event shall such the compensation be less than the basic federal minimum wage. No more than 1,100 hours of service by a reader per annum shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, except that for graduate students not more than 1,300 hours of service by a reader shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, provided that a greater amount may be expended if the Director of Rehabilitation finds that the instruction of a student will be facilitated by such the additional expenditure.
19526. (a) Whenever any a blind person with who has the proper educational qualifications regularly matriculates, enters, and works for a degree, or for a diploma of graduation, in any university, college, or state college in this state, and who is not a recipient of federally assisted vocational rehabilitation services, the Director of Rehabilitation shall provide from any funds appropriated for the this purpose from the General Fund a reader to assist him in his studies. Of the funds appropriated by the 1969 Legislature in the Budget Act for such purpose, the sum of thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars ($36,500) shall be used for this purpose for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and any appropriations for succeeding years shall be determined by the Legislature. the individual in their studies.Any(b) A reader whose services are provided pursuant to this section shall be deemed an independent contractor whose services shall have been contracted by the Director of Rehabilitation for the benefit of such blind person and not the blind person, and the reader shall not be an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation. Compensation for readers shall be established at a rate high enough to obtain competent readers but in no event shall such the compensation be less than the basic federal minimum wage. No more than 1,100 hours of service by a reader per annum shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, except that for graduate students not more than 1,300 hours of service by a reader shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, provided that a greater amount may be expended if the Director of Rehabilitation finds that the instruction of a student will be facilitated by such the additional expenditure.
19526. (a) Whenever any a blind person with who has the proper educational qualifications regularly matriculates, enters, and works for a degree, or for a diploma of graduation, in any university, college, or state college in this state, and who is not a recipient of federally assisted vocational rehabilitation services, the Director of Rehabilitation shall provide from any funds appropriated for the this purpose from the General Fund a reader to assist him in his studies. Of the funds appropriated by the 1969 Legislature in the Budget Act for such purpose, the sum of thirty-six thousand five hundred dollars ($36,500) shall be used for this purpose for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1970, and any appropriations for succeeding years shall be determined by the Legislature. the individual in their studies.
Any
(b) A reader whose services are provided pursuant to this section shall be deemed an independent contractor whose services shall have been contracted by the Director of Rehabilitation for the benefit of such blind person and not the blind person, and the reader shall not be an employee of the Department of Rehabilitation. Compensation for readers shall be established at a rate high enough to obtain competent readers but in no event shall such the compensation be less than the basic federal minimum wage. No more than 1,100 hours of service by a reader per annum shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, except that for graduate students not more than 1,300 hours of service by a reader shall be allowed for the instruction of any one student, provided that a greater amount may be expended if the Director of Rehabilitation finds that the instruction of a student will be facilitated by such the additional expenditure.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)Persons who lose all or most of their vision, especially those who lose vision later in life, face a variety of challenges, including job loss, depression and isolation, social stigma, and an inability to undertake tasks of daily living.
(b)In many cases, these individuals leave their homes and communities and are placed in nursing facilities or other institutional settings. Estimates indicate that as much as 50 percent of those persons residing in nursing facility placements have some level of significant vision loss.
(c)Programs exist in California to provide goods and services to persons with vision loss that enable them to acquire the skills they need to remain in the community and live independently and productively. However, it is estimated that funding for these programs only meets approximately 3 percent of the need for the services they provide.
(d)Funding for these programs is exclusively federal in nature and totals approximately $3,000,000 statewide.
(e)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to begin to address the ever-increasing unmet need for services to adults with vision loss.
(a)Subject to an appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act for this purpose, the Department of Rehabilitation shall establish pilot projects in at least six counties to provide services to adults who are blind or have low vision to enable them to transition to the community from institutional settings or to avoid placement in an institutional setting. The department shall establish pilot projects in at least one county from the northern, central, and southern regions of the state, and shall take into account representation of urban, rural, and suburban areas.
(b)To implement the pilot projects, the department shall award grants to private organizations with demonstrated expertise in serving adults who are blind or have low vision.
(c)Services to be provided by private organizations awarded a grant pursuant to this article may include, but are not limited to, the provision of technology and technology training, orientation and mobility services, daily living skills instruction, and peer support and other mental health services.
(d)Pursuant to Section 9795 of the Government code, each participating organization shall report to the department and the Legislature no later than December 31, 2025 the following information:
(1)Methods for outreach to those who are blind or have low vision.
(2)The number of active participants in the pilot program.
(3)The types of services provided.
(4)The types of service providers other than the organization awarded a grant.
(5)Challenges faced in outreach.
(6)An assessment of additional needs of transitional services targeted toward those who are blind or have low vision.
(e)This article shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.