State Plan Attachment: 4.11(b) Annual Estimates of Individuals to Be Served and Costs of Services

Using 2008 population projections from the U.S. Census Bureau and data from the National Health Interview Survey, the number of Iowans who are blind and who may require vocational rehabilitation services from the Department is 6,769. The estimated number of Iowans who are visually impaired is 39,050. (Visually impaired means has difficulty seeing even with eyeglasses or contact lenses.)

The Department estimates approximately 422 individuals will receive services under Title I of the Act in FY2009. Approximately twelve individuals will concurrently receive services under Title VI, Part B of the Act.

The Department is not under an Order of Selection and will be able to serve all applicants and eligible individuals.

Costs of services provided under Title I of the Act are estimated at $9,462,849. Costs for supported employment services under Title VI, Part B of the Act are estimated at $57,000.
 

The Department received $1,085,985 from American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds for basic support. The Department plans to use ARRA funds to improve its outreach and direct services to blind or visually impaired Iowans. Funds will be used to hire seven full-time staff; pilot a youth employment program; contract with a public relations firm to plan and carry out a five-year public education and outreach plan; and contract with a professional website design firm to modernize the Department's website. This approach will directly create and fund jobs as well as address the Department's state plan goals.