Division of Developmental Disabilities

Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) are exceptionally underrepresented in the competitive integrated workforce. This underrepresentation is due to an array of factors, which present as barriers to community integration and full inclusion. As an Employment First state, Illinois recognizes that Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) shall be considered the first option, when serving persons with disabilities of working age. One factor contributing to this under representation is the prevalence of programs that pay individuals with I/DD Subminimum Wage. Subminimum Wage (SMW) is allowable through the use of Special Wage Certificates, issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA). The Dignity in Pay Program will support capacity building, program transformation and implementation of best practice within provider agencies who hold 14(c) certificates. This program will aid in the phasing out of SMW for Individuals with I/DD through the expansion of opportunities for Individuals with I/DD to obtain and sustain CIE and access other inclusive and integrated services.

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IL Public Act 104-0003, IL Public Act Dignity in Pay Act 103-1060, Section 5, pg. 5, Sec1-95 Transition Program Grants a-d

Illinois Administrative Code Part 7000 Grant Accountability and Transparency Act

The Dignity in Pay Program is intended to: 1. Support the creation of new opportunities and programs, grow organizational capacity, respond to the needs of individuals with I/DD across all geographic regions of Illinois, and support provider transformation, via training and technical assistance, as part of the overall goal to increase Competitive Integrated Employment for individuals with I/DD. 2. Support the responsible elimination of SMW activities and enhancing independence and quality of life of individuals with I/DD. The grant will do this through increased access to CIE and diverse, integrated Community Day Services (CDS). Increased access to these opportunities will result in greater integration in the community, increased earning capacity and development of new, or expansion of existing, skills and support networks. 3. Expand community-based opportunities for individuals with I/DD who are currently participating in, or at risk of participating in, Subminimum Wage activity. 4. Review of organizational protocols related to a determination of degree to which individuals are deemed disabled for the work to be performed will be completed quarterly. 5. Develop standard operating protocol and expectations for data input, tracking and review. 6. Develop organizational policies related to review of data (frequency, scope, by whom, for what purpose). 7. Enhance data collection and utilization by developing a new, or modify an existing, data tracking system designed to capture and appropriately disseminate individual and aggregate data related to CIE, integrated Community Day Services and SMW. Program Goals The Dignity in Pay Program should provide the following: 1. Develop new opportunities, programs, and grow capacity to respond to the needs of I/DD individuals in their geographic area; including, but not limited to, supported employment, customized employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship, and diverse day programs that support meaningful days, choice, and community integration. 2. Responsibly reduce the number of individuals with I/DD who participate in Illinois SMW to zero by December 31st, 2029. 3. Ensure provider organizations have adequate guidance to adjust business practices, with a primary emphasis on shifting away from models which promote facility based SMW, to models which promote sustainable integration, inclusion, and opportunities to engage in CIE. These adjustments must create meaningful community connections, through person centered and individualized planning and support. 4. Increase both the capacity to serve, and enrollment into, programs which promote CIE, and other integrated Community Day Services (CDS).

Yes

Deliverables Each quarter, the grantee will submit a Periodic Performance Report (PPR), which includes the following reporting requirements: 1. The grantee will develop, share, and refine, a multi-faceted Transition Plan that includes, but not limited to; SMW key indicators, enhanced staff capacity, participant assessment, enhanced data collection and utilization, alternative program models, and engagement with the business community. a. The grantee will provide a copy of the Transition Plan for approval showing key factors (1st quarter). b. After 1st quarter, provide a description of any refinements made to the Transition Plan leading to achievement of The Dignity in Pay goals. 2. The grantee will actively participate in an on-going Community of Practice (CoP), focused on sharing knowledge and experience, collective and individualized problem solving, deepening of expertise, development of networks, creation of new or distribution of existing resources and innovation. a. The grantee will provide a copy of new or existing resources developed for distribution. b. The grantee will provide information from CoP, and will provide the following: Date, topic, and outcome. 3. The grantee will provide activities, associated events, or meetings to individuals with I/DD and their families about the Dignity in Pay Program. These may, include, but not limited to, community of practice, training sessions, agency specific check-ins, and so on. a. The grantee will provide the date of the meeting/event, location of the meeting/event, the reason for the meeting/event, and who attended the meeting/event. 4. The grantee will identify and share data and information related to the key indicators of the Subminimum Wage activities. a. The grantee will provide the individual’s full name, date of birth, gender identity, race/ethnicity, county of residence, time spent engaged in SMW activity, and wages paid under the 14(c) certificate. b. The grantee will provide the status for all individuals served, or may be served, under SMW program. 5. The grantee will provide the nature and scope of all contracts held by, with, and through the organization which result in payment of wages under the 14(c) certificate. a. The grantee will provide the business name(s), the annual contractual amount(s), the number of individuals served annually under each contract, and the total annual wages paid to all individuals working under each contract. 6. For personnel that support, monitor, and oversee SMW activities the grantee will provide data related to their job title, if they are FTE (Full Time Equivalent), and what role they are assigned. a. The grantee will provide job titles, if they are full-time equivalent (FTE), role they are assigned, and what activities they are overseeing or supporting. 7. The grantee will provide all efforts to modify and distribute messaging and other information related to the phase out of SMW and alternative program options. a. The grantee will provide a copy of outreach provided, format provided, communication type (mailing, list serv, website, other), and date provided. 8. The grantee will enhance staff capacity by recruiting, hiring, and onboarding the number of program personnel dedicated to CIE and or other integrated Community Day Services (CDS) necessary to effectively achieve reduction in SMW activity. In addition, the grantee will provide training and opportunities for professional certification to ensure a well-educated and qualitatively sound workforce. a. The grantee will provide list of new hires or staff transfers to program personnel dedicated to CIE and/or other integrated CDS. b. The grantee will provide a list of proposed and completed training or certification opportunities, including, date of training, names of personnel who completed, and date of the training or proposed training date, if not completed. 9. The grantee will administer assessments to all individuals engaged in, or at risk of engagement in, SMW activity. Assessment administration must include formal tools, resources, curriculum, or other methods used to gauge program placement and individual interest. Assessment must be focused on vocational and career interests, desires, strengths, preferences, and conditions of employment. a. The grantee will provide who (participant’s full name, age, DOB, gender identity, race/ethnicity, and county they reside) received assessment, what tools were used, brief description of the conditions of employment, and what non-SMW activities were offered as a result of assessment (e.g., CIE or integrated, integrated community-based day services). 10. The grantee will engage with local businesses to examine and act upon opportunities focused on career advancement for program participants, develop and foster new business partnerships, provide training and education on inclusive hiring practices. This could include reasonable accommodations, benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, employment supports, diversity and other similar topics. a. The grantee will provide the name of each business, date(s) of outreach, and outcome(s) - partnership, no partnership, placement, follow up necessary. b. The grantee will provide the type of training/education provided, date, and who was provided training/education. Performance Measures and Standards Grantee must provide the following quarterly: 1. The grantee will develop, share, and refine, a multi-faceted Transition Plan that includes, but not limited to; SMW key indicators, enhanced staff capacity, participant assessment, enhanced data collection and utilization, alternative program models, and engagement with the business community -100% for the time. 2. The grantee will actively participate in an on-going Community of Practice (CoP), focused on sharing knowledge and experience, collective and individualized problem solving, deepening of expertise, development of networks, creation of new or distribution of existing resources and innovation -100% for the time. 3. The grantee will provide activities, associated events, or meetings to individuals with I/DD and their families about the Dignity in Pay Program. These may, include, but not limited to, community of practice, training sessions, agency specific check-ins, and so on -100% for the time. 4. The grantee will identify and share data and information related to the key indicators of the Subminimum Wage activities -100% for the time. 5. The grantee will provide the nature and scope of all contracts held by, with, and through the organization which result in payment of wages under the 14(c) certificate -100% for the time. 6. For personnel that support, monitor, and oversee SMW activities the grantee will provide data related to their job title, if they are FTE (Full Time Equivalent), and what role they are assigned. 7. The grantee will provide all efforts to modify and distribute messaging and other information related to the phase out of SMW and alternative program options -100% for the time. 8. The grantee will enhance staff capacity by recruiting, hiring, and onboarding the number of program personnel dedicated to CIE and or other integrated Community Day Services (CDS) necessary to effectively achieve reduction in SMW activity. In addition, the grantee will provide training and opportunities for professional certification to ensure a well-educated and qualitatively sound workforce -100% for the time. 9. The grantee will administer assessments to all individuals engaged in, or at risk of engagement in, SMW activity. Assessment administration must include formal tools, resources, curriculum, or other methods used to gauge program placement and individual interest. Assessment must be focused on vocational and career interests, desires, strengths, preferences, and conditions of employment -100% for the time. 10. The grantee will engage with local businesses to examine and act upon opportunities focused on career advancement for program participants, develop and foster new business partnerships, provide training and education on inclusive hiring practices. This could include reasonable accommodations, benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, employment supports, diversity and other similar topics -100% for the time. At the end of the year, successful applicants will also submit a cumulative report with the cumulative totals from above. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements could result in the Department placing you on the stop pay list, withholding of funds, termination of the grant agreement and subject to the Grant Funds Recovery Act

Nonprofit Organizations;

Participants served must have an intellectual/developmental disability and their families.

Program Beneficiaries: hold active or pending Section 14(c) Certificates through either or both the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and/or the Federal Department of Labor (DOL) Program Participants: Individuals with disabilities who are engaged in, or at risk of engaging in, Subminimum Wage activity under a 14(c) certificate.

Non-competitive

Human Services

In addition to the requirement that applicants hold an active or pending 14(c) certificate with either or both the Federal Department of Labor and the Illinois Department of Labor, applicants must meet additional eligibility requirements: SAM, UEI, in good standing with Illinois Secretary of State, meet pre-award requirements

Applicant must be prequalified and registered in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.

Applicants must submit a Program Narrative, Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form, Uniform Grant Application.

N/A

Award amounts support indicated funding levels in state budget and program proposal.

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This program will be awarded as a 24-month term agreement. The program is not eligible for Renewal. Funding for the budget cycle has been appropriated in the state's approved fiscal year budget.

This grant does not require an in-kind or financial match requirement.

1. All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal awards. 2. Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Part 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. 3. Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activities contained in the Scope of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation. 4. Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Part 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS: a. Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438). b. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439). c. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439). d. Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445). e. Deposits for items, services, or space. f. That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313). Refer to website below for Indirect Costs Restrictions https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=151738

A. Time Period for Required Periodic Financial Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit E, Grantee shall submit financial reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 10.1 and reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends. B. Time Period for Close-out Reports. Grantee shall submit a Close-out Report pursuant to Paragraph 10.2 and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination. C. Time Period for Required Periodic Performance Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit E, Grantee shall submit Performance Reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 11.1 and such reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends. D. Time Period for Close-out Performance Reports. Grantee agrees to submit a Close-out Performance Report, pursuant to Paragraph 11.2 and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination. The Providers will submit reporting to the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) on a quarterly basis, utilizing the Periodic Performance Report (GOMBGATU-4001). Quarterly reports will be submitted no later than 15 days after end of each report period. 1st Quarter Reports are due No Later Than (NLT) October 15th, 2nd Quarter Reports are due NLT January 15th, 3rd Quarter Reports are due NLT April 15th, 4th Quarter Reports are due NLT July 15th.

Grantee shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 USC 7501-7507) and Subpart F of 2 CFR Part 200, and the audit rules and policies set forth by the Governor's Office of Management and Budget. See 30 ILCS 708/65(c); 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.90

Grantee shall maintain for three (3) years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report, adequate books, all financial records and, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award, adequate to comply with 2 CFR 200.334, unless a different retention period is specified in 2 CFR 200.334 or 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.430(a) and (b). If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.

General Revenue Funds

Estimated FY27 amount = $1,041,258.95

This is expansion of CSFA 444-24-3501 with additional awardees named. FY27 added amount=$1,041,258.95. New 2-year contact starts 07/01/2026.

Named Appropriations

Dignity in Pay Act, HB0793 of the 103rd General Assembly.

600 E Ash, Bldg. 500 3rd Fl, Springfield, IL 62703

600 E Ash, Bldg. 500 3rd Fl, Springfield, IL 62703

• Division of Developmental Disabilities – https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29749 • IDHS Grants: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=149872 • IDHS website: www.dhs.state.il.us • Community Service Agreements (CSA) Tracking System: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=61069 • Centralized Repository Vault (CRV): https://vault.dhs.Illinois.gov/crvsecure/crv • GATA Learning Management System (LMS): https://gata.Illinois.gov/training.html • Dignity in Pay Act, HB0793 https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=793&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=142668&SessionID=112&GA=103

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Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Illinois (24-444-30-3025) and Dignity in Pay Program 24-444-24-3501

Merit Based Review; Notice of Funding Opportunity;

FY 2027 : $520,629
FY 2028 : $520,629