Grant to Provide Services to People with Disabilities

Hi all,

According to the Associated Press, the U. S. Department of Education awarded grants recently in excess of $121 million.  The purpose of the money is to improve the future of people with disabilities from birth through their early adult years.  These centers will promote inclusion, equity and opportunity for all children and adults with disabilities to help ensure their economic self-sufficiency, independent living and full community participation.

According to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, "These investments are significant in assisting individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. We want all individuals with disabilities to succeed and these investments symbolize our values and commitment as a nation toward achieving excellence for all."    

The National TA (Technical Assistance) Center on Improving Transition to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students with Disabilities is getting $2.5 million.  It will work with states, school districts, and vocational rehabilitation agencies to help ensure that students with disabilities graduate from high school with what they need for success in postsecondary education and employment.  It is the first major investment funded jointly out of RSA and OSEP to create a seamless transition process from high school through employment.  The Transition Center, to be located at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, will work with states, school districts, and vocational rehabilitation agencies to implement evidence-based and promising practices and strategies to ensure that students with disabilities, including those with significant disabilities, graduate from high school with the knowledge, skills, and supports needed for success in postsecondary education and employment.

OSERS' Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) awarded $47 million to fund its comprehensive and coordinated programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment and independent living for individuals with disabilities.   And, OSERS' National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) distributed $19 million to institutions of higher education and private and non-profit organizations for innovative, cutting-edge research projects.

The University of Massachusetts-Boston received with $9 million for a period of 3 years to operate the Job-Driven Vocational Rehabilitation TA Center. It will state vocational rehabilitation agencies in developing training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities that meet the needs of today's employers and the demands of the local economy. 

The PROMISE Technical Assistance Center will be located at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities in Silver Spring, Maryland after their $2 million award.  It will provide technical assistance to states participating in the PROMISE model demonstration projects to help improve services and supports to children with disabilities who receive supplemental security income (SSI) and their families.

Twenty-three Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers for parents and families of students with disabilities were awarded a total of $6.5 million.  This increases the number of such information centers for parents of children and youth with disabilities to a total of 96 with each state having at least one.  Their goal is to assist parents as they work to ensure their children receive a free, appropriate public education as guaranteed by federal law. 

Other major awards include:

More than $875,000 to the University of Illinois at Chicago for research and training to improve the supports critical for family caregivers.

$950,000 to Gallaudet University for research and training to improve the accessibility, usability, and performance of technology for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.

$875,000 to TransCen to support research and training to improve vocational rehabilitation practices for youth and young adults with disabilities.

To view more specific information about awardees, go to http://www.yumanewsnow.com/index.php/news/latest/8221-121-million-awarded-in-grants-to-help-improve-outcomes-of-individuals-with-disabilities >

 

I remember how important grant funding is to accomplish the innovative goals special educators and adult educators hope to accomplish.  Certainly, our fields are better off because of grant monies.  Kudos to all the funding sources for realizing the importance of these endeavors.

On the topic of grant funding, I am interested in knowing how many of you get grants to supplement your programs.  I'd appreciate your commenting on the following:

1) Does your program receive grant funding?

2) Where do the funds come from?

3) What do your grant funds pay for?

 

Anything you want to share about grant funding would interest our group, so thanks in advance for sharing.

Rochelle Kenyon, SME