Funded projects have included: projects to increase client choice; projects providing services to people with severe mental illness; projects servicing low-functioning adults that are deaf or hard of hearing disorders; projects to provide services to individuals with disabilities, and projects to provide services to youths with disabilities.
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
Approximately 25 projects were funded in FY 07.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Authorized activities under this program include carrying out special demonstrations for expanding and improving the provision of rehabilitation and other services authorized under this Act and that further the purposes of the Act.
Projects may include demonstrations to increase client choice; technical assistance; systems change; special studies and evaluations; demonstrations of service delivery; model demonstrations; transition services; supportive employment; services to underserved populations and/or unserved or underserved areas; services to low-incidence disabilities; transportation; and other projects designated by the Secretary.
Other authorized programs include Parent Information and Training and Braille training projects.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants are States and public or nonprofit organizations.
Grants cannot be made directly to individuals.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals with disabilities.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local Governments. Costs will also be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions, and A-122 for nonprofit organizations.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No.
A-102.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
Applications should be submitted to the Department of Education, Application Control Center. Attention: (CFDA 84-235), 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202. The standard application kit as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. ED No. 80-0013 must also be submitted.
Award Procedures
Awards are made on approval of the Commissioner, RSA and the Assistant Secretary, OSERS, for new projects and the Commissioner, RSA, for continuation projects.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters office, RSA, for application deadlines. Deadlines are published in the Federal Register.
Authorization
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title III, Section 303(b)-(d). 20 U.S.C. 777a and 797a.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
The range is approximately 150 to 180 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Projects with multi-year periods may be continued based on annual review of accomplishments and availability of adequate funds.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants are awarded for up to 60 months. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
As required by the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (34 CFR 75).
Annual performance reports are required.
Audits
See 34 CFR 74.26. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations are subject to the audit requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133. State and local government are subject to the requirements in the Single Audit Act and the ED regulations.
Records
As required by EDGAR for direct grant programs (34 CFR 75). Generally records related to grant funds, compliance, and performance must be maintained for a period of 5 years after completion.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0301-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Grants and Contracts) FY 07 $8,756,000; FY 08 est $10,151,000; and FY 09 $8,826,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable because the range and average varies greatly by competition.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Regulations: (A) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86; and (B) the regulations for this program in 34 CFR 373 apply.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of Education, OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202-2500. Contact: Ruth Brannon, E-mail: ruth.brannon@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 245-7278.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Funding priorities are published in the Federal Register. Applications for discretionary grants are subject to peer review procedures leading to recommendations for approval or disapproval by Federal and nonfederal experts. Criteria for evaluating applications are published in program and department regulations (34 CFR 369).
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