Demonstration Projects to Ensure Students with Disabilities Receive a Higher Education
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.
Program Accomplishments
In FY 08, twenty-three grants were awarded.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Awards may be used to support innovative, effective, and efficient teaching methods and other strategies to enhance the skills and abilities of postsecondary faculty and administrators in working with disabled students.
Activities include, but are not limited to: in-service training; professional development; customized and general technical assistance workshops; summer institutes; distance learning; training in the use of assistive and educational technology; and research related to postsecondary students with disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Institutions of higher education.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Faculty and administration in postsecondary education and students with disabilities.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under Executive Order 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
In any fiscal year in which funds are available for new awards, the Department of Education publishes a notice in the Federal Register inviting applications and establishing a deadline date. An application package is available from the Office of Higher Education Programs. Copies will be mailed upon request. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedures
Peer review panels composed of representatives from public and private higher education and individuals having expertise in effective training strategies, knowledge of the needs of postsecondary students with disability and learning characteristics of students with disabilities and programs for students with disabilities in postsecondary education.
Deadlines
The deadline date is published in the Federal Register.
Authorization
Higher Education Act, Title VII, Part D, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1140-1140d.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Notification usually is made within 4 months of the deadline for submission of applications.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Grants may last for up to 3 years, subject to the availability of appropriations.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants are to be made for 3 years, subject to the availability of appropriations.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
A final performance report is required.
Reporting requirements are specified in the grant award documents.
Audits
In accordance with provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Records supporting claims under a grant must be maintained for 5 years after termination of the award.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0201-0-1-502.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $6,874,560; FY 08 est $6,754,894; and FY 09 est $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In FY 08, the average award was $292,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
34 CFR Part 75, published in the Federal Register on March 6, 1997.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202-5131. Contact: Shedita Alston. E-mail: shedita.alston@ed.gov Telephone: (202)502-7808.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Contact the program office for information on criteria for individual competitons.
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