Assistive Technology (84.224)

 

Program

84.224 Assistive Technology

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Assistive Technology Act of 1998, Public Law 105-394.

 

Program Number

84.224

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To provide grants to States to support capacity building and advocacy activities, designed to assist the States in maintaining permanent comprehensive, consumer responsive Statewide programs of technology-related assistance for individuals with disabilities of all ages.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants (Discretionary); Project Grants (Contracts); Dissemination of Technical Information.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Grants are awarded to carry out the functions authorized under the Act. States may provide assistance to Statewide community-based organizations or directly to individuals with disabilities of all ages. Technical assistance contracts support States and other entities. This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 76.564-76.569. For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on (202) 708-7770.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

States, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and outlying areas may apply. Applicants are designated by Governors.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Individuals with disabilities, States, and community-based organizations providing services to individuals with disabilities will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions also applies.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is excluded from coverage under 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 Procedure

This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110. Unless otherwise directed in the Federal Register Announcement, applications should be submitted to the Department of Education, Application Control Center, 600 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202.

Award Procedure

States submit applications in response to a request from the Department to submit continuation applications. All 56 entities are funded and now submit annual Progress Reports.

Deadlines

Deadlines are determined annually. Contact the Headquarters Office for further information.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Grants are for 10 years with the potential for one 3- year extension at the discretion of the Secretary if the grant has demonstrated significant progress in achieving the purposes of the Act.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Three-year development grants, potentially followed by two extension grants are awarded. States are funded for a total of 10 years with the possibility of one 3-year extension after 10 years.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Detailed progress reports are required annually.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

Recordkeeping requirements and regulations are included in the statute.

 

Program Accomplishments

Fifty-six awards were made in fiscal year 2002.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0301-0-1-506.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $58,204,000; FY 03 est $26,824,000; and FY 04 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Not available.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Contact the Program Office for information.

 

Related Programs

84.133, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

U.S. Department of Education, OSERS National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Rm. 3420, MES Washington, DC 20202-2500. Contact: Carol G. Cohen. E-mail Address carol.cohen@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 205-5666.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Grantees carry out a variety of activities based on the functions authorized under the Act.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Criteria are included in the regulations. Contact the Program Office for more information.