Assistive Technology-State Grants for Protection and Advocacy (84.343)

 

Program

84.343 Assistive Technology-State Grants for Protection and Advocacy

 

Federal Agency

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Authorization

Assistive Technology Act of 1998, Title I, Section 102, Public Law 105-394.

 

Program Number

84.343

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To support protection and advocacy services through the systems established to provide protection and advocacy services under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and bill of Rights Act for the purpose of assisting the acquisition, utilization, or maintenance of assistive technology or assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds may be used to support protection and advocacy services related to assistive technology services and devices.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Designated protection and advocacy agencies in States and outlying areas only.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Persons with disabilities who may benefit from assistive technology services and devices.

Credentials/Documentation

None.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is covered under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as point of contact in his or her State to be followed in applying for assistance has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

The standard application forms as furnished by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and required by OMB Circular No. A-102. Contact the Program Office for more information.

Award Procedure

Applications are reviewed by Department of Education staff.

Deadlines

Deadlines are published in the Federal Register. Contact the program office for more information.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Renewed annually for up to 6 years, subject to the availability of appropriations.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Awards may be made for up to 6 years, subject to the availability of appropriations.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Progress reports shall be made on an annual basis. Final reports shall be made at the end of the project period. Cash balance reports will be 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

As stated in grant or contract terms and conditions, the awardee shall mail accounts, records, and other evidence pertaining to all costs incurred, review other applicable credits acquired under this grant.

 

Program Accomplishments

The Department made 56 grant awards in fiscal year 2002.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0301-0-1-506.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $2,680,000; FY 03 est $4,573,000; and FY 04 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

The range of awards in fiscal year 2002 was approximately $50,000 - $455,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Contact the Program Office for this information.

 

Related Programs

None.

 

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 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

Projects support information, advocacy and representation, training, technical assistance, and general guidance for protection and advocacy entities to increase access to and provision of assistive technology devices and services. The emphasis is on consumer advocacy and capacity building through protection and advocacy agencies in the states.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Contact the Program Office for information.