Rehabilitation Services-Client Assistance Program (84.161)

 

Program

84.161 Rehabilitation Services-Client Assistance Program

 

Federal Agency

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

 

Authorization

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title I, Part B, Section 112, 29 U.S.C. 732.

 

Program Number

84.161

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

(1) To provide assistance in informing and advising clients and client applicants of available benefits under the Rehabilitation Act; (2) to assist and advocate for clients and client applicants in their relationships with projects, programs and services provided under this Act, including assistance and advocacy in pursuing legal, administrative and other appropriate remedies; (3) to provide information on available services under the Act and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act to any individual with disabilities in the State.

 

Types of Assistance

Formula Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Grant funds may be used for services to help clients and applicants understand the rehabilitation services available under the Rehabilitation Act, and to provide information to individuals with disabilities in the State. No class action suits are allowed.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

States and Territories (through the Governor) are eligible for awards. The Governor shall designate a public or private agency to conduct the State'sprogram.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Clients and client applicants receiving services or interested in seeking assistance under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and localgovernments.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency with approval of OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980. 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

The Governor submits assurances that meet the requirements established under the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, and Federal regulations. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure

Notice of annual allotment to States, quarterly grant award notices and funds are withdrawn under the Electronic Transfer System or by Treasury check.

Deadlines

Contact the regional office for deadlines.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

The State may appeal to the Office of Administrative Law Judges (34 CFR 81).

Renewals

Not applicable.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

In accordance with the Act Federal funds are distributed on the basis of the relative population of each State, except no State shall receive less than $50,000, Territories $30,000. When total funds available for this program exceed $7,500,000, the minimum allotment is $100,000 for States and $45,000 for Territories. This program has no matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Annually.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Annual progress reports, expenditure reports, and quarterly cash reports.

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

Information on clients and client applicants served as cases should be maintained.

 

Program Accomplishments

In fiscal year 2002, an estimated 56,800 clients will be served. The majority (or more than three-fourths) of individuals served were persons with disabilities who requested routine information or referral services.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0301-0-1-506.

Obligations

(Grants) FY 02 $11,897,000; FY 03 est $12,068,000; and FY 04 est $11,897,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

The awards ranged from $120,724 to $1,207,727.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

Client Assistance Program Regulations (34 CFR 370).

 

Related Programs

84.126, Rehabilitation Services_Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States; 84.128, Rehabilitation Services_Service Projects; 84.132, Centers for Independent Living; 84.160, Training Interpreters for Individuals who are Deaf and Individuals who are Deaf-Blind; 84.177, Rehabilitation Services_Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind; 84.187, Supported Employment Services for Individuals with Severe Disabilities; 84.234, Projects with Industry; 84.240, Program of Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a list of the regional offices.

Headquarters Office

U.S. Department of Education, OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Rm. 3225, MES Washington, DC 20202-2500. Contact: RoseAnn Ashby. E-mail Address roseann.ashby@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 205-8719.

Web Site Address

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

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Not applicable.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Not applicable.