Rehabilitation Services Demonstration and Training Programs (84.235)

 

Program

84.235 Rehabilitation Services Demonstration and Training Programs

 

Federal Agency

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

 

Authorization

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title III, Section 303. 20 U.S.C. 777a and 797a.

 

Program Number

84.235

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To provide financial assistance to projects and demonstrations for expanding and improving the provision of rehabilitation and other services authorized under the Act or that further the purposes of the Act, including related research and evaluationactivities.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants (Contracts).

 

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.

 

Application 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 Procedure

Applications should be submitted to the Department of Education, Application Control Center. Attention: (CFDA 84-235), 600 Independence Avenue, SW., 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 Procedure

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.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

None.

Renewals

Projects with multi-year periods may be continued based on annual review of accomplishments and availability of adequate funds. Renewals are available through the continuation application process.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

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). Generally 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.

 

Program Accomplishments

Approximately 60 projects were funded in fiscal year 2002.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0301-0-1-506.

Obligations

(Grants and Contracts) FY 02 $21,238,000; FY 03 est $20,895,000; and FY 04 est 24,492,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Not available.

 

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 369 and 376 (transition) apply.

 

Related Programs

84.126, Rehabilitation Services_Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States; 84.128, Rehabilitation Services_Service Projects.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

State Vocational Rehabilitation Offices or the RSA Regional Offices. See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a list of regional offices.

Headquarters Office

U.S. Department of Education, OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Rm. 3038, MES Washington, D.C. 20202-2500. Contact: Thomas Finch. E-mail Address tom.finch@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 205-8292.

Web Site Address

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/RSA/Programs/Discretionary/demotrain.html

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Funded projects include: 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.

 

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 CFR369).