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 302, 29 U.S.C. 774.

OBJECTIVES:

This program is designed to: (a) Develop new types of training programs for rehabilitation personnel and to demonstrate the effectiveness of these new types of training programs for rehabilitation personnel in providing rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities; and (b) develop new and improved methods of training rehabilitation personnel so that there may be a more effective delivery of rehabilitation services by State and other rehabilitation agencies.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

Applicant Eligibility: State vocational rehabilitation agencies, including Territories and other public or nonprofit agencies and organizations (including institutions of higher education) may apply.

Beneficiary Eligibility: Individuals preparing for or employed in positions relating to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation: An application should show evidence of current accreditation by or seeking of accreditation from the designated accreditation agency in the respective professional field. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions.

Pre-application Coordination: The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. 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: New applications are made to the Department of Education, Application Control Center, 600 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-4725. Attention: 84.263. Continuation applications, unless otherwise indicated in the award notice, are submitted to the appropriate regional office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure: With the exception of grants identified as "national significance," new and continuation grants are awarded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration through its regional offices. All new applications are reviewed by a panel of at least three individuals. Each panel will generally include two or more nonfederal consultants with experience and training in the proposed area of training.

Deadlines: Deadlines are published in the Federal Register or you may contact the headquarters or regional offices for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 120 to 160 days.

Appeals: None.

Renewals: Renewals are available only through the new application process. Projects with an approved multi-year project period may be continued based on the availability of adequate funds and an annual review of accomplishments to determine satisfactory performance.

Formula and Matching Requirements: Grantees are required to share in the costs of projects with the proportion subject to individual negotiation.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Projects may generally be supported for a maximum of 5 years. Funds are granted on a 12-month basis. Renewals are subject to the availability of funds.

Reports: Annual financial and progress reports must be submitted as required by grant award terms and conditions.

Audits: Audits must be conducted on a continuing basis or at scheduled intervals, usually once a year, but at least once every 2 years. 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: Proper records must be maintained for three years after project completion or until all audit questions are resolved.

Account Identification: 91-0301-0-1-506.

Obligations: (Grants and Contracts) FY 01 $500,000; FY 02 est $500,000; and FY 03 est $500,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:
To be determined.

A wide variety of strategies to develop new and improved methods of training rehabilitation personnel to support the effective delivery of rehabilitation services are being funded. Curriculum development efforts address adaptive technology training, computer-based learning, use of natural supports at the work site, and interdisciplinary instruction for dentistry professionals on rehabilitation and the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Regulations can be found in 34 CFR 385 and 387.

Regional or Local Office: None.

Headquarters Office: Tom Finch, Department of Education, OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration, 400 Maryland Ave., SW,, Washington, District of Columbia 20202 Email: tom.finch@ed.gov Phone: (202) 245-7343.

Web Site Address:  
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa/index.html?src=mr

(1) An innovative model for rehabilitation engineering technology training; (2) a competency-based individualized training project using interactive videodisc technology training; and 3) a computer-based training program for rehabilitation professionals in the areas of head injury rehabilitation and supported employment.

The relevance of the content of the training to the mission of the public rehabilitation program and priorities for projects are in the application notice. Criteria for evaluating applications are published in program regulations 34 CFR 385 and 387.