Opportunity Title:
OSERS: RSA: Disability Innovation Fund (DIF)--Creating a 21st Century Workforce of Youth and Adults with Disabilities Through the Transformation of Education, Career, and Competitive Integrated Employment Model Demonstration Project, ALN 84.421F
Funder/Agency:
Department of Education
Opportunity Number:
ED-GRANTS-040924-001
Description:
The purpose of the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Program, as provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328), is to support innovative (as defined in this notice) activities aimed at increasing competitive integrated employment (CIE) as defined in section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act) (29 U.S.C. 705(5))[1] for youth and other individuals with disabilities.
This competition contains one absolute priority. We are establishing the absolute priority for the FY 2024 grant competition and any subsequent year in which we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this competition, in accordance with section 437(d)(1) of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232(d)(1).
Individuals with disabilities, including youth with disabilities (as defined in this notice), experience diverse disabilities that include physical disabilities (such as mobility impairments or chronic health conditions), sensory disabilities (such as visual or hearing impairments), intellectual disabilities (such as developmental delays or cognitive impairments), and mental health disabilities (such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder). It is important to recognize that all individuals with disabilities have unique strengths, talents, and contributions to offer; and it is essential for service providers to adopt a person-centered approach to support individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals for CIE.
The 21st century brings numerous changes that will affect youth and adults with disabilities. As we look to the future, technological innovations can provide new opportunities for individuals with disabilities by improving mobility, communication, learning, daily living activities, education, career training, and CIE. However, it is crucial that these technologies are accessible and affordable, and more importantly, that individuals with disabilities and professionals, including educators (as defined in this notice), service professionals, and employers, are knowledgeable and use, as appropriate, the options available.
Eligibility:
Nonprofits
Independent school districts
State and local governmental entities
Award Details:
Total Amount Available:
$236,313,221
Deadline:
Applications Due July 08, 2024
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