The program supports regional interpreter training projects to provide training to interpreters.
The national interpreter training projects are also supported to address the training of interpreters via distance education and the training of interpreter educators and mentors.
The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
Six awards were made in FY 07.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grants are awarded to eligible grantees to provide training for manual, tactile, oral and cued speech interpreters.
This training may include classroom instruction, workshops, seminars, and field placement.
Curriculum may include specialty areas such as interpreting in legal, medical, or rehabilitation settings or for deaf-blind, speech-impaired or developmentally disabled persons.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education are eligible for assistance.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals preparing for employment as interpreters for individuals who are deaf and individuals who are deaf- blind who are presently serving as interpreters and wish to maintain or raise the level of their skills, and the persons who will receive the services of interpreters are beneficiaries of this program.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions applies.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by 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 Procedures
Application is made to Department of Education, Application Control Center, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4725. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedures
All new applications are reviewed by a panel of at least three individuals. Each panel will include one or more nonfederal consultants with experience and training with interpreting for individuals who are deaf and individuals who are deaf-blind.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters office for application deadlines.
Authorization
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title III, Section 302(f), 29 U.S.C. 774 (d).
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately 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.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Grantees are required to share in the cost of projects with a portion subject to individual negotiations.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Projects may be supported for a maximum of 5 years, with budget periods of 12 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
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 a least once every 2 years. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations are subject to the audit requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program- specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 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 subsequent to audit or until all audit questions are resolved.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0301-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Grants and Contracts) FY 07 $2,093,000; FY 08 est $2,084,000; and FY 09 $2,084,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Project grants range from $120,000 to $160,000 in FY 08.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Training of Interpreters for Individuals who are Deaf and Individuals who are Deaf-Blind Regulations (34 CFR 385); (34 CFR 396); the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of Education, OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202-2736. Contact: Ruth Brannon, E-mail Address: ruth.brannon@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 245-7278.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The relevance of the project to the stated objectives of the interpreter training program. The number of trainees expected to be involved; demonstrated capacity or potential for providing interpreter training, the past record of existing training programs; and the geographical area expected to be served.
Mashable is teaming up with Google+ for its first-ever Hangout-a-thon on Dec. 3 for Giving Tuesday. The Hangout-a-thon is a phoneathon for the connected generation of the 21st century, which features 12 hours of captivating guests sharing updates on some of the most disruptive nonprofits working today.