The Assistive Technology State grants supports state efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive, statewide programs that are consumer responsive.
The purpose of these programs is to make assistive technology devices and services more available and accessible to individuals with disabilities and their families.
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.
All States and outlying areas particpate in the program.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grants are awarded to carry out the functions authorized under the Act.
States may provide assistance to Statewide community-based organizations or directly to individuals with disabilities of all ages.
Technical assistance contracts support States and other entities.
This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 76.563.
For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on (202) 708-7770.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
States, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and outlying areas may apply.
Applicants are designated by Governors.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals with disabilities, States, and community-based organizations providing services to individuals with disabilities will benefit.
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 also applies.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under 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 Procedures
This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110. Unless otherwise directed in the Federal Register Announcement, applications should be submitted to the Department of Education, Application Control Center, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202.
Award Procedures
State plans are reviewed by Department of Education staff.
Deadlines
Contact the Headquarters Office for further information.
Authorization
Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended, Public Law 105-394.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Not applicable.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Annual formula grants.
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 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
Recordkeeping requirements and regulations are included in the statute.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0301-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $26,111,000; FY 08 est $25,655,000; and FY 09 est $25,655,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
None.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Contact the Program Office for information.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of Education, OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202-2500. Contact: Rob Groenendaal. Telephone: 202-245-7393. E-mail Address: rob.groenendaal@ed.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Criteria are included in the regulations. Contact the Program Office for more information.
Vandana Shiva, a scientist and environmentalist known for her activism against GMOs, globalization, and patents on seeds and traditional foods, co-founded Navdanya.