Projects support information, advocacy and representation, training, technical assistance, and general guidance for protection and advocacy entities to increase access to and provision of assistive technology devices and services.
The emphasis is on consumer advocacy and capacity building through protection and advocacy agencies in the States.
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.
The Department made 56 grant awards in FY 08.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used to support protection and advocacy services related to assistive technology services and devices.
This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate that is referenced under 34 CFR 75-564-76.569.
For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group at (202) 708-7770.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Designated protection and advocacy agencies in States and outlying areas only.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Persons with disabilities who may benefit from assistive technology services and devices.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is covered under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as point of contact in his or her State to be followed in applying for assistance has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
The standard application forms as furnished by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration and required by OMB Circular No. A-102. Contact the Program Office for more information.
Award Procedures
Applications are reviewed by Department of Education staff.
Deadlines
Contact the program office for deadline information.
Authorization
Assistive Technology Act of 1998, Title I, Section 5, Public Law 105-394.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
None.
Appeals
The State may appeal to the Office of Administrative Law/udges (34 CFR 81).
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
As stated in grant or contract terms and conditions, the awardee shall mail accounts, records, and other evidence pertaining to all costs incurred, review other applicable credits acquired under this grant.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0301-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $4,341,000; and FY 08 est $4,265,000; and FY 09 est $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The range of awards was approximately $50,000 - $415,188 in FY 07.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Contact the Program Office for this 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: Fred Isbister. E-mail Address: fred.isbister@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 245-7385.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Contact the Program Office for information.
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