This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C.

§ 2012 2. The goal of the Disability Grant Program (CFDA# 1 6. 529) is to create sustainable change within and between organizations that improves the response to individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of domestic violence,

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dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to hold perpetrators of such crimes accountable.

Specifically, the purpose of the program is to provide training, consultation, and information on domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and abuse by caregivers against individuals with disabilities and Deaf people and to enhance direct services to such individuals.

Disability Grant Program funds are used to establish and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborative relationships; increase organizational capacity to provide accessible, safe, and effective services to individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of violence and abuse; identify needs within the grantee’s organization and/or service area; and develop a plan to address those identified needs that builds a strong foundation for future work.

For additional information about this program and related performance measures, including how awards contribute to the achievement of program goals and objectives, see:
OVW grant program information:
OVW Grants and Programs Webpage.

Program performance measures under the Measuring Effectiveness Initiative:
VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative webpage.

Program-specific sections in OVW’s most recent report to Congress on the effectiveness of VAWA grant programs.

What’s New About this OVW Program The Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 revised the definition of victim services to include legal services.

Applicants may now request grant funds to provide legal services if appropriate.

New grantees may plan for providing accessible legal services if it fits with the collaborative team composition and services they offer.

Legal services will be allowed for continuation grantees, but a project cannot focus solely on direct legal services.

Additionally, such services must be linked to the activities identified in the strategic plan developed from the initial, or subsequent, Disability Grant Program award(s).

VAWA 2022 also expanded the scope of the program to include "caregiver abuse." Applicants may now propose to address this form of abuse.