The federal government is distributing grants aimed at establishing new models to facilitate the transition of youth and young adults with disabilities into integrated, competitive employment. (Thinkstock)
More money than ever before is being allocated to establish new models to help young people with disabilities make the transition to integrated and competitive employment.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration said this week it is awarding $251 million to 27 entities across the country under what’s known as the Disability Innovation Fund program.
According to officials, the investment is the largest the agency has ever made in competitive grants for vocational rehabilitation. The funds will go toward developing, implementing, evaluating, refining and disseminating new or revised models.
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Grants were awarded for projects in several priority areas, including using advanced technology to help youth or adults with disabilities access competitive integrated employment, helping justice-involved youth with disabilities secure employment, and reintegrating disconnected individuals with disabilities into the workforce.
All programs should be designed so they can be easily adopted by others, officials said.
“Today, more than 60 million adults live with a disability, each with unique talents and strengths. In our 21st-century economy, we must provide more opportunities for these individuals to achieve their goals of competitive integrated employment, independence, and economic self-sufficiency,” said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. “Through the Disability Innovation Fund and today’s announcement, we will make progress toward overcoming historical barriers to employment while ensuring that the diverse needs, preferences, and goals of people with disabilities remain at the center of our vision for a strong and inclusive workforce.”
According to the Rehabilitation Services Administration, more than 200 applications were submitted for the program. Ultimately, five-year grants ranging from $5.7 million to more than $10 million will be awarded to higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations and state agencies in 16 states, Washington, D.C., and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“These model demonstration projects represent the nation’s most advanced efforts to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the workforce, now and in the future, regardless of disability or aspirations,” said Glenna Wright-Gallo, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. “We are excited to see the results of these programs and the many meaningful employment opportunities they will provide for individuals with disabilities.”
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