Congress establishes discretionary grant programs through authorizing legislation and appropriations legislation. RSA then usually writes program regulations based on the authorizing legislation, which describe how the programs are to be administered. After these program regulations are published in final form and Congress appropriates funds for the program, RSA can elicit applications and award grants. Unlike a formula grant, a Discretionary Grant awards funds on the basis of a competitive process. RSA reviews applications in light of the legislative and regulatory requirements established for a program. This review process gives RSA discretion to determine which applications best address the program requirements and are, therefore, most worthy of funding. RSA annually administers discretionary grant programs. To learn more about any of these programs, please click on the program title below.

• Assistive Technology State Grant Technical Assistance
• Centers for Independent Living
• Demonstration and Training
• Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
• Projects With Industry (PWI)
• Recreation Program
• Rehabilitation Training
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services for American Indians

In addition to the discretionary grant programs identified above, RSA also administers other programs that provide services to individuals with disabilities as well as technical assistance and evaluation activities. To learn more about any of these programs, please click on the program title below.

• Program Improvement
• Evaluation
• Helen Keller National Center (HKNC)
• Randolph-Sheppard

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