Program Office: Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)

CFDA Number: 84.811
Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants, Contracts

Sec. 12(a)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act authorizes the commissioner of the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to provide technical assistance and consultative services to public and nonprofit private agencies and organizations, including assistance to enable agencies and organizations to facilitate meaningful and effective participation by individuals with disabilities in workforce investment activities under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). In addition, Sec. 12 funds may be used to provide short-term training and technical instruction, conduct special projects and demonstrations, collect, prepare, publish and disseminate special educational or informational materials, provide monitoring and conduct evaluations.

Program funds are awarded through grants and contracts to procure expertise in identified areas of national significance and technical support in order to improve the operation of the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program and other programs under the Rehabilitiation Act, and the provision of services to individuals with disabilities under the Act.

Program improvement funds have been used to support activities that improve program effectiveness and accountability, and to enhance the U.S. Department of Education’s ability to provide technical assistance in critical areas of national significance in achieving the purposes of the Act.