Our mission — to provide leadership and resources to assist state and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation(VR) and other services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.
RSA is charged with
- administering formula and discretionary grant programs authorized by Congress;
- evaluating, monitoring, and reporting on the implementation of Federal policy and programs and the effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and other related programs for individuals with disabilities;
- coordinating with other Federal agencies, State agencies, and the private sector including professional organizations, service providers, and organizations of persons with disabilities for the review of program planning, implementation, and monitoring issues.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
WIOA Resources
- New
Aug 17, 2015 — PDF (69KB)
Aug 13, 2015 — PDF (99KB)
The President signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which replaces the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. This new law represents a renewed commitment to workforce development with an eye to the future through innovation and support for individual and national economic growth. It is aimed at increasing opportunities, particularly for those facing barriers to employment, and invests in the important connection between education and career preparation. It looks to the prosperity of workers and employers and focuses on the economic growth of communities, regions, and states to enhance our global competitiveness as a country. While some research services and resources for those with disabilities will be transferred from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), we expect a seamless transition with minimal disruption, and we express our continued strong commitment to grantees and all key stakeholders.
The new law states that the amendments that it makes to the Rehabilitation Act, as well as the transfer of certain programs from ED to HHS, took effect when President Obama signed the bill. However, WIOA also gives the Secretaries of ED and HHS authority to ensure an orderly transition as they implement these changes so they are carried out in a manner that minimizes disruption. ED and HHS, after working with the Office of Management and Budget, have determined that ED will continue to administer the affected programs until the orderly transfer can be completed as soon as reasonably possible. We will continue to engage and inform grantees and key stakeholders as specific plans for the transfer of these programs are developed and implemented. We appreciate your continued support as we realign and strengthen our programs for people with disabilities.
To obtain a printed copy in the form of a paperback book from the House Legislative Resource Center, send an e-mail to: info.clerkweb@mail.house.gov, or call: 202-226–5210, or write to:
B-106 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-6612
Ask for Public Law 113-128.
Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs)
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed by President Obama on July 22, 2014, is the first major reform to federal job training programs in over 15 years. WIOA is designed to streamline and improve the coordination of employment and training services across federal agencies and strengthen collaboration with state and local partners. To ensure the most effective and efficient delivery of these services, on April 16, 2015 the departments of Labor and Education announced five new proposed rules to fully implement WIOA. The five proposed rules include a joint Department of Labor and Education rule, a Department of Labor rule, and three Department of Education rules to implement the requirements of titles II and IV of WIOA
Here are summaries of each proposed rule and a link to read the comments provided by the public.
- Unified and Combined State Plans, Performance Accountability, and the One-Stop System Joint Provision (Jointly proposed by the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education)
This rule, jointly proposed by the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education, strengthens the alignment of the workforce development system’s six core programs administered by Labor and Education, by requiring unified strategic planning at the state level, common performance accountability measures, and requirements governing the one-stop delivery system. (PDF)
Read the comments on docket ETA-2015-0002 at www.regulations.gov. - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor)
This rule, proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor, implements changes to the adult, dislocated worker and youth formula programs; the state and local workforce development boards; the designation of regions and local areas; local plans; the one-stop system; national programs, including Job Corps, YouthBuild, Indian and Native American programs; and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker programs. The proposed rules also implements changes related to employment services and workforce and labor market information systems and requires the Secretary of Labor to establish a Workforce Information Advisory Council. (PDF)
Read the comments on docket ETA-2015-0001 at www.regulations.gov - State Vocational Rehabilitation Services program: State Supported Employment Services program; Limitations on Use of Subminimum Wage (Proposed by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration)
This rule, proposed by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, implements changes to the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services program and the State Supported Employment Services program, as well as new provisions in Section 511 related to the Limitations on the Use of Subminimum Wages. (PDF)
Read the comments on docket ED-2015-OSERS-0001 at www.regulations.gov - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Miscellaneous Program Changes (Proposed by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration)
This rule, proposed by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration, implements changes to the all other Rehabilitation Act programs administered by ED, including Client Assistance, American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights, Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind programs, and the discretionary grant programs authorized under title III of the Rehabilitation Act. (PDF)
Read the comments on docket ED-2015-OSERS-0002 at www.regulations.gov - Programs and Activities Authorized by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Title II of WIOA) (Proposed by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education)
This NPRM will implement changes to programs authorized under AEFLA, which is contained in title II of WIOA. (PDF)
Read the comments on docket ED-2015-OCTAE-0003 at www.regulations.gov
Please visit www.regulations.gov to share your comments on the specific proposed rules, in accordance with the process outlined in the NPRMs. Any comments not received through the processes outlined in the NPRMs will not be considered by the departments.
Transfer of the Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living programs
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014 transfers the Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living programs from the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Education, to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ACL has posted a news release regarding the transition of these programs.
Read Submitted Comments on Implementation of Title II and Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
OSERS and the Office Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) thank all the contributors who submitted comments on the implementation of WIOA Title II and Title IV. We received 277 comments by the closing on August 29, 2014.
This thoughtful feedback will be reviewed by the Offices and considered as we prepare the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on proposed regulations.
Please watch for the next opportunity to submit comments in January 2015 when the NPRM is released in the Federal Register.
(09/05/2014)
Additional WIOA Information and Resources
- New OCTAE Blog: WIOA: A Vision to Revitalize the Workforce System
- Dear Colleague Letter to Tribal Leaders to explore how best to pursue the job-driven training theme in pertinent education and training programs in Indian country.
PDF (211KB) - Dear Colleague Letter to State Directors of Vocational Rehabilitation on the implementation of the January 30, 2014 Presidential Memorandum to carry out a government-wide review of federal job training and education programs to ensure that federal workforce and training system resources are effectively aligned.
PDF (144KB) - RSA Commissioner Janet LaBreck has written a Dear Colleague Letter about the WIOA.
- RSA has also created a document that highlights significant changes related to the amendments to the Rehabilitation Act, as contained in title IV of WIOA, which take effect on the date of enactment—July 22, 2014.
- Statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on President Obama signing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
- The White House Ready to Work: Job-Driven Training and American Opportunity initiative Web page, including the: Ready to Work report and the Ready to Work fact sheet.
- Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE)
- Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (DOL/ETA)
This content was copied from www.ed.gov on 09/09/2015
What's New in RSA
New
Vision for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program as a Partner in the Workforce Development System under WIOA TAC-15-02—"Vision for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program as a Partner in the Workforce Development System under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act"
Aug 17, 2015 — PDF (69KB)
(August 18, 2015)
New
Notices published in the Federal RegisterNotice Inviting Applications for New Awards — Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center-Targeted Communities (CFDA Number 84.264F)
A notice was published in the Federal Register on August 14, 2015 inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2015 Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center-Targeted Communities program (CFDA Number 84.264F).
(August 14, 2015)
New
New TAC: Vision for the One-Stop Delivery System under WIOA TAC-15-01—"Vision for the One-Stop Delivery System under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)"
Aug 13, 2015 — PDF (99KB)
(August 13, 2015)
New
Notices published in the Federal RegisterNotice Inviting Applications for New Awards — Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (CFDA Number 84.264G)
A notice was published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2015 inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2015 for the Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center program (CFDA Number 84.264G).
Final Priority; Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (CFDA Number 84.264G)
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services announces a priority under the Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center program.
(August 13, 2015)
Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards — Rehabilitation Training-Technical Assistance Center for Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance (CFDA Number 84.263B)
A notice was published in the Federal Register on August 11, 2015 inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2015 Rehabilitation Training-Technical Assistance Center for Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance program (CFDA Number 84.263B).
(August 11, 2015)
New
Notices published in the Federal RegisterNotice Inviting Applications for New Awards — Demonstration and Training: Career Pathways for Individuals With Disabilities (CFDA Number 84.235N)
A notice was published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2015 inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2015 for the Demonstration and Training: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities program (CFDA Number: 84.235N).
(August 6, 2015)
Final Priority and Definitions; Demonstration and Training Program: Career Pathways for Individuals With Disabilities (CFDA Number 84.235N)
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services announces a priority designed to demonstrate promising practices in the use of career pathways to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
(August 6, 2015)
Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards — Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center - Youth With Disabilities (CFDA Number 84.264H)
A notice was published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2015 inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2015 for the Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center - Youth With Disabilities program (CFDA Number 84.264H).
(July 30, 2015)
Final Priority; Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center-Youth With Disabilities (CFDA Number 84.264H)
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services announces a priority under the Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center-Youth With Disabilities program.
(July 30, 2015)
Final Waiver and Extension of the Project Period; Regional Interpreter Education Centers for the Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind (CFDA Number 84.160A)
The Secretary waives the requirements that generally prohibit project periods exceeding five years and extensions of project periods involving the obligation of additional Federal funds for five 60-month projects initially funded in fiscal year (FY) 2010. The Secretary also extends the project period for these projects for one year. This waiver and extension enables the currently funded Regional Interpreter Education Centers for the training of interpreters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are deaf-blind (Regional Centers) to receive funding through September 30, 2016.
(July 30, 2015)
Final Waiver and Extension of the Project Period; National Interpreter Education Center for the Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind (CFDA Number 84.160B)
The Secretary waives the requirements that generally prohibit project periods exceeding five years and extensions of project periods involving the obligation of additional Federal funds for a 60-month project initially funded in fiscal year (FY) 2010. The Secretary also extends the project period for this project for one year. This waiver and extension enables the currently funded National Interpreter Education Center for the training of interpreters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are deaf-blind (National Center) to receive funding through September 30, 2016.
(July 30, 2015)
Notices Inviting Applications for RSA Programs
Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards — Disability Innovation Fund — Automated Personalization Computing Project (CFDA Number 84.421A)
A notice was published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2015 for Disability Innovation Fund-Automated Personalization Computing Project inviting applications for new awards.
(July 23, 2015)
Notice Inviting Applications for the OSERS/RSA Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind — Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind Training and Technical Assistance Program (CFDA Number 84.177Z)
A notice was published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2015 for the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind Training and Technical Assistance Program inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2015.
(July 22, 2015)
Notice Inviting Applications for the OSERS/RSA American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services — Training and Technical Assistance program (CFDA Number 84.250Z)
A notice was published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2015 for the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services—Training and Technical Assistance program inviting applications for a new award for Training and Technical Assistance..
(July 22, 2015)
WIOA
Read the “July 1, 2015 — Making a Shift in the Public Workforce System” blog post
(July 1, 2015)
Notices of Proposed Priority
Proposed Priority and Definitions—Rehabilitation Training: Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center-Targeted Communities (CFDA Number 84.264F)
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) proposes a priority and definitions to fund a cooperative agreement to develop and support a Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Targeted Communities (VRTAC-TC). We take this action to focus Federal financial assistance on an identified national need. We intend the VRTAC-TC to improve the capacity of State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies and their partners to increase participation levels for individuals with disabilities from low-income communities and to equip these individuals with the skills and competencies needed to obtain high-quality competitive integrated employment.
(June 26, 2015)
Proposed Priority—Vocational Rehabilitation Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (CFDA Number 84.264G)
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority to establish the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center. The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2015 and later years. We take this action to provide training and technical assistance (TA) to state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies to improve services under the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services program (VR program) and State Supported Employment Services program for individuals with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, and to implement changes to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed into law on July 22, 2014.
(June 17, 2015)
Proposed Priority—Technical Assistance Center for Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance (CFDA Number 84.263B)
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority under the Experimental and Innovative Training program. The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2015 and later years. We take this action to focus federal financial assistance on an identified national need. We intend the priority to support a Training and Technical Assistance Center for Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance (PEQA)
(June 3, 2015)
Proposed Priority—Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (CFDA Number 84.264C)
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority to establish a topical Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI). The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2015 and later years. We take this action to provide training and technical assistance (TA) to improve the capacity of state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies and their partners to equip individuals with disabilities with the skills and competencies necessary to help them obtain competitive integrated employment.
(May 25, 2015)
Proposed Priority and Definitions—Career Pathways for Individuals With Disabilities (CFDA Number 84.235N)
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority and definitions under the Demonstration and Training program. The Assistant Secretary may use this priority and one or more of these definitions for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2015 and later years. This priority and these definitions are designed to support projects that develop and implement career pathways for individuals with disabilities.
(May 15, 2015)
Proposed Priority-Rehabilitation Training—Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center-Youth With Disabilities (CFDA Number 84.264H)
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority under the Rehabilitation Training program. The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2015 and later years. This priority is designed to ensure that professionals working in State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies receive the technical assistance they need to provide youth with disabilities with services and supports that lead to postsecondary education and competitive integrated employment.
(May 15, 2015)
New Policy Directives Issued
PD-15-06—"Instructions for completing the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) for the State Supported Employment Services program"
Mar 12, 2015 — PDF (129KB)
PD-15-05—"Revisions to PD-12-06, instructions for completing the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services program"
Feb 5, 2015 — PDF (131KB)
PD-15-04—"OMB Approval of the Assurances for the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) Program, OMB 1820-0625"
Jan 28, 2015 — PDF (26KB)
(March 17, 2015)
This content was copied from www.ed.gov on 09/09/2015
RSA's programs are listed below. Please click on a link to view information about the program, or tab to or click on the info ico to view a brief description of the program.
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
- Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants
- American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS)
- Supported Employment Services for Individuals with the Most Significant Disabilities (SE)
Training
- Short-Term Training Program
- Rehabilitation Training - Long-Term
- Rehabilitation Training - State VR In Service Training
- Demonstration and Training Programs
Client advocacy
Underserved populations
Other RSA programs
Grants & Funding
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), through its many programs and projects, provides an array of discretionary grants and other funding opportunities to serve individuals with disabilities and their families. Please find out more about those opportunities below.
Discretionary Grant Applications
Click on Discretionary Grant Applications to learn more about discretionary grant funding opportunities available from RSA.
Scholarships
RSA awards grants to colleges and universities for providing scholarship assistance to students.
RSA Program Budget
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) supports formula grants to states for vocational rehabilitation services and a variety of smaller demonstration, training and service programs. The purpose of these programs is to develop and implement comprehensive and coordinated programs of vocational rehabilitation and independent living for individuals with disabilities. Current and past program budgets, as well as state-by-state distributions for formula grant awards for all Department of Education programs are available.
This content was copied from www.ed.gov on 09/09/2015
Orientation & Technical Assistance Guide for State Vocational Rehabilitation Directors
- Overview
- Legislation, Regulations and Guidance
- State Rehabilitation Council
- State Independent Living Council
- Vocational Rehabilitation/Supported Employment State Plan
- State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)
- Monitoring
- Fiscal Management
Overview
RSA extends a special welcome to new state vocational rehabilitation (VR) directors. This orientation is provided to support you in the important work of administering federal programs within your state funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, including the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program, the Supported Employment Program, the State Independent Living Services Program, and the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind Program. RSA developed this guide to provide quick and efficient access to information and technical assistance resources related to the administration of these programs. We hope that you find this information useful and encourage you to contact your RSA state liaison for assistance in locating other resources, or for responses to questions pertaining to the administration of any of these programs.
The RSA web site is a primary source for locating pertinent information described below related to RSA’s formula and discretionary grant programs, including current policy guidance, on-line training and technical assistance tools and resources, state and national data, grant-related reporting forms, VR and IL State Plans, and other state-specific information. Links to this information are included below for ready access.
To access the most current information and notifications from RSA, VR directors can subscribe for email updates
Legislation, Regulations and Guidance
Program Specific Regulations
- 34 CFR 361: State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program
- 34 CFR 363: State Supported Employment Services Program
- 34 CFR 364: State Independent Living Services and Centers for Independent Living Program
- 34 CFR 365: State Independent Living Program
- 34 CFR 366: Centers for Independent Living
- 34 CFR 367: Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind
- 34 CFR 370: Client Assistance Program
- 34 CFR 386: Rehabilitation Training: Rehabilitation Long-Term Training
- 34 CFR 395: Vending Facility Program for the Blind on Federal and Other Property
Guidance
State Rehabilitation Council
The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is a key partner with the VR agency in the administration of the VR program. RSA developed training for State Rehabilitation Council members that may be helpful to you in learning more about the role and function of the SRC. The training is a self-paced on-line tutorial, consisting of a series of topical modules designed to enhance the knowledge of SRCs, thus, enabling them to carry out their functions more effectively.
The modules address the following topics:
- history of the VR program;
- overview of the Rehabilitation Act;
- role and functions of the SRC related to the conduct of the statewide needs assessment;
- development of state goals and priorities;
- analysis of consumer satisfaction; and
- development and operationalization of the VR State Plan.
More recent modules address performance evaluation and quality assurance of the VR program. We invite you to access this on-line training program.
State Independent Living Council
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and the Designated State Unit (DSU) are partners in the joint development of the State Plan for Independent Living, with input from the statewide network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs). The SILC and the DSU, together with the statewide network, work to fulfill the purpose of the Independent Living Program. SILC duties and authorized activities are described in sections 705(c), (d) and (e) of the Rehabilitation Act.
Additional guidance on the role and duties of the SILC can be found in RSA’s Responses to NCIL’s Questions Regarding SILC Roles and Responsibilities.
RSA, through its Independent Living Training and Technical Assistance center, developed an on-line training resource for SILCs that addresses issues pertinent to the operation and performance of the SILC.
Vocational Rehabilitation / Supported Employment State Plan
An important component of the VR/SE State Plan is Attachment 4.11(a), which includes the results of the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) that describes the needs of individuals with disabilities residing within the state, in accordance with the requirements in section 101(a)(15)(A)(i) of the Rehabilitation Act.
As a resource to VR agencies and SRCs in conducting the CSNA, RSA developed a Vocational Rehabilitation Needs Assessment Guide.
In addition, RSA developed a subsequent module to the SRC on-line training series focused on program evaluation and quality assurance.
State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)
RSA has provided training and resources to assist states with the development and implementation of the SPIL. In addition, RSA developed an instrument to facilitate the SPIL review process, as well as detailed instructions on completing and submitting the SPIL through the RSA website.
Monitoring
Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Programs
Section 107 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, requires the commissioner of RSA to conduct annual reviews and periodic on-site monitoring of programs authorized under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act to determine whether a vocational rehabilitation agency is complying substantially with the provisions of its VR State Plan under section 101 of the Rehabilitation Act and with the Evaluation Standards and Performance Indicators established under section 106. To fulfill this requirement, RSA developed the VR Monitoring and Technical Assistance Guide (MTAG) through which it assesses the performance of the VR agencies in the operation of the program and their compliance with pertinent federal programmatic and fiscal requirements.
It is important to note that the VR MTAG may be revised or updated from year-to-year. Therefore, we recommend that you return to this site periodically to access RSA’s most current VR MTAG.
During the monitoring process, RSA works closely with the VR agency, the State Rehabilitation Council, and stakeholders to identify emerging practices to help promote communities of practice and increase awareness of a variety of approaches that could provide a foundation for research and lead to the development of evidence-based practices.
State Independent Living Programs
RSA developed the FY 2012 Independent Living Monitoring and Technical Assistance Guide (IL/MTAG) through which it assesses the performance and compliance of the Designated State Agency and/or Designated State Unit with pertinent programmatic and fiscal requirements in the administration of the two IL formula grant programs authorized under Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, including the State Independent Living Services Program and the IL Services for Older Individuals who are Blind Program.
Fiscal Management
To assist states with the fiscal administration of the program, RSA developed a number of fiscal resources including policy directives and training materials on specific areas of fiscal policy and program administration. In addition, RSA posted training materials from the FY 2013 RSA National Fiscal Management Training Conference conducted August 27-29, 2013, as a resource in this area.
The materials address a number of topics including:
- Allowable and Allocable Costs;
- Contract Development and Administration;
- Establishment Projects;
- Indirect Cost and Cost Allocation Plan;
- Integration of Program and Fiscal Info/Data Planning;
- Internal and External Fiscal Control;
- Maintenance of Effort;
- Management of Funding Streams Cash Management & Drawdown;
- Personnel Cost Allocation;
- Sources of Match; Third-Party Cooperative Arrangements; and
- Supporting Documentation.
RSA developed calculators to assist VR agencies in finding the amount of match needed to fulfill the non-federal share of a grant award, and the formula grant process for the basic VR state grants program.
This content was copied from www.ed.gov on 09/09/2015
Annual Reports
The RSA Annual Reports provide a description of the activities of RSA. RSA is the principal agency for carrying out Titles I, III, VI and VII, as well as specified portions of Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. RSA is responsible for preparing and submitting these reports to the President and Congress under Section 13 of the Act.
This content was copied from www.ed.gov on 09/09/2015