Assistance Listings

Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States

Objectives

To assist States in operating comprehensive, coordinated, effective, efficient and accountable programs of vocational rehabilitation (VR); to assess, plan, develop, and provide VR services for individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and informed choice so they may prepare for and engage in an employment outcome.

Examples of Funded Projects

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

In FY 2024, initial annual allotments to States, including D.C. and Puerto Rico ranged from $12.1 million to $320.3 million, with a median award of $51.8 million. Grants to territories ranged from $0.9 million to $3.4 million.

Accomplishments

Account Identification

91-0301-0-1-506

Types of Assistance

A - Formula Grants

Credentials and Documentation

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible applicants include the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. State agencies designated to administer the VR program will receive funds with the submission and approval of the State Unified or Combined State plan under WIOA, including a VR services portion of that Plan.

Beneficiary Eligibility

In order to be eligible for VR services, an individual must have a physical and/or mental impairment, which, for such an individual, constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment, and requires VR services to achieve an employment outcome.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Funds become available for obligations for the fiscal year for which they are appropriated and may remain available for an additional year if the matching requirement is met in the year of the appropriation. Grant awards are issued annually. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Electronic Transfer

Use of Assistance

Federal and State funds are used to cover the costs of providing VR services to eligible individuals with disabilities under an individualized plan for employment. Such services include: assessment, counseling, vocational and other training, job placement, reader services for the blind, interpreter services for the deaf, medical and related services and prosthetic and orthotic devices, rehabilitation technology, transportation to secure VR services, maintenance during rehabilitation, and other goods and services necessary for an eligible individual with a disability to achieve an employment outcome. Services are provided to families of individuals with disabilities when such services contribute substantially to the rehabilitation of such individuals who are receiving VR services. Funds can also be used to provide VR services for the benefit of groups of individuals with disabilities including the construction and establishment of community rehabilitation programs. Each State is also required to reserve and use at least 15 percent of its Federal VR State Grant award to provide or arrange for the provision of pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities in accordance with section 113 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Deadlines

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedures

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program.

State VR agencies are required to submit a VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan every four years describing the manner in which they will administer the VR and Supported Employment programs in their States including assurances. State agencies are required to update descriptions and submit amendments and modifications as required to the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Not Applicable.

Award Procedure

Grant awards are made to State VR agencies with an approved VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State plan. States are notified of their annual allotment under the funding formula. Grant funds are withdrawn under the Electronic Transfer System.

Date Range for Approval/Disapproval

Approval of the Unified or Combined State Plan, including approval of the VR services portion of that plan, is governed by section 102 of Title I of WIOA.

Renewals

Not Applicable.

Appeals

Appeal procedures with respect to the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan are governed by section 101(b) of the Rehabilitation Act. Appeal procedures for individuals with disabilities regarding services under the VR program are governed by section 102(c) of the Rehabilitation Act.

Policy Requirements

Reports

Audits

Records

Financial and programmatic records, including case service records, must be kept for a prescribed period of three years after the date of submission of the final financial report (2 CFR part 200, Subpart D—Post Federal Award Requirements).

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Vocational Rehabilitation Regulations (34 CFR part 361). Rehabilitation Services Policy Directives and Technical Assistance Circulars. Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR part 200.

Formula and Matching Requirements

Regional or Local Locations:

Headquarters Office: