MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is launching a new data collection initiative under the Pathways to Partnerships Program, funded by the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF).
Alabama is one of 20 states receiving grant funding as part of the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023 DIF, aimed at enhancing education and employment outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.
The program targets children with disabilities aged 10-13 and youth aged 14-24, focusing on creating seamless transition services through collaboration among state vocational rehabilitation agencies, state and local education agencies, and other service organizations.
The initiative involves surveys and interviews with program participants, state directors, and project staff, as well as the collection of administrative data to evaluate the program's effectiveness.
A total of $198,975,322 in grant funding is being invested across the 20 states to implement these model demonstration projects, with Alabama being a key participant.
The program's goal is to establish systematic approaches to delivering transition services, improving both educational and employment outcomes for the targeted demographic.
Federal Grants Enhance Disability Services Across 19 States
- The U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is implementing a new data collection initiative under the Pathways to Partnerships Program, funded by the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF), impacting 19 states beyond Alabama.
- This initiative is part of the FFY 2023 DIF, which aims to increase competitive integrated employment for children, youth, and individuals with disabilities across these states.
- The program is designed to create systematic and seamless approaches to transition services for children with disabilities (ages 10-13) and youth with disabilities (ages 14-24) in states such as Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, and Maryland.
- Collaboration is key, involving State vocational rehabilitation agencies, State education agencies, local education agencies, and Federally funded Centers for Independent Living in these states.
- The initiative will gather data through surveys and interviews with program participants, state directors, and project staff, as well as collecting administrative data, to evaluate the program's effectiveness in these regions.
- The overarching goal is to enhance education and employment outcomes for children and youth with disabilities through innovative model demonstration projects in these 19 states.
To view the original document on the Federal Register, click here.
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