Program Office: Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)

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

Sec. 12(a) of the Rehabilitation Act authorizes the commissioner of the 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. In addition, Sec. 12 funds may be used to provide short-term and technical instruction, conduct special demonstrations, develop and disseminate educational or informational materials, and carry out 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 the provision of services to individuals with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act. Program improvement funds have been used to support activities that improve program effectiveness and accountability, and to enhance the Department’s ability to provide technical assistance in critical areas of national significance in achieving the purposes of the act.