Braille Training Program (84.235E)

Overview

The Braille Training program offers financial assistance to projects that will: 

1. Provide training in the use of braille for personnel providing vocational rehabilitation (VR) services or educational services to youth and adults who are blind; 
2. Develop braille training materials; 
3. Develop methods used to teach braille; and
4. Develop activities used to promote the knowledge and use of braille and nonvisual access technology for youth and adults who are blind.

The Braille Training program partners with States and public nonprofit agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education, to provide information, material, equipment, and training in braille instruction. The support provided by the program will increase the knowledge and skills of personnel providing VR services or educational services to youth and adults who are blind.

FY 2026 Funding

Estimated Available Funds: $2,100,000.

Award Ceiling: $300,000

FY 2024 Funding

Estimated Available Funds: $342,000

Award Ceiling: Year 1: We will not make an award exceeding $115,000 for the first budget period of 12 months; Years 2-5: We will not make an award exceeding $230,000 for each budget period of 12 months.

FY 2019 Funding

Estimated Available Funds: $345,000

Award Ceiling: $115,000 for a single budget period of 12 months.

Program Authority

Section 303(d) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by title IV of WIOA.

Applicable Regulations

1. The Education Department General Administrative Regulations in 34 CFR parts 75, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 97, and 99. 
2. The Office of Management and Budget Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3485. 
3. The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR part 3474.

Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants except federally recognized Indian Tribes.

Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education only. 

Eligibility

States, public agencies and organizations, nonprofit agencies and organizations, and public or nonprofit institutions of higher education are eligible to apply. 

Applicant Information

• FY26 Applicant Instructions