Accessible Education Video Projects (84.327C)

The purpose of the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities Program (ETechM2 Program) is to improve results for children with disabilities by: 

1. promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology; 
2. supporting educational activities designed to be of educational value in the classroom for children with disabilities; 
3. providing support for captioning and video description that is appropriate for use in the classroom; and 
4. providing accessible educational materials to children with disabilities in a timely manner.

Program Description

The Accessible Education Video Projects grant competition funds projects that are designed to meet requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Specifically, section 674(c) of IDEA requires, in part, that the Secretary of Education support audio description, open captioning, and closed captioning that is appropriate for use in early learning and kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) settings of:

1. Television programs;
2. Videos; or
3. Other materials, including programs and materials associated with new and emerging technologies

Performance Measurement Information

The Department of Education has established a set of performance measures that are designed to yield information on various aspects of the effectiveness and quality of each grant program. Performance of the ETechM2 investments is evaluated annually using the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) performance measures approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with consideration at the program, grant program, and project levels. At the program level, ETechM2 has three performance measures that deal with quality, relevance, and usefulness of products and services provided by the program (Program Performance Measures 1-3). There are two efficiency measures that provide data on the distribution of accessible materials and on the production of video description by projects that provide these services (Program Performance Measures 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3).

• Program Performance Measure #1: The percentage of Educational Technology, Media, and Materials Program products and services judged to be of high quality by an independent review panel of experts qualified to review the substantial content of the products and services.
• Program Performance Measure #2: The percentage of Educational Technology, Media, and Materials Program products and services judged to be of high relevance to improving outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.
• Program Performance Measure #3: The percentage of Educational Technology, Media, and Materials Program products and services judged to be useful in improving results for infants, toddler, children, and youth with disabilities.
• Program Performance Measure #4.1: The Federal cost per unit of accessible educational materials funded by the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials Program.
• Program Performance Measure #4.2: The Federal cost per unit of accessible educational materials from the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Center funded by the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials Program.
• Program Performance Measure #4.3: The Federal cost per unit of video description funded by the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials Program.

FY 2026 Funding

Estimated Available Funds: $3,150,000

Maximum Award: We will not make an award exceeding $1,050,000 for a single budget period of 12 months.

Expected Number of Awards: 3

FY 2021 Funding

Estimated Available Funds: $2,000,000

Maximum Award: $650,000 to $666,000 per budget year.

Legislation

20 U.S.C. 1474, 1481, and 1482 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Applicant Information

• FY 2026 84.327C Application Abstract Template
• FY 2026 84.327C Application Notice and Instructions

Eligibility

Under section 1473, the term "eligible entity" has the meaning given the term in section 1461(b) of IDEA:

1. State educational agency (SEA)
2. State lead agencies under Part C of the IDEA
3. Local education agency (LEA)
4. Public charter school that is a local education agency under State law
5. Institution of higher education (IHE), including community colleges
6. Public agency not described in subparagraphs (A) through (D)
7. Private nonprofit organization
8. Outlying area
9. Indian Tribe or a Tribal organization (as defined under section 5304 of title 25)
10. For-profit organization, if the Secretary finds it appropriate in light of the purposes of a particular competition for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this part.

Note: If you are a nonprofit organization, under 34 CFR 75.51, you may demonstrate your nonprofit status by providing: (1) proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) a statement from a State taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual; (3) a certified copy of the applicant’s certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or (4) any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.

FY 2021 Grantees