The U.S. Department of Education today announced the award of an $875,000 grant to the University of California, San Francisco to create a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Living Policy. The grant money was disbursed before the recent government shutdown and was not affected by the temporary lapse in funding.

The project is aimed at contributing to improved community living and participation outcomes for individuals with disabilities. It will identify methods of enhancing long-term services and support systems. The center will also work toward upgrading data collection on community living policy and developing a strategic plan for community living research.

"It is important to assure that community living remains a viable option for individuals with disabilities," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "This project will explore ways to enhance the community living experience, providing for a decent, honorable quality of life."

The grant (CFDA 84.133B-11 is being awarded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), a component of the department's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.