Rehabilitation Training: Disability Innovation Fund—Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project

Overview

<p>The U.S. Department of Education (Department) is issuing a notice inviting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the Disability Innovation Fund—Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project, Assistance Listing Number 84.421C. The Department intends to fund a multi-site model demonstration project designed to assist State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, in partnership with other entities, to develop career pathways focused on career advancement. This competition will help VR-eligible individuals with disabilities, including previously served VR participants in employment who re-enter the VR program, to advance in high-demand, high-quality careers, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), including computer science, careers; to enter career pathways in industry-driven sectors through pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships and Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP); to improve and maximize competitive integrated employment outcomes, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion in society; and to reduce reliance on public benefits (e.g., Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and/or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and State or local benefits). <br>Absolute Priority: Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project.<br>This priority establishes model demonstration projects in which State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, whether applying alone or in a consortium, by developing and using career pathways, will assist VR eligible individuals with disabilities, including previously served VR participants in employment who re-enter the VR program, to advance in their careers. Projects should help these individuals obtain promotional opportunities with a current employer or a different employer; obtain additional responsibility and compensation by advancing in a formal career or job series; obtain industry recognized credentials that result in additional responsibilities, compensation, and benefits; improve and maximize CIE outcomes, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion in society; and/or reduce reliance on public benefits (e.g., SSI, SSDI, and/or TANF, and State or local benefits).</p>