While this fall still looks uncertain with COVID-19, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities will still be running their Fall grants and programs. Some of these may look a little different, but their staff are getting creative to support projects around the state in the safest way possible.

 Does your program, school or organization want to increase employment for people with disabilities? Applications for Employment First Partner grants will open on July 13th! Spread the word to others in your community about the importance of employment for people with disabilities. Activities our grants support include presenting to service clubs and business groups, organizing community conversations, holding legislative events and town hall meetings, and educating people with disabilities and their families about having community jobs.

Learn more

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has opened a new funding opportunity for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) on Technology for Expressive Communication. 

The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities (including international activities) to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.

DRRP on Technology for Expressive Communication: Under this particular DRRP priority, NIDILRR aims to sponsor research and development activities to generate new knowledge and technology products that can be used to improve the use of expressive language by people with developmental, adult-onset, or acquired communication disabilities, thereby improving community living outcomes.

View more details and application instructions.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process.This grant opportunity closes on May 18, 2020.

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has opened several funding opportunities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) on Community Living and Participation (both Research and Development), Health and Function (both Research and Development), and Projects for Translating the Findings and Products of Disability Rehabilitation Research and Development into Practice. 

The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities (including international activities) to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.

DRRP on Community Living and Participation (Research): Under this particular DRRP priority, applicants must propose a research project that is aimed at improving community living and participation outcomes of individuals with disabilities. A grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) new or full scientific knowledge, or (2) understanding of the subject or problem studied.  

DRRP on Community Living and Participation (Development): Under this particular DRRP priority, applicants must propose a development project that is aimed at improving the community living and participation of individuals with disabilities. A grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods beneficial to the target population, including design and development of prototypes and processes.

DRRP on Health and Function (Research): Under this particular DRRP priority, applicants must propose a research project that is aimed at improving health and function outcomes of individuals with disabilities. A grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) new or full scientific knowledge, or (2) understanding of the subject or problem studied. 

DRRP on Health and Function (Development): Under this particular DRRP priority, applicants must propose a development project that is aimed at improving the health and function of individuals with disabilities. A grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods beneficial to the target population, including design and development of prototypes and processes.

DRRP on Projects for Translating the Findings and Products of Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Development into Practice: Under this particular DRRP priority, grantees must promote the use or adoption of findings or products from NIDILRR-sponsored research or development projects.

Please visit the links above for more details about this grant opportunity and application process. These grant opportunities close on March 23, 2020.

Do you know a high school student with a disability who is a leader or a budding advocate? If so, please refer them to the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)!

WHO: High school students with disabilities who have an IEP (up to age 21)

WHERE: Edgewood College, Madison, WI
WHEN: July 19 – 24, 2020
COST: FREE to invited participants

In just one week, students will gain:

• Better leadership skills
• Practice getting/keeping a job
• Career exploration
• Improved self-advocacy skills
• Adult mentors to support you
• A Personal Leadership Plan to keep you focused when you go home
• Increased confidence
• Experience with independent living skills
• Connections with your state legislators & new friends
• Memories and fun!

Application is available at: https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/wisconsin-youth-leadership-forum/
Applications are due April 1st, 2020! 

Being selected to attend the Youth Leadership Forum is a distinct honor that can go on a resume!   

Questions?  Contact, Jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-7707.

Last week, ACL represented the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the Access and Mobility for All Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). In addition to speeches and panel discussions, the summit featured technology demonstrations by local Assistive Technology Act programs and the approval of a strategic plan for the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) - an interagency partnership to coordinate the efforts of federal agencies funding transportation services.

Of particular significance to ACL's grantees and partners, the summit included an announcement of new funding to promote inclusive transportation and a discussion about harnessing ACL and HHS program funds to meet "matching" requirements for several grants from the USDOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

New Funding Opportunity 

FTA has announced the Mobility for All Pilot Program. The $3.5 million grant program is available to states and tribes who can partner with community-based organizations as sub-applicants, The program will fund projects that enhance transportation connections to jobs, education, and health services for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low income. 

Applications are due January 6, 2020. For more information, see FTA's notice of funding. 

Apply for an Employment First Partner Grant! 

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WI BPDD) is seeking up to eight (8) organizations to engage in community outreach activities that lead to increased community, integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Anyone committed to expanding integrated employment in their community can apply, including people with disabilities, family members, service providers, and schools. 

Possible activities include hosting a community conversation about employment, presenting to employer groups such as the chamber of commerce, or connecting families new to community-based employment with families who are committed to it to share experiences and alleviate concerns.  Each grantee will receive up to $2,000 plus coaching and presentation materials to engage in outreach activities. 

To learn more and apply, see the Employment First Partner application.  The deadline has been extended -- applications are due by 5:00 pm on August 30, 2019. 

Please contact Molly Cooney at 608-266-0266 or molly.cooney@wisconsin.gov with any questions.

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL is announcing a funding opportunities for a new Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) on Independent Living Transition Services for Youth and Young Adults with Significant Disabilities from Minority Backgrounds.

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program

The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities (including international activities) to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.

DRRP on Independent Living Transition Services for Youth and Young Adults with Significant Disabilities from Minority Backgrounds: This particular DRRP priority is a joint-funding collaboration between NIDILRR and the Independent Living Administration (ILA), both within the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The grantee will conduct research to generate evidence-based practices for services provided by Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to facilitate the transition of youth with significant disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds who were eligible for individualized education programs and who have completed their secondary education or otherwise left school.

Applicants under this priority must propose to conduct research to:

(1) systematically identify promising practices for facilitating the transition of youth and young adults with significant disabilities from minority backgrounds,

(2) develop at least two manualized transition interventions for youth and young adults with significant disabilities from minority backgrounds, and

(3) assess the feasibility and efficacy of the transition interventions for youth and young adults with significant disabilities from minority backgrounds.

Applicants must also include a plan of dissemination, training, and technical assistance services to CILs, regarding services to facilitate the transition of youth and young adults with significant disabilities from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds to post-secondary life. To help ensure the relevance of the research-based knowledge generated by this grant, CILs must be substantially involved in the design and implementation of the proposal, including all research, development, dissemination, training, and technical assistance activities.

Minority entities are the only applicants that are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. 

Please visit the link above for more details about this grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on August 19, 2019.

A new grant opportunity from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has been announced.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: NIDILRR seeks to fund research and development that leads to innovative technological solutions and strategies to improve the accessibility, usability, and performance of technologies designed to benefit people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or to remove environmental barriers. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on July 19, 2019.

2019-2020 Training Opportunities for Families of Youth with Disabilities
 

What is a Transition Parents in Partnership?

Transition Parents in Partnership (PIP) is an opportunity for families to learn about the transition process for their youth with disabilities ages 14-21 in the areas of employment, education, living and health.

Why Should I attend a Transition PIP?

• Learn about planning for life after high school
• Learn about valuable resources and adult services
• Become part of a network of parents who have youth with disabilities
• Explore ways to share the information I have learned
• Strengthen partnerships between the many professionals I interact with on behalf of my child

 
For more information about PIP and for the locations and dates for the 2019-2020 PIP trainings visit: https://wspei.org/families/pip.php
 

What is Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment?

Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE) is an opportunity for youth with disabilities (ages 14-21) and their parents to learn about the transition process in a unique way while building real life skills in the areas of employment, education, living and health.
 
Why Should I attend YiPPE?

• Learn about planning for life after high school 
• Learn about valuable resources and adult services
• Become part of a network of parents who have youth with disabilities
• Explore ways to share the information I have learned
• Strengthen partnerships between the many professionals I interact with on behalf of my child

 
Why Should my Youth Attend YiPPE?

• Learn how to make decisions for themselves
• Get involved in their school and community
• Learn how to speak for themselves
• Prepare for college and/or work
• Meet other youth

 
For more information about YiPPE and for the locations and dates for the 2019-2020 YiPPE trainings visit: www.wspei.org/families/yippe.php

If I’m Interested in either of these trainings, what do I do next?

• To register for a YiPPE training, contact Sherry Gundlach 920-896-1003.
• To register for the Fennimore Transition PIP training, contact Kari Todryk 608-745-5421.

 
All trainings are FREE of charge to families.  Overnights, meals, and resources are paid for with a DPI IDEA Discretionary Grant.

*To learn more about WSPEI please click here to visit the website*