The training and services to end violence and abuse against women with disabilities and deaf people grant program (disability program) is authorized by 34 U.S.C. 20122

Under a $505,000 Cooperative Agreement awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (CFDA 16.529 - Education, Training, and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities), Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Inc. (VSC) and its partner PAHRTNERS Deaf Services will work to strengthen organizational partnerships, increase capacity to provide accessible and effective services, conduct needs assessments, and develop strategic plans. The goal is to enhance the response to individuals with disabilities and deaf individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The funding will support a two-phase project, with the first phase focused on planning and development activities, followed by an implementation phase to carry out initiatives addressing identified needs. Throughout the grant period, the organizations will receive technical assistance to support this work.

The goal of the disability grant program is to create sustainable change within and between organizations that improves the response to individuals with disabilities and deaf individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to hold perpetrators of such crimes accountable. Victim services of montgomery county, INC. Will collaborate with pahrtners deaf services to strength partnerships and establish a multidisciplinary collaborative team (team); increase organizational capacity to provide accessible, safe, and effective services to individuals with disabilities and deaf individuals who are victims of violence and abuse; identify needs within the grantees organization and/or service area; and develop a plan that addresses those identified needs and builds a strong foundation for future work. The period of performance is separated into two phases: 1) the planning and development phase and 2) the implementation phase. During the planning and development phase, each team will enter into a collaborative relationship, engage in capacity building activities, develop a collaboration charter, conduct a needs assessment, and develop a strategic plan and project focus memo. The planning and development phase will be completed by december 31, 2024. The implementation phase will commence after completion of the planning and development phase and OVW approval of the strategic plan. During the implementation phase, each team will implement initiatives to address the needs identified during the planning and development period. This will be completed by september 30, 2026. Throughout the project, each team will receive intensive technical assistance and support through a combination of meetings, on-site consultations, web resources, and tele/video conference calls. Each member of the team will be expected to address issues of accessibility and safety within their own organizational service and employment practices. Each organization is expected to develop and implement policies that address access and safety and a realistic plan to sustain project activities.