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

The Tennessee Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Tennessee Coalition To End Domestic And Sexual Violence Division was awarded a $580,000 Cooperative Agreement by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women under the Education, Training, and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities (CFDA 16.529) grant program. The goal of this 3-year project is to create sustainable change to improve responses to individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Key activities include establishing a multidisciplinary collaborative team, increasing organizational capacity to provide accessible services, identifying service gaps, and developing a strategic plan to address those needs. The award will also provide the grantee and its partner Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with intensive technical assistance to support project implementation.

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. The tennessee coalition to end domestic and sexual violence will collaborate with bridges for the deaf and hard of hearing 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 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. 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.