Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

Disability Rights Iowa received a $188,180 formula grant award from the Administration on Disabilities (part of the Department of Health and Human Services) under the Voting Access for Individuals with Disabilities-Grants for Protection and Advocacy Systems program (CFDA 93.618). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030, funds comprehensive voting access initiatives designed to ensure full electoral participation for individuals with disabilities throughout Iowa. Key deliverables include voter education and registration assistance, training for election officials and poll workers on disability rights and best practices, guidance on polling place accessibility and accessible voting equipment, advocacy support for Help America Vote Act (HAVA) implementation, and representation for individuals with disabilities in filing complaints and grievance procedures related to voting access.

As Iowa's congressionally mandated Protection and Advocacy System, Disability Rights Iowa will leverage this funding to provide direct legal and advocacy services addressing barriers to electoral participation. Activities encompass ballot access support, accessible voting equipment education, physical accessibility improvements to polling locations, and technical assistance to state and local election entities. The organization may collaborate with sub-award partners to expand service delivery across the state. Funds will be obligated annually throughout the five-year project period, with records retained for a minimum of three years per federal compliance requirements.