Summary

The Human Services Rhode Island Department of Vocational Rehabilitation received a $14.5 million formula grant award from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services under the Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States program (CFDA 84.126) effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This award supports comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities throughout Rhode Island, including vocational assessments, career counseling, job training and placement assistance, workplace accommodations, and independent living supports to help clients prepare for, secure, and maintain employment.

As a designated state VR agency, the awardee delivers services in coordination with public and private nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island. The funding enables continuation of core service delivery capabilities that directly support individuals with disabilities in achieving employment and independence goals. This award represents the state's annual allocation under the statutory formula-based allocation mechanism that distributes VR funding to all 50 states and U.S. territories. The Rhode Island VR division operates under an approved VR services portion of the state's Unified State Plan under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), with the next four-year state plan modification due in spring 2026.