Federal Grant Award Summary

The Maine Department of Labor's Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) received a formula grant award of $3,728,325 from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, under the Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States program (CFDA 84.126). This award supports DBVI's comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services designed to help individuals with visual disabilities achieve employment and independent living outcomes across Maine.

Under this funding, DBVI delivers individualized vocational rehabilitation services including vocational assessments, career counseling, job training, and workplace accommodations. The division also administers supported employment programs and independent living services tailored to residents with visual impairments, enabling them to prepare for, secure, and maintain meaningful employment while enhancing their overall quality of life. As a formula grant distributed to state vocational rehabilitation agencies based on predetermined eligibility criteria and population needs, this award represents Maine's allocation for operating an effective and accountable statewide VR program consistent with the state's approved Unified or Combined State Plan.