Federal Grant Award Summary

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, received a $21.5 million Formula Grant 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). This award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, supports comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities throughout Michigan. The grant funds individualized assessments, career counseling, job training, employment placement assistance, workplace accommodations, and independent living skills instruction tailored to help individuals with disabilities achieve sustainable employment and independence.

As Michigan's designated state vocational rehabilitation agency, the Bureau implements these services both directly and through sub-awards to local workforce development boards, community organizations, and educational institutions at the community level. This formula grant allocation reflects a predetermined distribution based on state eligibility criteria and population needs, consistent with the standardized approach used across all 50 states and U.S. territories receiving VR funding. The Bureau maintains comprehensive financial and programmatic records in accordance with federal requirements and operates under the governance framework established by the Rehabilitation Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).