Federal Grant Award Summary

The State of Iowa Department for the Blind received a $292,310 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Rehabilitation Services Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind program (CFDA 84.177). The award period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This funding supports the delivery of comprehensive independent living services to older Iowans who are blind or visually impaired, including counseling, skills training, assistive technology support, and other targeted interventions designed to help participants maintain autonomy, enhance community integration, and improve overall quality of life.

As a designated state agency, the Department for the Blind administers these federally funded services to support older blind individuals in maintaining and improving their ability to function independently in their homes and communities. The department may conduct sub-awards to local non-profit organizations and community-based entities to ensure comprehensive service coverage throughout Iowa. This formula grant award is part of the department's sustained annual federal funding from OSERS, which has been renewed consistently from fiscal years 2021 through 2026, demonstrating ongoing federal investment in Iowa's capacity to deliver integrated rehabilitation and independent living services to the state's blind and visually impaired population.