Federal Grant Award Summary

The State of Maryland Department of Education received a Formula Grant award of $560,096 from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services under the Rehabilitation Services Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (CFDA 84.177) program. The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, supports the delivery of comprehensive independent living services to older individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout Maryland, with program administration based in Baltimore, MD.

Under this federal award, Maryland's Department of Education provides specialized services designed to enhance autonomy and community integration for blind and visually impaired seniors. These services include vocational assessments, career counseling, job training, assistive technology support, and other independent living interventions tailored to the unique needs of older blind individuals. The department leverages this formula grant funding to improve and expand service capacity across the state, potentially through sub-awards and partnerships with local workforce boards and community organizations, thereby ensuring comprehensive coverage of disability services and independent living assistance to eligible Maryland residents.