Federal Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) awarded the Human Services Rhode Island Department of Vocational Rehabilitation $150,000 through the Supported Employment Services for Individuals with the Most Significant Disabilities program (CFDA 84.187) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This formula grant supports the development and delivery of collaborative supported employment services for individuals with the most significant disabilities throughout Rhode Island.

The funded services encompass vocational assessments, career counseling, job training and placement assistance, workplace accommodations, assistive technology support, and ongoing employment support to facilitate competitive integrated employment outcomes. The Rhode Island Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation operates as a child entity of the State of Rhode Island and delivers these services in partnership with public and private nonprofit organizations across the state. The award supports the agency's core mission of enabling individuals with disabilities to prepare for, secure, and maintain employment while enhancing their independence and quality of life, consistent with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) framework.