The national resources for access, independence, self-determination, and employment (RAISE) technical assistance center

The National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination, and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center received a $409,753 Project Grant award from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Rehabilitation Services Demonstration and Training Programs (CFDA 84.235), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Statewide Parent Advocacy Network Inc. (SPAN), a Newark, New Jersey-based nonprofit organization, serves as the awardee and will operate this national technical assistance center to support rehabilitation services and family empowerment initiatives.

Under this award, SPAN will provide comprehensive technical assistance services to expand and improve rehabilitation services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act. As a parent information and advocacy organization with demonstrated expertise in serving families of children with disabilities, SPAN will deliver resources, training, and support services focused on enhancing family engagement, navigating special education and transition services, and fostering independence and self-determination. The RAISE center will build upon SPAN's existing capacity as operator of the New Jersey Parent Training and Information Center and the Center for Parent Information and Resources National Parent Technical Assistance Center, positioning it to deliver specialized assistance on a national scale.