Building VR capacity for self-employment: training, policy reform, and tribal partnership initiative

The University of Arizona received a $561,923 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under the Innovative Rehabilitation Training program (CFDA 84.263) for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The project, titled "Building VR Capacity for Self-Employment: Training, Policy Reform, and Tribal Partnership Initiative," focuses on developing innovative training programs for vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals and paraprofessionals. The initiative combines professional development, policy reform, and tribal collaboration to enhance VR service delivery capacity, with particular emphasis on self-employment training for individuals with disabilities.

Under this award, the University of Arizona will design and demonstrate new training methodologies and curriculum that equip VR personnel with contemporary knowledge of the evolving labor market and the specific needs of individuals with disabilities pursuing self-employment pathways. The project's integration of tribal partnership reflects the program's broader objective to develop improved methods for delivering rehabilitation services through state rehabilitation units and nonprofit service agencies, ultimately strengthening the vocational rehabilitation system's ability to support individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomes.