Group items tagged

The Evaluation of State and Local Education Programs and Policies (State/Local Evaluation) topic supports the evaluation of fully-developed programs and policies implemented by state and local education agencies to determine whether they produce a beneficial impact on student education outcomes relative to a counterfactual when they are implemented under routine conditions in authentic education settings. These evaluations are to determine both the overall impact of the programs/policies and the impact across a variety of conditions to determine if there are positive impacts for all , for some groups, or under some conditions. Through the State/Local Evaluation topic, the Institute seeks to establish long-term partnerships between research institutions and education agencies that will focus their research efforts on programs/policies of high relevance to policymakers and practitioners. The Institute expects the education agencies to identify research questions of high importance to their work, help shape the evaluation to meet their conditions, and have direct access to the results. The results of such evaluations are of value not only to the education agency directly involved, but also to other states and districts that may be using or considering the use of similar programs/policies.

The “Access to Integrated Employment: National Data Collection on Day and Employment Services for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities” project is a longitudinal study describing day and employment services nationwide for individuals with developmental disabilities. The project will: Study the effectiveness of state developmental disabilities agencies and vocational rehabilitation agencies in promoting full inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through employment and other community activities Describe national trends in the employment and economic status of youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on a state and national basis Highlight practices and outcomes in the transition from school to employment and promote policy enhancing integrated employment at both the systems and customer levels Develop guidelines for community-based non-work activities Implement www.statedata.info External Web Site Policy, a website illustrating service system investment in day and employment services, and www.realworkstories.org External Web Site Policy, a website featuring successes of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in paid jobs in their communities Provide an online catalog of innovative state-level strategies that influence policy and facilitate access to integrated employment Collaborate with other AoD data collect projects to show targeted current year and longitudinal data on the project website.

Purpose of Program: The Institute's purpose in awarding these grants is to provide national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of (1) developmental and school readiness outcomes for infants and toddlers with or at risk for a disability, and (2) education outcomes for all students from early childhood education through postsecondary and adult education. The Institute's research grant programs are designed to provide interested individuals and the general public with reliable and valid information about education practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and access to education opportunities for all students. These interested individuals include parents, educators, students, researchers, and policymakers. In carrying out its grant programs, the Institute provides support for programs of research in areas of demonstrated national need. Competitions in This Notice: The Institute will conduct 10 research competitions in FY 2018 through two of its centers: The Institute's National Center for Education Research (NCER) will hold five competitions: One competition for education research; one competition for education research and development centers; one competition for partnerships and collaborations focused on problems of practice or policy; and two competitions for low-cost, short-duration evaluation of education interventions. The Institute's National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) will hold five competitions: One competition for special education research; one competition for research training programs in special education; two competitions for low-cost, short-duration evaluation of special education interventions; and one competition for research networks focused on critical problems of policy and practice in special education.

As defined in the DD Act of 2000, the term "developmental disabilities" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments that are manifested before the individual attains age 22 and are likely to continue indefinitely. Developmental disabilities result in substantial limitations in three or more of the following functional areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living and economic self-sufficiency. The DD Act of 2000 identifies a number of significant findings, including: Disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into the community. Individuals whose disabilities occur during their developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are likely to continue indefinitely. Individuals with developmental disabilities often require lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals, advocates, community representatives and others to eliminate barriers and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families. The DD Act of 2000 also promotes the best practices and policies presented below: Individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of achieving independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into the community, and often require the provision of services, supports and other assistance to achieve such. Individuals with developmental disabilities have competencies, capabilities and personal goals that should be recognized, supported and encouraged, and any assistance to such individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consisten

The purpose of NIDILRR's ARRT program, which is funded through the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is to provide advanced research training and experience to individuals with doctorates, or similar advanced degrees, who have clinical or other relevant experience. ARRT projects train rehabilitation researchers, including researchers with disabilities, with particular attention to research areas that support the implementation and objectives of the Rehabilitation Act and that improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act. ARRT projects must provide advanced research training to eligible individuals to enhance their capacity to conduct high-quality multidisciplinary disability and rehabilitation research to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities in one of NIDILRR's three major domains of health and function, employment, and community living and participation. This particular funding opportunity announcement invites applications for ARRT policy fellowship grants.

The Requests for Applications describe the substantive requirements for research and research training applications, as well as provide information on how to prepare and submit applications electronically through Grants.gov. Research Programs Education Research Grants (FY 2015) - 84.305A Application deadline | August 7, 2014 Special Education Research Programs (FY 2015) - 84.324A Application deadline | August 7, 2014 Education Research and Development Centers (FY 2015) - 84.305C Application deadline | August 7, 2014 Statistical and Research Methodology in Education (FY 2015) - 84.305D Application deadline | August 7, 2014 Partnerships and Collaborations Focused on Problems of Practice or Policy (FY 2015) - 84.305H Application deadline | August 7, 2014 Research Training Programs Research Training Programs in the Education Sciences (FY 2015) - 84.305B Application deadline | August 7, 2014 Research Training Program in Special Education: Early Career Development and Mentoring (FY 2015) - 84.324B Application deadline | August 7, 2014

Founded in 1972, the Tourette Association of America (formerly the Tourette Syndrome Association) has emerged as the premier national nonprofit organization working to make life better for all people affected by Tourette and tic disorders. The association advances its work by raising public awareness and fostering social acceptance; working to advance scientific understanding, treatment options, and care; educating professionals to better serve the needs of children, adults and families challenged by Tourette and tic disorders; advocating for public policies and services that promote positive school, work, and social environments; providing help, hope, and a supportive community across the nation; and empowering its community to deal with the complexities of this spectrum of disorders.

This report will take an in-depth look at the AbilityOne program and NCD's concerns pertaining to 14(c) certificates. NCD released a white paper in February 2019 which was a cursory look at the AbilityOne program (https://NCD.gov/publications/2019/cursory-look-abilityone). This report will pick up where the white paper ended and will include an in-depth review of how AbilityOne functions and interacts with its Central Nonprofit Agencies(CNAs) and Nonprofit Agencies (NPAs). NCD expects any proposal submitted in response to the solicitation to include how it will obtain data needed to determine the prevalence of 14(c) certificate holders among AbilityOne providers; how it will set up a partnership with the Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment and Policy (ODEP) to gather and provide concrete data showing the impact of varying scenariosPertaining to persons with disabilities and employers; and what methods will be used to examine each CNA individually. NCD also expects the final report developed by the contractor to examine what has been done to improve transparency since the 898 Advisory Panel Subcommittee to Eliminate Waste Fraud and Abuse called for improved transparency of the AbilityOne Program in July 2018. The contractor will develop recommendations and promising practices for federal agencies, state and local municipalities with the goal of improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

The National Academy of Education works to advance high-quality education research and its use in policy formation and practice. Founded in 1965, the academy comprises members in the United States and foreign associates who are elected on the basis of outstanding scholarship related to education. Since its establishment, NAEd has undertaken research studies that address pressing issues in education conducted by its members and other scholars with relevant expertise. As part of that mission, the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports early-career scholars working in critical areas of education research. The non-residential postdoctoral fellowship funds proposals with the potential to make significant scholarly contributions to the field of education. The program also aims to develop the careers of its recipients through professional development activities involving National Academy of Education members. Fellows receive $70,000 for one academic year of research, or $35,000 for each of two contiguous years working half-time, and are included in professional development retreats with other fellows and NAEd members. The program is open to all eligible applicants regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Applicants must have received their PhD, EdD, or equivalent research degree between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016. In addition, all applicants should have a demonstrated record of research experience in education.

The mission of the American Association on Health and Disability is to contribute to national, state, and local efforts to promote health and wellness in people with disabilities and identify effective intervention strategies that reduce health disparities between people with disabilities and the general population. AAHD accomplishes its mission through research, education, and advocacy at the national, state, and community levels. To that end, the AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is awarded annually to deserving students with a disability who are pursuing undergraduate/graduate studies (at least a sophomore in college) at an accredited university in an area related to health and disability, including but not limited to public health, health promotion, disability studies, disability research, rehabilitation engineering, audiology, disability policy, special education, or other majors that impact quality of life for persons with disabilities. Scholarships of up to $1,000 will be awarded in late January/early February 2019. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled full time as an undergraduate (freshman or beyond) or part or full time in graduate school, have a documented disability, and be able provide documentation of their disability. (Applicants who have not yet graduated from high school will not be considered.) In addition, applicants must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States enrolled in an accredited U.S. university. Preference will be given to students majoring in public health, disability studies, disability research, health promotion, or a field related to disability and health.

The Organization for Autism Research is seeking pre-proposals for its 2018 Applied Research Competition. The annual program aims to promote innovative research that directly supports the autism community by expanding the body of knowledge related to autism intervention and treatment, producing practical and objective results, and providing outcomes that enhance the quality of life for persons with autism and their families. Preference will be given to the analysis, evaluation, or comparison of current models of assessment, intervention, or systems of service delivery, including policy analysis; applied aspects of educational, behavioral, or social/communicative intervention; effective intervention across the lifespan for individuals considered to be severely impacted by autism; adult issues such as continuing education, employment, residential supports, sexuality instruction, quality-of-life determinants, and "later intervention"; and issues related to family support, social and community integration, assessment and intervention with challenging behavior, and the use of technology in support of learners with ASD. In 2018, OAR will award grants of up to $30,000. Studies can range in duration from one to two years.

The annual program aims to promote innovative research that directly supports the autism community by expanding the body of knowledge related to autism intervention and treatment, producing practical and objective results, and providing outcomes that enhance the quality of life for persons with autism and their families. Preference will be given to the analysis, evaluation, or comparison of current models of assessment, intervention, or systems of service delivery, including policy analysis; applied aspects of educational, behavioral, or social/communicative intervention; effective intervention across the lifespan for individuals considered to be severely impacted by autism; adult issues such as continuing education, employment, residential supports, sexuality instruction, quality-of-life determinants, and "later intervention"; and issues related to family support, social and community integration, assessment and intervention with challenging behavior, and the use of technology in support of learners with ASD.

The Milbank Foundation was created in 1995 to pursue Jeremiah Milbank's vision of integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of American life. The Foundation's current priorities include: - Consumer-oriented projects that enable people with disabilities to lead fulfilling, independent lives - Innovative policy research and education on market-based approaches to health care and rehabilitation - Improving and expanding quality health services, especially palliative care - Education and training of health and rehabilitation professionals

This notice solicits applications for Advancing Systems of Services for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. The purpose of this program is to improve health and well-being for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families by addressing three core systems focus areas for CYSHCN-access to patient/family-centered medical home, transition of youth into the adult health care system, and adoption of health care financing models that improve care and outcomes while achieving cost savings. This program will establish a national collaborative network of resource centers supporting state Title V programs, families of CYSHCN, child health professionals, and other stakeholders through the provision of technical assistance, training, education, partnership building, policy analysis, and research. Program Goal: The overall goal of this program is to strengthen the system of services for CYSHCN and their families by awarding three separate and distinct cooperative agreements. Cooperative agreements will be awarded to three recipients, who will collaborate to establish a national network of resource centers, with one center awarded for each of the following three focus areas: (1) Patient/family-centered medical home; (2) Transition of youth into the adult health care system; and (3) Health care financing models that improve care and outcomes while achieving cost savings. The three recipients will coordinate efforts to achieve quality care, decrease health care costs, and improve experience of care for CYSHCN and their families. An applicant can apply and be awarded only one focus area. For specific information about applying for one focus area, see Section IV. Application and Submission Information, Project Abstract.

Purpose of Program: The Institute's purpose in awarding these grants is to provide national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of (1) developmental and school readiness outcomes for infants and toddlers with or at risk for a disability, and (2) education outcomes for all students from early childhood education through postsecondary and adult education. The Institute's research grant programs are designed to provide interested individuals and the general public with reliable and valid information about education practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and access to education opportunities for all students. These interested individuals include parents, educators, students, researchers, and policymakers. In carrying out its grant programs, the Institute provides support for programs of research in areas of demonstrated national need. Competitions in This Notice: The Institute will conduct 10 research competitions in FY 2018 through two of its centers: The Institute's National Center for Education Research (NCER) will hold five competitions: One competition for education research; one competition for education research and development centers; one competition for partnerships and collaborations focused on problems of practice or policy; and two competitions for low-cost, short-duration evaluation of education interventions.

Congress enacted the Troops to Teachers (TTT) Program in 1993 to assist eligible current and former members of the armed forces to transition into second careers as teachers. Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Force Education, is responsible for program policy, funding and oversight. The TTT National Office, located within the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), is responsible for day-to-day operations and management of the program. Authorizing statute in 10 USC 1154(h) (2) (A), permits the Secretary of Defense to make grants to states or consortia of such states in order to support efforts of recruiting eligible current and former members of the armed forces for participation in the TTT Program and facilitating the employment of participants as elementary school teachers, secondary school teachers, and career or technical teachers.

The Social Security Administration's (SSA's) Analyzing Relationships between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work (ARDRAW) Small Grant Program is a one-year $10,000 stipend program awarded to graduate-level students to conduct supervised independent research designed to foster new analysis of work, rehabilitation, and disability issues, which may develop innovative and fresh perspectives on disability. Potential research areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to: Working conditions of SSA beneficiaries Work accommodations and needs of SSA beneficiaries Non-competitive employment for SSA beneficiaries Vocational and other types of service use by SSA beneficiaries Non-SSA assistance provided to SSA beneficiaries

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Statements of Interest (RSOI) from civil society organizations to promote and protect the human rights of marginalized populations. This request is seeking programs that take an intersectional approach to addressing violence and discrimination targeting marginalized populations, which undermine society’s collective security, and programs that provide marginalized populations with tools to prevent, mitigate and recover from violence.

The purpose of the RRTCs, which are funded through the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is to achieve the goals of, and improve the effectiveness of, services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act through well-designed research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities in important topical areas as specified by NIDILRR. These activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service providers, individuals with disabilities, family members, policymakers and other research stakeholders. The purpose of this particular RRTC is to engage in research, statistical analyses and modeling, knowledge translation, development of informational products, and dissemination to contribute to increased access to and improved quality of home and community based long-term services and supports (LTSS) for individuals with disabilities of all ages.