Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Rehabilitation Long-Term Training program-- Rehabilitation Technology ALN 84.129E

The Office for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at the Department of Education issued revised common instructions for applicants to its discretionary grant programs. This latest version supersedes the instructions published on December 7, 2022. The document outlines essential steps for submitting applications, emphasizing the usage of Grants.gov for electronic submissions. Key requirements include obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), as well as maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Applicants are advised to submit applications well ahead of deadlines to accommodate any potential technical issues, with specific details provided for both electronic and paper submissions. Moreover, the revised instructions introduce guidance on responsibly utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in grant applications, underscoring the need for applicants to ensure the integrity and compliance of their submitted materials. AI's risks are highlighted, such as bias and inaccuracies, and alignments with ethical guidelines are encouraged. This document serves as a central reference for applicants, streamlining processes and clarifying responsibilities to facilitate successful grant applications while promoting innovation through responsible AI use.

The U.S. Department of Education is inviting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) program, which aims to provide financial support for academic training in vocational rehabilitation due to personnel shortages. Applications will be available from June 20, 2025, with a deadline of July 17, 2025. The program prioritizes training in specific areas, including rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation technology, and services for individuals with disabilities. A minimum of 65% of the awarded funds must be allocated as scholarships for students enrolled in the RLTT program. Eligible applicants include states, public and nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education, with a total funding amount of $15 million expected. The document outlines the purpose of the program, evaluation criteria, and the requirement for applicants to demonstrate how their projects address local workforce needs and utilize innovative training methods. It also lists performance measures for tracking the effectiveness of funded programs, emphasizing the importance of preparing professionals in the rehabilitation field to meet the evolving labor market demands and the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.