U.S. Department of Education awards several grants
October 14, 2010
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) recently announced the award of several grants that will affect students with disabilities and their families. The following is a brief recap of each.
Special Education Parent Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers
DOE awarded more than $3.5 million in grants to operate 15 special education Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers in 11 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Guam. The Department also awarded $1 million to provide funding for ten Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs).
PTI Centers provide parents with training and information to work with special education professionals in meeting the early intervention and special needs of children with disabilities. Every state has at least one PTI (see Technical Assistance Alliance of Parent Centers for a list). In addition, CPRCs provide services to underserved parents of children with disabilities in targeted communities throughout the country.
Transition to Postsecondary Education
DOE awarded $10.9 million for 28 grants under two new federal programs that create opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to attend and be successful in higher education. The new federal programs include the Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) and a new coordinating center to support these TPSID grantees. The grantees will create or expand programs that focus on academics and instruction, social activities, employment experiences through work-based learning and internships, and independent living. The Ohio State University and Kent State University were among the TPSID grantees.
Training of Special Educators
DOE awarded more than $19.9 million in grants to help prepare special education personnel to improve services and results for children with disabilities. $13.5 million will be used to improve the quality and increase the number of people who are fully credentialed to serve children with disabilities. Kent State University is one of the grantees.
$6 million will be used to fund the "Preparation of Leadership Personnel" grants. The Ohio State University is one of the grantees.