Presolicitation Notice
National Council on Disability
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act:  Transition Outcomes and Effects

April 5, 2007 – Initial Announcement of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity for a Cooperative Agreement:  NCD-07-02

Application materials will be made available on May 7, 2007 at www.ncd.gov

You can also request applications by writing to:

Joan Durocher
National Council on Disability
1331 F Street, NW  Suite 850
Washington, DC  20004

Or by e-mail request at:  jdurocher@ncd.gov

Applications will be due on June 15, 2007

Maximum amount available for this project:  $100,000

All potential applicants are eligible to apply

Cost sharing is not required

Project Overview:

NCD is seeking researchers to assess the implementation of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, specifically related to transition from school to work and/or post-secondary education; as well as collaboration with post-secondary educational systems.  Traditionally, the VR program has been justified as a good investment, with supporters pointing to cost-benefit studies showing high positive ratios of earnings gains of former clients to money spent on program services and administration. But questions have been raised about whether the program is able to serve all those who are eligible and desire services, whether the services provided are sufficient in scope and suitably targeted to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, and whether the program’s effects persist over the long term.

Now, more than ever perhaps, effective vocational rehabilitation programs are necessary. Those responsible for decisions about the state-federal VR program need information about how those with disabilities are being served and what works. Individuals with disabilities are more likely to be unemployed or living in poverty than are Americans without disabilities. But many individuals, especially those with severe disabilities, are also in need of education, skill training, and other assistive services to effectively prepare them to take advantage of work opportunities.  There is a persistent high rate of unemployment among people with disabilities.  Though the high unemployment rate is due to a number of factors, there does appear to be a correlation between employability and education and training.  To be competitive in today’s world, one most often needs education and training beyond the secondary school level. 

NCD expects that the resulting report will be used by policymakers and the public to refine and strengthen the on-going implementation of the Rehabilitation Act.