Department of Education

REHABILITATION SERVICES

Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request

CONTENTS

Page

Appropriations Language.............................................................................................................. 1

Analysis of Language Provisions and Changes............................................................................ 3

Appropriation, Adjustments, and Transfers................................................................................... 5

Summary of Changes ................................................................................................................... 6

Authorizing Legislation.................................................................................................................. 7

Appropriations History................................................................................................................... 8

Significant Items in FY 2023 Appropriations Reports ................................................................... 9

Summary of Request ..................................................................................................................10

Activities: 

Vocational rehabilitation State grants .....................................................................................11

Client assistance State grants ................................................................................................28

Training...................................................................................................................................33

Demonstration and training programs ....................................................................................40

Protection and advocacy of individual rights ..........................................................................46

Supported employment State grants ......................................................................................50

Independent living services for older blind individuals............................................................55

Helen Keller National Center..................................................................................................60

Account Summary Table.............................................................................................................67

State Tables*

*State tables reflecting actual fiscal year 2022 allocations and fiscal years 2023 and 2024 

estimates are posted on the Department’s webpage at: 

https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/statetables/index.html
1 

Appropriations Language

REHABILITATION SERVICES

For carrying out, to the extent not otherwise provided, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 

Helen Keller National Center Act, [$4,092,906,000] $4,405,533,000, of which [$3,949,707,000]

$4,253,834,000 shall be for grants for vocational rehabilitation services under title I of the 

Rehabilitation Act1: Provided, That the Secretary may use amounts provided in this Act [and 

unobligated balances from title III of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, 

and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022, (division H of Public Law 117-

103),] that remain available subsequent to the reallotment of funds to States pursuant to section 

110(b) of the Rehabilitation Act for innovative activities aimed at increasing competitive 

integrated employment as defined in section 7 of such Act for youth and other individuals with 

disabilities, including related Federal administrative expenses, [and] for improving monitoring 

and oversight of grants for vocational rehabilitation services under title I of the Rehabilitation 

Act, [including] and for information technology [modernization] needs under section 15 and titles 

I, III, VI, and VII of the Rehabilitation Act2: Provided further, That up to 15 percent of the 

amounts available subsequent to reallotment for the activities described in the first proviso from 

funds provided under this paragraph in this Act, may be used for evaluation and technical 

assistance related to such activities3: Provided further, That States may award subgrants for a 

portion of the funds to other public and private, nonprofit entities4: Provided further, That any 

funds provided in this Act and made available subsequent to reallotment for the purposes 

described in the first proviso shall remain available until September 30, [2024] 20255: Provided 

further, That the Secretary may transfer funds provided in this Act and made available 

subsequent to the reallotment of funds to States pursuant to section 110(b) of the Rehabilitation 

Act to “Institute of Education Sciences” for the evaluation of outcomes for students receiving 

services and supports under IDEA and under title I, section 504 of title V, and title VI of the 
2

Rehabilitation Act6: Provided further, That the transfer authority in the preceding proviso is in 

addition to any other transfer authority in this Act.

7 (Department of Education Appropriations Act, 

2023.)

NOTE

Each language provision that is followed by a footnote reference is explained in the “Analysis of Language 

Provisions and Changes” table, which follows the appropriations language.
REHABILITATION SERVICES AND DISABILITY RESEARCH

3 

Analysis of Language Provisions and Changes

Language Provision Explanation

1 ... of which $4,253,834,000 shall be for 

grants for vocational rehabilitation services 

under title I of the Rehabilitation Act:

This language earmarks funds provided for 

the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) State 

Grants program. 

2 Provided, That the Secretary may use 

amounts provided in this Act [and 

unobligated balances from title III of the 

Departments of Labor, Health and Human 

Services, and Education, and Related 

Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022, (division 

H of Public Law 117-103),] that remain 

available subsequent to the reallotment of 

funds to States pursuant to section 110(b) of 

the Rehabilitation Act for innovative activities 

aimed at increasing competitive integrated 

employment as defined in section 7 of such 

Act for youth and other individuals with 

disabilities, including related Federal 

administrative expenses, [and] for improving 

monitoring and oversight of grants for 

vocational rehabilitation services under title I 

of the Rehabilitation Act, [including] and for

information technology [modernization] 

needs under section 15 and titles I, III, VI, 

and VII of the Rehabilitation Act: 

This language allows the Secretary to use 

amounts that remain available subsequent to 

the reallotment of funds to States under the 

VR State Grants program for innovative 

activities aimed to increase competitive 

integrative employment for youth and other 

individuals with disabilities and for related 

administrative expenses, such as salaries or 

training costs for the Federal staff overseeing 

the use of these funds. This language also 

allows funds to be used for activities that will 

improve the effectiveness of monitoring and 

oversight of the VR State Grants program. In 

addition, this language allows funds to be 

used for RSA’s information technology needs, 

such as supporting the online portals used by 

States and grantees to submit required data

to RSA. The inclusion of this language 

ensures that unused funds remain available to 

improve the outcomes of individuals with 

disabilities, instead of being returned to the 

Treasury.

3 Provided further, That up to 15 percent of 

the amounts available subsequent to 

reallotment for the activities described in the 

first proviso from funds provided under this 

paragraph in this Act, may be used for 

evaluation and technical assistance related 

to such activities:

This language allows the Secretary to use up 

to 15 percent of the amounts that remain 

available subsequent to the reallotment of 

funds to States under the VR State Grants 

program to be used to evaluate the impact 

and effectiveness of the project activities 

aimed at increasing competitive integrated 

employment for youth and other individuals 

with disabilities, and provide technical 

assistance to support grantees in this work. 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

4 

Language Provision Explanation

4Provided further, That States may award 

subgrants for a portion of the funds to other 

public and private, nonprofit entities:

This language permits States to use a portion 

of their project funds to make subgrants to 

other public and private, nonprofit entities for 

carrying out innovative activities aimed at 

increasing competitive integrated employment 

for youth and other individuals with 

disabilities.

5Provided further, That any funds provided in 

this Act and made available subsequent to 

reallotment for the purposes described in the 

first proviso shall remain available until 

September 30, [2024] 2025:

This language permits the funds made 

available subsequent to reallotment of VR 

State Grant funds to remain available for two 

years.

6 Provided further, That the Secretary may 

transfer funds provided in this Act and made 

available subsequent to the reallotment of 

funds to States pursuant to section 110(b) of 

the Rehabilitation Act to “Institute of 

Education Sciences” for the evaluation of 

outcomes for students receiving services and 

supports under IDEA and under title I, 

section 504 of title V, and title VI of the 

Rehabilitation Act:

This language allows the Secretary to transfer 

funds made available subsequent to 

reallotment of VR State Grant funds to the 

Institute of Education Sciences (IES) for an 

evaluation of student outcomes.

7 Provided further, That the transfer authority 

in the preceding proviso is in addition to any 

other transfer authority in this Act.

This language clarifies that the authority to 

transfer funds to IES is separate from and in 

addition to any other transfer authority 

provided. 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

5

Appropriation, Adjustments, and Transfers 

(dollars in thousands)

Appropriation/Adjustments/Transfers 2022 2023 2024

Discretionary:

Discretionary: Appropriation $143,524 $143,199 $151,699

Total, discretionary appropriation 143,524 143,199 151,699

Mandatory:

Mandatory: Appropriation 3,719,121 3,949,707 4,253,834

Mandatory Sequester (P.L. 112-25) -211,990 -225,133 -242,469

Total, adjusted mandatory appropriation 3,507,131 3,724,574 4,011,365

Total, discretionary and adjusted 

mandatory appropriation 3,650,655 3,867,773 4,163,064
J.REHABILITATION SERVICES

6 

Summary of Changes

(dollars in thousands)

2023 $4,092,9061

2024 4,405,5332

Net change +267,586

Increases: 2023 base

Change 

from base

Built in

Increase in funding for Vocational rehabilitation (VR) State 

grants, consistent with the inflation increase specified in the 

authorizing statute. $3,949,707 +$304,127

Program:

Increase in funding for Client assistance State grants to cover 

increased operational costs. 13,000 +2,000

Increase in funding for Demonstration and training programs to

support supplemental funding for the Parent Information and 

Training program. 5,796 +1,500

Increase in funding for Independent living services for older 

blind individuals to cover increased operational costs. 33,317 +5,000

Net change +312,627

1 Excludes the 5.7 percent reduction of mandatory VR State Grant funds pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011 

(P.L. 112-25) that went into effect on October 1, 2022. The reduced level for 2023 subsequent to the 5.7 percent 

sequester is $3,867,773 thousand, a reduction of $225,133 thousand. 2 Excludes the 5.7 percent reduction of mandatory VR State Grant funds pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011 

(P.L. 112-25) that goes into effect on October 1, 2023. The reduced level for 2024 subsequent to the 5.7 percent 

sequester is $4,163,064 thousand, a reduction of $242,469 thousand. 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

7

Authorizing Legislation

(dollars in thousands)

Activity

2023

Authorized

footnote

2023

Appropriation

footnote

2024

Authorized

footnote

2024

Request

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) State grants:

VR Grants to States (RA-I A, B (110, 111 and 113), and C) 0 1 $3,673,9242 0 1 $3,960,210

VR Grants for Indians (RA-I-C) (1,3) 50,6502 (1,3) 51,155

Client assistance State grants (RA-I-112) 0 4 13,000 0 4 15,000

Supported employment State grants (RA-VI) 0 4 22,548 0 4 22,548

Training (RA-III-302) 0 4 29,388 0 4 29,388

Demonstration and training programs (RA-III-303) 0 4 5,796 0 4 7,296

Services for older blind individuals (RA-VII-2) 0 4 33,317 0 4 38,317

Protection and advocacy of individual rights (RA-V-509) 0 4 20,150 0 4 20,150

Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNCA) 0 5 19,000 0 5 19,000

Total definite authorization 0 0

Total discretionary appropriation 143,199 151,699

Total mandatory appropriation 3,949,707 4,253,834

Total appropriation 4,092,906 4,405,533

Portion of request not authorized 4,092,906 4,405,533

Total appropriation including required mandatory reduction 3,867,7732

_______________________________

1 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2021. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations action. The authorizing legislation specifies 

that the amount to be appropriated for a fiscal year be at least the level of the prior fiscal year increased by the 12-month percentage change from October to 

October in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPIU). 2 The amount reflects the 5.7 percent reduction of mandatory programs that went into effect on October 1, 2022, pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011 

(P.L. 112-25). 3 The Rehabilitation Act requires that 1.0 percent to 1.5 percent of the appropriation for Vocational Rehabilitation State grants be set aside for Grants to Indians. 4 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2021. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations action. 5 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2004. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations action.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

8

Appropriations History

(dollars in thousands)

Year

Budget 

Estimate 

to Congress

House 

Allowance Footnote

Senate 

Allowance Footnote Appropriation

Foot20151 $3,683,335 N/A $3,722,853 $3,709,853

20162 3,532,109 $3,529,605 3,487,864 3,529,605

20173 3,541,389 3,534,027 3,536,389 3,535,589

20184 3,563,008 3,562,582 3,562,418 3,361,143

20195 3,634,977 3,657,689 3,656,189 3,657,189

20206 3,719,527 3,752,076 3,745,239 3,747,739

20217 3,782,952 3,827,500 3,805,500 3,814,220

20228 3,894,820 3,896,820 3,874,145 3,858,320

20239 4,125,906 4,104,906 4,093,406 4,092,906

2024 4,405,533

1 The House allowance is shown as N/A because there was no Subcommittee action. The level for the Senate 

allowance reflects Senate Subcommittee action only.

2 The levels for House and Senate allowances reflect action on the regular annual 2016 appropriations bill, which 

proceeded in the 114th Congress only through the House Committee and Senate Committee.

3 The levels for House and Senate allowances reflect Committee action on the regular annual 2017 appropriations 

bill; the Appropriation reflects the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2017. 4 The level for the House allowance reflects floor action on the Omnibus appropriations bill; the Senate allowance 

reflects Committee action on the regular annual 2018 appropriations bill; the Appropriation reflects the Consolidated 

Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-141). 5 The levels for the House and Senate allowances reflect Committee action on the regular annual 2019 

appropriations bill; the Appropriation reflects enactment of the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human 

Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (P.L. 115-245). 6 The Senate allowance reflects the Chairman’s mark; the Appropriation reflects the Further Consolidated 

Appropriation Act, 2020 (P.L. 116-94). 7 The level for the House allowance reflects subcommittee action. The level for the Senate Allowance reflects the 

Chairman’s mark; the Appropriation reflects Division H of the FY 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-

260).

8 The House allowance reflects floor action; the Senate allowance reflects the Chairman’s mark; and the 

Appropriation reflects Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103). 9 The House allowance reflects the regular annual FY 2023 appropriation, which was introduced on the floor; the 

Senate allowance reflects the Chairman’s mark; and the Appropriation reflects the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 

2023 (P.L. 117-328).
REHABILITATION SERVICES

9 

Significant Items in FY 2023 Appropriations Reports

Item description

Explanatory

Statement: The agreement directs the Department to provide a briefing to the Committees 

no later than 90 days after enactment on the planned uses of funds that remain 

available for obligation subsequent to the reallotment of funds to States pursuant 

to section 110(b) of the Rehabilitation Act, and to provide semi-annual briefings 

thereafter.

Response: The Department will comply with this directive. 

Explanatory 

Statement: The agreement directs the Department to use a portion of DIF funds for 

competitive grants, to be awarded in coordination with the Office of Disability 

Employment Policy, to non-governmental entities in partnership with State 

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies for innovative strategies that significantly 

increase employment of adults with disabilities. The agreement expects this will 

focus on adults with disabilities who are not currently in the workforce. Grants 

shall be awarded to partnerships that support disabled adults in obtaining 

competitive integrated employment and advance their career trajectories. 

Strategies for improving employment outcomes for adults with disabilities must 

have as their goal a significant effect on disability employment in the State or 

region. Funds should be used to develop new and innovative strategies for the 

recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement of disabled adults, 

spurring change in the State VR agency's strategies and ability to improve State 

disability employment outcomes.

Response: Subject to the availability of fiscal year 2023 Disability Innovation Funds (DIF) for 

obligation through fiscal year 2024, the Department will comply with this directive. 

Explanatory 

Statement: The agreement directs the Department to notify the Committees at least 15 days 

prior to transferring any funds to IES under the authority provided under this 

heading.

Response: Subject to the availability of fiscal year 2023 Disability Innovation Funds (DIF) for 

obligation through fiscal year 2024, the Department will comply with this directive. 

Explanatory 

Statement: The agreement directs the Department to provide participants in the RandolphSheppard Program with technical assistance and support in applying for funding 

opportunities for innovative activities aimed at increasing competitive integrated 

employment. 

Response: The Department will comply with this directive. 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

10

Summary of Request

People with disabilities represent a vital and integral part of our society. Providing workers with 

disabilities the support and the opportunity to acquire the skills that they need for in-demand 

jobs and careers is critical to growing our economy, ensuring that everyone who works hard is 

rewarded, and building a strong middle class. To help achieve this goal, the Rehabilitation Act 

seeks to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic selfsufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society. The Rehabilitation Act was 

reauthorized in 2014 under Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), 

which supports the Nation’s workforce development system through programs and investments 

in employment services, workforce development, adult education, and vocational rehabilitation. 

WIOA expired in fiscal year 2020 and the one-year GEPA extension ended in fiscal year 2021; 

authorization for all programs within the Rehabilitation Services account for fiscal year 2024 is 

requested through appropriations language.

The Administration’s 2024 request for the Rehabilitation Services account provides $4.4 billion 

in mandatory and discretionary funding to support comprehensive and coordinated vocational 

rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities through direct services, training and technical 

assistance, and model demonstrations, as well as direct services to help older individuals who 

are blind live more independently. 

The $4.3 billion mandatory request for the Vocational rehabilitation (VR) State grants

program includes an increase of $304.1 million over the fiscal year 2023 appropriation,

consistent with the inflation increase specified in the authorizing statute, to assist States and 

Tribal governments in increasing the participation of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. 

WIOA strengthened the alignment of the VR program with other components of the workforce 

development system to promote a coordinated and streamlined system. As an integral partner 

in this system, the VR program is the primary Federal vehicle for assisting individuals with 

disabilities, particularly individuals with the most significant disabilities, to prepare for, obtain, 

retain, or advance in high quality employment.

The request includes an increase of $2.0 million for the Client assistance State grants

program to cover increased operational costs. 

The request includes an increase of $1.5 million for the Demonstration and training program

to support supplemental funding for the Parent Information and Training program. 

The request also includes an increase of $5.0 million for the Independent living services for 

older blind individuals program to cover increased operational costs. 

The request would maintain support for all other programs in the Rehabilitation Services 

account at the 2023 level.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

11

Vocational rehabilitation State grants

(Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title I, Parts A, B (Sections 110, 111 and 113), and C)

(dollars in thousands)

FY 2024 Authorization: To be determined 1

Budget Authority: 

2023 Appropriation 2024 Request Change 

State grants:

Pre-sequester $3,899,057 $4,202,679 +$303,622

Post-sequester 3,673,924 3,960,210 +286,286

Set-aside for American Indian Vocational 

Rehabilitation Services

 50,650 2 51,155 +505

Total pre-sequester 3,949,707 4,253,834 +304,127

Total post-sequester3 3,724,574 4,011,365 +286,791

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) State Grants program supports formula grants to 56 States, 

including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and 

the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, to provide individuals with disabilities,

particularly individuals with the most significant disabilities, the services they need to obtain 

competitive integrated employment. Grant funds are administered by VR agencies designated 

by each State. There is currently a total of 78 State VR agencies. Thirty-four States and 

Territories operate a “combined” agency serving all disability categories. Twenty-two States 

operate a separate agency for individuals who are blind or visually impaired and a “general” 

agency for all other disability categories. The authorizing legislation requires the program to be 

funded at no less than the prior year level, increased by the percentage change in the 

Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.

1 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2021. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations 

action. The authorizing statute specifies that the amount to be appropriated for a fiscal year be at least the level of the 

prior fiscal year increased by the 12-month percentage change (from October to October) in the Consumer Price 

Index for All Urban Consumers (CPIU). The authorizing statute also requires that not less than 1.0 percent, and not 

more than 1.5 percent, of the appropriation for each fiscal year for VR State Grants be set aside for Grants for 

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

2 The fiscal year 2023 President’s Budget proposed to reserve $53,091 thousand for the AIVRS program, however 

based on actual program needs, the Department will be setting aside $50,650 thousand. 3 The post-sequester amounts reflect the 5.7 percent sequester reduction for mandatory programs that took effect on 

October 1, 2022 for the fiscal year 2023 appropriation and will go into effect on October 1, 2023 for the fiscal year 

2024 appropriation, pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Vocational rehabilitation State grants

12

Workforce Development System

The VR State Grants program was reauthorized in July 2014 in Title IV of the Workforce 

Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which supports a comprehensive, accessible, highquality workforce development system that includes programs and investments in employment 

services, workforce development, adult education, and vocational rehabilitation. The workforce 

development system is aligned with regional economic development strategies to meet the 

needs of local and regional employers. WIOA’s one-stop system, established under 

Section 121(e) of WIOA, operates through a network of centers in each State; the goal of the 

one-stop system is to provide a variety of services to assist both individuals in meeting their 

employment and training needs, as well as employers in recruiting a qualified workforce. 

The VR State Grants program is a core program and a required partner in the one-stop service 

delivery system. It is governed by provisions in both the Rehabilitation Act (Title IV of WIOA) 

and Title I of WIOA. For a State to be eligible to receive Federal funds for the core programs of 

WIOA (Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Formula programs (Title I of WIOA); the Adult 

Education and Family Literacy Act program (Title II of WIOA); the Wagner-Peyser Employment 

Service program (Title III of WIOA); and the VR program (Title IV of WIOA)), the Governor must 

submit a unified State plan including the VR plan. After approval of the VR portion of the plan by 

the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the unified State plan is 

subject to the approval of both the Secretaries of Labor and Education. 

VR agencies provide a wide range of services designed to help individuals with disabilities 

prepare for and engage in competitive integrated employment. In supporting individuals in 

achieving their career goals, VR agencies are encouraged to support the pursuit of 

postsecondary education and vocational training leading to recognized credentials to enable 

individuals with disabilities to advance in high-demand, high quality careers and maximize their 

self-sufficiency and independence. Individuals who are eligible for assistance include those with 

a physical or mental impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment and 

who require and can benefit from VR services to achieve and maximize employment and career 

goals. Program services are tailored to the specific needs of the individual through an 

individualized plan for employment (IPE). The VR program provides a variety of services, such 

as vocational evaluation, counseling, education, vocational training, job placement, rehabilitation 

technology, supported employment services, and treatment for physical disabilities or mental 

health support, that may reasonably be expected to reduce or eliminate one or more barriers to 

employment. Priority is given to serving individuals with the most significant disabilities. Preemployment transition services may be provided to students with disabilities who are in a 

secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program and are eligible or potentially 

eligible for VR services. 

VR State Grants help cover the cost of direct services and program administration. The State 

matching requirement is 21.3 percent, except for the cost of construction of a facility for 

community rehabilitation program purposes, in which case the non-Federal share is 50 percent. 

If a State has met all matching requirements for the fiscal year in which funds were 

appropriated, the State may carry over unobligated Federal funds for an additional year. States 

must also maintain non-Federal expenditures at no less than the level spent during the second 

preceding fiscal year. Amendments made by WIOA to Section 111 of the Rehabilitation Act 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Vocational rehabilitation State grants

13

allow the Department to reduce a State’s VR grant by the amount of a Maintenance of Effort 

(MOE) deficit from any previous fiscal year. 

The Department allocates funds to States through a formula that takes into account population 

and per capita income. Each State is required to reserve and expend at least 15 percent of its 

Federal VR State Grant allotment to support pre-employment transition services to all students 

with disabilities in need of such services who are eligible or potentially eligible for services under 

Section 113 of the Rehabilitation Act. Each State is also required to reserve and use a portion of 

the Federal funds received under the VR State Grants program for innovation and expansion 

activities authorized in Section 101(a)(18).

Disability Innovation Fund 

Beginning with the fiscal year 2012 appropriation, Congress provided authority to use amounts 

that remained available following the reallotment of funds to States under Section 110(b)(2) of 

the Rehabilitation Act to conduct innovative activities aimed at improving outcomes for 

individuals with disabilities (“Disability Innovation Fund” or DIF). Absent authority provided in 

appropriations language, these annual funds would lapse and no longer be available for Federal 

obligation. In addition, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, authorized the Department to 

use up to 15 percent of fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2022 DIF funds for evaluation of, and 

technical assistance for, DIF activities. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, provided the 

same evaluation and technical assistance authority, while also allowing the Department to use 

DIF funds for Federal administrative expenses related to DIF, and for improving monitoring and 

oversight of grants for vocational rehabilitation services under title I of the Rehabilitation Act, 

including information technology modernization.

The Department funded a variety of DIF projects in prior years, including projects to: improve 

the education and employment outcomes of children receiving Supplemental Security Income 

and their families; ensure that individuals with disabilities can access web-based computer 

information with personalized accommodations at home, school, or the workplace; and develop 

work-based learning transition demonstrations for students with disabilities. 

In fiscal year 2021, $298.8 million was relinquished by States, and $121.4 million was 

redistributed through the reallotment process, leaving $177.4 million available for DIF projects 

through fiscal year 2022. The Department used most of the fiscal year 2021 funds for new 

awards through the Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment Innovative 

Model Demonstration Project DIF competition. This competition funded multiple innovative 

model demonstration projects designed to assist individuals with disabilities currently employed 

in, or contemplating, subminimum wage employment to engage with State VR agencies so they 

may obtain competitive integrated employment. The competition encouraged projects that 

support employment models in economic sectors, including essential workers, the green 

economy, home and community-based services, the arts and related fields, and transportation 

and related industries, but also allowed for field-initiated topics. The Department used $167.3 

million to fully fund 13 awards and partially fund a 14th award under this competition. In 

addition, the Department awarded a five-year, $10 million contract for an independent 

evaluation of the DIF projects funded in fiscal year 2022.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Vocational rehabilitation State grants

14

In fiscal year 2022, approximately $338.3 million was relinquished by States and $13.1 million 

was made available due to maintenance of effort (MOE) penalties, resulting in $351.4 million 

available for redistribution through the reallotment process. Approximately $87.1 million was 

requested through reallotment, leaving $264.3 million available for DIF projects through fiscal 

year 2023. Of the funds that were relinquished, $4.5 million was reallotted to different State 

agencies within the same States that relinquished the funds. The Department used 

approximately $10 million to fully fund the 14th award from the Subminimum Wage to 

Competitive Integrated Employment Innovative Model Demonstration Project DIF competition 

run in fiscal year 2022, leaving $254.3 million available for use through fiscal year 2023. 

Additional information about these projects is provided in the Program Performance Information 

section of this request.

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services 

The Rehabilitation Act requires the Department to reserve between 1.0 percent and 1.5 percent 

of the funds appropriated for the VR State grants program for the American Indian Vocational 

Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) program (Section 121 of the Act), which pays part of the costs 

of VR services for American Indians who are individuals with disabilities residing on or near a 

reservation. The Department also must use between 1.8 percent and 2.0 percent of AIVRS 

funds to provide training and technical assistance to governing bodies of Indian tribes located 

on Federal and State reservations.

Funding levels for the past 5 fiscal years were as follows:

Fiscal Year Pre-Sequester

(dollars in thousands)

Post-Sequester 

(dollars in thousands)

1

2019 $3,521,990 $3,303,627

2020 3,610,040 3,397,048

2021 3,675,021 3,465,545

2022 3,719,121 3,507,131

2023 3,949,707 3,724,574

FY 2024 BUDGET REQUEST

For fiscal year 2024, the Administration requests $4.2 billion for the VR State Grants programs, 

$304.1 million more than the fiscal year 2023 appropriation, to help States and Tribal 

governments increase the participation of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. The fiscal 

year 2024 request reflects the current estimate of the mandatory amount required by the 

authorizing statute. Of the amount requested, $51.2 million, or 1.2%, of the funds for the VR 

State Grants program will be set aside to support grants under the AIVRS program. 

1 The post-sequester amounts reflect the sequester reduction for mandatory programs pursuant to the Budget Control 

Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-25). The mandatory appropriation was reduced by 6.2 percent in 2019, 5.9 percent in 2020,

and 5.7 percent in 2021 through 2023.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Vocational rehabilitation State grants

15

Individuals with disabilities are a vital and integral part of American society; however, some face 

particular barriers to obtaining employment. Although many people with disabilities find and 

retain jobs, the overall unemployment rate for people with disabilities is very high compared to 

individuals without disabilities. For example, 2021 employment data from the U.S. Bureau of 

Labor Statistics show that of those aged 16-64 (i.e., U.S. working age population), people with 

disabilities were significantly less likely to be employed (either full-time or part-time) than people 

without such disabilities (31.4 percent versus 72.5 percent, respectively). Of those people with 

disabilities who were employed, 29 percent usually worked part-time (less than 35 hours per 

week) compared to 16 percent of people without such disabilities.1 VR program data 

demonstrate that receipt of VR services can significantly improve employment outcomes for 

individuals with disabilities. In 2022, nearly half of all VR participants were employed in 

competitively integrated settings a year after exiting the program.

The VR State Grants program is a critical component of the WIOA workforce development 

system and continues to be the primary Federal vehicle for assisting individuals with 

disabilities—particularly individuals with the most significant disabilities—to obtain 

competitive integrated employment. Nationally, there are approximately 1.4 million 

individuals with disabilities, including students with disabilities, in various phases of the 

vocational rehabilitation process, about 60 percent of whom received VR services under an 

IPE during fiscal year 2022. Approximately 95.1 percent of these individuals were 

individuals with significant disabilities.

Examples of VR services include support for work-based learning experiences and 

postsecondary training that offer youth and adults with disabilities, including those with the 

most significant disabilities, a pathway to the achievement of competitive integrated 

employment. These VR services ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal 

opportunity to participate in the workforce in both traditional and high-growth industries. 

State VR agencies play an important role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can 

successfully access and participate in such programs. For example, State VR agencies can 

provide a variety of services and supports that are beneficial to both eligible individuals with 

disabilities and employers including vocational assessment, career exploration, job readiness 

training, assistive technology services and devices, job accommodations, tuition support, job 

coaching, job restructuring, and/or post-employment services, as necessary.

Supporting States to Fully Use Their VR State Grant Funds

For multiple years, a large number of States have relinquished a significant amount of funds 

during the reallotment process or have had a large balance of unused funds at the end of the 

program period in both the VR State grants program and the Supported Employment (SE) State 

grants program. In order to address the substantial amount of unused funds in these programs, 

the Department has updated its Monitoring and Technical Assistance Guide (MTAG)2 in 

collaboration with six State VR agency directors and leaders representing the Council of State 

Administrators of Vocation Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies 

for the Blind (NCSAB). The MTAG explains the process through which the Department will 

1 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/disabl.htm

2 https://rsa.ed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/vr/FFY%202023%20MTAG%20Final%20(01.20.2023%20update).pdf
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conduct on-site monitoring and off-site reviews of, provide technical assistance to, and review 

the progress of, VR agencies in 1) maximizing the expenditure and use of Federal funds to 

improve the quality of services for, and employment outcomes achieved by, individuals with 

disabilities, and 2) complying with requirements under the Rehabilitation Act. In fiscal year 2023, 

the Department will monitor 12 VR agencies selected based on the amount of funds they 

returned through reallotment or at the end of the program period. Specific to the focus areas 

addressed during the fiscal year 2023 on-site monitoring and off-site reviews, the VR agency 

will develop and implement a strategic action plan (SAP) to demonstrate how it will reverse the 

return of unused funds and maximize the use and expenditure of Federal funds to improve 

performance and increase employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. The SAP 

should—

• identify causes for unused Federal funds and strategies and activities the VR 

agency will undertake to increase and maximize its ability to expend Federal VR 

and Supported Employment program grant funds;

• provide a written workable plan for taking action, which contains a timeline for 

implementation that demonstrates results within a reasonable specified time;

• be supported by documentation (e.g., fiscal reports, data, policies) showing 

implementation of the actions and results achieved; and

• demonstrate a roadmap and commitment for continuous improvement.

The Department will also continue to analyze expenditure patterns, provide technical 

assistance, and work with all grantees to better understand their challenges with providing the 

state dollar match and using VR funds, in order to ensure States provide critical vocational 

rehabilitation services consistent with the intent of the authorizing statute. 

Disability Innovation Fund 

The Administration continues to request authority to use funds that remain available following 

reallotment for innovative activities aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities, 

including related administrative expenses, and for improving monitoring and oversight of grants 

for vocational rehabilitation services under title I of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition, the 

Administration continues to request authority to reserve up to 15 percent of “DIF” funds for 

evaluation of, and technical assistance for, DIF projects.

The Administration is also requesting appropriations language that would provide RSA with 

authority to use DIF funds for RSA’s information technology (IT) needs. Subject to the 

availability of DIF funds in fiscal year 2024, this authority would allow RSA to fund approximately 

$1.7 million of critical IT needs. These IT investments, detailed below, facilitate the reporting 

and sharing of data required by the Rehabilitation Act in a streamlined manner, provide 

grantees and the public with access to key resources and information, and enable RSA to 

analyze State data and provide the resultant analysis to States to support the effective and 

efficient use of formula funds provided under the Rehabilitation Act.

Over recent years, the costs for RSA’s IT systems have increased significantly as a result of 

changes to cybersecurity requirements, as well as an increased reliance on electronic 

submission, and the need for greater data analysis and digital access to information. RSA has 
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met the need for increased funding through a combination of salaries and expenses (S&E) 

funds, program funds, and other Department administrative funds; however, drawing from these 

funding sources is unsustainable given rising IT costs and the need to use these funds for their 

primary purpose. For example, as further explained below, using VR Training funds on IT costs 

reduced the Department’s ability to support the training of VR staff at a time when many VR 

agencies are experiencing significant shortages of qualified personnel (see the VR Training 

section of the Congressional Justification for additional information).

At the start of the COVID pandemic, RSA shifted approximately $90,000 of S&E funds, primarily 

from its travel budget, to cover increased IT needs for the Rehabilitation Services Administration 

Management Information System (RSAMIS)1 and the State Wage Interchange System2 (SWIS). 

Now that travel has resumed for monitoring and technical assistance, it is critical that RSA 

identify an alternate source of funding for the RSAMIS and SWIS. Therefore, under the 

proposed appropriations language approximately $90,000 of DIF funds would be used to fund 

the RSAMIS and SWIS.

Under the proposed appropriations language, approximately $500,000 of DIF funds would be 

used in fiscal year 2024 for the Personnel Development Program Data Collection System 

(PDPDCS)3 contract, which supports the payback requirements related to the Long-Term 

Training grants. These funds are currently taken from the Rehabilitation Training program and 

are used predominantly for IT needs. Unfortunately, as the costs for this contract have 

increased due to changes in cybersecurity requirements, it has caused the amount of funds 

available for Rehabilitation Training grants to decrease. This portion of the request would free 

up program funds so that additional Rehabilitation Training grants, which are needed to ensure 

a sufficient number of qualified VR professionals, may be awarded. 

1 The RSAMIS serves as the IT system wherein RSA grantees report performance data, fiscal data, and other 

information. The RSAMIS collects data for OMB-approved information collections, including the Case Service Report 

(RSA-911), WIOA Annual Report (ETA-9169), Resolution of Applicant/Client Appeals (RSA-722), Vocational 

Rehabilitation Financial Report (RSA-17), Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind (RSA-7-

OB), Annual Client Assistance Program Report (RSA-227), Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights Report 

(RSA-509), Report of the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program (RSA-15), Grant Reallotment (RSA-692): 

Federal Formula Awards, and Federal Financial Report (SF-425): Federal Formula Awards.

2 The SWIS allows States to exchange Wage Data on an interstate basis with other States needing the Wage Data 

for WIOA performance reporting, as well as for other permitted purposes specified in the SWIS Data Sharing 

Agreement. State VR agencies are permitted to access Wage Data, through the SWIS, for approved uses, including 

performance accountability provisions outlined in section 116 of WIOA. RSA transfers funds to the U.S. Department 

of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to administer the SWIS through a contract. 

3 The PDPDCS provides for the collection of data from grantees, scholars, and their employers to track the 

enrollment, eligible employment of scholars, and service obligation fulfillment of scholars who have received program 

funds, until their service obligations are fulfilled, or they are referred to the Accounts Receivable and Bank 

Management Division for repayment of part or all of the funds received. The PDPDCS also provides technical 

assistance to all users and generates performance data for reporting annually on program results. The PDPDCS 

serves RSA along with the Office of Special Education Programs the Office of Indian Education.

A component of the PDPDCS, the Payback Information Management System (PIMS) collects and analyzes data on 

scholars funded by Rehabilitation Long-Term Training (RLTT) program grants to track the service obligation of 

scholars and for use in reporting program performance measures. The PIMS tracks the eligible employment of 

scholars who have been awarded scholarships from RLTT grants until their service obligations are fulfilled or they are 

referred to the Secretary for repayment of part or all of the funding received.
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While Department administrative funds have been used to pay for RSA’s share of the WIOA 

State Plan Portal1 in recent years, RSA’s share of the cost to maintain this portal is expected to 

increase from approximately $185,000 in fiscal year 2023 to between $250,000 and $370,000 

per year beginning in fiscal year 2024. Therefore, in fiscal year 2024, approximately $250,000 of 

DIF funds would be used to support the WIOA State Plan Portal under the proposed 

appropriations language. 

In fiscal year 2024, approximately $250,000 of DIF funds would be used to support development 

of a new SQL fiscal database for all RSA formula grant programs under the proposed 

appropriations language. RSA’s existing Grants Management Database was initially built to run 

the formula allocations and very basic data analysis. However, recent fiscal challenges in RSA’s 

programs have exposed the need for a database that will allow for faster and more complex 

tracking, reporting, and analysis of fiscal data, thereby allowing RSA to provide more timely 

technical assistance to State agencies to address unfavorable trends in their fiscal data. While 

RSA plans to begin development of the database in fiscal year 2023 using the fiscal year 2023 

authority to use DIF funds for IT modernization, development will continue through fiscal year 

2024. The cost for maintaining the database is expected to drop down to approximately 

$150,000 per year after fiscal year 2024.

Under the proposed appropriations language, approximately $599,000 of DIF funds would be

used to support the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM), 

which does not currently receive an appropriation. The NCRTM contract provides a central 

clearinghouse for information and resource availability for individuals with disabilities pursuant to 

Section 15 of the Rehabilitation Act. RSA currently uses funds from the Rehabilitation Training 

program to support limited NCRTM activities, with the majority of these funds in most years 

going toward IT needs. This portion of the request would free up these program funds so that 

additional Training grants, which are needed to ensure a sufficient number of qualified VR 

professionals, may be awarded. 

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The request would provide $24.9 million for new awards, $200,000 for peer review, and $26.1

million for continuation awards under the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services 

(AIVRS) program, allowing the Department to support 95 tribal VR projects and one training and 

technical assistance center. These funds enable Tribal governments to provide a program of VR 

services in a culturally relevant manner to American Indians with disabilities residing on or near 

reservations. The Department plans to reserve 2.0 percent of these funds to support training 

and technical assistance to governing bodies of Indian tribes located on Federal and State 

reservations.

1 The Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Education (ED) collaborate to administer the joint State Plan 

Requirements Information Collection Request (OMB No. 1205-0522). As outlined in the joint information collection, 

the WIOA State Plan Portal is the approved method by which States submit and modify their Unified or Combined 

State Plans. DOL and ED use the Portal to collaboratively review, provide feedback, and approve State Plans. The 

Portal also serves as the database for each State Plan and modification under WIOA. It is available to the public 

while State and Federal users are granted accounts to manage the process.
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PROGRAM OUTPUT MEASURES

Vocational rehabilitation State grants

Output Measures1 2022 2023 2024

Individuals receiving VR services under an IPE 810,222 811,000 812,000

Individuals with significant disabilities as a percent of 

all individuals receiving services 95% 95% 95%

Eligible individuals whose case files were closed 330,769 331,000 332,000

Individuals whose cases were closed and received 

VR services 262,979 263,000 264,000

Individuals achieving an employment outcome 120,093 120,500 121,000

Individuals with significant disabilities as a percent of 

individuals achieving employment outcomes 93% 93% 93%

American Indian vocational rehabilitation services

(dollars in thousands)

Output Measures 2022 2023 footnote2024 Footnote

Project funding:

Project funding: New awards $2,381 0 $24,874

Project funding: Continuation awards 47,2532 $49,6373 25,050

Project funding: Technical assistancefunds 1,013 1,013 1,013

Project funding: Peer review of new awards’ applications 3 0 218

Total 50,650 50,650 51,155

Number of AIVRS projects:

Number of New projects – AIVRS 6 0 46

Number of Continuation projects – AIVRS 894 94 50

Total projects 95 94 96

1 The output measures data for 2023 and 2024 Vocational rehabilitation State grants are estimates based on prior 

fiscal year data.

2 Includes $3,130 thousand in frontloading awards.

3 Includes $1,780 thousand in frontloading awards. 4 One grantee’s award was discontinued, at the grantee’s request, due to their inability to run the AIVRS program for 

the amount of funding they requested and had been awarded, resulting in 88 continuation awards at the close of 

fiscal year 2022.
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PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance Measures

This section presents selected program performance information, including, for example, 

program goals, objectives, measures, and performance targets and data; and an assessment of 

the progress made toward achieving program results. Achievement of program results is based 

on the cumulative effect of the Federal resources provided for the program as well as the 

resources and efforts invested by those served by the program. 

VR State Grants 

WIOA requires the core programs of the workforce development system, including the State VR 

Services program, to meet common performance accountability requirements, including the 

submission of common performance data to demonstrate that specified performance levels are 

achieved. Required data for the core programs include those related to the primary performance 

indicators, participant counts and costs, and participants’ barriers to employment. Data 

definitions were changed by WIOA, limiting the validity of comparisons to performance data 

reported under the prior law. For fiscal years 2015 through 2020, the Department reported 

interim measures that were aligned with the WIOA performance indicators as State VR 

agencies continued to collect and report WIOA data. 

The Department has developed new performance measures that mirror three of the WIOA 

performance indicators and will report baseline data for 2021, 2022 and 2023 before 

establishing targets. Performance data reported in 2021 are based on data collected under the 

RSA-911 from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Performance data reported in 2022 are based on 

data collected under the RSA-911 from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. 

These performance measures do not include data for Guam, American Samoa, the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands because the territories are 

not a part of the performance accountability system set forth in section 116 of WIOA.

Goal: Individuals with disabilities served by the VR program will achieve high quality 

employment outcomes and continue to work following their exit from the program. 

Objective: Ensure that individuals with disabilities, who are participating in an education or 

training program, are making progress towards earning a recognized postsecondary credential 

or achieving employment. 
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Measure: The percentage of VR program participants who achieved measurable skill gains, in 

accordance with WIOA, during the program year.

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 43.3%

2022 Baseline 43.0

2023 Baseline Intentionally left blank

2024 TBD Intentionally left blank

Objective: Ensure that individuals with disabilities who exit the VR program with competitive 

integrated employment will be capable of maintaining employment as a result of the VR services 

they received. 

Measure: The percentage of VR program participants who were employed during the second 

quarter after exit from the program. 

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 48.6%

2022 Baseline 52.5

2023 Baseline Intentionally left blank

2024 TBD Intentionally left blank

Measure: The percentage of VR program participants who were employed during the fourth 

quarter after exit from the program. 

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 44.0%

2022 Baseline 48.0

2023 Baseline Intentionally left blank

2024 TBD Intentionally left blank

American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services

WIOA does not require the use of common performance measures and data for the AIVRS 

program, and the Department continues to use previously established performance and 

efficiency measures for this program.

During fiscal year 2019, the economy and labor markets on American Indian reservations began 

a significant decline that reduced viable employment opportunities for American Indians with 

disabilities. As a result of this decline, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic that began during 

fiscal year 2020, the Department anticipates that AIVRS program performance data will 

continue to show a downward trend in fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023. 
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Goal: To improve employment outcomes of American Indians with disabilities who live 

on or near reservations by providing effective tribal vocational rehabilitation services.

Objective: Ensure that eligible American Indians with disabilities receive vocational 

rehabilitation services and achieve employment outcomes consistent with their particular 

strengths, resources, abilities, capabilities, and interests.

Measure: The percentage of individuals who leave the program with an employment outcome, 

after receiving services under an individualized plan for employment.

Year Target Actual

2019 67% 58%

2020 68 57

2021 68 68

2022 68 Intentionally left blank

2023 68 Intentionally left blank

2024 68 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: Data for fiscal year 2021 show that 1,409, or 68.0 percent, of the 

2,059 American Indians with disabilities who exited the program after receiving services in that 

year achieved an employment outcome. Although the target was achieved, fewer American 

Indians with disabilities received services as compared to previous years. Fiscal year 2022 data 

will be available in summer 2023.

Efficiency Measures

Objective: Ensure that AIVRS projects demonstrate effective fiscal management. 

Measure: The percentage of AIVRS projects that demonstrate an average annual cost per 

employment outcome of no more than $35,000.

Year Target Actual

2019 76% 59%

2020 76 60

2021 76 53

2022 76 Intentionally left blank

2023 76 Intentionally left blank

2024 76 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: The cost per employment outcome varied significantly across projects, 

ranging from $6,122 to $407,500. The median annual cost per employment outcome for the 83

projects was $33,793 in fiscal year 2021, while the mean annual cost per employment outcome

was $50,832 due to a small number of project outliers.
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Measure: The percentage of AIVRS projects that demonstrate an average annual cost of 

services per participant of no more than $10,000.

Year Target Actual

2019 75% 66%

2020 75 64

2021 75 42

2022 75 Intentionally left blank

2023 75 Intentionally left blank

2024 75 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: The cost per participant varied significantly across projects, ranging 

from $3,226 to $168,593. The median annual cost per participant for the 83 projects was $9,419

in fiscal year 2021, while the mean annual cost per participant was $11,321 due to a small 

number of project outliers. 

Disability Innovation Fund 

Promoting Readiness of Minors in Social Security Income 

In fiscal year 2013, VR funds remaining from the 2012 appropriation were used to award 5-year 

grants to five States and a consortium of six States for model demonstration projects (MDPs) 

under the Promoting Readiness of Minors in Social Security Income (PROMISE) program. 

PROMISE was a joint initiative with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the 

Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Labor. Under the PROMISE program, 

States developed partnerships and implemented interventions designed to improve the 

provision and coordination of services and supports for children who received SSI and their 

families, and achieve outcomes leading to increased economic self-sufficiency and a reduction 

in their dependence on SSI payments. 

In fiscal year 2014, the Department used $92.5 million in unobligated VR funds that became 

available from the fiscal year 2013 appropriation to cover continuation costs of the PROMISE 

MDPs, as well as the costs of the PROMISE technical assistance center grant. The Department 

provided an additional $17.2 million in supplemental awards in fiscal year 2015 using

unobligated fiscal year 2014 VR funds. 

By the end of the recruitment period in April 2016, all six projects met their project recruitment 

goals, with a total of 13,444 participants enrolled across the six projects. Approximately one-half 

of the children and families enrolled were placed in the treatment group and received project 

services. Program participants in the intervention group received services including paid 

competitive employment opportunities. Additional information can be found on the PROMISE 

technical assistance center’s website.1 

SSA, in collaboration with the Department, contracted for a rigorously designed national 

evaluation of PROMISE. The evaluation included an interim services and impact report, as well 

1 http://www.promisetacenter.org/. 
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as a final five-year impact and benefit-cost analysis report. These reports, as well as additional 

information about PROMISE, can be found on SSA’s website.1 The final report found:

• PROMISE improved only a few of the primary youth outcomes and the impacts varied by 

program. Two programs increased youth’s employment rate and three programs 

increased their income. None reduced the amount of SSA payments youth received 

during the five-year evaluation period. 

• With a few exceptions, the six programs did not affect parents’ primary outcomes such 

as their employment rates, earnings, SSA payments, income, or Medicaid and Medicare 

expenditures. Only one program had a favorable impact for parents. 

• There was variation in programs’ impacts according to youth or family characteristics. 

For example, two programs had an impact on labor market outcomes for youth with 

intellectual and developmental disabilities but not for youth with other impairments. In 

addition, some programs improved labor market outcomes in families in which a parent 

was receiving SSA payments near the start of the program. 

• Over the five-year evaluation period, none of the programs generated positive net 

benefits across all stakeholder groups. The net benefits per treatment group family 

ranged from -$16,269 to -$37,882. However, for all but two programs, youth and their 

families experienced a net benefit from participation in PROMISE.

Automated Personalization Computing Project 

In fiscal year 2015, the Department used approximately $20 million of unobligated fiscal year 

2014 VR funds to fund an innovative Automated Personalization Computing Project (APCP). 

The goal of the APCP was to ensure that individuals with disabilities could access computer 

information with personalized accommodations whether at home, school, or the workplace, as

long as there is web access. Examples of such personalization could include font size or color, 

line-spacing, text-to-speech functionality, overall cognitive access (such as site simplification, or 

simple language), and volume levels of audio features. The project developed an information 

technology infrastructure on which Internet-capable computers automatically run assistive 

technology solutions customized for individual users with disabilities according to their 

preferences. The Department partnered with the National Institute on Disability, Independent 

Living, and Rehabilitation Research which is administered by the Administration for Community 

Living in HHS, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Access Board, 

among others, in overseeing this initiative.

During fiscal year 2018, the APCP began transitioning from pre-pilot testing to pilot work with 

selected American Job Centers; in fiscal year 2019, the APCP pilot tested the capabilities of the 

software’s automatic transfer of preference settings to determine the role it can play in 

supporting transition of individuals from high school to the community college, and from the 

community college to job settings. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the grantee’s plans 

to implement many final year activities in fiscal year 2020, such as testing and disseminating its 

software, section 153 of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act

extended the availability of funds for APCP through September 30, 2021, which enabled the 

1 Reports documenting PROMISE program implementation and service delivery experiences are available at

https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/promise.htm. 
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grantee to complete accessibility testing on multiple computer platforms, conduct disability 

sector outreach and dissemination, and implement its sustainability plan to ensure that the 

project would continue to be available after the Federal award ended. Additional information 

about the final product, Morphic Basic, which is free to use, is available at https://morphic.org/. 

Transition Work-Based Learning Demonstrations 

Students with disabilities often have lower high school graduation rates, lower postsecondary 

enrollment rates, and higher unemployment rates than peers without disabilities.1 To help 

address this problem, WIOA expanded the available services as well as the population of 

students with disabilities who may receive these services under the VR program. In particular, 

States are required to reserve 15 percent of their VR allotment to provide pre-employment 

transition services to students with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR 

services. These pre-employment transition services include job exploration counseling, 

workplace readiness training, work-based learning experiences, counseling on opportunities for 

enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of 

higher education, and instruction in self-advocacy. Research indicates that work experiences for 

youth with disabilities, especially paid employment, can be effective in influencing post-school 

employment. However, strategies and interventions that are based on the most promising 

evidence of effectiveness in providing work-based learning experiences are needed.

In fiscal year 2016, the Department awarded five-year demonstration projects to five State VR 

agencies using unobligated fiscal year 2015 VR funds. The goal of these projects is to identify 

and demonstrate work-based learning interventions for students with disabilities that are 

supported by research and are rigorously evaluated. 

A brief description of the five projects is provided below.

• The Maryland Work-Based Learning Collaborative (Way2Work Maryland) project worked to 

improve career outcomes for youth with disabilities by incorporating early referral to the VR 

agency, work-based learning experiences, integrated employment, and collaboration among 

the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services, local educational agencies, community 

rehabilitation programs, America’s job centers, and employers. The model included a 

randomized control design implemented across eight diverse school districts. 

(https://www.way2workmd.net) 

• Vermont’s Linking Learning to Careers project assisted students with disabilities to transition 

to early career success by connecting community college career consultants with VR 

services and school programming. These connections were enhanced by the provision of a 

targeted continuum of work-based learning opportunities, statewide assistive technology 

specialists, college mentors, expanded postsecondary college courses during high school, 

and additional transportation funding and training. This model included a quasi-experimental 

design. (https://vocrehab.vermont.gov/linking-learning-careers-llc) 

1 Luecking, D.M., & Luecking, R.G. (2015, May). Translating Research Into a Seamless Transition Model. Career 

Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 38(1), 4-13.
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• The Massachusetts Transition Pathway Services project provided a coordinated set of 

services to improve career and academic planning skills so that high school students with 

disabilities would be successful in achieving competitive integrated employment and postsecondary outcomes upon completion of their secondary education. The project and its 

community partners, including more than a dozen local education agencies, provided workbased learning experiences and a menu of services to students. Through a person-centered 

collaborative team-based approach, students’ career goals were planned and supported. 

The model included a quasi-experimental design. (https://www.mass.gov/servicedetails/transition-pathway-services) 

• Maine’s Transition Work-Based Learning Model project partnered with Jobs for Maine 

Graduates (JMG), the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts 

Boston, American Institutes for Research, and the Council for Administrators of Vocational 

Rehabilitation to evaluate two innovative interventions using a progressive employment 

model. The project worked to expand employer relationships and align its dual customer 

community-based strategy with enhanced JMG programs for students with disabilities. The 

model included a quasi-experimental design. (https://www.explorevr.org/progressiveemployment-maine-transition-work-based-learning-model) 

• The California Career Innovations project incorporated a career-relevant focus in the 

attainment of competitive integrated employment (CIE) and post-secondary education for 

students with disabilities with the goal of increasing economic self-sufficiency, work-based 

learning experiences, and CIE for students with disabilities. The program provided paid and 

volunteer career-focused work experiences in four California regions to help students with 

disabilities gain entrance into post-secondary education and/or competitive integrated 

employment. The program also included basic life skills training to assist with job readiness, 

such as computer literacy, and organization and communication skills. The model included a 

randomized control design. (https://www.ci-california.org) 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these projects had to pivot from face-to-face work-based 

learning experiences to virtual work-based learning experiences, which required additional staff 

time and resources. To help offset these costs, the Department provided three of the projects 

with a total of $59,000 in supplemental funding in fiscal year 2021 from the unobligated fiscal 

year 2020 VR funds, which were used to complete the final performance and financial reports, 

thereby allowing the three grantees additional time and resources to carry out the work of the 

grants. 

Career Advancement Initiative Model Demonstration Project 

In fiscal year 2021, VR funds remaining from the 2020 appropriation were used to award fiveyear grants to eight multi-site model demonstration projects designed to assist State VR 

agencies, in partnership with other entities—such as employers, community colleges and 

postsecondary institutions, entities that make up the workforce development systems, entities 

that provide apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, comprehensive rehabilitation centers, 

local or State educational agencies, and providers or other Federal or State agencies—to 

develop career pathways that are aimed at helping individuals with disabilities advance in their 

careers or change to high-demand, high-quality careers. Projects funded under this competition 
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will help VR-eligible individuals with disabilities, including previously served VR participants in 

employment who re-enter the VR program, to:

• Advance in high-demand, high-quality careers such as science, technology, 

engineering, and math (STEM) fields, including computer science; 

• Enter career pathways in industry-driven sectors through pre-apprenticeships and 

apprenticeship programs;

• Improve and maximize competitive integrated employment outcomes, economic selfsufficiency, independence, and inclusion in society; and

• Reduce reliance on public benefits (e.g., Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social 

Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and/or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 

(TANF), and State or local benefits). 

Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment Innovative Model 

Demonstration Project 

In fiscal year 2022, the Department awarded five-year grants to 14 State VR agencies using 

unobligated fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2022 VR funds. The goal of these projects is to 

assist individuals with disabilities currently employed in, or contemplating, subminimum wage 

employment to engage with State VR agencies so they may obtain competitive integrated 

employment. In addition, the Department contracted for a five-year independent evaluation of 

the DIF demonstration projects awarded in fiscal year 2022. Additional information on the 

interim and final results of the evaluation will be shared as information becomes available. 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

28

Client assistance State grants

(Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title I, Section 112)

(dollars in thousands)

FY 2024 Authorization: To be determined 1

Budget Authority: 

2023 Appropriation 2024 Request Change 

$13,000 $15,000 +$2,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Client Assistance Program (CAP) provides grants to States for services to assist eligible 

individuals and applicants for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) State Grants program and other 

programs, projects, and services funded under the Rehabilitation Act (the Act). CAP focuses on 

promoting understanding of the rehabilitation services and benefits available under the Act, and 

advising eligible individuals of their rights and responsibilities in connection with those benefits. 

The program also offers eligible individuals and applicants a variety of other kinds of assistance, 

including individual or systemic advocacy, pursuit of legal and administrative remedies, and 

assistance and advocacy in pursuing legal and administrative remedies to ensure the protection 

of their rights. State VR agencies must operate a CAP in order to receive VR State grant funds, 

and are required to inform VR consumers about the services available from the CAP and how to 

contact the CAP. 

Each Governor designates a public or private agency to operate a CAP. This designated 

agency must be independent of any agency that provides services under the Act, except in 

cases where the Act “grandfathered” agencies providing such services under the Act. If one of 

these “grandfathered” agencies should be restructured, the Governor is required to re-designate 

the CAP to an agency that does not provide services under the Act. Currently 45 CAPs are 

operated by independent private or non-profit organizations, 8 are operated by external State 

agencies, and 4 are operated by the State VR agency.

Allocations are based on population (using the most recent estimates published by the U.S. 

Census Bureau), with a minimum allotment in fiscal year 2023 of $131,917 to each of the 50 

States, D.C., and Puerto Rico and $59,477 to each of the outlying areas. When the 

appropriation increases, the Act also requires the Department to increase the minimum 

allotments for States and outlying areas by an amount not greater than the percentage increase 

in the appropriation. 

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act also requires that funds be set aside under this 

program for two activities before awarding grants to eligible States and outlying areas with the 

remaining funds. The first set-aside reserves funds, at the same amount as provided to outlying 

1 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2021. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations 

action. 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Client assistance State grants

29

areas, for an award to the eligible system established under the Developmental Disabilities 

Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to serve the American Indian consortium. In addition, if the 

appropriation rises to at least $14 million, the Department must set aside between 1.8 percent 

and 2.2 percent of the amount appropriated for training and technical assistance to CAPs 

established under this program. The Department currently provides such technical assistance to 

CAPs through the Rehabilitation Training program.

Funding levels for the past 5 fiscal years were as follows:

Fiscal Year (dollars in thousands)

2019 $13,000

2020 13,000

2021 13,000

2022 13,000

2023 13,000

FY 2024 BUDGET REQUEST

For fiscal year 2024, the Administration requests $15.0 million for CAP, $2.0 million more than 

the fiscal year 2023 appropriation. CAPs promote understanding of the rehabilitation services 

and benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act and advise applicants and individuals who 

have been determined eligible for such services of their rights and responsibilities. The CAP has 

been level funded at $13 million since fiscal year 2015. At the same time, costs have steadily 

increased, forcing many CAPs to reduce staffing levels, which has resulted in fewer CAP 

services being provided and a decreased ability to meet the needs of individuals with 

disabilities.

In fiscal year 2015, CAPs responded to 35,602 requests for information and referral (I&R) and 

provided 5,397 individual case services. In contrast, in fiscal year 2022, CAPs were only able to 

respond to 15,600 requests for I&R and provide 2,932 individual case services. This represents 

a 56 percent decrease in I&R and a 46 percent decrease in individual case services. For 

example, under New York’s CAP program, the number of hours staff spent engaged in 

advocacy was cut by more than half from fiscal year 2015 to fiscal year 2021 due to staff 

reductions.

The requested increase to CAP would result in a minimum allotment of no more than $152,206

to each of the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico and $68,625 to each of the outlying areas. In 

addition, the requested increase would trigger a statutory set-aside of between 1.8 and 

2.2 percent of funds for a grant for training and technical assistance (TA) under CAP. RSA 

currently uses Rehabilitation Training funds for a Short-Term Training grant to provide training 

and TA to CAP professionals, so the funding for this activity would shift from the Rehabilitation 

Training program to the CAP program, thereby freeing up $308,000 under Rehabilitation 

Training for other critical Training needs.

Data collected by the Department’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) for fiscal year

2022 from the most recently available RSA Annual Client Assistance Program Report (RSA227) show that approximately 36 percent of all I&R requests were for information regarding the 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Client assistance State grants

30

VR program. The remaining requests were in reference to independent living programs, the 

Americans with Disabilities Act, CAP, and other related programs. 

In addition, CAPs provided extensive services, such as assisting and advocating on behalf of a 

client, to 2,932 individuals in fiscal year 2022. Approximately 90 percent of the individual case

services in which extensive services were provided by the CAP involved applicants for, or 

recipients of, services from the VR program who needed assistance related to the VR process 

or delivery of VR services. Of the 2,256 cases closed in fiscal year 2022, 877 cases (or 

39 percent) were resolved by explaining the controlling policies to the individual; 414 cases 

(18 percent) resulted in the development or implementation of an individualized plan for 

employment (IPE); and 304 cases (13 percent) resulted in the reestablishment of 

communication between the individuals and other parties. The remaining closed cases focused 

on outcomes such as completing an application for services, expediting an eligibility 

determination, helping the individual participate in evaluation, assigning a new counselor or 

office to the individual, identifying alternative resources for the individual, or filing a complaint. 

Of the cases closed, 79 percent were resolved in the individual’s favor. 

Specific examples of CAP activities are described below. Funds requested in fiscal year 2024 

would support similar activities. 

• In Texas, a client sought to advance her employment opportunities by obtaining a 

graduate degree and contacted the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for 

assistance. She was informed that DVR only helps with trade school or the last 30 hours 

of a bachelor’s degree. The client contacted CAP for assistance. CAP shared 

information with the client regarding DVR’s services, the application process, eligibility, 

assessments, and the Individualized Plan for Employment. CAP attended meetings with 

the client advocating that DVR follow Federal guidelines in completing the application, 

determining eligibility, and planning services. Ultimately, DVR agreed to support the 

client's goal to become a professor by assisting with tuition, books, and transportation.

• In New Mexico, CAP intervened on behalf of a 52-year-old client who is hard of hearing 

and has a mental illness. The client contacted CAP because she was having trouble

getting DVR to complete her IPE and having ongoing issues with her job developer. The 

CAP advocate worked with the client and the DVR to meet all the requirements to 

finalize her IPE. The client and DVR discussed best practices to improve communication 

with her VR counselor and job developer. As a result of the CAP’s work, the client

obtained a new job developer and is in the process of applying for employment that best 

suits her skill sets.

PROGRAM OUTPUT MEASURES

Output Measures1 2022 2023 2024

Information inquiries/referrals 15,306 16,100 17,800

Individuals provided case services 2,932 3,432 3,900

1 Data for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 are projected from actual final data reported for fiscal years 2017 through 2022. 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

31

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance Measures

This section presents selected program performance information, including, for example, 

program goals, objectives, measures, and performance targets and data; and an assessment of 

the progress made toward achieving program results. Achievement of program results is based 

on the cumulative effect of the Federal resources provided for the program as well as the 

resources and efforts invested by those served by the program. 

As of February 16, 2023, Iowa has not submitted its fiscal year 2022 RSA-227 CAP report and 

is therefore not included in the actual 2022 data provided below. 

Goal: To provide assistance and information to help individuals with disabilities secure 

the benefits available under the Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants program and 

other programs funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Objective: Accurately identify problem areas requiring systemic change and engage in 

systemic activity to improve services under the Rehabilitation Act.

Measure: The percentage of CAPs that reported that their systemic advocacy resulted in 

changes in policy or practice.

Year Target Actual

2019 68% 67%

2020 68 67

2021 68 65

2022 73 72

2023 73 Intentionally left blank

2024 73 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: The Department continues to support technical assistance and training 

to increase the capacity of CAP professionals to provide systemic advocacy. As a result of this

technical assistance and training, and an increased focus on relationship-building and outreach 

among CAPs and VR agencies, we expect that performance on this measure will improve over 

time.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Client assistance State grants

32

Objective: Resolve cases at lowest possible level. 

Measure: The percentage of cases resolved through the use of alternative dispute resolution 

(ADR).

Year Target Actual 

2019 98% 98%

2020 98 97

2021 98 98

2022 98 98

2023 98 Intentionally left blank

2024 98 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: The percentage of cases being resolved through the use of ADR 

strategies, such as technical assistance, negotiation, and mediation, has consistently ranged 

from about 97 to 99 percent. The use of such intervention strategies to resolve consumer 

complaints reduces the need for lengthy and costly interventions such as formal hearings and 

litigation.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

33

Training

(Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title III, Section 302)

(dollars in thousands)

FY 2024 Authorization: To be determined 1

Budget Authority: 

2023 Appropriation 2024 Request Change

$29,388 $29,388 0

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the Training program is to ensure that skilled personnel are available to meet 

the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities assisted through other vocational 

rehabilitation (VR) and independent living programs. The program supports training and related 

activities designed to increase the number of qualified personnel providing rehabilitation 

services. Grants and contracts are awarded to States and public and nonprofit agencies and 

organizations, including institutions of higher education (IHEs), to pay all or part of the cost of 

conducting training programs. 

Awards may be made in any of 30 rehabilitation long-term training fields, in addition to awards 

for rehabilitation short-term training, innovative rehabilitation training, and training interpreters 

for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and persons who are deaf-blind. These training 

programs vary in terms of content, methodology, and type of trainee. 

The rehabilitation long-term training (LTT) program supports academic training grants that must 

direct at least 65 percent of the funds to trainee scholarships, which may include student 

stipends, tuition and fees, books and supplies, and student travel in conjunction with training 

assignments. Students who receive financial assistance from projects funded under the 

program are required to either work in public or private non-profit rehabilitation agencies for a 

period of time after they complete their training or repay the cost of their training. 

The rehabilitation short-term training program supports special seminars, institutes, workshops, 

and other short-term courses in technical matters relating to the vocational, medical, social, and 

psychological rehabilitation programs, supported employment programs, independent living 

services programs, and client assistance programs. These training projects may be of regional 

or national scope. 

The innovative rehabilitation training program supports grants that develop new types of training 

programs or new and improved methods of training for rehabilitation personnel, including standalone modules and instructional materials to be incorporated into an existing degree program or 

short-term training, and demonstrate the effectiveness of such training programs.

1 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2021. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations 

action.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Training

34

The training of interpreters program supports programing throughout the country in order to 

meet the communication needs of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals 

who are deaf-blind. This includes providing financial assistance to establish interpreter training 

programs where they are needed and supporting established interpreter programs to train a

sufficient number of qualified interpreters. The program focuses on training interpreters to 

effectively interpret and transliterate between spoken language and sign language, and oral or 

tactile modes of communication, as well as maintaining and improving the skills of qualified 

interpreters. 

Awards may also be made for technical assistance centers, such as the VR Technical 

Assistance Center on Quality Employment. These awards are made to pay part of the costs of 

projects that provide State VR agency personnel with training and technical assistance 

designed to assist in increasing the numbers of, and upgrading the skills of qualified personnel, 

including rehabilitation counselors. In addition, the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation 

Training Materials is contracted to establish a central clearinghouse for information and 

resource availability for individuals with disabilities.

Traditionally Underserved Populations

The Rehabilitation Act requires the Department to fund the Traditionally Underserved 

Populations program (section 21 of the Rehabilitation Act) through a reservation of 1 percent of 

the funds appropriated under the Training, Demonstration and Training, Supported 

Employment, and Independent Living Services for Older Blind Individuals programs. In fiscal 

year 2023, this provision made $910,000 available for the Traditionally Underserved 

Populations program, which is designed to improve the quality, access, delivery of services, and 

outcomes of those services under the Rehabilitation Act, especially services provided to 

individuals with disabilities from minority backgrounds. It also increased the capacity for minority 

entities and Indian Tribes to participate in activities funded under the Rehabilitation Act. 

In fiscal year 2021, the Department ran a competition for a capacity-building center that was

intended to improve the delivery of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to, and the 

employment outcomes of, individuals of color with disabilities. The Department aimed to provide 

awards to entities to provide cultural competency training to VR leadership and staff, collect and 

analyze relevant data, and disseminate evidence-based practices. The Department did not 

receive any applications for this competition, so the Department used the funds to support LTT 

continuation awards that also meet the requirements of the Traditionally Underserved 

Populations program. The Department used fiscal year 2022 funds to support LTT continuation 

awards and will run a new Traditionally Underserved Populations competition in fiscal year 

2023.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Training

35

Funding levels for the past 5 fiscal years were as follows:

Fiscal Year (dollars in thousands)

2019 $29,388

2020 29,388

2021 29,388

2022 29,388

2023 29,388

FY 2024 BUDGET REQUEST

For fiscal year 2024, the Administration requests $29.4 million for the Training program, level 

with the fiscal year 2023 appropriation. In fiscal year 2024, approximately $12.4 million would be 

used to support new awards; 16.5 million would be used to support continuation awards;

$294,000 would be used for the Traditionally Underserved Populations program; and $200,000 

would be used for peer review. 

The Training program supports projects that provide training to new VR staff or upgrade the 

qualifications of existing staff. In response to dramatic turnover at State VR agencies created by 

the retirement of a large number of qualified counselors, the Department has targeted funding 

for LTT programs on training new counselors. Similar shortages, though not as severe, have 

also been affecting other VR providers. The Department believes that the LTT program, in 

concert with the Innovative Training program, which supports the development of new types of 

training programs and new and improved methods of training rehabilitation personnel, are 

effective mechanisms for recruiting new graduates into the rehabilitation field and ensuring they 

have access to high-quality training. The request includes approximately $19.1 million to 

support these activities through new awards and non-competing continuation awards under 

grants and contracts.

The Administration is requesting appropriations language that would provide RSA with authority 

to use Disability Innovation Funds for RSA’s information technology needs. If this authority is 

provided, up to an additional $1.1 million would be available for new awards under the Training 

program in fiscal year 2024. (See the VR State grants program section of this Congressional

Justification for additional information on this request.)

In addition, the Administration is requesting an increase in funding under the Client Assistance 

State grants program (CAP). If this increase is provided, funding for the Short-Term Training: 

CAP award would be provided by the CAP appropriation, thereby making available an additional 

$308,000 for new awards under the Training program in fiscal year 2024. (See the Client 

Assistance State grants program section of this Congressional Justification for additional 

information on this request.)
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Training

36

PROGRAM OUTPUT MEASURES

(dollars in thousands)

Output Measures 2022

footnote

2023

foot

note

2024

1footnote

Program Funding:

Long-Term Training:

Long-Term Training: New awards $500 0 $9,851

SLong-Term Training: Continuation awards 15,4452 $15,534 5,751

Long-Term Training: Subtotal 15,945 15,534 15,602

Technical Assistance:

Technical Assistance: New awards 0 0 0

Technical Assistance: Continuation awards 5,735 5,739 6,000

Technical Assistance: Subtotal 5,735 5,739 6,000

Short-Term Training:

Short-Term Training: New awards 0 0 0

Short-Term Training: Continuation awards 308 308 308

Short-Term Training: Subtotal 308 308 308

Training for Interpreters for Individuals who are 

Deaf and Deaf-Blind:

Training for Interpreters: New awards 0 0 0

Training for Interpreters: Continuation awards 2,938 2,935 2,935

Training for Interpreters Subtotal 2,938 2,935 2,935

Innovative Rehabilitation Training:

Innovative Rehabilitation Training: New awards 0 0 2,550

Innovative Rehabilitation Training: Continuation awards 3,392 3,363 900

Innovative Rehabilitation Training: Subtotal 3,392 3,363 3,450

1 If the Administration’s requests for the authority to use Disability Innovation Funds for information technology needs 

and to increase funding under the Client Assistance State grants program are provided, $500 thousand under LongTerm Training, $308 thousand under Short-Term Training, and $599 thousand under the National Clearinghouse of 

Rehabilitation Training Materials will become available to support new awards under the Training program. 2 An additional $910 thousand of Traditionally Underserved Populations funding was also used toward continuation 

LTT awards, for a total of $16,355 thousand used for continuation LTT awards in FY 2022.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Training

37

Output Measures 2022

fo

ot

n

ot

e

2023

foot

note

2024

National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training 

Materials:

National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials: New awards 0 0 0

National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials: Continuation awards 719 599 599

National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials: Subtotal 719 599 599

Other Activities:

Other Activities: Peer review of new award applications 0 0 200

Other Activities: Traditionally Underserved Populations 351 910 294

Other Activities Subtotal 351 910 494

Program Totals:

Total: New awards 500 0 12,401

Total: Continuation awards 28,537 28,478 16,493

Total: Other Activities 351 910 494

Total 29,388 29,388 29,388

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance Measures

This section presents selected program performance information, including, for example, 

program goals, objectives, measures, and performance targets and data; and an assessment of 

the progress made toward achieving program results. Achievement of program results is based 

on the cumulative effect of the Federal resources provided for the program as well as the 

resources and efforts invested by those served by the program. 

Goal: To provide the public vocational rehabilitation (VR) sector with well-trained staff 

and to maintain and upgrade the skills of current staff.

Objective: To provide graduates who work within the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system to 

help individuals with disabilities achieve their goals.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Training

38

Annual Performance Measures

Measure: The percentage of Master’s level counseling graduates fulfilling their payback 

requirements through employment in State vocational rehabilitation agencies.

Year Target Actual

2019 40% 35%

2020 40 39

2021 40 39

2022 40 33

2023 40 Intentionally left blank

2024 40 Intentionally left blank

Measure: The percentage of Master’s level counseling graduates fulfilling their payback

requirements through qualifying employment.

Year Target Actual

2019 85% 94%

2020 85 88

2021 85 84

2022 85 72

2023 85 Intentionally left blank

2024 85 Intentionally left blank

Additional Information: Qualifying employment includes employment in a State vocational 

rehabilitation agency or related agency in the field of study for which the training was received.

The decline in the percentage of graduates fulfilling their payback requirements through 

qualifying employment in the fiscal year 2022 cohort is likely because this cohort graduated in 

fiscal year 2019 and may have been seeking eligible employment during the height of the 

COVID pandemic. We anticipate that the fiscal year 2023 and 2024 cohorts may also be 

negatively impacted by the COVID pandemic. 

Efficiency Measures

Measure: The Federal cost per Master’s level RSA-supported rehabilitation counseling 

graduate.

Year Target Actual

2019 $24,000 $36,771

2020 24,000 41,780

2021 24,000 45,831

2022 24,000 N/A

2023 24,000 Intentionally left blank

2024 24,000 Intentionally left blank

Additional Information: This measure is calculated for individual cohorts of grantees by 

dividing the total funding given to each grant over the life of the grant by the number of Master’s 

level scholars who successfully completed funded training programs ending in that year. Only 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Training

39

those grants with at least 90 percent of the scholars in a Master’s program are included. The 

fiscal year 2019 data includes 47 closed grants with 1,101 completers. The fiscal year 2020 

data includes 45 closed grants with 993 completers. The fiscal year 2021 data includes 3 closed 

grants with 65 completers. No grants closed in fiscal year 2022 so no data are available for 

fiscal year 2022. No grants are scheduled to close in fiscal year 2023, so we do not anticipate

any data will be available for fiscal year 2023 either. 

The Department is currently reviewing options to revise the targets for this measure. During the 

process of analyzing data to identify appropriate targets, we identified potential concerns about 

whether the current methodology reflects the best approach to measure the cost efficiency of 

the LTT program. We are analyzing the impact of administrative costs and scholarship size on 

program outcomes to determine whether we should revise the current methodology. We will 

then determine if adjustments are needed to the targets or the performance measure. The 

Department intends to establish revised targets, and a revised methodology if appropriate, 

beginning with fiscal year 2025.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

40

Demonstration and training programs

(Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title III, Section 303)

(dollars in thousands)

FY 2024 Authorization: To be determined1

Budget Authority: 

Demonstration and training programs

Period of fund availability: 

2023 Appropriation 2024 Request Change

$5,796 $7,296 +$1,500

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Demonstration and Training programs are designed to provide competitive grants to, or enter 

into contracts with, eligible entities to expand and improve the provision of vocational 

rehabilitation (VR) and other services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act (the Act), or to 

further the purposes of the Act by supporting activities that increase the provision, extent, 

availability, scope, and quality of rehabilitation services under the Act, including related research 

and evaluation activities.

Specific activities include:

• Section 303(b) of the Act authorizes activities to demonstrate methods of service 

delivery to individuals with disabilities, as well as activities such as technical assistance, 

systems change, studies and evaluation, and dissemination and utilization of project 

findings. Eligible entities include State VR agencies, community rehabilitation programs, 

Indian tribes or tribal organizations, other public or nonprofit agencies or organizations, 

and for-profit organizations. Competitions may be limited to one or more type of entity.

• Section 303(c) of the Act authorizes a parent information and training program to enable 

individuals with disabilities and their parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or 

other authorized representatives to participate more effectively with professionals in 

meeting the vocational, independent living, and rehabilitation needs of individuals with 

disabilities.

• Section 303(d) of the Act authorizes a Braille training program to support the cost of 

training in the use of braille for personnel providing vocational rehabilitation services or 

educational services to youth and adults who are blind.

1 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2021. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations 

action.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Demonstration and training programs

41

Funding levels for the past 5 fiscal years were:

Fiscal Year (dollars in thousands)

2019 $5,796

2020 5,796

2021 5,796

2022 5,796

2023 5,796

FY 2024 BUDGET REQUEST

For fiscal year 2024, the Administration requests $7.3 million for the Demonstration and Training 

programs, $1.5 million more than a fiscal year 2023 appropriation. The increase would support 

supplemental funding for the Parent Information and Training program.

Approximately $1.5 million of the proposed increase for fiscal year 2024 would be used to 

supplement funding for the National Parent Training and Information Center (National PTI), as 

well as its eight Regional Parent Training and Information Centers (Regional PTIs). Each of 

these centers receives approximately $300,000 annually, for a total of $2.7 million that has not 

proven sufficient to support the increased scope of work following the transition to the regional 

model (prior to fiscal year 2020, PTIs received an average of $65,000 per state served; 

currently, they receive an average of $45,000 per state served). This additional $1.2 million 

would bring the average amount PTIs receive per state served to approximately $70,000 and

would support increased collaboration among the Regional PTIs, the development of new 

materials, and enhanced services to consumers in their respective regions. New funds would 

also provide the National PTI with an increase of $250,000 to provide much needed guidance, 

support, and coordination to the Regional PTIs.

The Rehabilitation Act requires the Department to reserve 1 percent of the funds appropriated 

under the Training, Demonstration and Training, Supported Employment, and Independent 

Living Services for Older Blind Individuals programs for the Traditionally Underserved 

Populations program (section 21 of the Rehabilitation Act). Approximately $15,000 of the 

increase proposed for fiscal year 2024 would be used to cover the related increase to meet this 

requirement, for an estimated contribution of $73,000 from the Demonstration and Training 

programs.

Approximately $3 million of funding would be used for new awards under the Braille Training 

program, a continuation award for the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition, and 

to support evaluation activities for two technical assistance centers focused on improving 

outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Demonstration and training programs

42

PROGRAM OUTPUT MEASURES

(dollars in thousands)

Output Measures 2022 2023 2024

Program funding:

Technical assistance

TA: New awards 0 0 0

TA: Continuation awards1 $2,689 $2,689 $2,689

Braille training 

Braille: New awards 0 0 $342

Braille: Continuation awards $342 $342 0

Parent information and training

information: Continuation awards $2,700 $2,700 $2,700

information: Supplemental awards $65 $65 $1,450

Peer review of new award applications 0 0 $42

Traditionally Underserved Populations 0 0 $73

Minority Outreach: Total, Program funding $5,796 $5,796 $7,296

Number of awards:

Number of New awards 0 0 3

Number of Continuation awards 15 15 12

Total, Number of awards 15 15 15

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance Measures

This section presents selected program performance information, including, for example, 

program goals, objectives, measures, and performance targets and data; and an assessment of 

the progress made toward achieving program results. Achievement of program results is based 

on the cumulative effect of the Federal resources provided for the program as well as the 

resources and efforts invested by those served by the program.

In prior years, approximately 60 percent of the funds provided for the Demonstration and 

Training program were used to support model demonstration projects; therefore, the 

Department’s GPRA measures for this program focused on these projects. With the shift from 

model demonstration projects to providing more robust support for the Parent Information and 

Training (PTI) programs and the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT), 

1 The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition is jointly funded with the Office of Special Education 

programs.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Demonstration and training programs

43

the Department is proposing new performance measures that more accurately reflect the impact 

of the bulk of the Demonstration and Training program funds. Fiscal year 2020 is the last year 

the Department will report on the Vocational Rehabilitation Career Pathways for Individuals with 

Disabilities (CPID) Demonstration Projects and its associated measures. The Department will 

set targets for all new performance measures based on baselines established in fiscal years 

2021, 2022, and 2023.

VR-CPID Measures

Goal: To develop replicable promising practices in the use of career pathways by VR 

State agencies to assist eligible individuals with disabilities, including youth with 

disabilities, to acquire marketable skills and recognized postsecondary credentials, and 

thus secure competitive integrated employment in high-demand, high-quality 

occupations.

Objective: Increase the number of career pathways accessible to individuals with disabilities, 

the number of individuals who obtain competitive employed through those career pathways, and 

the weekly earnings and benefits of those who obtain competitive employment through CPIDfunded activities.

Measure: The total number of distinct career pathways accessed or created through CPID.

Year Target Actual

2018 114 103

2019 121 107

2020 131 111

Measure: The total number of VR-eligible individuals who achieve competitive integrated 

employment through CPID-accessed or created career pathways.

Year Target Actual

2018 150 201

2019 200 277

2020 250 292

Measure: The average weekly wages of VR-eligible CPID participants who obtained 

competitive integrated employment.

Year Target Actual

2018 $600 $650

2019 630 680

2020 680 685
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Demonstration and training programs

44

Other VR-CPID Measures

VR-CPID grantees reported on two additional measures: (1) the numbers of competitive 

integrated employment and employer-provided benefits obtained by CPID participants 

compared to those obtained by VR consumers in their State outside of CPID; (2) the average 

weekly earnings of CPID participants who obtained competitive integrated employment 

compared to the average weekly earnings of VR consumers in their State who obtained 

competitive integrated employment outside of the CPID project. All four grantees reported 

higher results for CPID participants compared to non-CPID participants on both measures.

New Performance Measures

National Technical Assistance Center on Transition

Goal: To increase the number of students with disabilities who receive the VR services 

needed to prepare them for competitive integrated employment.

Objective: To provide VR State agencies with training and technical assistance that ensures 

that staff are well-trained in providing services for students with disabilities that lead to 

competitive integrated employment.

Measure: Of VR agencies that receive targeted and/or intensive technical assistance from 

NTACT, the percentage that show an increase in the percentage of potentially eligible students 

receiving pre-employment transition services.

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 60%

2022 Baseline 50

2023 Baseline Intentionally left blank

2024 Intentionally left blank Intentionally left blank

Measure: Of VR agencies that receive targeted and/or intensive technical assistance from 

NTACT, the percentage that show an increase in the percentage of potentially eligible students 

who become VR program participants.

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 80%

2022 Baseline 83

2023 Baseline Intentionally left blank

2024 Intentionally left blank Intentionally left blank
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Demonstration and training programs

45

Measure: Of the VR agencies that receive TA from NTACT to strengthen their SEA 

agreements, the percentage of those VR agencies that show an increase in the percentage of 

students with disabilities who receive VR services.

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 20%

2022 Baseline 17

2023 Baseline Intentionally left blank

2024 Intentionally left blank Intentionally left blank

Parent Information and Training Programs

Goal: To ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families have the skills and 

knowledge necessary to effectively advocate for vocational, independent living, and 

other rehabilitation needs.

Objective: Individuals with disabilities and their families who are served by the Rehabilitation 

Services Parent Information Centers will be knowledgeable about their rights and available 

services.

Measure: The percentage of individuals with disabilities and their families receiving PTI 

services who report enhanced knowledge and understanding of VR services.

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 91%

2022 Baseline 89

2023 Baseline Intentionally left blank

2024 Intentionally left blank Intentionally left blank

Objective: Improve the quality of parent training and information products and services.

Measure: The percentage vocational rehabilitation or employment/employment products and 

services deemed useful, quality, and relevant.

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 91%

2022 Baseline 89

2023 Baseline Intentionally left blank

2024 Intentionally left blank Intentionally left blank
REHABILITATION SERVICES

46

Protection and advocacy of individual rights

(Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title V, Section 509)

(dollars in thousands)

FY 2024 Authorization: To be determined1

Budget Authority: 

Protection and advocacy of individual rights

Period of fund availability: 

2023 Appropriation 2024 Request Change

$20,150 $20,150 0

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights (PAIR) program supports statewide systems 

that provide assistance and information to eligible individuals with disabilities and conduct 

advocacy to ensure the protection of their rights under Federal law. These systems protect the 

legal and human rights of individuals with disabilities who are ineligible for protection and 

advocacy (P&A) services provided under Part C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance 

and Bill of Rights Act, the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act, or 

who need P&A services that are beyond the scope of the Client Assistance Program. States 

may use these funds to plan and carry out P&A programs for eligible individuals with disabilities 

and to develop outreach strategies to inform individuals with disabilities of their rights.

The program also requires the Department to reserve between 1.8 percent and 2.2 percent of 

the amount appropriated for training and technical assistance to eligible systems established 

under this program. In addition, the Department must award $50,000 to the eligible system 

established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to serve the 

American Indian consortium. Remaining funds are allocated to eligible systems within the States 

and outlying areas based on population estimates (using the most recent estimates from the 

U.S. Census Bureau).

The Rehabilitation Act establishes a minimum allotment of $100,000 for States, or one-third of 

1 percent of funds remaining after the technical assistance set-side and grant for the American 

Indian consortium, whichever is greater. The outlying areas receive a minimum allotment of 

$50,000. The program is current-funded, but States and outlying areas may carry over 

unobligated Federal funds for an additional year.

1 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2021. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations 

action.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Protection and advocacy of individual rights

47

Funding levels for the past 5 fiscal years were:

Fiscal Year (dollars in thousands)

2019 $17,650

2020 17,650

2021 18,150

2022 19,150

2023 20,150

FY 2024 BUDGET REQUEST

For fiscal year 2024, the Administration requests $20.2 million for the PAIR program, level with 

the fiscal year 2023 appropriation, to help provide information and P&A services to individuals 

with disabilities. The Department plans to reserve 1.8 percent of the funds requested ($362,700) 

to provide training and technical assistance to eligible statewide systems established under this 

program, as required by the authorizing statute.

During fiscal year 2022, PAIR programs nationwide reported handling 9,022 cases and 

responded to 22,625 requests for information or referral. Of the individual cases handled by 

PAIR programs in that year, most were related to education (18 percent), housing (17 percent), 

and employment (17 percent). The most frequent primary disability categories (i.e., the ones 

directly related to the issues/complaints raised) reported for such individuals were orthopedic 

impairments (25 percent), neurological impairments (15 percent), and other disabilities 

(13 percent).

In addition to providing representation to individuals, PAIR programs address systemic issues 

faced by persons with disabilities through a variety of methods, including negotiations with 

public and private entities and class action litigation. In fiscal year 2022, 55 out of the 57 PAIR 

programs (96 percent) reported that these activities resulted in changes in policies and practices 

benefiting individuals with disabilities.

The following examples of case services provided in fiscal year 2022 illustrate how PAIR 

programs assist individuals and, in some cases, bring about systemic change. Funds requested 

in fiscal year 2024 would support similar activities.

• In December 2021, Disability Rights Maryland (DRM), in partnership with the Maryland 

Suspension Representation Project (MSRP), successfully reserved a zero-tolerance 

discipline policy in the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). It appeared that 

PGCPS was using a zero-tolerance discipline approach and was automatically referring 

students for extended suspension or expulsion for certain offense types. DRM, through its 

representation of a PGCPS student referred for expulsion, found evidence of this zerotolerance approach in an illegal behavior contract used in the student’s expulsion. MSRP, 

with DRM taking the lead, informed the district of its concerns regarding the district’s zerotolerance approach to discipline and use of the illegal behavior contract. MSRP included 

client summaries in the letter to illustrate its concerns and demanded that PGCPS make 

certain reforms. As a result, PGCPS agreed to, among other things: conduct trainings for all 

staff where staff will be informed that behavior contracts are not to be used and reminded 

that Zero Tolerance is not practiced in PGCPS; send a memorandum to all staff reminding 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Protection and advocacy of individual rights

48

them that disciplinary decisions must be made on an individualized, fact specific basis; and 

add MSRP and DRM to the Community Resources List that is provided to students who are 

suspended.

• Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) participates in the Amtrak Disability 

Services/Accessibility Workgroup, a national workgroup organized by Amtrak to monitor its 

ADA accessibility improvements to its stations, rail cars, and equipment. Amtrak provides 

updated information to the workgroup about its efforts to come into compliance with the 

ADA. To date, 103 of 387 train stations have been made fully accessible and an additional 

69 have been made accessible except for the platforms. In addition to this work done in 

2022, the Workgroup voiced its concerns about the narrow aisle design of the Intercity train 

cars that Amtrak planned to purchase. This led Amtrak to make a number of adjustments to 

the design, including increasing the number of accessible seats on each trainset.

PROGRAM OUTPUT MEASURES

Output Measures 2022 2023 2024

Information inquiries/referrals 23,900 23,000 24,000

Individuals provided case services 9,000 9,000 9,400

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance Measures

This section presents selected program performance information, including, for example, 

program goals, objectives, measures, and performance targets and data; and an assessment of 

the progress made toward achieving program results. Achievement of program results is based 

on the cumulative effect of the Federal resources provided for the program as well as the 

resources and efforts invested by those served by the program.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Protection and advocacy of individual rights

49

Goal: To provide assistance and information to individuals with disabilities eligible for 

the Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights program and conduct advocacy to 

ensure the protection of their rights under Federal law.

Objective: Identify problem areas requiring systemic change and engage in systemic activities 

to address those problems.

Measure: The percentage of PAIR programs that reported that their systemic advocacy 

resulted in a change in policy or practice.

Year Target Actual 

2019 89% 95%

2020 89 74

2021 89 96

2022 89 96

2023 89 Intentionally left blank

2024 89 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: Because PAIR programs cannot address all issues facing individuals 

with disabilities solely through individual advocacy, they seek to change public and private 

policies and practices that present barriers to the rights of individuals with disabilities, utilizing 

negotiations and class action litigation.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

50

Supported employment State grants

(Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI)

(dollars in thousands)

FY 2024 Authorization: To be determined1

Budget Authority: 

Supported employment State grants

Period of fund availability: Fiscal year 2024

2023 Appropriation 2024 Request Change

$22,548 $22,548 0

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Supported Employment (SE) State Grants program assists States in developing 

collaborative programs with appropriate public and private non-profit organizations to provide 

supported employment services for individuals with the most significant disabilities. The 

program provides formula-based supplemental funding to State vocational rehabilitation (VR) 

agencies to assist VR consumers with the most significant disabilities in achieving the 

employment outcome of supported employment. 

Supported employment uses a “place-train” model in which individuals with the most significant 

disabilities are placed in a job and provided intensive services and supports. These services are 

typically provided by a job coach in conjunction with supports provided by the employer to train 

the individual on the job site, followed by extended services after the individual’s ability to 

perform the job with support has stabilized. These services and supports enable individuals with 

the most significant disabilities to engage in and maintain competitive integrated employment.

An individual’s potential for supported employment must be considered as part of the 

assessment to determine if an individual is eligible for the Title I VR State Grants program. VR 

funds are used to pay the costs associated with assessment and the determination of eligibility, 

as well as other needed VR services prior to placement in supported employment. Ongoing 

services are provided by the VR agency, using funds under the SE State Grants program and/or 

the VR State Grants program, from the time of job placement until the transition to extended 

services, and thereafter by one or more extended services providers. A State VR agency may 

support an individual’s supported employment services solely with VR State grant funds, or it 

may support these services in whole or in part with funds under the SE State Grants program.

In addition, States are required, under the amendments to Title VI of the Rehabilitation Act 

made by WIOA, to use one-half of their SE program funding allotment to provide supported 

employment and extended services to youth with the most significant disabilities and to provide 

a State dollar match of 10 percent for the SE allotment portion used to serve such youth.

Supported employment funds are distributed based on population, using the most recent 

estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, with no State receiving less than $300,000, or one1 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2021. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations 

action.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Supported employment State grants

51

third of 1 percent of the amount appropriated, whichever is greater. The minimum allotment for 

territories remains one-eighth of 1 percent of the appropriation. 

Funding levels for the past 5 fiscal years were as follows:

Fiscal Year (dollars in thousands)

2019 22,548

2020 22,548

2021 22,548

2022 22,548

2023 22,548

FY 2024 BUDGET REQUEST

For fiscal year 2024, the Administration requests $22.5 million for SE State Grants, level with

the fiscal year 2023 appropriation, to continue to provide a dedicated source of funding for 

supported employment services, including significant support for services to youth with the most 

significant disabilities.

When the SE State Grants program was first authorized in 1986, supported employment was a 

new promising practice in employing individuals who traditionally would not have achieved 

employment in the integrated labor market, and the program provided a critical incentive for 

State VR agencies to adopt this practice. State VR agencies now recognize supported 

employment as a viable employment option for individuals with the most significant disabilities, 

and an individual’s potential for supported employment must be considered as part of the 

assessment to determine if an individual is eligible for the Title I VR State Grants program. 

Even though states have demonstrated a need for funding, one issue of concern is that States 

have struggled to meet the requirement to use one-half of their SE allocations—along with a 

10 percent State dollar match—to provide supported employment and extended services to 

youth with the most significant disabilities. Some of the challenges reported by States include 

limited vendor capacity due to the pandemic; restrictions around use of SE funds, including a 

requirement that funds be spent on individuals once they are employed, which limits the number 

of youth clients who qualify for services; availability of VR State Grant funding to support SE 

services, which has less complicated administrative requirements; and the need for additional 

staff training, policies and procedures related to utilizing SE funds.

The challenge of meeting these requirements is demonstrated by recent SE State Grant 

expenditure patterns. Grantees did not use more than $3.7 million of fiscal year 2021 SE funds. 

As a result, more than 16 percent of the entire FY 2021 SE appropriation, less set-asides, will 

return to the Treasury. The amount of funds reverting to Treasury has increased by more than

$1 million since 2019. 

In order to respond to the substantial amount of unused funds in both the VR State Grants 

program and the SE State grants program, the Department has updated its Monitoring and 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Supported employment State grants

52

Technical Assistance Guide1 (MTAG) in collaboration with six VR agency directors and leaders 

representing the Council of State Administrators of Vocation Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the 

National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB). The MTAG explains the process 

through which the Department will conduct on-site monitoring and off-site reviews of, provide 

technical assistance to, and review the progress of, VR agencies in 1) maximizing the 

expenditure and use of Federal funds to improve the quality of services for, and employment 

outcomes achieved by, individuals with disabilities, and 2) complying with requirements under 

the Rehabilitation Act. In fiscal year 2023, the Department will monitor 12 agencies selected 

based on the amount of funds they returned through reallotment or at the end of the project 

period. Specific to the focus areas addressed during the fiscal year 2023 on-site monitoring and 

off-site reviews, the VR agency will develop and implement a strategic action plan (SAP) to 

demonstrate how it will reverse the return of unused funds and maximize the use and 

expenditure of Federal funds to improve performance and increase employment outcomes for 

individuals with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities. The SAP 

should—

• identify causes for unused Federal funds and strategies and activities the VR 

agency will undertake to increase and maximize its ability to expend Federal VR 

and Supported Employment program grant funds;

• provide a written workable plan for taking action, which contains a timeline for 

implementation that demonstrates results within a reasonable specified time;

• be supported by documentation (e.g., fiscal reports, data, policies) showing 

implementation of the actions and results achieved; and

• demonstrate a roadmap and commitment for continuous improvement.

The Department will also continue to analyze expenditure patterns, provide technical 

assistance, and work with all grantees to better understand their challenges with providing the 

state dollar match and using SE funds, in order to ensure States provide critical supported 

employment and extended services for youth with the most significant disabilities, consistent 

with the intent of the authorizing statute. 

Beginning in fiscal year 2018, the Department made changes to the implementation of the SE 

State Grant program in order to separate SE funds into two awards – one for SE services for 

youth with the most significant disabilities and one for SE services to non-youth. These changes

allow the Department to better track expenditures and compliance with non-Federal match 

requirements; however, in order to give grantees time to adjust to the changes, the Department 

did not enforce the matching requirements immediately. The Department will begin enforcing 

the matching requirement in 2023 by seeking recovery of Federal funds for non-compliant SE 

expenditures made beginning in fiscal year 2018.

The Rehabilitation Act requires the Department to reserve 1 percent of the funds appropriated 

under the Training, Demonstration and Training, Supported Employment, and Independent 

Living Services for Older Blind Individuals programs for the Traditionally Underserved 

Populations program (section 21 of the Rehabilitation Act). In fiscal year 2023, the Department 

1 https://rsa.ed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/vr/FFY%202023%20MTAG%20Final%20(01.20.2023%20update).pdf
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Supported employment State grants

53

is meeting the requirement for section 21 funds fully out of Training funds, so all SE funds will 

be allotted to States. The fiscal year 2024 request includes $225,000 to meet this requirement. 

PROGRAM OUTPUT MEASURES

(dollars in thousands)

Output Measures1 2022 2023 2024

Individuals with the most significant disabilities 

who exited with SE outcomes in competitive 

integrated employment 22,784 22,800 22,850

Individuals with the most significant disabilities 

who received SE services

46,396 46,400 46,450

Youth2 with the most significant disabilities who 

received SE services 22,575 22,600 23,650

Traditionally Underserved Populations $225 0 $225

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance Measures

This section presents selected program performance information, including, for example, 

program goals, objectives, measures, and performance targets and data; and an assessment of 

the progress made toward achieving program results. Achievement of program results is based 

on the cumulative effect of the Federal resources provided for the program and the VR State 

grants program as well as the resources and efforts invested by those served by the program. 

Data reported for these measures include outcomes for individuals who received supported 

employment services and exited the VR program with a supported employment outcome in 

competitive integrated employment, whether such services were paid for with VR State Grants 

or SE State Grants. Consequently, the measures do not permit independent assessment of the 

performance of the SE State Grants program. 

The Department has established three new performance measures, including two measures 

that mirror the WIOA performance indicators, to replace the previous performance measures, 

which were reported until fiscal year 2021. The new measures are designed to more effectively 

assess the role of supported employment services in the outcomes that participants with the 

most significant disabilities achieve.

1 The output measures data for Supported Employment State Grants are estimates based on program year 2021

data.

2 Youth is defined as individuals 14 to 24 years old.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Supported employment State grants

54

Performance data reported in 2022 are based on data collected under the RSA-911 for program 

year (PY) 2021 from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The Department has reported baseline data 

for PYs 2020 and 2021 under the new measures for 2021 and 2022. 

Goal: Individuals with the most significant disabilities who receive supported 

employment services will achieve high-quality employment outcomes and continue to 

work following their exit from the program.

Objective: Ensure that individuals with the most significant disabilities, who exit the VR program 

with supported employment outcomes in competitive integrated employment, will be capable of 

maintaining employment as a result of the supported employment services they received and 

that, consistent with their informed choice, they will have opportunities to maximize the number 

of hours they work each week. 

Measure: Of those individuals who received supported employment services, the median hours 

worked per week at the time they exit from the program with supported employment outcomes 

in competitive integrated employment. 

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 20 

2022 Baseline 20

2023 20 Intentionally left blank

2024 21 Intentionally left blank

Measure: Of those individuals who received supported employment services, the percentage 

who were employed during the second quarter after exit from the program. 

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 61.3%

2022 Baseline 65.3

2023 65.3% Intentionally left blank

2024 66.0 Intentionally left blank

Measure: Of those individuals who received supported employment services, the percentage 

who were employed during the fourth quarter after exit from the program. 

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 53.8%

2022 Baseline 55.7

2023 55.7% Intentionally left blank

2024 56.0 Intentionally left blank
REHABILITATION SERVICES

55

Independent living services for older blind individuals

(Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII, Chapter 2)

(dollars in thousands)

FY 2024 Authorization: To be determined 1

Budget Authority: 

Period of fund availability: 

Period of fund availability: one year 

2023 Appropriation 2024 Request Change

$33,317 $38,317 +$5,000

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (ILOIB) program assists 

individuals aged 55 or older who have severe visual impairment making competitive 

employment extremely difficult to obtain, but for whom independent living goals are feasible. 

Funds are used to provide independent living services, improve or expand services for these 

individuals, and improve public understanding of the challenges they face. ILOIB services are 

designed to help eligible persons adjust to their blindness by increasing their ability to care for 

their individual needs. Services under this program are not typically covered under private 

insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.

Grantees are State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies for persons who are blind and 

visually impaired or, in States with no separate agency for persons who are blind, State 

combined VR agencies. States participating in the ILOIB program must match 10 percent of 

their grant with non-Federal cash or in-kind resources in the year for which the Federal funds 

are appropriated. Awards are distributed to States according to a formula based on the 

population of individuals who are 55 years of age or older (using the most recent estimates from 

the U.S. Census Bureau). The minimum allotment for each of the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto 

Rico is $225,000, with each of the territories receiving a minimum allotment of $40,000.

Independent living services are typically provided through contracts with local providers 

administered by State VR agencies. The services most frequently provided to program 

participants in fiscal year 2022 were assistive technology devices and services (provided to 

72.8 percent of participants), daily living skills training (58.5 percent), and information and 

referral services (52.2 percent), with some participants receiving more than one service. These 

services allow older individuals who are blind or severely visually impaired to be more 

independent at home and in the community. Service providers are knowledgeable about 

blindness and other visual impairments, as well as the needs of older individuals with such 

impairments, including adaptive strategies that can assist these individuals to adjust to their 

impairments and increase their ability to function more independently.

1 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2021. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations 

action.
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Independent living for older blind individuals

56

The Department also reserves 1.8 percent of the funds appropriated to the ILOIB program, 

consistent with the requirements of WIOA, to provide training and technical assistance to

Designated State Agencies or other providers of ILOIB services.

Funding levels for the past 5 fiscal years were:

Fiscal Year (dollars in thousands)

2019 33,317

2020 33,317

2021 33,317

2022 33,317

2023 33,317

FY 2024 BUDGET REQUEST

For fiscal year 2024, the Administration requests $38.3 million for the ILOIB program, $5 million 

more than the fiscal year 2023 appropriation and the first increase since fiscal year 2014. The 

requested increase in funds will help ensure ILOIB programs have sufficient funds to hire and 

retain qualified providers to meet the independent living needs of older individuals who are blind 

or severely visually impaired. ILOIB providers are reporting challenges in their ability to retain 

and recruit qualified staff. Of 40 respondents to the OIB Technical Assistance Center’s 

2022 Needs Assessment, 12 OIB program managers reported that none of their staff members 

were certified by either the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education 

Professionals or the National Blindness Professional Certification Board. Ten program 

managers indicated that fewer than half of their staff have a certification, while only five reported 

that 80 to 100 percent of their staff are certified. The impact of increased operational costs and 

reduced staff capacity for conducting outreach and providing direct services is reflected in a 

23 percent decrease in the number of eligible individuals served by ILOIB programs between 

2014 and 2021. The Department would use nearly $690,000 to provide training and technical 

assistance to ILOIB grantees and service providers. 

In fiscal year 2022, 50,211 individuals received services under the ILOIB program, 61.1 percent 

of whom were over 75 years of age and about 83.7 percent of whom were still living in a private 

residence. Approximately 53.6 percent of these individuals were either legally blind or totally 

blind, and 18.3 percent also had some degree of hearing impairment. Macular degeneration 

continues to be the most commonly reported eye condition, followed by other causes of 

visual impairments, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

The prevalence of disability increases with age, and the occurrence of a sensory disability is 

greater among older adults than working-aged people. Persons aged 55 or older, the target 

population of this program, are projected to comprise a larger share of the population over the 

next decade and beyond as nearly 75 million Americans who make up the baby-boomer 

generation (born from 1946 to 1964) continue to age. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 

2021 American Community Survey (1-Year Estimates), 6.0 percent of individuals 65 and older 

(about 3.3 million people) have a vision-related disability. In addition, the percentage of 

individuals who have a disability that affects their independent living status (including vision-
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Independent living for older blind individuals

57

related disabilities) increases with age, with a dramatic increase for individuals in the 75 years 

and over category, where 22.4 percent report having a disability that affects their independent 

living status.

The Rehabilitation Act requires the Department to reserve 1 percent of the funds appropriated 

under the Training, Demonstration and Training, Supported Employment, and Independent 

Living Services for Older Blind Individuals programs for the Traditionally Underserved 

Populations program (section 21 of the Rehabilitation Act). In fiscal year 2023, the Department 

is meeting the requirement for section 21 funds fully out of Training funds, so all ILOIB funds will 

be allotted to States or reserved for training and technical assistance. The fiscal year 2024 

request includes $383,000 to meet this requirement. 

PROGRAM OUTPUT MEASURES 

(dollars in thousands)

Output Measures: 2022 2023 2024

Minimum State award $225 $225 $225

Number of States at minimum 17 17 15

Average State award $620 $626 $713

Traditionally Underserved Populations $333 $0 $383

Training and technical assistance $600 $600 $690

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance Measures

This section presents selected program performance information, including, for example, 

program goals, objectives, measures, and performance targets and data; and an assessment of 

the progress made toward achieving program results. Achievement of program results is based 

on the cumulative effect of the Federal resources provided for the program as well as the 

resources and efforts invested by those served by the program. 

Due to concerns about the precision of previous performance measures, the Department 

established five new performance measures designed to measure the performance of the ILOIB 

program more accurately. The Department reported baseline data under the new measures for 

fiscal years 2022 and 2023 after which targets were set for fiscal years 2023 and 2024. 

Objective: To restore, improve, or maintain the independence of older individuals whose 

functional capabilities have been lost or diminished as a result of vision loss or blindness. 
REHABILITATION SERVICES

Independent living for older blind individuals

58

Measure: The percentage of individuals receiving assistive technology devices and services 

who demonstrated improvement in one or more functional capabilities during the reported 

federal fiscal year consistent with the objectives for receiving such devices and services.

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 79%

2022 Baseline 84

2023 85% Intentionally left blank

2024 85 Intentionally left blank

Measure: The percentage of individuals receiving one or more independent living and 

adjustment training services who demonstrated improvement in functional capabilities during the 

reported federal fiscal year.

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 78%

2022 Baseline 83

2023 84% Intentionally left blank

2024 84 Intentionally left blank

Measure: The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported feeling that 

they are more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation. 

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 87%

2022 Baseline 90

2023 92% Intentionally left blank

2024 92 Intentionally left blank

Measure: The percentage of individuals completing a plan of services who reported an 

increased ability to engage in their customary daily life activities in the home and community. 

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline 77%

2022 Baseline 90

2023 90% Intentionally left blank

2024 90 Intentionally left blank

Objective: To ensure that State OIB programs demonstrate an efficient and effective use of 

funds to serve older individuals who are blind.
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59

Measure: The average annual cost per individual served through the program during the 

reported federal fiscal year.

Year Target Actual

2021 Baseline $942

2022 Baseline 933

2023 $945 Intentionally left blank

2024 945 Intentionally left blank
REHABILITATION SERVICES

60

Helen Keller National Center

(Helen Keller National Center Act)

(dollars in thousands)

FY 2024 Authorization: To be determined1

Budget Authority: 

Helen Keller National Center

Period of fund availability: 

2023 Appropriation 2024 Request Change

$19,000 $19,000 0

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC or the Center) was 

created by Congress in 1967 and operates under the auspices of Helen Keller Services. The 

HKNC provides services on a national basis to youth and adults who are deaf-blind, their 

families, and service providers through on- and off-campus services, professional learning, and 

information on combined vision and hearing loss. HKNC’s mission is to enable each person who 

is deaf-blind to live, work, and thrive in their community of choice. This includes having access 

to local resources for community living and employment opportunities.

HKNC provides direct services through a residential training facility at its national headquarters 

center (Center) located in Sands Point, New York, where deaf-blind individuals receive intensive 

specialized services. The Center provides comprehensive services for individuals with deafblindness to enhance their potential for employment and help them live independently in their 

home communities. The Center’s residential programs provide consumers with an array of 

services, and supports, including adaptive skills training to help them achieve their vocational 

and independent living goals. The Center’s programs emphasize several areas such as 

enhanced mobility, improved and accessible communication (including the use of adaptive 

technology), constructive participation in home and community settings, leadership and 

advocacy training through mentoring, ongoing social and professional opportunities, and 

employment.

HKNC also provides services through a network of 10 regional field offices staffed by 

11 regional representatives and 12 deaf-blind specialists. Through this network, HKNC assists

deaf-blind individuals and their families and provides technical assistance to local service 

providers. The regional network offices provide counseling, information, transition assistance, 

and referral services for individuals who are deaf-blind and their families to assist them to 

achieve successful participation in their community and employment.

The HKNC Community Services Program (CSP), operated by the Center in collaboration with 

the New York State Commission for the Blind and the California Department of Rehabilitation 

Services, provides comprehensive rehabilitation, vocational, and support services to eligible 

persons who are deaf-blind in their homes, worksites, and communities. CSP is staffed by 

1 The GEPA extension expired September 30, 2004. Reauthorization for FY 2024 is expected through appropriations 

action.
REHABILITATION SERVICES

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credentialed professionals in the fields of blindness and deafness, including orientation and 

mobility specialists, low vision specialists, vision rehabilitation teachers, and vocational 

specialists. All CSP staff are proficient in American Sign Language and other alternative modes 

of communication.

In addition, HKNC has developed a Deaf-Blind National Community of Practice, a 71-member 

collaborative of professional organizations working together to improve the quality of services to 

individuals who are deaf-blind through shared learning, research, and practice. These 

organizations consist of three national organizations, vocational rehabilitation agencies for both 

deaf and hard of hearing and blind consumers, many State deaf-blind projects, two schools for 

the deaf and blind, and agencies that provide support services (such as Support Service 

Provider and interpreting services) to deaf-blind individuals.

HKNC also offers a program called the Deaf-Blind Immersion Experience, which provides 

consumers who are deaf-blind with intellectual disabilities, and their support teams, a 5-day 

training experience that includes participation in work experiences that match their interests, 

gifts, and abilities.

HKNC also provides professional development, training and technical assistance, and 

consultation to other organizations, programs, and providers serving individuals who are deafblind.

COVID-19 Pandemic Adjustments

Due to COVID-19, HKNC transformed the in-person vocational rehabilitation program into a 

virtual program approximately halfway through fiscal year 2020. In-person services in New York

and other parts of the country were made available as State and local regulations allowed. 

Although HKNC began the recruitment process to reopen its residential training facilities in early 

summer 2021, services on campus did not resume until late 2021. HKNC experienced 

difficulties in recruiting essential staff. The Center falls under the guidelines of the New York

State Department of Health and requires a minimum number of nursing staff as well as 

dormitory staff to reopen the residential facilities. As in-person training increased, HKNC had to 

reduce the number of individuals that supported virtual training initiatives. The difficulties hiring 

qualified staff have influenced HKNC’s ability to increase the number of program participants 

living on campus. The Center, however, continues to increase its numbers on campus and is 

providing virtual and hybrid services at the same time.

Revenue and Expenses

For fiscal year 2022, HKNC reported total public support and revenues of $25 million. Funds 

from the Federal government ($21.3 million) made up 85 percent of its total revenue. Funding 

from State grants and contracts amounted to $2.4 million (10 percent). HKNC received 

approximately $495,000 in donations and public support (2 percent) and reported an 

approximately $805,000 increase in HKNC operations and investment income (3 percent). 

While the Center has sought to increase other sources of funding, the Federal appropriation 

remains its primary source of support.
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For fiscal year 2022, HKNC incurred total operating expenses of approximately $23.6 million. 

Because most of the specialized services required by this population are provided by HKNC 

staff, salaries, and fringe benefits (approximately $17.1 million) account for most expenses 

(72 percent). Other expenses include: building, utilities, and rent (approximately $760,000, or 

3 percent); professional services (approximately $1.8 million, or 8 percent); client related 

services (approximately $685,000, or 3 percent); and other operating expenses (approximately 

$3.2 million, or 14 percent).

Funding levels for the past 5 fiscal years were:

Fiscal Year (dollars in thousands)

2019 $13,500

2020 16,000

2021 17,000

2022 18,000

2023 19,000

FY 2024 BUDGET REQUEST

For fiscal year 2024, the Administration requests $19.0 million for HKNC, level with the fiscal 

year 2023 appropriation, to sustain regional office support for an estimated 1,900 individual 

consumers, 650 families, and 1,650 agencies and organizations, while also strengthening direct 

intensive services to approximately 90 consumers at HKNC’s residential training and 

rehabilitation program.

While most of the request would support core activities at HKNC headquarters, approximately 

30 percent of the funds requested would provide support to the HKNC for field services, 

community education, and professional development programs, including the activities of 

HKNC’s 10 regional offices and the Information, Research, and Professional Development 

department. These programs help reach consumers in their home communities and assist 

personnel at State agencies and other organizations to serve, or develop the capacity to serve,

individuals who are deaf-blind through training, community education, and technical assistance.
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PROGRAM OUTPUT MEASURES

Output Measures 2022 2023 2024

Number of individuals served at headquarters:

Number of Adult training program clients 85 90 90

Number receiving Specialized training services:

Specialized training services: Number of Transition for high school students 10 15 15

Specialized training services: Number of Senior citizens 25 30 30

Specialized training services: Number of Individuals with intellectual disabilities 10 15 15

Specialized training services: Number receiving Targeted skills training 10 15 15

Specialized training services: Number receiving Community Services Program 150 165 165

Number of individuals served through regional 

representatives and deaf-blind specialists:

Number of Consumersserved through regional representatives 1,300 1,900 1,900

Number of Familiesserved through regional representatives 360 650 650

Number of Agencies/organizationsserved through regional representatives 945 1,650 1,650

f HKNC FTE staff 160 175 175

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Performance Measures

This section presents selected program performance information, including, for example, 

program goals, objectives, measures, and performance targets and data; and an assessment of 

the progress made toward achieving program results. Achievement of program results is based 

on the cumulative effect of the Federal resources provided for the program as well as the 

resources and efforts invested by those served by the program.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the unique health and developmental needs of the 

communities served by HKNC, several of the performance outcomes outlined below indicate 

notable shifts from past performance. These shifts are typically decreases and are found in 

performance measures designed to capture outcomes in spaces where service recipients are 

typically required to either live at HKNC headquarters or have extensive in-person contact with 

HKNC-affiliated staff. HKNC expects outcomes on these performance indicators to move back 

toward normality.
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Goal: Individuals who are deaf-blind will become independent and function as full and 

productive members of their local community.

Objective: Individuals who are deaf-blind receive the specialized services and training they 

need to become as independent and self-sufficient as possible.

Measure: The percentage of: (1) training goals set and achieved by adult consumers (both on 

and off campus); (2) adult consumers seeking employment who are placed in employment (both 

on and off campus); and (3) adult consumers seeking to maintain their ability to live 

independently or move to less restrictive settings who achieve their goals.

Year

Target

# of Adult 

Consumers

Actual

# of Adult 

Consumers

(on/off)

Target

% of 

Training 

goals met

Actual

% of 

Training 

goals met

Target

% Placed 

in Employment

Actual

% Placed 

in Employment

(on/off)

Target

% in Less 

Restrictive 

Settings

Actual

% in Less 

Restrictive 

Settings

2019 80 59/38 95% 89% 48% 63/67% 86% 87%

2020 80 86/92 95 87 60 33/50 86 93

2021 80 82/95 95 88 60 10/41 86 12

2022 80 70/91 95 93 60 26/67 86 78

2023 80 Intentionally left blank 95 Intentionally left blank 60 Intentionally left blank 86 Intentionally left blank

2024 80 Intentionally left blank 95 Intentionally left blank 60 Intentionally left blank 86 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: In fiscal year 2022, HKNC served 70 consumers through its virtual 

training and on campus programs sponsored by HKNC headquarters and 91 additional offcampus consumers through its NY Community Services Program. HKNC points out that the 

number of consumers served may fluctuate from year to year due to multiple factors beyond the 

control of the Center. For example, the length of time an individual participates in training may 

vary anywhere from two weeks to beyond one year due to varying levels of training intensity and 

differing individual needs.

The Center evaluates the progress of consumers in achieving the goals stated in their 

individualized training plans (ITPs). This measure represents the percent of adult consumers 

served by the HKNC who successfully achieved identified training goals during the program 

year.

In fiscal year 2022, 26 percent of consumers served by HKNC headquarters and 67 percent of 

regional consumers participating in the Community Services Program with an employment goal 

were placed in employment.

The “less restrictive settings” measure refers to consumers who move from settings such as 

living with parents or guardians, assisted living settings, and nursing homes to more 

independent living arrangements such as their own home or apartment or group homes.
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Objective: Increase the capacity of deaf-blind consumers to function more independently in the 

home community.

Measure: The number of individuals (or families on behalf of individuals) referred to State or 

local agencies or service providers by HKNC‘s regional offices.

Year Target Actual

2019 600 505

2020 600 372

2021 600 384

2022 600 258

2023 600 Intentionally left blank

2024 600 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: These referrals help deaf-blind consumers access resources within 

their home community that improve their ability to function independently. The expansion of 

HKNC’s field services impacted the number of referrals in 2022 as more individuals were 

referred to HKNC programs both in and out-of-state.

Measure: The percentage of consumers who participated in services or programs (other than 

HKNC) as a result of receiving a referral from HKNC’s regional offices.

Year Target Actual

2019 75% 68%

2020 75 75

2021 75 75

2022 75 74

2023 75 Intentionally left blank

2024 75 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: This measure provides information on the activities of the field 

services programs, including the regional representatives and deployed deaf-blind specialists. 

The referrals provided by regional representatives often are the gateway to finding appropriate 

and individualized supports from various agencies and organizations.
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Objective: HKNC will assist State vocational rehabilitation (VR) and employment programs in 

increasing employment outcomes for individuals who are deaf-blind.

Measure: The number of referrals by HKNC’s regional offices to VR or related employment 

programs.

Year Target Actual

2019 65 55

2020 65 79

2021 65 47

2022 65 54

2023 65 Intentionally left blank

2024 65 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: HKNC field staff frequently facilitate interactions between consumers 

and VR agencies, including assistance for consumers who are returning to their State’s VR 

system after attending intensive training at HKNC headquarters. The number of referrals to VR 

agencies fluctuates depending on whether the consumers served by HKNC field staff have 

vocational goals.

Measure: The percentage of individuals who achieved successful employment outcomes in 

which HKNC’s regional offices played a collaborative role contributing training, advocacy and/or 

support to the consumer or job training agency.

Year Target Actual 

2019 45% 47%

2020 45 35

2021 45 35

2022 45 53

2023 45 Intentionally left blank

2024 45 Intentionally left blank

Additional information: The numerator is the number of clients served by HKNC regional 

representatives who achieved employment outcomes in which HKNC’s regional offices played a 

collaborative role providing training, advocacy and/or support to the consumer or job training 

agency. The denominator is the total number of consumers served by HKNC regional 

representatives who achieved employment outcomes.
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Account Summary Table

Click here for the online version

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FISCAL YEAR 2024 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET

(in thousands of dollars)

Cat 

Code 2022 Appropriation 2023 Appropriation

2024 President's 

Budget Request

FY 2024 President's Budget Request 

Compared to FY 2023 Appropriation

Amount Percent

Rehabilitation Services

1. Vocational rehabilitation State grants:

(a) Grantsto States(RA Title I-A,sections 110 and 111)1 M 3,668,471 3,899,057 4,202,679 303,622 7.79%

(b) Grantsto Indians(RA Title I-C) M 50,650 50,650 51,155 505 1.00%

Subtotal, Pre-Sequestration M 3,719,121 3,949,707 4,253,834 304,127 7.70%

Subtotal, Post-Sequestration M 3,507,131 3,724,574 4,011,365 286,791 7.70%

2. Client assistance State grants(RA section 112) D 13,000 13,000 15,000 2,000 15.38%

3. Training (RA section 302) D 29,388 29,388 29,388 0 0.00%

4. Demonstration and training programs(RA section 303) D 5,796 5,796 7,296 1,500 25.88%

5. Protection and advocacy of individual rights(RA section 509) D 19,150 20,150 20,150 0 0.00%

6. Supported employment State grants(RA VI) D 22,548 22,548 22,548 0 0.00%

7. Independent living services for older blind individuals(RA VII, Chapter 2) D 33,317 33,317 38,317 5,000 15.01%

8. Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults(HKNCA) D 18,000 19,000 19,000 0 0.00%

9. Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending D 2,325 0 0 0 —

Subtotal 143,524 143,199 151,699 8,500 5.94%

Total 3,862,645 4,092,906 4,405,533 312,627 7.64%

Discretionary D 143,524 143,199 151,699 8,500 5.94%

Mandatory M 3,719,121 3,949,707 4,253,834 304,127 7.70%

1 This amount is pre-sequestration.

NOTES:

1) D = discretionary program; M = mandatory programs

2) Pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011 (P.L. 112-25), for most mandatory programs, with the exception of Pell Grants, Credit Liquidating, and Credit Reestimates the levels shown in the 2022 and 2023 Appropriation columns 

reflect the 5.7 percent reduction that went into effect on October 1, 2021 and October 1, 2022, respectively.

3) Detail may not add to totals due to rounding.