Feds give $251 million for disability inclusion at work 

In its largest-ever vocational rehabilitation-focused competitive grant, the U.S. Department of Education is giving $251 million to more than two dozen higher education institutions and other agencies to ensure disability inclusion in the workforce. The Disability Innovation Fund program awarded the five-year grants to 27 recipients. 

The grants will prepare individuals for competitive and integrated employment, as well as allow youth and adults with disabilities to be paid good wages while getting a job in some of today’s most in-demand fields.

In a news release, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said, “In our 21st century economy, we must provide more opportunities for these individuals to achieve their goals for competitive integrated employment, independence, and economic self-sufficiency.”

The recipients of the grant come from 16 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, and they represent 13 institutions of higher education, nine nonprofits, four state agencies, and one institution of higher education/special institution.

The locations receiving grants include Bismark State College, Florida Atlantic University, Minot State University, Mississippi State University, Northern Marianas College, University of Idaho, University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Oregon, University of South Florida, University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Wisconsin System, University of Wisconsin-Stout, and Wor-Wic Community College.

The full list of individual projects can be found here.