In 2023, OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) provided nearly $200 million to fund programs that help to assist state and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation (VR) and other services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.

Please read about these programs below.

84.315C | Activities for Underserved Populations

Section 21 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by WIOA, requires RSA to reserve one percent of funds appropriated each year for programs under titles III, VI and VII to provide grant, contract or cooperative agreement awards to:

1. Minority entities and Indian tribes to carry out activities under the Rehabilitation Act;
2. Minority entities and Indian tribes to conduct research, training, technical assistance, or a related activity, to improve services provided under this Act, especially services provided to individuals from minority backgrounds; or
3. State or public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to minority entities and American Indian tribes to promote their participation in activities under the Rehabilitation Act.

Read more about the Activities for Underserved Populations program.

84.421E | Disability Innovation Fund — Pathways to Partnerships

The purpose of the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Program is to support innovative (as defined in the notice) activities aimed at increasing competitive integrated employment (CIE) for youth and other individuals with disabilities.