The Department of Education recently released new funding under the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) specifically aimed at supporting innovative solutions for transitioning youth and adults with disabilities to competitive integrated employment (CIE). This is a fantastic opportunity to secure substantial funding for programs that benefit individuals with brain injury!
What you'll gain:
Targeted Expertise: The National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA) team will provide in-depth information on the DIF, focusing on the two program areas particularly relevant to brain injury:
Early Intervention and Workforce Reintegration Strategies for youth and adults with acquired disabilities, including brain injury, leading to CIE.
Justice-Involved Youth with Disabilities - Early intervention and reintegration from the criminal legal system to the community, leading to CIE (up to 49% of justice-involved youth have sustained a brain injury).
Collaborative Brainstorming: We'll explore potential partner organizations that can strengthen your DIF application.
Framework for Success: Receive sample frameworks tailored to your specific focus area within brain injury and CIE to guide your proposal development.
Open Discussion: Share your ideas, receive feedback, and engage in collaborative problem-solving with other states.
The DIF offers funding in the $8-$10 million range over 5 years for up to 29 model demonstration projects. For more information, review some background from NASHIA here.
This session is ideal for states at all stages of the application process, from exploring possibilities to actively developing proposals. Additionally, the DIF allows for combining topic areas or pursuing innovative activities beyond the listed options. We'll explore these possibilities together!