FEDERAL AGENCY:

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Applicant Eligibility: Public or private nonprofit agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education are eligible for assistance.

Beneficiary Eligibility: Individuals preparing for employment as interpreters for individuals who are deaf and individuals who are deaf- blind who are presently serving as interpreters and wish to maintain or raise the level of their skills, and the persons who will receive the services of interpreters are beneficiaries of this program.

Credentials/Documentation: Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions applies.

Pre-application Coordination: The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State; for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure: Application is made to Department of Education, Application Control Center, 400 Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20202-4725. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure: All new applications are reviewed by a panel of at least three individuals. Each panel will include one or more nonfederal consultants with experience and training with interpreting for individuals who are deaf and individuals who are deaf-blind.

Deadlines: Contact the headquarters office for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approximately 120 to 160 days.

Appeals: None.

Renewals: Renewals are available only through the new application process. Projects with an approved multi-year project period may be continued based on the availability of adequate funds and an annual review of accomplishments to determine satisfactory performance.

Formula and Matching Requirements: Grantees are required to share in the cost of projects with a portion subject to individual negotiations.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Projects may be supported for a maximum of 5 years. Funds are granted on a 12-month basis.

Reports: Annual financial and progress reports must be submitted as required by grant award terms and conditions.

Audits: Audits must be conducted on a continuing basis or at scheduled intervals, usually once a year, but a least once every 2 years. Institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations are subject to the audit requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program- specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records: Proper records must be maintained for three years subsequent to audit or until all audit questions are resolved.

Account Identification: 91-0301-0-1-506.

Obligations: (Grants and Contracts) FY 01 $2,105,300; FY 02 est $2,105,300; and FY 03 est $2,105,300.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance: To be determined.

Currently not available.

Training of Interpreters for Individuals who are Deaf and Individuals who are Deaf-Blind Regulations (34 CFR 385); (34 CFR 396); the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86.

Regional or Local Office: Not applicable.

Headquarters Office: Tom Finch, Department of Education, OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20202 Email: tom.finch@ed.gov Phone: (202) 245-7343.

Web Site Address:  
http://www.ed.gov/students/college/aid/rehab/catinter.html

Grants were awarded to colleges and universities that have ongoing sign language/oral interpreter training programs of proven merit and serve areas ranging from four to eight States. Some projects have been national in scope. Programs include training courses connected to degree programs in interpreting; short- term practical training leading to interpreter certification; and workshops, seminars, and practicums.