OSERS-OSEP: State Technical Assistance Projects to Improve Services and Results for DeafBlind Children

The State Technical Assistance Projects to Improve Services and Results for DeafBlind Children is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). It operates under the Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program, authorized by 20 U.S.C. 1462, 1463, and 1481. This initiative aims to support academic achievement and enhance outcomes for children with disabilities, specifically targeting DeafBlind children who face multifaceted educational and developmental challenges. Recognizing the need for specialized technical assistance, the grant funds State DeafBlind Projects in eight designated states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The program focuses on addressing the unique educational, transitional, and early intervention needs of DeafBlind children by providing robust technical assistance and training to early intervention services (EIS) providers, educators, related service providers, and administrators. It also seeks to empower families and caregivers through information and support to foster collaborative partnerships with service providers and educational institutions. Grantees must work in close coordination with OSEP’s National Center on Deafblindness to align with federal initiatives, share resources, and maximize impact across state lines. Award amounts for each participating state are capped based on demographic and geographic factors. The funding allocations range from $71,055 to $212,573 per state for a 12-month budget period, with a total program funding of $1,022,860. The program does not require matching funds. Projects may be awarded to serve a single state or a consortium of states, provided the geographic scope and funding limits are respected. Entities eligible to apply include state educational agencies (SEAs), state lead agencies under Part C of IDEA, local educational agencies (LEAs), institutes of higher education (IHEs), public and nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, for-profit organizations, and freely associated states or outlying areas. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and follow the Department of Education’s Common Instructions for Discretionary Grant Programs, including proper registration in SAM.gov and accurate use of a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Required components include the SF 424 form, project and budget narratives, resumes, assurances, and certifications. While no pre-application (such as LOI) is required, all applicants must comply with executive order 12372 for intergovernmental review. The application window opens on February 20, 2026, and closes on April 21, 2026, with a deadline for intergovernmental review on June 22, 2026. Selected grantees may receive awards for up to 24 months, and the program is not listed as recurring. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria including the significance of the project, quality of design and management, adequacy of resources, and strength of the project’s evaluation plan. Competitive preference points may be awarded for proposals led by SEAs. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Rebecca Sheffield at the U.S. Department of Education, by phone at (202) 245-6490 or email at [email protected].

Emphasize collaboration with the National Center on Deafblindness; tailor TA to state data; align outcomes with required performance measures.