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

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and its Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), has released a discretionary grant opportunity for State Technical Assistance Projects to Improve Services and Results for DeafBlind Children. This program operates under Assistance Listing Number 84.326T. The initiative is grounded in the Department’s broader mandate to enhance academic achievement and life outcomes for children with disabilities by providing technical assistance (TA), fostering model demonstration projects, and disseminating evidence-based practices. Recognizing the complex and unique needs of DeafBlind children, this grant specifically aims to support the establishment and operation of dedicated State DeafBlind Projects in eight targeted states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The primary purpose of this grant is to build state-level capacity to serve DeafBlind children more effectively. These children often experience dual sensory impairments, which require highly specialized educational and developmental support. The funded projects will offer targeted TA to early intervention and education providers, service agencies, teachers, and families. The scope includes increasing early identification and referrals, improving access to the general education curriculum, and enhancing transitions to postsecondary education or employment. Importantly, the grants are intended to fund state-based systems of support, not direct service provision under IDEA Parts B or C. Grantees are expected to collaborate closely with the OSEP-funded National Center on Deafblindness and other relevant agencies. Each eligible state will receive a specific maximum funding allocation for a 12-month budget period, based on a range of factors such as population, poverty levels, and geographic service costs. For instance, Washington may receive up to $212,573, while Maine and New Hampshire are capped at $71,055 each. The total funding available across the eight states is $1,022,860, and up to eight awards may be issued, with one per state. Applicants may apply individually or form multi-state consortia, in which case each state must still receive support proportional to its designated funding level. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program. Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations, such as state educational agencies (SEAs), state lead agencies under Part C of IDEA, local educational agencies (LEAs), public charter schools recognized as LEAs, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, and public agencies. Applications must include, where applicable, letters of support from SEAs and demonstrate a clear plan for delivering intensive and high-quality TA aligned with state and local needs. Priority will be given to applications from SEAs under a competitive preference priority titled “Returning Education to the States,” which can earn applicants up to 10 additional points. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov no later than April 21, 2026, by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The application package was made available on February 20, 2026. There is no pre-application or letter of intent requirement. The application must adhere to the Department’s Common Instructions for Applicants and include standard federal forms such as SF-424 and ED 524, a detailed project narrative, a budget narrative, resumes of key staff, and assurances and certifications. The deadline for intergovernmental review is June 22, 2026. Applications will be reviewed by independent peer reviewers based on specific selection criteria, including the project’s significance, design quality, evaluation plan, resource adequacy, and management plan. Grantees will be required to participate in annual performance reviews and demonstrate progress toward program goals. They must also attend an annual project directors' conference and collaborate with the National Center on Deafblindness. The initial project period is up to 24 months, and awards will be made only to projects that meet the absolute priority and deliver on all programmatic and administrative requirements. The Department reserves the right to consider past performance, use of funds, and compliance history in its final selection decisions.

Emphasize measurable outcomes, coordination with national partners, and state-specific data on DeafBlind populations.