Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Parent Information and Training Program ALN 84.235F | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), through the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). It is under Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.235F and is titled the Parent Information and Training (PTI) Program.

2) What is the main purpose of the Parent Information and Training (PTI) Program under this opportunity?

The purpose is to support a Parent Information and Training center that provides practical information, training, and guidance to individuals with disabilities and their families so they can better navigate services and supports connected to employment and independent living outcomes, with a particular emphasis on understanding and using the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system.

3) What does the Department plan to fund through this competition?

The Department intends to fund one Regional PTI Center for Region C. The funded center is expected to operate as a regional hub, delivering training and information and strengthening families' ability to understand and use VR and related disability supports that lead to employment and independent living.

4) What geographic area does Region C cover?

Region C covers eight states: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

5) How many awards does the Department expect to make?

The Department expects to make one award.

6) What is the estimated maximum award amount?

The estimated award ceiling is $300,000.

7) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to private nonprofit organizations that meet the specific requirements in section 303(c)(4) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

8) Are public agencies eligible to apply?

Based on the information provided, eligibility is limited to qualifying private nonprofit organizations (as defined by section 303(c)(4) of the Rehabilitation Act). No other applicant types are described as eligible in the provided details.

9) What kind of capacity must an eligible nonprofit demonstrate?

The applicant must demonstrate real capacity and expertise to run a regional training and information operation. This includes the ability to coordinate training and information activities with Centers for Independent Living and to coordinate and work closely with existing IDEA-funded parent support infrastructure (including PTIs, Community Parent Resource Centers, and other eligible entities funded under IDEA).

10) What partnerships and coordination are expected with Centers for Independent Living?

The funded center is expected to coordinate training and information activities with Centers for Independent Living, which are described as key partners in independent living services and peer-based supports.

11) What coordination is expected with IDEA-funded parent support programs?

The applicant must show it can coordinate and work closely with existing IDEA-funded parent support infrastructure, including:

• PTIs authorized under IDEA section 671
• Community Parent Resource Centers under IDEA section 672
• Other eligible entities funded under IDEA section 673

The goal is for families to experience a connected system rather than separate programs that do not coordinate, especially during transitions from school-based supports to adult services and employment systems.

12) What types of training and information are expected to be delivered?

The center is expected to provide practical information, training, and guidance that typically includes helping families and self-advocates understand rights, available services, how to engage effectively with VR agencies and partners, and how to plan transitions that lead to employment and community living outcomes.

13) Is there an emphasis on employment outcomes?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes helping individuals with disabilities pursue work (including employment outcomes connected to the VR system) and live more independently.

14) Who is the intended audience or beneficiaries of the Regional PTI Center?

The center is intended to serve individuals with disabilities and their families (and representatives), focusing on helping them navigate VR and related supports tied to employment and independent living.

15) Does the program need to serve only certain disability types?

No. The applicant must demonstrate the capacity to serve individuals with a full range of disabilities, along with their families and representatives. This signals an expectation of inclusivity across disability types and support needs.

16) What governance requirements apply to applicants?

The organization must be governed by a board of directors (or equivalent structure) that includes professionals from the vocational rehabilitation field. In addition, the majority of members must be individuals with disabilities and/or their families (including parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives).

17) Is there an alternative governance option besides a board of directors?

Yes. An organization with a broader membership structure may qualify if it represents the interests of individuals with disabilities and establishes a special governing committee to operate the training and information program. That committee must include VR professionals and must still be majority-controlled by individuals with disabilities and their families. Representatives from special education and other public or private agencies may be included as appropriate.

18) Why are the governance requirements emphasized in this competition?

The governance requirements are described as central and are intended to ensure the program is led by, and accountable to, the community it serves. The structure reinforces that the PTI is directed by individuals with disabilities and families, not simply delivering services to them.

19) Does the center need to operate at a regional scale across multiple states?

Yes. The Department intends to fund a single Regional PTI Center for Region C, which spans eight states. The description also notes the need to reach diverse communities across multiple states, which may include differences in geography, rural access challenges, tribal communities where applicable, and varying state-level VR and education practices.

20) What is the opportunity number for this grant?

The opportunity number is ED GRANTS 032426 001.

21) When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2026-03-24.

22) What is the application closing date?

The closing date for applications is 2026-04-24.

23) Where can applicants find the application submission instructions?

Application submission logistics are not listed directly in the provided notice text. Applicants are directed to follow the Department of Education Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2025 (90 FR 42234). Those instructions include the addresses and process for obtaining and submitting an application and are available at the Federal Register link included in the announcement.

24) What is the core program focus for families and self-advocates?

The program focus is to equip families and self-advocates with practical knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, advocate effectively, and connect successfully to VR and related pathways supporting competitive integrated employment and independent living goals.