Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind Program CFDA Number: 84.160C | ED GRANTS 072516 001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind Program (CFDA 84.160C)?

It is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Education, administered through the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The program supports efforts to build and strengthen the national supply of qualified interpreters who serve individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are deaf-blind.

Which federal agency administers this grant program?

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education through the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).

What law authorizes this program?

The program is authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

What is the main purpose of the funding?

The core idea is to fund interpreter training programs, or provide support to improve and sustain existing interpreter training programs, so more interpreters can meet real-world communication needs across the country.

What types of interpreting skills or communication modes does the program emphasize?

The program focuses on preparing interpreters to interpret and transliterate effectively using multiple communication modes, including spoken, visual, and tactile methods.

Who are the intended beneficiaries of the interpreter training supported by this grant?

The supported training is meant to address the access needs and real-world communication situations encountered by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are deaf-blind, including responsiveness to specific communication preferences and requirements of the communities served.

Does the program only support training new interpreters?

No. In addition to producing new interpreters, the grants are also meant to help currently qualified interpreters maintain their skills and continue improving.

Is there an emphasis on professional certification standards?

Yes. The program emphasizes helping interpreters reach the highest professional standards recognized by certifying associations, while remaining responsive to the needs and preferences of the communities served.

How must applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the downloadable application package associated with the CFDA number.

How do applicants locate the application package on Grants.gov?

Applicants must search using "84.160" rather than including the alpha suffix (so not "84.160C").

What is the Funding Opportunity Number listed for this competition?

The opportunity was listed under Funding Opportunity Number ED GRANTS 072516 001.

What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date listed was August 24, 2016.

Who is eligible to apply as the lead applicant?

Only baccalaureate degree ASL-English interpretation programs that are recognized and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE) are eligible to apply as the lead applicant for the consortium.

What kind of application structure is required for eligibility?

Eligibility is structured around a consortium model, with a specific requirement that the lead applicant must be a CCIE-accredited baccalaureate degree ASL-English interpretation program.

Can states, agencies, or other organizations be involved in an application?

Yes. States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations (including institutions of higher education) may participate, but only as consortium members (not as the lead applicant).

Can a baccalaureate ASL-English interpretation program that is not CCIE accredited apply?

Yes, but only as a consortium member. A baccalaureate degree ASL-English interpretation program that is not CCIE accredited may participate as a partner in the consortium but cannot serve as the lead applicant.

Where should applicants look for the official requirements, priorities, and performance measures?

Applicants are directed to the official Federal Register application notice for full details on priorities, performance measures, and application requirements. The Federal Register notice is treated as the controlling source.

Was there a correction to the Federal Register notice related to matching requirements?

Yes. The published materials note an important correction to the original Federal Register notice inviting applications for FY 2016 (81 FR 48409, published July 25, 2016).

What was the error related to the matching requirement?

The original Federal Register notice incorrectly stated that a 10 percent match was required to meet the cost match requirement. The document associated with the synopsis clarifies that this statement was an error and was being corrected.

Which guidance should applicants rely on regarding match requirements and other official conditions?

Applicants are instructed to rely on the corrected Federal Register guidance for the accurate matching requirement and any other official conditions.

Who should applicants contact for Grants.gov technical support?

For technical issues with Grants.gov, applicants can contact the federal helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov.