The Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council has posted a new grant opportunity: Social Networks for Transition-Age Youth with I/DD. Proposals are due on September 4, 2024.

This grant will be in line with the Council’s mission of advocating for systems change by promoting meaningful person-centered participation, self-determination, and inclusion for all individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Transition Age Youth

This grant will support a project centered around youth transitions, from school to adulthood. Transition age youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) often receive services and support from multiple providers including their school district, case management agency, therapists and primary and specialty care.  However, the purpose of providers is not to connect youth with real friends, community connections, or opportunities that are available to them beyond services and support. This puts the focus on what people need to participate in their community, but often fails to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities in the community.

Young people with I/DD need a chance to explore and grow as individuals and learn there is more to the world and make connections outside of their families. Even those youth that have friends in school may find their friends and peers have only been available due to their connection with a school activity. Some of those friends move on during or after school, further limiting the young person’s interaction with others outside their family. Best practice would be to emphasize full integration with people who have an interest in building friendships and interacting with youth with I/DD. 

The Project

This project will prepare individuals with IDD and their families to succeed in developing a social network which will result in more social interaction, developing interests, and in lasting relationships. To facilitate this, it will be necessary to recruit, educate, and support Colorado families in understanding and pursuing a meaningful life framework with their students that will support their transition age students with I/DD in developing personal networks. As a result of participating in this project, students and their families will be better prepared  for the transition to adulthood, including pathways to higher education, employment, community living or other pathways of their choice.

What the Council is Looking For

The Council is interested in finding a grantee that has knowledge and experience in developing social networks, including those who work in rural or urban areas where community resources and connections are scarce, due to location, socio-economic status, and/or a history of prejudice and discrimination. The intention is to be able to support families and their students to explore and develop personal inclusive social networks that will foster a meaningful life within their community at large. 

Funding

The Request for Proposal (RFP) is to fund one project for an amount, estimated at up to $100,000. Match is required by the Developmental Disabilities Act and is a portion of the total project cost which is not paid by Federal funds. Match can be either cash or in-kind donations. The proposed end of the project will be September 30, 2025, renewable for up to five years based on project performance and available funding.

Applying

All Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council grant opportunities are posted on the State of Colorado VSS system. It’s free to register and create an account. The Council looks forward to reading proposals and choosing a grantee to further this work and create a better world for youth with I/DD.  VSS is the official source of record for any updates and amendments to this solicitation.

Funding Source

This solicitation is supported by the Administration for Community Living of the US Department of Health and Human Services as part of Grant No. 2401COSCDD totaling $1,178,610.00, 100% from federal funding.