Center Toward Self Reliance-Disability Innovation Fund

Background
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, awarded the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation a Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant for the Pathways to Partnership Innovation Model Demonstration Project.
This 5-year grant aims to develop a seamless model of collaborative services for youth with disabilities, leading to Competitive Integrated Employment.
The project seeks to expand access to vocational services and enhance partnerships among various stakeholders, including secondary education, vocational rehabilitation, Centers for Independent Living, and local community partners.

Work Details
The contractor will provide a wide variety of services through a peer mentorship model, including:
- Participation in strategic interdisciplinary transition teams focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Provision of dedicated staff to serve students with disabilities through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), Benefits Counseling, and Job Preparation and Development services.
- Training for students and their support systems on Financial Literacy and ABLE Accounts.
- Participation in planning and advisory meetings to implement the model demonstration project.

The contractor must have knowledge and experience in peer support models following Independent Living philosophy, as well as knowledge of services needed for youth transitioning out of high school. Experience as a vendor for the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and serving young adults with disabilities is required. Additionally, experience in the Steamboat Springs area and certification as a Center for Independent Living are necessary.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over a period of 5 years as stipulated by the Disability Innovation Fund grant.

Place of Performance
The services will be provided primarily within Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 and surrounding areas in Colorado.