INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch today announced 11 communities that have partnered with non-profits will receive more than $1.63 million in federal funding through the new Community Connections for People with Disabilities (CCPWD) grant program. This opportunity is being offered through a partnership between the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS).

“The pandemic has disrupted the life of every Hoosier,” Crouch said. “These partnerships will reconnect Hoosiers with disabilities to their crucial support systems, while also creating new ways for these individuals to thrive and pursue their aspirations. This federal CARES Act funding will help quickly remove some of the social divide COVID-19 has caused.”

The program’s goal is to help develop innovative technology strategies and cultivate strong community partnerships to address the negative social, economic, and health effects of COVID-19 on Hoosiers with disabilities and to increase community and workplace inclusion for this population.

Grant activities for this program implement strategies, including virtual or technology-assisted activities, that address lack of internet access and technology equity, or social isolation and lost access to natural supports.

Eligible applicants include a local unit of government, which include counties, cities, or incorporated towns, both entitlement and non-entitlement communities.  Each applicant partnered with a qualifying developmental disability non-profit organization that serves adults (18 and older) with disabilities within the geographical area.

“Due to the pandemic, Hoosiers with disabilities are experiencing various disruptions to their day-to-day supports that they utilize to ensure community inclusion.  I appreciate the partnership with Lt. Gov. Crouch and OCRA to provide this opportunity for municipalities and providers to develop innovative technology solutions to mitigate COVID-19 related barriers to community inclusion,” said Kylee Hope, director of the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services.

This grant opportunity is made available due to supplemental CDBG Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds authorized under the CARES Act. More information on another round of funding will be released by the middle of March.

For more program information, visit in.gov/fssa/ddrs/community-connections-for-people-with-disabilities.  

Locally:

• Parke County, in partnership with Child-Adult Resource Services, Inc., is awarded $200,000 to create virtual educational classes. Additionally, the partnership will purchase 60 tablets and 15 smart TVs for a device lending library to facilitate access to the virtual education programming as well as natural support networks.