[toc heading_levels=”2,3″]
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund one organization to develop and pilot a peer supports training program. Through the program, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) will be trained to be peer support specialists and help other people with I/DD create person-centered service plans. The deadline to submit a proposal is September 7, 2018.
Background
People with I/DD who have not been fully integrated into their communities may find it hard to imagine the opportunities they have to live independently. On the other hand, some people with I/DD may have experience living independently. These people who do have experience living independently – peers – can support other people with I/DD:
- to see what is possible,
- to identify opportunities for achieving their goals, and
- help them to successfully address barriers.
A peer can also support another person with I/DD who is not integrated into their community by:
- providing guidance and encouragement,
- listening, and
- serving as a bridge to the community.
TCDD has funded peer support projects in the past. This RFP will focus on connecting (A) people with I/DD who receive home and community-based services (HCBS) that require a person-centered service plan with (B) well-informed peers who can support them to take control of their own plans.
About the RFP
TCDD will fund one project for up to four years to develop and pilot a peer supports training program. Through the program, people with I/DD will be trained to become peer support specialists.
Peer support specialists will be people with I/DD who live in the community and use publicly-funded services and supports. Peer support specialists will learn how to support other people with I/DD to understand their options and lead their own person-centered planning process. Coaches will help peer support specialists develop action plans and identify resources.
TCDD expects the project to:
- develop a training curriculum for peer support specialists and coaches
- identify and train at least 20 people with I/DD to become peer support specialists
- ensure each peer support specialist assists at least 10 people with I/DD create a person-centered service plan
Ideally, the program developed through this RFP will be able to be replicated elsewhere in Texas and/or implemented statewide.
Eligibility
Any organization that meets the requirements set forth in this RFP can apply. Types of organizations could include:
- government agencies,
- nonprofits,
- colleges and universities,
- faith-based institutions,
- technical and/or professional schools, and
- for profit businesses.
The organization that applies for this grant must administer the grant and receive, disburse and account for grant funds. Individuals may not apply for this grant.
Grant Funds Available
TCDD may award one organization a maximum of $100,000 for year one and $125,000 for years two through four. Funding for the second through fourth years is not automatic.
Key Dates
Proposals are due to TCDD by 5 p.m. Central Time on Friday, September 7, 2018. Late proposals will not be accepted. Other key dates include:
- Informational conference call: August 13, 2018
- Deadline to submit questions: August 16, 2018
- Award notification: December 3, 2018 (this date may change)
- Project start date: January 1, 2019 (this date may change)
Learn More and Submit a Proposal
For more information, the complete RFP is available on the Notice of Funds Available 2018-8 Statewide Community Services Peer Support Specialists webpage on the DD Suite website. Proposals for this RFP and all forms must be submitted using DD Suite.
