Stipend Intent

TCDD stipend support is available to organizations or agencies to translate printed materials or provide verbal or American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services in order to reduce linguistic barriers and support people with DD and families. Translation may be offered to improve understanding and access to services and support or to inform people with DD and their families about their rights. These grants are intended to help reduce linguistic barriers so that all people with disabilities are fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives.

Eligibility

TCDD stipends are available to community organizations, for-profit businesses, nonprofits, municipal entities, colleges, and universities. Stipends will not be awarded to entities that have a current grant from TCDD that includes, or could include, funds for the translation of their materials. Individuals and state and federal agencies required to translate materials are not eligible to receive these grants.

Project Requirements

Applications for translation and interpretation support must be received by TCDD at least 60 days in advance of the date the material will be distributed or the date of the event the interpretation services are needed. The request must demonstrate that:

• the materials and messages translated with these funds are consistent with person-centered and family-centered philosophy;
• the outreach strategies will have the greatest impact to reach and include unserved and underserved populations in Texas; and
• the materials and messages are consistent with the mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Council.

Limitations

It is not the intent of the Council that these funds be used for translation or interpretation services that the applicant organization is already responsible to provide.

• Translation and interpretation applications will be considered only for in-state outreach activities designed to increase access to information and community involvement among non-English speaking residents.
• TCDD funds for presentations may be used for translation of printed materials or interpretation services at community events, conferences, or trainings. Applicants must demonstrate how individuals with DD will have greater access to information as a result of the translation and interpretation services.
• Funds are limited to not more than $3,000 per year per organization.
• An organization may not receive translation stipends that exceed more than the maximum amount of $3,000 annually during the period from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. TCDD may consider more than one application annually from an applicant until this maximum amount is reached.
• Organizations approved for this stipend must pay for the translation or interpretation services and then submit a request for reimbursement from TCDD.
• Documentation and original receipts will be required for all expenditures.

Products

• Organizations must submit their translated materials to TCDD for reporting purposes. TCDD will not distribute these materials.
• A final activity report summarizing the services, outreach activities, and benefits to individuals with DD and their families must be submitted within 30 days after the translation or interpretation is completed.

Terms

• Organizations that receive funds will be responsible for complying with all rules and procedures of TCDD.
• Requests for Reimbursement (RARs) must be submitted within 30 days after the translation or interpretation is completed.
• No matching funds are required for this stipend.
• Funds are limited to $3,000 per organization per year. Multiple applications from an organization may be considered until this maximum is reached.
• Funds will be provided on a cost-reimbursement basis.
• Preference will be given to organizations that will use translation and interpretation services that will offer the greatest impact to underserved and unserved populations in Texas.
• Translation stipend grants are awarded based on the availability of TCDD funds.

Application and Submission Process

• Before completing the application, please review the TCDD Assurances, which you must sign and comply with as a requirement of the stipend grant.
• Applications must be submitted 60 days prior to the use of the translated materials or the first day of the event. Applications received later will not be reviewed.
• Any requested revisions to an application made by TCDD must be returned within 10 days of the request to avoid rejection of the application.
• Applications must be submitted electronically to apply@tcdd.texas.gov.
• If you have any questions about this stipend application, please email your questions to apply@tcdd.texas.gov.

Assurances

In order to apply for a TCDD grant, organizations must read and agree to the TCDD Assurances.  Applications will not be considered complete unless the TCDD Assurances are signed and submitted.

Exceptions

TCDD reserves the right to waive limitations on this stipend application on an individual or case-by-case basis based on justifying circumstances.

How to Apply

1. Please complete the Stipend Application Form: Translation and Interpretation (PDF).
2. Please review and complete the Assurances Agreement (PDF).