The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for organizations to develop projects that will help reduce the number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are victims of sexual assault. Projects will increase the number of people who understand and can identify instances of sexual assault, as well as know how to report the crimes. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2020.
Background
Due to various factors, many people with disabilities may be at risk to be victims of sexual assault. The data illustrates this, as various subcategories within the disability community are shown to be much more likely to experience sexual assault than groups of people without disabilities. People with disabilities often lack access to the appropriate resources and supports when they experience sexual assault, and some victims may not even identify what they experience as being illegal or wrong. Also, victims fear the consequences they could experience if they do report an assault, whether it’s losing services already in place or facing retribution from the perpetrator.
About the RFA
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response projects will develop and implement – or demonstrate – promising practices that will reduce the number of Texans with IDD who are victims of sexual assault. Also, projects will develop strategies to ensure survivors have access to the appropriate formal and informal supports and services.
TCDD expects projects to:
- Develop a program that includes educational materials and trainings. The program will be able to be replicated elsewhere in the state and/or implemented by an organization with a statewide mission.
- Educate and train a minimum of 100 individuals per year. Participants will be people with IDD, their families, friends, and allies. Trainings could be offered directly by the grantee, in conjunction with pre-existing events (e.g., at a statewide conference), etc.
- Provide access to education and training that will increase understanding of ways to respond to sexual assault if it occurs and possibly reduce the overall incidence of sexual assault.
- Ensure participants have knowledge of organizations and agencies to which they may report concerns, incidents, and needs for follow-up on reports. Projects may include best practices on how to best support victims of sexual assault.
- Collaborate with local advocacy groups, service providers, and individuals with IDD when developing the program.
The anticipated total amount of federal funding available for this project is $150,000 per year for up to five years.
Key Dates
Applications are due to TCDD by 1 p.m. CT on Friday, March 27, 2020. Late applications will not be accepted. TCDD will notify applicants about decisions following TCDD’s May 2020 Council Meeting. Review dates are subject to change.
TCDD held a webinar about TCDD’s processes for proposal review and grant award on Feb. 25, 2020.
The deadline to submit questions about the RFA or application was March 3, 2020. For the submitted questions and corresponding answers, click here.
