The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund up to three projects to develop and pilot peer supports training programs. Through the programs, people with developmental disabilities (DD) will be trained to be peer support specialists and help other people with DD who live in institutions exercise more control over their own lives. The deadline to submit a proposal has been extended to November 30, 2017.
Background
Many residents of institutions may not be fully aware of their rights, make their own decisions about their future, or know what options exist that would allow them to be included in their community. In Texas, institutions include:
- Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID),
- nursing homes, or
- state supported living centers (SSLCs).
Peer support specialists can help people with DD who live in institutions participate fully in decision-making and know what’s possible so they can exercise control over their own lives. Peer support specialists can help people with DD:
- build skills to participate in their own person-centered planning,
- explore what opportunities exist,
- identify possible barriers, and
- ultimately use this information to make decisions.
TCDD recently funded peer supports projects to support individuals with DD receiving community-based services.
About the RFP
TCDD will fund up to three projects for up to five years to develop and pilot peer supports training programs. Through the programs, people with DD will be trained to become peer support specialists.
Peer support specialists will be people with DD who are at least 18-years-old, live in the community, and have the ability to provide supports. Peer support specialists will learn how to support other people with DD to understand their rights, learn about community living options, and participate in the development of their own person-centered plans. Coaches will help peer support specialists develop action plans so person-centered plans are implemented.
TCDD expects the projects to:
- develop and pilot peer supports training programs
- train at least 25 people with DD to become peer support specialists
- support each peer support specialist to assist at least 10 people with DD every year
- prepare a training manual and share it with audiences around the state
Eligibility
Public agencies, not-for-profit organizations, secondary schools and post-secondary institutions, faith-based institutions, and for-profit businesses may apply. The entity that applies for this grant must be the entity that will administer the grant and receive, disburse, and account for grant funds. Individuals may not apply for this grant.
Grant Funds Available
TCDD may award up to three organizations a maximum of $125,000 per year for up to five years. Funding for the second through fifth years is not automatic.
Key Dates
Proposals are due to TCDD by 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on Thursday, November 30, 2017. Late proposals will not be accepted. TCDD will notify applicants about decisions within 30 days following TCDD’s February 2018 Council Meeting. The earliest expected project start date is March 1, 2018 (this date may change). The original deadline to submit a proposal was November 15, 2017.
More Information and Submitting a Proposal
For more information, the complete RFP is available on the Notice of Funds Available 2017-6 Peer Support Specialists for Individuals Living in Institutions webpage on the DD Suite website. Proposals for this RFP and all forms must be submitted using DD Suite.
Questions
If you have questions after reviewing the complete RFP, email Danny Fikac, Planning Specialist, or call him at 512–437–5415.
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