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Crouch Announces $1.58M to Assist Adults with Disabilities
By: Sheila McCrea - Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Northeast, IN – Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch announced 12 communities that have partnered with non-profits will receive more than $1.58 million in federal funding through Round 2 of the Community Connections for People with Disabilities grant program.

The grant is offered through a partnership between the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS).

"Hoosiers once again are working together to ensure all people are included as Indiana pushes forward," Crouch said. "Through this collaborative grant program, individuals with disabilities are receiving critical support to promote their everyday lives. The technology and resources being made available with these funds will further boost social, economic and health aspects by keeping these individuals connected to their support networks."

The program aims 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. Additional goals include , the goal increasing community and workplace inclusion for this population.

The City of Angola, in partnership with EasterSeals RISE, is awarded $195,585 to create a virtual Employment Readiness Academy to provide employment skills development to participants. Virtual employment activities will utilize 35-unit tablet lending library. The city will also install virtual meeting and videoconferencing technology in City Hall and Angola Training Center to enhance ability of participants to engage in community training and local government processes.

The City of Auburn, in partnership with EasterSeals RISE, is awarded $174,870 to create virtual employment and training programs, utilizing a device lending library of 100 tablets and 100 MiFi devices. The city will also establish a virtual Employment Readiness Academy to provide employment skills development to participants and virtual Job Clubs to connect participants to potential employers.

Noble County, in partnership with ARC Noble County, is awarded $68,381 to create a new video series titled “Discover Your Path in Our Community,” which allows for virtual exploration of jobs located in Noble County, tailored to individuals with disabilities as the target audience.

Eligible applicants included local units of government, such as counties, cities, or incorporated towns, both entitlement and non-entitlement communities. Each applicant partnered with a qualifying non-profit community disability organization that serves adults with disabilities within the geographical area.

According to Crouch, the state has now awarded 23 grants to Hoosier communities through this program, totaling more than 3.2 million



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