Batesville, IN — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch recently announced 11 communities that have partnered with non-profits will receive more than $1.63 million in federal funding through the new Community Connections for People with Disabilities (CCPWD) grant program. This opportunity is being offered through a partnership between the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS).
The program’s goal is 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 and to increase community and workplace inclusion for this population.
Grant activities for this program implement strategies, including virtual or technology-assisted activities, that address lack of internet access and technology equity, or social isolation and lost access to natural supports.
Locally, the City of Batesville, in partnership with New Horizons, was awarded $160,462 to create a device lending library, which includes 100 tablets, home connectivity devices, adaptive technology, and health monitoring aids. Training support will be provided to lending library participants to utilize the technology to connect with their natural support networks.
