INDIANAPOLIS – Parke County, in partnership with Child-Adult Resource Services, Inc., was recently awarded $200,000 from the State of Indiana to create virtual educational classes to help adults with disabilities during the pandemic.
Parke County was one of 11 communities to receive more than $1.63 million in federal funding through the new Community Connections for People with Disabilities grant program through Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch’s office.
“The pandemic has disrupted the life of every Hoosier,” Crouch said. “These partnerships will reconnect Hoosiers with disabilities to their crucial support systems, while also creating new ways for these individuals to thrive and pursue their aspirations. This federal CARES Act funding will help quickly remove some of the social divide COVID-19 has caused.”
This opportunity is being offered through a partnership between the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS).
Parke County will use the grant to purchase 60 tablets and 15 smart TVs for a device lending library to facilitate access to the virtual education programming as well as natural support networks.
“I’m so proud to see these communities took innovative steps to partner with local organizations to provide assistance is a variety of ways to Hoosiers with disabilities,” Denny Spinner, executive director of OCRA said. “These projects are the first step in ensuring no Hoosier is left isolated and partnering with DDRS to make it happen demonstrates the type of collaboration necessary to create a road to recovery.”
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.
Eligible applicants include a local unit of government, which include counties, cities, or incorporated towns, both entitlement and non-entitlement communities. Each applicant partnered with a qualifying developmental disability non-profit organization that serves adults (18 and older) with disabilities within the geographical area.
