Voting Access for Individuals with Disabilities-Grants for Protection and Advocacy Systems

Objective

Section 291 of HAVA provides that funds be made available to Protection and Advocacy Systems to: (1) ensure full participation in the electoral process for individuals with disabilities; (2) provide education, training and assistance to individuals with disabilities that will promote their participation in the electoral process; (3) participate in advocacy and education efforts revolving around HAVA implementation efforts in their State or Territory; (4) training and education of election officials, poll workers, and election volunteers regarding the rights of the voters with disabilities and best practices in working with individuals with disabilities; (5) assist individuals with disabilities in filing complaints under the State-based administrative grievance procedure required by HAVA and represent individuals with disabilities in any hearing that may be held regarding the complaint; (6) provide assistance to States and other governmental entities regarding the physical accessibility of polling places; and (7) obtain training and technical assistance on voting issues, including education regarding accessible voting equipment and systems. Once educated, the information may be used to inform others of the availability of accessible voting equipment and its use.

Who Can Apply

• U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)
• U.S. Territory (or Possession) Government (including freely-associated states)

States and Territories who have a Protection and Advocacy System in place in accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 with the exception of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Native Americans.

Who Benefits

• Disabled (e.g. Deaf, Blind, Physically Disabled)

Individuals with a full-range of disabilities.

Assistance Types

• Grant

Program Contact

melvenia.wright@acl.hhs.gov
(202) 795-7472