Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP): National Center for Accessible Education Videos; Assistance Listing Number: 84.327N | ED GRANTS 042726 002

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this grant opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). It supports the creation of a single National Center on Accessible Education Videos under the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities Program (Assistance Listing Number 84.327N).

What is the main goal of the National Center on Accessible Education Videos?

The core goal is to improve educational results for children with disabilities by expanding the availability and classroom usefulness of accessible video-based learning materials, especially for early learning and K-12 settings.

What law or authority is this competition based on?

The competition is grounded in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), specifically section 674(c). That section calls on the Secretary of Education to support video and audio description and open and closed captioning for educationally relevant content, including content tied to new and emerging technologies.

What kinds of accessibility supports does the grant emphasize?

The opportunity emphasizes support for appropriate captioning and description (including video and audio description, and open and closed captioning) for television programs, videos, and other instructional materials intended for early learning and K-12 use.

Which learners and educational settings are the focus?

The primary focus is on children with disabilities, with an emphasis on early learning and K-12 classroom settings.

Is the project expected to focus only on producing accessible media?

No. The description highlights strengthening the overall ecosystem that makes educational video accessible and usable in real classrooms. It also highlights distribution mechanisms (including a loan service), indicating the work includes helping schools and educators obtain and use accessible materials efficiently, not only creating accessible versions.

What types of materials are included?

The opportunity references television programs, videos, and other instructional materials intended for early learning and K-12 use.

Does the opportunity mention timely access for students with disabilities?

Yes. The description specifically emphasizes timely access to accessible educational video materials for students with disabilities.

How many awards does the Department expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates making one award. This suggests the selected applicant will operate as the single national center rather than one of multiple centers.

What type of award is expected (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The award will be made as a cooperative agreement. This typically indicates substantial federal involvement during the project period, such as coordinated planning, ongoing technical direction, and shared problem-solving with the Department.

Is there an award ceiling listed in the provided information?

No. The provided text does not state an award ceiling.

What is the Assistance Listing Number for this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing Number is 84.327N.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes:

• State educational agencies (SEAs)
• State lead agencies under IDEA Part C
• Local educational agencies (LEAs), including public charter schools that qualify as LEAs under state law
• Institutions of higher education (including community colleges)
• Other public agencies
• Private nonprofit organizations
• Freely associated states and outlying areas
• Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations
• For-profit organizations

Can a for-profit organization apply?

Yes. For-profit organizations are listed as eligible applicants.

Do nonprofit applicants need to provide proof of nonprofit status?

Yes. Nonprofit applicants may need to document nonprofit status under 34 CFR 75.51. The opportunity notes acceptable evidence can include IRS 501(c)(3) recognition or state certification (among other accepted forms of evidence).

What application instructions must applicants follow?

Applications must follow the Department of Education 2025 Common Instructions for discretionary grant programs (Federal Register notice dated August 29, 2025, 90 FR 42234).

Are there resources for applicants new to ED discretionary grants?

Yes. Applicants new to ED discretionary grants are directed to consult the Department's "Getting Started with Discretionary Grant Applications" resources.

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is ED GRANTS 042726 002.

When was this opportunity created?

It was created on April 27, 2026.

What is the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date is June 26, 2026.

Does the provided information specify the project period length or start date?

No. The provided text does not specify the project period length or a project start date.

Does the provided information specify whether the center must operate nationally?

Yes. The opportunity describes funding the creation of a single National Center on Accessible Education Videos, indicating a national scope.

Does the opportunity mention emerging technologies?

Yes. It references educationally relevant content tied to new and emerging technologies, in the context of supporting description and captioning.

Is distribution of accessible media part of the expected work?

Yes. The description highlights distribution and references mechanisms such as a loan service, indicating the center is expected to help ensure educators and schools can obtain and use accessible materials efficiently.