Grants available for special instruction techniques

Assemblyman Bill Reilich (134th District) announced that the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) of the state Education Department is accepting grant applications for specialized instruction services.

"Many people rely on these valuable services," Reilich said.

Reilich said applications are being accepted from organizations that want to operate a technical assistance service, to be known as a Bilingual School Psychology and Speech Services Support Center. The application is for a five-year project beginning July 1 and running through June 2010. The deadline for submission of all proposals is Monday, March 7.

State education officials are seeking proposals to operate Intensive Teacher Institutes for Teachers of the Visually Impaired. As approved by the state Division of the Budget, the state Education Department plans to establish two contracts with eligible organizations to operate institutes for a five-year project period, beginning July 1. Submission deadline for these proposals is Monday, February 28.

Information about and applications for both grant projects are available on the VESID Web site at www.vesid.nysed.gov or by calling (518) 486-7462.