OVW Fiscal Year 2023 National Deaf Services Program Invitation to Apply | O OVW 2023 171791

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the OVW Fiscal Year 2023 National Deaf Services Program Invitation to Apply?

It is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), offered as a cooperative agreement. The purpose is to improve safety and access to services for D/deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Who is offering this funding opportunity?

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), is offering the opportunity.

What type of funding mechanism is being used?

The opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement.

What is the legal authority for this program?

The program is authorized under 34 U.S.C. 20122.

What federal law provides the funding for this opportunity?

Funding is provided through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328).

What issue or gap is this program designed to address?

OVW identifies that many Deaf survivors are unserved or underserved because culturally appropriate, Deaf-led victim services are limited across the country. Mainstream hearing organizations often lack Deaf advocates and may not be well positioned to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate services. As a result, significant access gaps remain, leaving many Deaf survivors without safe and effective pathways to obtain help.

Which survivors is the program intended to serve?

The program focuses on D/deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

How does OVW describe the importance of communication access in victim services?

OVW emphasizes that communication access is not a secondary issue. It is treated as a core requirement for meaningful help-seeking, effective crisis response, and long-term healing.

What kinds of communication methods does OVW recognize as important for effective services?

OVW highlights services delivered in a survivor's preferred communication method, including in-person sign language, ProTactile communication, and assistive communication devices.

What does OVW mean by "for Deaf, by Deaf" support?

OVW describes the strongest services as those rooted in Deaf culture and delivered as Deaf-led victim services, emphasizing culturally Deaf approaches rather than services adapted from mainstream hearing organizations.

What is Phase Two, and how does it relate to a broader initiative?

This funding opportunity represents Phase Two of a two-part national initiative. Phase One focused on assessing needs and producing recommendations to address barriers. Phase Two shifts from planning to implementation of the recommended national strategy.

What was produced during Phase One?

Phase One resulted in a report titled "Expanding Deaf-Specific Victim Services Nationwide: A 5-Year Strategy," which includes recommendations to address barriers and expand Deaf-specific victim services.

What is the main goal of Phase Two?

Phase Two aims to carry out the recommended strategy from the Phase One report by expanding practical, usable service options and strengthening the overall infrastructure that supports Deaf survivors.

Does the program prioritize in-person services, virtual services, or both?

The program recognizes that in-person services remain essential and irreplaceable, while also noting that virtual services can help bridge access gaps when local Deaf-specific programs are unavailable. The overall approach is to expand access points and strengthen the service continuum rather than rely on a single solution.

What kinds of service expansion are described for Phase Two?

The description includes building new virtual crisis and longer-term service options, increasing the capacity and reach of existing in-person Deaf-specific services, and helping develop new in-person services in areas where they do not currently exist.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this invitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number is O-OVW-2023-171791.

What is the funding activity category and CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under the Law, Justice and Legal Services funding activity category and includes CFDA 16.056.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $5,000,000.

What was the original closing date for the opportunity?

The original closing date was September 8, 2023.

Is this an open solicitation available to any eligible organization?

No. The eligibility for this invitation to apply is narrowly defined. The solicitation identifies Activating Change as the eligible applicant, indicating it is a targeted invitation rather than an open, competitive solicitation for the general public.

Who is eligible to apply based on the solicitation information provided?

Activating Change is identified as the eligible applicant.

Why does OVW mention virtual services if in-person services are considered essential?

Virtual services are described as a way to bridge access gaps when local Deaf-specific programs are not available. The intent is to increase and strengthen the number of ways Deaf survivors can reach culturally and linguistically appropriate support.

What broader outcome is OVW seeking through this program?

The program is intended to expand Deaf-specific service options and strengthen the infrastructure that supports Deaf survivors, addressing persistent gaps that leave many survivors without culturally and linguistically appropriate help.