Skip to Content
Return to Search

Voice Options Program 2026 – 2029

Grantor:
Department of Rehabilitation
Departmental Grant ID:
RFA # G26-VOP-01
Portal ID:
161802
Status:
Active
Opportunity Type:
  • Grant
Last Updated:
Categories:

Details

Purpose:

The Voice Options Program (VOP) administered by DOR offers eligible Californians with verified speech or language disabilities access to speech‑generating devices and applications (SGDs) to increase independent communication. DOR seeks qualified organizations to deliver assistive technology services under the VOP. Selected Providers will serve individuals of all ages who have difficulty speaking or cannot speak. 

Description:

Selected Providers shall provide services in the following categories:
1. Individual Identification & Eligibility
o Identify individuals of all ages with a speech or language disability who have difficulty speaking or cannot speak.
o Verify eligibility via referral/recommendation from an approved clinician or specialist.
2. Demonstrations, STLs, and Training
o Maintain demonstration SGDs preloaded with seven (7) VOP applications:
1. GoTalk NOW Plus
2. LAMP Words for Life
3. Predictable (available for Android devices)
4. Proloquo2Go
5. Proloquo4Text
6. TouchChat HD w/ WordPower
7. TD Snap
o Provide STL devices for a duration of 2–14 calendar days with the seven apps to allow individuals to use for a trial period and select the most suitable app.
o Conduct education and training on the SGD’s accessibility features and application use.
o DOR reserves the right to add additional approved SGDs and speech-generating applications, as approved by CPUC.
3. LTL Issuance
o Provide LTL devices of new iPads, new Android, or other CPUC-approved SGDs with one VOP application selected by the individual to support independent communication.
4. Apple and Google App Store Account & Gift Codes
o Maintain an Apple and/or Google App Store account to purchase redeemable gift codes for approved VOP apps (one per LTL device).
o Submit gift code receipts with invoices for reimbursement.
5. Documentation & Records
o Complete an LTL device Application and individual served survey for each issued device. DOR staff will provide applications and surveys.
o Retain financial and program records, including equipment purchase receipts, for seven (7) years after the grant period.
6. Outreach & Referral
o Conduct outreach and make referrals as appropriate to the California Connect and Voice Options programs.

Applicants must specify one or more program regions to serve with application materials submitted. Program Regions with higher populations of individuals with disabilities will be considered for more than one awarded provider. Applicants can be awarded to serve more than one region. Also, DOR reserves the right to award one entity per region to ensure geographic coverage of providers statewide. The VOP aims to distribute approximately 105 devices per month (1,260 per year) across 10 regions.

DOR will post award notifications on its ‘Intent to Award’ webpage. DOR will issue up to 20 total awards. DOR will make up to $3,150,000 available per fiscal year, for a total of $9,450,000 over the three-year grant term, subject to funding availability. Comments or concerns regarding proposed awards must be submitted via email to Grants@dor.ca.gov.  

 

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

  • Nonprofit

Nonprofit and community-based organizations with a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS and demonstrated experience in assistive technology services, including experience serving people with disabilities of all ages.

Eligible Geographies:

Projects may occur on state or federal lands across the following 10 regions:

Region 1 – Superior California

Region 2 – North Coast

Region 3 – San Francisco Bay Area

Region 4 – Northern San Joaquin Valley

Region 5 – Central Coast

Region 6 – Southern San Joaquin Valley

Region 7 – Inland Empire

Region 8 – Los Angeles County

Region 9 – Orange County

Region 10 – San Diego–Imperial

Matching Funding Requirement:

Not applicable.

Important Dates

The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight.
The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant.
April 10, 2026
The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized.
Three fiscal years

Funding Details

The total projected dollar amount of the grant.
See Notes Below
A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
Dependent
Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
Dependent
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) provide a letter of intent.
No
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) be able to fully or partially match the grant award amount with another funding source.
No

Available Funding Notes:

DOR will make up to $3,150,000 available per fiscal year, for a total of $9,450,000 over the three-year grant term, subject to funding availability.

The funding source allocated to fund the grant. It may be either State or Federal (or a combination of both), and be tied to a specific piece of legislation, a proposition, or a bond number.
  • State

Funding Source Notes:

The Voice Options Program (VOP) is funded through the California Public Utilities Commission's Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP).

The manner in which the grant funding will be delivered to the awardee. Funding methods include reimbursements (where the recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor) and advances (where the recipient spends received grant funds directly).
  • Advances & Reimbursement(s)

Funding Method Notes:

Each eligible application will be assigned a Funding Tier based on its final score. Applications scoring below 75 are not eligible for funding, regardless of requested amount. If an applicant is awarded multiple regions, the award may be adjusted using a Regional Weight Factor, subject to funding availability. 

How to Apply

State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.

Resources

For questions about this grant, contact:
Voice Options Program Team, 1-916-558-5395, voiceoptions@dor.ca.gov

Similar to This Grant