Closed

California state funding opportunity

Voice Options Program 2026 – 2029

Department of Rehabilitation

  • Portal ID161802
  • Grant IDRFA # G26-VOP-01
  • StatusClosed
0 days — this opportunity has closed Wed, March 25, 2026
PostedFeb 18, 2026 ClosesMar 25, 2026
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Competitive proposals usually start 6+ weeks out.

N/a Est. available funding
Dependant on number of submissions received, application process, etc. Award amount
Dependant on number of submissions received, application process, etc. Number of awards
Not Required Matching funds

Program summary

Synopsis

The Voice Options Program (VOP) administered by DOR offers eligible Californians with verified speech or language disabilities access to tablets and communication applications 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. 

Selected Providers shall provide services in the following categories:1. Individual Identification & Eligibilityo 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 Trainingo Maintain demonstration tablets preloaded with seven (7) VOP applications: GoTalk NOW Plus LAMP Words for Life Predictable (available for Android devices) Proloquo2Go Proloquo4Text TouchChat HD w/ WordPower TD Snapo 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 tablet's accessibility features and application use.o DOR reserves the right to add additional approved devices and communication applications, as approved by CPUC.3. LTL Issuanceo Provide LTL devices of new iPads, new Android, or other CPUC-approved devices with one VOP application selected by the individual to support independent communication.4. Apple and Google App Store Account & Gift Codeso 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 & Recordso 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 & Referralo Conduct outreach and make referrals as appropriate to the California Connect and Voice Options programs.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.    

Timeline

Key dates

  • February 18, 2026
    Opportunity posted to California Grants Portal
  • March 25, 2026
    Applications close
  • April 10, 2026
    Expected award date

Who may apply

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types as published by the awarding agency:

  • Business
  • Nonprofit
  • Public Agency
Additional info on eligibility
Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, school districts, and other entities with demonstrated experience in assistive technology services, including experience serving people with disabilities of all ages. 
Geography
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

Awarding agency

Additional information

Agency name
Department of Rehabilitation
Full announcement
View the full announcement ↗
Grantor contact
Voice Options Program Team
1-916-558-5395
voiceoptions@dor.ca.gov

Funding

Funding source

Source
State
Funding method
Advances & Reimbursement(s)
Notes
The Voice Options Program (VOP) is funded through the California Public Utilities Commission's Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP).

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