RightFit Resources: Durable Medical Equipment Access Initiative

The RightFit Resources: Durable Medical Equipment Access Initiative is a one-year funding opportunity offered by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC), a state-level entity focused on improving independence, inclusion, and community participation for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The Council operates under federal funding guidelines and aligns its programs with broader national disability policy goals. This initiative reflects ODDC’s mission to expand access to essential supports by addressing systemic barriers that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) face when attempting to obtain necessary durable medical equipment. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund the development of an accessible, plain-language fact sheet that explains how individuals with I/DD, their families, and caregivers can obtain durable medical equipment such as mobility aids, communication devices, and other assistive supports. The project aims to simplify complex insurance and service navigation processes, including Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and state-level programs. By improving understanding of these systems, the initiative seeks to empower individuals to request needed equipment, understand approval processes, and pursue appeals when coverage is denied. Funding for this grant totals $27,500 in federal funds, with a required matching contribution of $9,166.67 and an additional poverty-based match component of $3,055.56 depending on the target population. Allowable uses of funds include content development, stakeholder engagement, translation into multiple languages, accessibility formatting for both digital and print formats, pilot testing, and statewide distribution. The project must also include a sustainability plan to ensure that the fact sheet remains accurate and updated beyond the grant period. All expenditures must comply with federal cost principles under 2 CFR Part 200. Eligibility for this opportunity is broadly inclusive, with no restrictions on the type of entity that may apply. This includes nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals operating through an organizational structure. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to create accessible and culturally responsive materials, collaborate with individuals with disabilities and community partners, and distribute resources across Ohio. Required application components include a detailed budget justification, three letters of recommendation, a project director resume, organizational documentation (if applicable), and several federal compliance forms. Applicants must also maintain an active SAM.gov registration and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), along with a State of Ohio Supplier ID. The application process is conducted through the DD Suite system, where applicants must complete structured sections including a narrative, work plan, budget, and supporting documentation. Applications are evaluated by a grant review panel based on criteria such as project design, organizational qualifications, outreach strategies, inclusion of individuals with disabilities, and budget appropriateness. The review process includes scoring across multiple categories, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes and the project’s potential impact on individuals with I/DD. The application timeline for this grant begins with a posting date of April 29, 2026, and closes on July 10, 2026. The project period is scheduled to run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Grant awards are expected to follow a formal review process in mid-August, with orientation and onboarding occurring in October. This opportunity does not explicitly indicate recurrence, suggesting it may be a one-time or cycle-specific initiative tied to the Council’s current funding priorities. Overall, this initiative is designed to strengthen access to critical healthcare resources by equipping individuals with I/DD and their support networks with clear, actionable information. By focusing on accessibility, collaboration, and statewide dissemination, the program contributes to broader systems change efforts and aligns with ODDC’s commitment to improving quality of life and community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ensure strong stakeholder engagement with individuals with disabilities; prioritize accessibility and plain-language design; clearly demonstrate statewide distribution strategy and sustainability plan