Comment from Nurieh Glasgow

Good applications for PDAT/DIS include good plans. However to have a good plan you need to have a solid base of knowledge and information on training/adult learning competencies and performance measures. There are a number of factors that can affect the components above: 1. Staff training experience 2. Clarity of CNCS performance measures 3. Availability of T/TA during, before, and after the application 4. Capacity of each applicant's organization 5. Quality of PDAT/Disability sub-grantee Assessment 6. Staff inclusion experience In addition to the factors above, competing against larger organizations poses a threat to rural communities. CNCS cannot create new competitions without knowing the track record of national directs' in rural communities or without ensuring the needs of rural applicants are acknowledged and met. Grants could be reviewed by a team of reviewers, like the Competitive grants, and T/TA could be provided by CNCS level Training and Disability Officers before , during and after the application process. Disability Funds must also be ACCESSIBLE to all programs. PDAT and Disability Funds do not need to be made available competitively to ensure outcomes are met.