The EASE with 211 Act establishes two grant programs to improve support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The first program provides $75 million annually through 2029 to states and local entities operating 211 services, which are information and referral hotlines accessible by phone, text, or online. These grants fund activities like training specialists, improving databases of available resources, upgrading technology systems, and conducting outreach to people with developmental disabilities and their families. The second program allocates $50 million annually through 2029 to support peer and family navigators who help individuals with developmental disabilities and their families access services and resources, including assistance with transition planning for education, employment, housing, and other life areas. Both programs require grantees to establish advisory councils including people with disabilities, family members, and advocacy organizations, and to collect and report data on service usage and outcomes. The bill directs the Health and Human Services Secretary to provide technical assistance to grant recipients and report to Congress within a year of the program's end on best practices and findings.
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