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New Research Funding Opportunities

December 6, 2021

New funding opportunities from ACL's National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) have been announced for the Field Initiated (FI) Projects ProgramAdvanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program, and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.

Two Field Initiated Projects Program Funding Opportunities

The purpose of the Field Initiated Projects is to to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities. Another purpose is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 

  • Field Initiated Projects (Research)--In carrying out a research activity under an Field Initiated Projects research grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions, and based on them, perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing new scientific knowledge or better understanding of the subject, problem studied, or body of knowledge. 
  • Field Initiated Projects (Development)--In carrying out a development activity under an Field Initiated Projects development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding grained from research to create materials, devices, systems, methods, measures, techniques, tools, prototypes, processes, or intervention protocols, that are beneficial to the target population. 

Please visit the links above for more details about the grant opportunities and application process. These grant opportunities close on January 24, 2022.

Four Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program Funding Opportunities

The ARRT grants are intended to increase the number of high-quality disability and rehabilitation researchers. Grants are made to institutions of higher education to provide research training to individuals with doctorates or similar advanced degrees. This new cadre of disability and rehabilitation researchers will improve the community living and participation, employment, and health and function outcomes for people with disabilities.

Please visit the links above for more details about the grant opportunities and application process. These grant opportunities close on January 18, 2022.

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I

The purpose of the SBIR program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting federal research or research and development needs, and improve the return on investment from federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. The goal is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through research and development of products generated by small businesses, and to increase the commercial application of NIDILRR-supported research results and development products. All SBIR projects funded by NIDILRR must address the needs of individuals with disabilities and promote their health and function, community living, or employment outcomes.



The objective of Phase I is to determine the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of proposed research or research & development efforts that appear to have commercial potential. This feasibility is a prerequisite for further support in Phase II. Phase I awards are for periods up to six months.



View more details and application instructions.



Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on January 18, 2022.




For the full listing of currently funded projects, browse by funding mechanism or NIDILRR outcome domains and support areas, or search the full database

 




NIDILRR, part of ACL, generates new knowledge and promotes its effective use so that people with disabilities can perform activities of their choice in the community. NIDILRR also works to expand society’s capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for people with disabilities.


Last modified on 12/06/2021


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