ACL Awards Disability Research Grants

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program

ACL has awarded five RERC grants, with an estimated award amount up to $925,000 per year for each grantee. The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or to remove environmental barriers. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities.

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program

ACL has awarded 14 DRRP grants, with estimated annual funding ranging from $200,000 to $924,000. The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, trainings, and related activities (including international activities) 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. 

DRRP Grant Recipients:

• DRRP for the Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer - University of Pittsburgh. 
• DRRP on Improving Methods for Conducting Research with People with Cognitive Disabilities - American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences.
• DRRP on International Exploration of Rehabilitation Length of Stay Following Spinal Cord Injury - Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now known as the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab).
• DRRP for the Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center - University of Washington. 
• DRRP on Promoting Positive Employment Outcomes Among People with Disabilities who are Experiencing Long-COVID - University System of New Hampshire. 
• DRRP on Traumatic Brain Injury Model System Centers Collaborative Research Project - Trustees of Indiana University.
• DRRP on Scaling Up Evidence-Based Services to Promote Competitive Integrated Employment Among People with Disabilities - University of Massachusetts. 
• DRRP on Understanding the Experience and Outcomes of Students with Disabilities who have 504 Plans - Vanderbilt University .
• DRRP Projects for Translating Findings and Products into Practice:
  • Building Accessibility in the Community - Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
  • Employing Knowledge Translation Strategies to Promote Provider Adoption of the AAN-ACRM-NIDILRR Practice Guidelines on Management of Persons with Disorders of Consciousness Across the Care Continuum - Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation. 
  • TBI@Work Toolkit: Employment Resources for People with Traumatic Brain Injury - American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences. 
  • Translating Findings on Supports for Community Life Engagement - University of New Hampshire. 
  • Translating Multifunctional Robotic Assistive Arm for Activities of Daily Living into Practice - Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 
  • Translation of Wheelchair Skills Training to Practice: A Multiple Stakeholder Approach - University of Pittsburgh. 

For more information about these grants, including estimated annual funding and point of contact for more information, please visit ACL.gov.