Chat-able: conversational help for advancing text comprehension through AI-based literacy engagement

The Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded $400,000 to the University of California Irvine on October 1, 2026, under the Special Education Educational Technology Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities program (CFDA 84.327) to develop and demonstrate CHAT-ABLE, a conversational AI-based tool designed to advance text comprehension and literacy engagement for individuals with disabilities.

Work is performed in Irvine, California, with a period of performance through September 30, 2027. The program supports accessible technology and educational media and materials development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with awards renewable annually for up to five years depending on appropriations and project progress. As a comprehensive research university and Land Grant institution, UCI operates as a prime recipient across a diversified federal portfolio and frequently engages sub-recipients on collaborative research awards, though no sub-recipient detail is identified for this specific award.