ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research

To support and coordinate research and its utilization in order to improve the lives of people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities, especially persons with severe disabilities, through: (1) identifying and eliminating causes and consequ

Supports and coordinate research and its utilization in order to improve the lives of people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities, especially persons with severe disabilities, through: (1) identifying and eliminating causes and consequences of disability; (2) maximizing the health, physical, and emotional status of persons with disabilities and their functional ability, self- sufficiency, self-development and personal autonomy; (3) preventing or minimizing personal and family, physical, mental, social, educational, vocational, and economic effects of disability; and (4) reducing and eliminating physical, social, educational, vocational, and environmental barriers to permit access to services and assistance and to use their abilities in daily life.

States, public, private, or nonprofit agencies and organizations, institutions of higher education, and Indian tribes and tribal organizations are eligible for research projects and specialized research activities related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities; fellowships may be awarded to individuals.

Individuals with disabilities may benefit directly or indirectly from research and other activities conducted by grantees, such as technical assistance and dissemination.

Grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts are awarded for research, demonstration, dissemination/utilization projects of national significance, and career training projects. All applications must meet standards of excellence in research and evaluation design. Fellowships support individual investigators in pursuing research in rehabilitation.

Funds are awarded in 12 month budget periods. Support beyond the first 12 month budget period is contingent upon evidence that the grantee has made substantial progress toward achieving the objectives and outcomes for a project, and availability of appropriations. Awards may be made for a maximum of five years.

Objectives of projects and programs must be in consonance with and should contribute to achievement of the goals and objectives of the Institute. Proposed research and development activities must be rigorous and of high quality. Adequate facilities must be available or planned to carry out the specific project or program. Personnel must be trained and qualified to carry out the proposed programs, and staffing patterns must be appropriate. Demonstrations of adequate plans and procedures for ensuring the relevance to current needs in rehabilitation and the potential for project results must be effectively utilized. Commitment of available resources on the part of the applicant and evidence that the applicant has knowledge of rehabilitation issues as well as knowledge of past and present related research activities. A statement showing that the estimated cost to the government is reasonable in relation to anticipated project results. Demonstrate the ability and capacity to achieve stated goals. Demonstrate, coordinate and cooperate with regional programs, State agency programs, and private rehabilitation facilities. Specific weighted selection criteria are contained in program regulations.

New awards are made based upon the results of a peer review process and subsequent review and approval of applications by staff within the Department. Official notice of approved applications is made through issuance of a Notice of Grant Award or an official letter of fellowship award. Grants and fellowships are awarded by the Secretary, Health and Human Services.

Ranges from 30 to 120 days. Generally, solicited grants, fellowships, and contracts will be acted upon within 120 days.

Grantees must submit annual progress reports in order to receive continuation funding. Awards may be renewed annual for up to five years or to a lesser project period contingent upon the award specifications. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations