Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Community Living and Participation (Development)

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects Program: Community Living and Participation Development opportunity is administered by the Administration for Community Living through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. This federal program is authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and is designed to advance research and development that improves outcomes for individuals with disabilities. The initiative reflects a broader federal commitment to enhancing independence, community integration, and equitable access to services and supports for people with disabilities across the United States. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support development-focused projects that generate innovative products, tools, services, or interventions aimed at improving community living and participation outcomes. Applicants are required to propose development activities that translate existing research knowledge into practical applications, such as models, technologies, or processes. Projects must align with at least one of several priority areas, including assistive technology, artificial intelligence applications, caregiver support systems, financial tools such as ABLE accounts, and interventions addressing justice-involved youth or prevention of abuse. The program emphasizes the creation of tangible outputs that can be adopted by stakeholders and produce measurable improvements in the daily lives of individuals with disabilities. Funding is structured as a federal grant program with an expected total funding pool of one million dollars and two anticipated awards. Each award provides approximately four hundred ninety five thousand to five hundred thousand dollars per year over a three year project period, resulting in a maximum total award of approximately one million five hundred thousand dollars per project. Funds may be used for development activities, personnel, dissemination, and knowledge translation, but cannot be used for construction, major rehabilitation, or certain restricted activities such as diversity equity and inclusion initiatives as defined in the notice. There is no cost sharing requirement, although voluntary cost sharing is permitted but not considered in the review process. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive of a wide range of organizational types. Eligible applicants include state governments, public and private agencies, nonprofit and for profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and tribal organizations. Faith based and community organizations are also eligible if they meet the stated requirements. However, individuals, sole proprietorships, and foreign entities are explicitly excluded. Applicants must ensure compliance with federal registration requirements, including active accounts in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, prior to submission. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple components such as a project narrative, abstract, budget justification, data management plan, and supporting documentation including commitment letters and biosketches. The project narrative is the central component and must address specific merit review criteria including the importance of the problem, alignment with strategic priorities, design of development and dissemination activities, and qualifications of project staff. Proposals are evaluated through a two stage review process consisting of an initial compliance screening followed by a merit review scored out of one hundred points. Key deadlines for this opportunity include an optional notice of intent due on July twenty two and a final application deadline of August five at eleven fifty nine PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be issued by September thirty, with project activities beginning immediately thereafter and continuing for a thirty six month period. An informational conference call is offered prior to submission to provide guidance to applicants. The program also requires ongoing reporting, compliance with federal regulations, and adherence to accessibility standards including Section 508 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant federal investment in advancing practical solutions that improve independence, reduce isolation, and enhance participation for people with disabilities. By prioritizing development and real world application of research, the program aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and implementation, ultimately contributing to stronger, more inclusive communities nationwide.

Align project with ACL strategic priorities emphasize strong methodology and stakeholder involvement clearly justify development stage and demonstrate real world applicability of outputs