Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Employment Among People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Employment Among People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is administered by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program operates under the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, which funds applied research initiatives designed to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities. The DRRP program specifically supports research that advances knowledge and practice in areas that promote independence, community participation, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. This funding opportunity is focused on improving employment outcomes for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Applicants are required to propose research activities that contribute to measurable improvements in employment participation, job retention, or career advancement for this population. The emphasis is on generating evidence-based practices, interventions, or policies that can be replicated or scaled. The research must align with federal priorities around workforce inclusion and accessibility, and should demonstrate clear pathways to practical implementation. The total estimated program funding is 700000 dollars, with one expected award. The award ceiling is set at 700000 dollars and the floor at 695000 dollars, indicating a single, near-full allocation grant. The project period is 36 months, divided into three 12-month budget periods. Funds are intended to support research-related expenses, including personnel, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, allowing applicants to propose fully federally funded projects. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive of a wide range of U.S.-based entities. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, nonprofit organizations regardless of 501(c)(3) status, and for-profit organizations including small businesses. Faith-based and community organizations are also eligible, provided they meet the stated requirements. However, foreign entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The application process will be conducted through Grants.gov, following the standard federal submission procedures. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast notice, applicants can expect to prepare a full research proposal including methodology, objectives, expected outcomes, and budget justification. The estimated posting date is April 24, 2026, with an application due date of June 24, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by September 1, 2026, with the project period beginning immediately thereafter. Evaluation criteria are not specified in the forecast, but typically include the significance of the research, methodological rigor, feasibility, and potential impact on the target population. Applicants are encouraged to align proposals with the stated priority area and demonstrate strong research design and stakeholder relevance. For additional information or clarification, applicants may contact Angel Miles via email or phone as provided in the notice. This opportunity does not indicate recurring funding and appears to be a single-cycle research grant aligned with fiscal year 2026 priorities.