The Disability and Rehabilitation Engineering (DARE) program, under the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports fundamental engineering research aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This program is part of the Engineering Biology and Health cluster, which includes related programs such as Biophotonics, Biosensing, Cellular and Biochemical Engineering, and Engineering of Biomedical Systems. The DARE program emphasizes advancing knowledge about specific disabilities, pathological motion, or injury mechanisms to enhance rehabilitation and accessibility.

The program funds research focused on characterizing, restoring, rehabilitating, and substituting human functional ability or cognition, as well as improving the interaction between individuals with disabilities and their environment. Key areas of interest include neuroengineering, rehabilitation robotics, brain-inspired assistive or rehabilitative systems, theoretical or computational models, and novel approaches to functional recovery. Research proposals must demonstrate significant advancements in fundamental engineering knowledge and prioritize transformative outcomes rather than incremental improvements. Projects involving participatory design and the inclusion of trainees with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

The program supports feasibility studies involving human volunteers if they align with project objectives, but clinical trials are not eligible for funding. Proposals centered on commercial product development are also excluded; instead, applicants pursuing commercialization are encouraged to apply through NSF's SBIR/STTR program under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.

Proposals must clearly articulate the novelty, transformative potential, and societal or industrial impact of the research. Submissions must comply with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Awards typically cover up to three years, supporting graduate students and faculty time. Proposals significantly exceeding standard budgets must be discussed with the program director prior to submission.

The program accepts proposals year-round through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Specific types of proposals, such as Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), Rapid Response Research (RAPID), Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED), and Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI), are also considered. Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program proposals, with a five-year award duration, are strongly encouraged and must adhere to annual submission deadlines in July.

Applicants are advised to contact the program director before submitting proposals, particularly for innovative projects outside the program’s primary focus areas. Compliance with NSF proposal guidelines is mandatory, and non-compliant proposals will be returned without review. Additional information and program contacts can be found on the NSF website