The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program, administered by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), is a funding opportunity for FY 2025 aimed at enhancing research capacity in the domain of health and function. This program seeks to provide advanced research training to individuals holding research doctorates or similar advanced degrees who also have clinical or relevant professional experience. The focus is on recruiting candidates who are underrepresented in the scientific workforce, including individuals with disabilities, and training them to conduct independent, multidisciplinary research that aligns with the goals of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The ARRT program funds institutions of higher education to offer a structured training program that includes didactic instruction, practical experience, and mentorship from experienced researchers. Selected projects must include plans for recruiting individuals with disabilities, as well as members of other marginalized groups. The training aims to prepare participants to conduct rigorous disability and rehabilitation research, contributing to improved services and outcomes for people with disabilities. Projects are expected to include a mix of research and practical activities, mentorship, opportunities for professional development, and participation in conferences and scholarly publications. The program also emphasizes compliance with accessibility standards, ensuring all materials and tools developed are accessible according to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

This funding opportunity will provide up to $250,000 per year for a maximum project period of 60 months, divided into five 12-month budget periods. A single award is anticipated, with the funding instrument being a grant. Importantly, there is no cost-sharing requirement, though applicants are allowed to voluntarily contribute non-federal resources if they choose to do so. The funding availability is contingent upon Congressional appropriations, and additional awards may be considered in FY 2026 from approved but initially unfunded applicants.

Only institutions of higher education are eligible to apply, and the program targets projects that provide advanced research training in NIDILRR’s health and function domain. The proposed budget must not exceed $250,000 per year or a 60-month project duration. All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). A letter of intent to apply is requested by November 7, 2024, and the full application is due by December 2, 2024. An informational conference call will be held on October 25, 2024, to assist applicants in preparing their proposals.

Applications will be evaluated by a peer review panel using five criteria: the importance of the problem, the design of training activities, the quality of the plan of operation, the quality of the project staff, and the adequacy and accessibility of resources. A total of 100 points can be awarded across these criteria, with the design of training activities carrying the most weight at 50 points. Emphasis will be placed on the quality, intensity, and accessibility of the training methods, the applicant's recruitment efforts, mentorship quality, and opportunities for professional development. The final award decision will consider the recommendations of the review panel, programmatic and grants management compliance, and the overall cost-effectiveness of the proposed project.

Successful applicants will receive an electronic Notice of Award, and all funded projects must comply with HHS administrative requirements, including nondiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws. Reporting requirements include financial and programmatic performance reports. Compliance with ACL’s Public Access Plan, which mandates making publications accessible to the public, is also required.

The ARRT Program aims to contribute significantly to the field of disability and rehabilitation research by training new researchers who can address critical gaps in knowledge and practice, ultimately improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.