The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program - Community Living and Participation (FOA number: HHS-2025-ACL-NIDILRR-ARCP-0100) aims to enhance the quality and capacity of disability and rehabilitation research. This grant opportunity is being offered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). The ARRT program is designed to support institutions that provide advanced research training for individuals with research doctorates or equivalent degrees, including those with clinical doctorates such as MD or JD. It places particular emphasis on training researchers from populations underrepresented in the scientific workforce, including individuals with disabilities. The focus is on improving community living and participation outcomes for people with disabilities.

The purpose of the ARRT Program is to bolster the capacity of institutions to train individuals who can conduct high-quality multidisciplinary research in areas relevant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, aiming to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Act. The program provides training to foster the skills necessary for independent research, emphasizing scientific methodology and providing both didactic and practical research experiences. Each ARRT project should develop targeted recruitment plans to encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and from other underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities and other marginalized populations.

The funding available for this opportunity is estimated at $250,000 per budget period, with a total project period of up to 60 months. Only one award is expected, and institutions of higher education are the only eligible applicants. The project must include both classroom and practical research training, which could take place at the host institution or other appropriate locations. Additionally, mentorship from experienced researchers, opportunities for publication and conference participation, and compliance with accessibility requirements are required components of the training. The selected project must provide a training duration of at least one academic year, with a focus on ensuring that trainees are equipped to conduct independent research upon completion.

This grant opportunity does not require cost-sharing or matching, although applicants may voluntarily propose to contribute non-federal resources. The submission of a letter of intent is requested by November 7, 2024, to assist ACL in planning the application review process. Completed applications are due by December 2, 2024. An informational conference call will be held on October 25, 2024, for interested applicants to discuss the funding priority and address any technical questions. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants are encouraged to submit well in advance of the deadline to avoid potential technical difficulties.

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the importance of the proposed training, the design and adequacy of the training activities, and the qualifications of the project staff. The review will also consider the adequacy and accessibility of resources and the potential impact of the project on public benefits, especially for people with disabilities. Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts, with final decisions made by the Administrator of ACL based on the panel's recommendations and available funding.

The anticipated start date for the project is June 1, 2025. The successful applicant will receive a Notice of Award electronically, and award administration will require compliance with various administrative and national policy requirements, including non-discrimination laws and accessibility standards. Grantees will also be responsible for financial and performance reporting to ensure compliance with federal funding requirements.