Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program - Health and Function

The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program - Health and Function is a funding opportunity released by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Administration for Community Living (ACL). This grant opportunity is specifically focused on the health and function domain within the broader scope of disability and rehabilitation research. The program supports institutions of higher education to provide advanced research training to individuals who hold research doctorates or equivalent advanced degrees, including clinical doctorates such as MD or JD, especially those with clinical or related experience. The overarching goal of the ARRT program is to bolster the national capacity for high-quality research that supports the effective implementation of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The ARRT initiative is grounded in NIDILRR’s Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years 2024–2028 and seeks to prepare future researchers—particularly individuals with disabilities—to independently contribute to the field of disability and rehabilitation research. Each funded project must provide a robust training program that includes formal didactic instruction, practical research experience with qualified researchers, multidisciplinary mentorship, and opportunities for professional development through conferences, publications, and scholarly presentations. Importantly, applicants must show a strong plan to recruit individuals with disabilities into the training program. Additionally, trainees must commit at least 80% of their time to the research training activities, with a training duration of at least one academic year (up to 24 months if needed and justified). Eligible applicants are limited to institutions of higher education. The grant does not require matching or cost sharing; however, applicants may voluntarily contribute non-federal resources, which, if accepted, become part of the approved budget and will be subject to reporting requirements. The estimated total funding is $250,000 per budget period, with a maximum project length of 36 months across three 12-month periods. Indirect costs are capped at 8%, excluding tuition, stipends, and fees. A detailed and justified budget narrative must be submitted for each year of the grant. Training grant activities must also ensure full compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, guaranteeing that all materials and digital resources are accessible. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the Workspace system. Applicants must be registered with SAM.gov and must have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Key application components include a project narrative of no more than 40 pages, a comprehensive budget justification, a one-page abstract, vitae or biosketches of key personnel, and letters of commitment from participating organizations. Applicants are strongly encouraged, though not required, to submit a letter of intent by March 17, 2026, to assist ACL with planning the review process. The full application is due by April 13, 2026, and applicants are advised to submit at least 3–5 days early due to potential technical issues with Grants.gov. An informational conference call is scheduled for February 25, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET. During this call, applicants can ask questions about the funding priority and application process. Individual consultations will also be available by appointment immediately after the call. Applications will be reviewed by an independent peer panel based on criteria including importance of the problem, quality of training design, qualifications of project staff, and adequacy of institutional resources. Final award decisions are made by the ACL Administrator, considering reviewer recommendations and programmatic compliance. Award notices are expected to be issued before the project start date of June 1, 2026. This grant opportunity is part of NIDILRR’s recurring ARRT program and aligns with its commitment to foster leadership and innovation in disability and rehabilitation research. The program operates on an annual cycle, with future iterations anticipated around the same timeframe. All awarded projects must adhere to federal grant policies, civil rights laws, and reporting requirements. Compliance with ACL’s Public Access Plan for publications is mandatory, and sub-awards over $30,000 must be reported in the FFATA Subaward Reporting System.

Highlight the quality of mentorship and depth of training design; ensure digital and educational accessibility per Section 508.