Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC): National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Administration for Community Living, has issued a forecasted funding opportunity titled Rehabilitation Research and Training Center: National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities. This program operates under the Administration for Community Living’s National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, which is authorized by the Rehabilitation Act. The initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to advancing evidence-based services and supports for individuals with disabilities, particularly parents navigating their roles while managing disabilities. The purpose of this Rehabilitation Research and Training Center is to conduct research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities that improve the availability and effectiveness of interventions, supports, and technologies for parents with disabilities. The program’s objective is to strengthen evidence-based practices, expand knowledge, and ensure services are responsive to the needs of parents with disabilities and their families. Activities funded through this program must focus on enhancing the delivery of rehabilitation and independent living services while aligning with NIDILRR’s overarching goals of promoting community living and participation for people with disabilities. The scope of the program includes the design and implementation of rigorous research, as well as training and technical assistance to service providers and organizations working with parents with disabilities. Dissemination of findings is also a core element, ensuring that new knowledge reaches both practitioners and policymakers. Funds may be used to conduct studies, develop or adapt technologies, design interventions, and provide training that advances the accessibility and effectiveness of parenting supports. This RRTC carries a 60-month project period divided into five annual budget periods, with a total estimated funding allocation of $925,000. A single award is anticipated. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes states, local governments, Native American tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and public or private institutions of higher education. The notice specifies that foreign entities are not eligible, while faith-based and community organizations may apply if they meet all eligibility requirements. This wide eligibility framework underscores the program’s intent to leverage diverse institutional expertise in advancing research and service delivery for parents with disabilities. The application process will open with an estimated posting date of February 4, 2026, and full applications will be due by April 6, 2026. The award date is expected to be September 1, 2026, with projects beginning on the same date. No pre-application requirements such as a Letter of Intent or Concept Paper are specified in the forecast. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required. The program is forecasted, meaning the opportunity is announced in advance of the official notice of funding availability, giving potential applicants time to prepare. Applications will be evaluated based on the strength of their proposed research design, capacity to provide training and technical assistance, and effectiveness in disseminating findings to relevant audiences. While evaluation criteria are not detailed in the forecast notice, proposals must align with NIDILRR’s mission and demonstrate the potential to improve outcomes for parents with disabilities. Interested applicants should monitor updates on Grants.gov for the formal Notice of Funding Opportunity, which will contain specific instructions and review criteria. Contact information is provided for prospective applicants seeking clarification. Donna Gregory is the designated contact at the Administration for Community Living and may be reached by phone at 202-795-7346 or by email at Donna.Gregory@acl.hhs.gov. Additional information about applying for grants through ACL can be found at https://www.acl.gov/grants/applying-grants. The program is expected to remain open for applications until the close date in April 2026, after which submissions will no longer be accepted. The forecast notice is valid until September 30, 2026.