Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program - Employment

The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program – Employment is a funding initiative administered by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living. This grant is part of a broader federal effort to enhance the quality and impact of disability and rehabilitation research by fostering the development of highly trained researchers, particularly in the area of employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. The program is designed to address the pressing need for advanced research capacity to support the objectives of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. This grant opportunity aims to support institutions of higher education in recruiting and training individuals who hold research doctorates or other advanced degrees (e.g., MD, JD) and who also possess relevant clinical or experiential backgrounds. These trainees will receive structured, multidisciplinary training in research methodologies, academic and career mentorship, and real-world engagement with disability-focused organizations. A critical emphasis of the program is on the inclusion of individuals with disabilities among the trainee population, and applicants must include targeted recruitment plans to ensure their representation. Funded projects are required to offer a comprehensive training experience, including didactic instruction, research practicums under qualified mentors, and opportunities for dissemination through conferences and publications. Each trainee is expected to commit at least 80% of their time to the training program over a period of no less than one academic year and up to 24 months if justified. The curriculum must prepare trainees to conduct independent, high-quality research that supports improved service outcomes in employment for people with disabilities. Compliance with accessibility standards, particularly Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA), is mandatory for all project materials and online tools. The application process includes submission via Grants.gov, with applicants required to maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). While submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) by March 17, 2026, is not required, it is encouraged to help avoid potential conflicts in the review process. Full applications are due by April 13, 2026. Components of the application must include a project narrative (limited to 40 pages), a detailed work plan, budget justification for each year of the three-year project, biosketches of key personnel, and letters of commitment from participating organizations. Applications will be evaluated by an independent peer review panel based on five criteria: the importance of the problem, the design of training activities, the plan of operation, the quality of project staff, and the adequacy and accessibility of project resources. The maximum score is 100 points. Projects proposing budgets over $250,000 annually or project periods exceeding 36 months will be disqualified. The anticipated award date is June 1, 2026, and only one award will be issued under this opportunity, with funding up to $250,000 per year. There is no mandatory cost sharing or matching requirement for this grant, although applicants may voluntarily include non-federal resources. Compliance with a range of federal regulations, including reporting and transparency requirements (FFATA and FSRS), is expected. Award recipients must also adhere to the ACL’s Public Access Plan to ensure funded research outputs are publicly accessible. This grant opportunity represents a significant investment in strengthening the pipeline of employment-related disability researchers and is structured to ensure both academic rigor and practical impact.

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