The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to stimulate translational efforts in developing and implementing accessibility devices or interventions that apply new technologies to address challenges faced by individuals living with visual impairment. Critical elements of applications include a clear set of milestones that support development and testing of the tool, device, or intervention proposed; multidisciplinary and collaborative teams that include individuals with lived experience; and a tractable dissemination plan. The overall goal of the program is to push the boundaries of innovation in technology development to address accessibility needs of individuals with visual impairment and create resources that will be made available to the community. This NOFO uses a milestone driven and phased mechanism of award. Initial technology development and feasibility activities (R61 phase) may transition to expanded research support (R33 phase) for validation, larger-scale feasibility, and effectiveness studies. All applications must address both R61 and R33 phases.
