Research in Disabilities Education (RDE)

The Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) program advances the goal of broadening the participation and achievement of postsecondary students with disabilities in STEM. This effort is realized by making strategic investments in educational and institutional Model Building and in basic and applied Broadening Participation Research in STEM Education (BPR).  Model Building projects develop, replicate, translate and utilize innovative educational and institutional capacity building models to broaden the participation of postsecondary students with disabilities in STEM fields.  Models employ evidence-based educational exemplars that improve the learning, participation, persistence and graduation of students with disabilities in associate, baccalaureate and graduate STEM degree programs.  BPR projects promote efforts to understand the underlying issues contributing to the differential learning, participation and graduation rates of post-secondary students with disabilities in STEM.  Particular emphasis is placed on contributing to the knowledge base by investigating the STEM learning characteristics and differences of post-secondary students with disabilities.  Educational research about students with disabilities in STEM is advanced by studying the educational and pre-professional experiences that influence student interest, academic performance, retention and persistence in degree programs, degree completion and career choices.  RDE projects contribute to closing the achievement gaps for post-secondary students with disabilities in STEM fields, including students enrolled in community colleges, baccalaureate degree programs and graduate schools.

Amount: Varies

Date due: June 1, 2012

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Education, Training and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities

Recognizing the pressing need to focus on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking against individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals due to the proliferation of such crimes, Congress authorized theEducation, Training and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities Grant Program(Disability Grant Program) in the Violence Against Women and the Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. The goal of the Disability Grant Program is to create sustainable change within and between organizations that results in accessible, safe and effective services for individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking and accountability for perpetrators of such crimes. Disability Grant Program funds will be used to establish and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborative relationships; increase organizational capacity to provide accessible, safe, and effective services to individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of violence and abuse; and identify needs within the grantee’s organization and/or service area, and develop a plan to address those identified needs that builds a strong foundation for future work.

Amount: $500,000 - $600,000

Date due: March 26, 2012

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Autism Speaks Grants

Autism Speaks launched its 2012 requests for grant applications in the areas of Treatment and Basic & Clinical research. In the treatment category, full- and pilot-level grant applications to conduct innovative studies of promising new interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are welcome. In the basic and clinical research category, full- and pilot-level grant applications to conduct innovative biomedical and behavioral research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and dissemination of evidence-based practices for ASD are welcome.

Amount: $60,000 - $150,000

Date due: May 10, 2012

For more information, click here.

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program: Field Initiated Projects Program (Research or Development)

The purpose of the NIDRR Field Initiated (FI) Projects program is to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities. Another purpose of the FI Projects program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. NIDRR makes two types of awards under the FI Projects program: Research grants (CFDA 84.133G-1) and development grants (CFDA 84.133G-2). In carrying out a research activity under an FI Project research grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and, based on the hypotheses or research questions identified, perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) new scientific knowledge, or (2) better understanding of the subject, problem studied, or body of knowledge. In carrying out a development activity under an FI Project development grant, a grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods, including designing and developing prototypes and processes, that are beneficial to the target population. ``Target population'' means the group of individuals, organizations, or other entities expected to be affected by the project. There may be more than one target population because a project may affect those who receive services, provide services, or administer services. Note: Different selection criteria are used for FI Project research grants (84.133G-1) and development grants (84.133G-2). Applicants must clearly indicate in the application whether they are applying for a research grant (84.133G-1) or a development grant (84.133G-2) and must address the selection criteria relevant for their grant type. Without exception, NIDRR will review each application based on the grant designation made by the applicant.

Amount: $200,000

Date due: March 5, 2012

For more information on RESEARCH focus, click here.

For more information on DEVELOPMENT focus, click here.

Small Business Innovative Research Phase I (NIDRR)

The purposes of this program are to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research or research and development (R/R&D) needs, increase the commercial application of research supported by the U.S. Department of Education (Department), and improve the return on investment from federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the Nation.

The five invitational priorities are:

(1) Increased independence of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, recreational settings, or educational settings through the development of technology to support access and promote integration of individuals with disabilities.

(2) Enhanced sensory or motor function of individuals with disabilities through the development of technology to support improved functional capacity.

(3) Enhanced workforce participation through the development of technology to support access to employment, promote sustained employment, and promote employment advancement for individuals with disabilities.

(4) Enhanced community participation and living for individuals with disabilities through the development of accessible information technology including Web access technology, software, and other systems and devices that promote access to information in educational, employment, and community settings, and voting technology that improves access for individuals with disabilities.

(5) Improved interventions and increased use of health-care resources through the development of technology to support independent access to healthcare services in the community for individuals with disabilities.

Amount: $75,000

Date due: February 13, 2012

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Hearing Health Foundation grants

Hearing Health Foundation, the leading national source of private funding for research in hearing and balance science, awards research grant awards of up to $25,000 to researchers once a year to conduct novel investigations of auditory and vestibular function and dysfunction. All research proposals in hearing and balance science, including those for basic, translational and applied clinical research, will be considered for funding. Hearing Health Foundation wishes to stimulate research that leads to a continuing and independently fundable line of research. Applications focusing on Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Usher Syndrome, Strial Atrophy, Meniere's disease are especially encouraged.

Amount: $25,000

Date due: October 31, 2011 (Letter of intent)

For more information, click here.

Personnel Development To Improve Services and Results for Children With Disabilities: Personnel Preparation in Special Education, Early Intervention,

The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for highly qualified personnel--in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education--to work with children, including infants and toddlers, with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically-based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children.

Amount: $250,000/year

Due Date: May 31, 2011

For more information, click here.