Deadline: 29-Jul-2026
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is funding a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) focused on improving employer practices that support successful employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The program will generate evidence-based research on inclusive hiring, workplace accommodations, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation systems. It offers a single grant over a 60-month project period with up to $925,000 per budget period.
Overview of the Funding Opportunity
The Administration for Community Living is inviting applications for a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) focused on disability employment outcomes. The goal is to improve employer practices that increase hiring, retention, and workplace inclusion for people with disabilities.
This initiative is part of broader efforts under the Rehabilitation Act and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) priorities.
Key focus areas include:
- Research on employer practices that improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities
- Development of evidence-based strategies for inclusive hiring
- Strengthening collaboration between employers, vocational rehabilitation services, and community organizations
- Promoting workplace accessibility and reasonable accommodations
- Supporting disability-inclusive workforce policies and recruitment systems
Core Purpose of the RRTC Program
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs) are designed to strengthen rehabilitation services through research, training, and dissemination of best practices.
Primary objectives include:
- Producing new research evidence on disability employment strategies
- Improving employer capacity to implement inclusive hiring practices
- Expanding technical assistance and training resources
- Disseminating findings to stakeholders, policymakers, and employers
- Supporting long-term systemic improvements in disability employment systems
Key Research and Focus Areas
The funding opportunity emphasizes practical, employer-focused research.
Core thematic areas include:
- Inclusive recruitment practices
- Accessible job postings
- Fair hiring processes for people with disabilities
- Employer collaboration systems
- Partnerships with vocational rehabilitation agencies
- Coordination with community-based disability organizations
- Disability-inclusive hiring goals
- Setting measurable workforce inclusion targets
- Workplace accommodations
- Accessibility adjustments
- Assistive technologies and job modifications
- Employment retention strategies
- Long-term support systems for employees with disabilities
Funding Details
This opportunity supports a single grant award.
Financial structure:
- Total estimated program funding: $925,000
- Award ceiling: $925,000 per budget period
- Award floor: $920,000 per budget period
- Project duration: 60 months total
- Budget structure: 5 budget periods of 12 months each
- Indirect cost cap: Maximum 15% (cannot be exceeded)
Cost restrictions:
- Construction costs are not allowed
- Major building rehabilitation is not permitted
Eligibility Criteria
A wide range of organizations are eligible to apply.
Eligible applicants include:
- State governments
- County, city, township, and special district governments
- Public and private organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Institutions of higher education
- Public universities
- State-controlled institutions
- Private colleges and universities
- Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations
- Small businesses
- Faith-based and community organizations (if eligible under program rules)
Ineligible applicants:
- Foreign entities
- Foreign individuals
- Sole proprietorships based outside eligibility definitions
Application Requirements
Applicants must ensure full compliance with program rules.
Key requirements include:
- Submission must be timely
- Proposal must fully respond to solicitation requirements
- Budget must not exceed allowed limits
- Project period must follow 60-month structure
- Formatting requirements must be strictly followed
- Applications must address program priorities and research focus areas
Why This Program Matters
This funding opportunity addresses a major gap in employment equity for people with disabilities.
Key importance includes:
- Improving national employment outcomes for people with disabilities
- Strengthening employer capacity for inclusive hiring
- Supporting evidence-based policymaking in disability employment
- Enhancing collaboration between employers and rehabilitation systems
- Promoting long-term workforce inclusion and accessibility
How It Works / Implementation Structure
The program follows a structured research and development model.
Process overview:
- Funding is awarded to one selected applicant
- A 60-month research project is implemented
- Work is divided into five 12-month budget periods
- Activities include:
- Conducting employer-focused research
- Developing training and technical assistance materials
- Testing and evaluating inclusive employment strategies
- Disseminating findings to stakeholders and employers
- Final outputs include research findings, training tools, and policy recommendations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Ignoring the 15% indirect cost cap
- Proposing construction or infrastructure projects
- Failing to align with NIDILRR research priorities
- Submitting incomplete or non-compliant applications
- Exceeding budget or project period limits
- Weak focus on employer-based outcomes
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve competitiveness:
- Clearly define employer-focused research objectives
- Include measurable outcomes for disability employment improvement
- Demonstrate strong research and evaluation methodology
- Show partnerships with vocational rehabilitation systems
- Provide a realistic 60-month implementation plan
- Ensure strict compliance with funding and formatting rules
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?
- To improve employer practices that lead to better employment outcomes for people with disabilities
- To generate evidence-based research on inclusive hiring and workplace support
Who is funding this program?
- The Administration for Community Living (ACL) under the Rehabilitation Act framework
How long is the project period?
- 60 months total, divided into five 12-month budget periods
How much funding is available?
- Approximately $925,000 per budget period, with a single grant award
Who can apply?
- Government entities, nonprofits, for-profits, universities, tribal organizations, and small businesses
- Faith-based organizations (if eligible)
- Foreign entities and individuals are not eligible
Are construction or building projects allowed?
- No, construction and major rehabilitation costs are not permitted
What is the indirect cost limit?
- Indirect costs are capped at 15% of the total budget
Conclusion
The Administration for Community Living’s RRTC funding opportunity is designed to advance disability employment research and improve employer practices through evidence-based strategies. By focusing on inclusive hiring, workplace accommodations, and system-level collaboration, the program aims to strengthen long-term employment outcomes for people with disabilities across the United States.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.