Call for Proposals: Piloting Assistive Technologies (Armenia)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting eligible organisations in Armenia to apply for a grant supporting the pilot implementation and evaluation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies for persons with severe speech and motor impairments. The initiative aims to improve disability inclusion, generate evidence for national scale-up strategies, and expand access to assistive communication solutions, including for refugees with disabilities and vulnerable communities.

The project will support Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in deploying, testing, and evaluating specialised AAC technologies in real-life environments such as homes, schools, rehabilitation centres, and community settings.

About the UNDP AAC Technology Pilot Programme

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a funding opportunity to support organisations in Armenia working to improve communication access for persons with severe speech and motor impairments.

The pilot programme focuses on introducing and evaluating three specialised Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies to understand their practical effectiveness and suitability for users in Armenia.

The initiative aims to:

• Improve access to assistive communication technologies.
• Generate evidence on AAC technology effectiveness.
• Support the development of Armenia’s national AAC scale-up strategy.
• Promote inclusive services for persons with disabilities.
• Ensure equal access for refugees with disabilities and vulnerable refugee-hosting communities.

What Are Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Technologies?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to tools and methods that help individuals communicate when speech is limited or unavailable.

AAC solutions may include:

• Digital communication devices.
• Speech-generating technologies.
• Communication applications.
• Adaptive communication tools.
• Personalised communication systems.

These technologies support individuals with disabilities by enabling greater independence, participation, education access, and social inclusion.

Objectives of the AAC Pilot Project

The main goal of the programme is to test and assess specialised AAC technologies among persons with severe speech and motor impairments in Armenia.

The project objectives include:

• Deploying AAC technologies in real-world environments.
• Assessing user experience and effectiveness.
• Identifying challenges and opportunities for wider implementation.
• Developing recommendations for national disability inclusion policies.
• Supporting the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in preparing a national scale-up strategy.

At least 20% of selected beneficiaries must be refugees with disabilities or persons with disabilities living in vulnerable refugee-hosting communities.

Project Activities and Implementation Areas

Selected organisations will implement AAC technology pilots through a structured process involving assessment, training, monitoring, and evaluation.

Key activities include:

• Identifying suitable beneficiaries.
• Conducting baseline assessments.
• Providing AAC technology solutions.
• Training users, caregivers, and professionals.
• Monitoring technology use and outcomes.
• Conducting final evaluations.
• Preparing project reports and recommendations.

AAC technologies will be tested in different settings, including:

• Homes.
• Educational institutions.
• Rehabilitation and habilitation centres.
• Community environments.

The implementation approach will be adapted according to individual communication needs and abilities.

Grant Amount and Project Duration

Selected Civil Society Organisations will receive:

• Grant amount: 10,276,000 AMD.
• Project duration: 2.5 months.
• Implementation period: August to October 2026.

The grant will support the complete implementation of pilot activities, including beneficiary support, technical assistance, monitoring, and reporting.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Legally registered Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
• Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).

Applicants must:

• Be officially registered and operating in the Republic of Armenia.
• Have sufficient administrative, financial, and technical capacity.
• Demonstrate experience working with persons with disabilities.
• Have expertise in rehabilitation, habilitation, social inclusion, or empowerment programmes.

Required Organisational Experience and Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate experience in areas such as:

• Disability inclusion projects.
• Assistive technology programmes.
• Digital accessibility solutions.
• Inclusive education services.
• Rehabilitation and habilitation support.

Organisations must also have:

• Strong community networks.
• Access to target beneficiary groups.
• Experience working with persons with severe speech and motor impairments.
• Ability to conduct outreach in refugee-hosting communities.

Required Project Team

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to establish a multidisciplinary team.

The project team should include:

• Special Educator or Speech and Language Therapist.
• AAC Trainer with practical experience in:
  • Applying AAC technologies.
  • Customising communication solutions.
  • Training users and caregivers.
  • Supporting AAC pilot implementation.

A qualified technical and professional team will be essential for successful project delivery.

How the Programme Will Work

The selected organisations will follow these implementation steps:

1. Beneficiary Identification
   • Select persons with severe speech and motor impairments who can benefit from AAC technologies.
   • Ensure inclusion of refugees with disabilities and vulnerable groups.
2. Needs Assessment
   • Conduct individual assessments.
   • Identify appropriate AAC solutions based on communication requirements.
3. Technology Deployment
   • Provide AAC devices and tools.
   • Introduce solutions in daily environments.
4. Training and Capacity Building
   • Train users, families, educators, and support professionals.
   • Provide guidance on effective AAC usage.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
   • Collect evidence on effectiveness.
   • Document challenges, outcomes, and user experiences.
6. Final Reporting
   • Prepare recommendations.
   • Submit findings to support national AAC expansion planning.

Why This Programme Matters

Access to communication is a fundamental part of disability inclusion and social participation.

The AAC pilot programme will help:

• Improve independence for persons with communication disabilities.
• Increase participation in education and community life.
• Strengthen Armenia’s disability support systems.
• Provide evidence for future national investment in assistive technologies.
• Address communication barriers faced by refugees with disabilities.

By testing practical AAC solutions, the programme aims to create a foundation for long-term inclusive communication services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals without demonstrating disability inclusion experience.
• Failing to include qualified AAC specialists in the project team.
• Providing unclear beneficiary selection methods.
• Ignoring refugee and vulnerable community inclusion requirements.
• Submitting incomplete technical or financial documentation.
• Proposing activities without realistic monitoring and evaluation plans.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain previous disability-related projects.
• Highlight experience with assistive technologies.
• Present a strong beneficiary outreach strategy.
• Include qualified technical experts.
• Provide measurable project outcomes.
• Explain how results can support national disability policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the UNDP AAC Technology Pilot Programme?
The programme aims to test and evaluate specialised AAC technologies for persons with severe speech and motor impairments in Armenia and generate evidence for future national expansion.

2. Who can apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants include registered Civil Society Organisations, NGOs, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities operating in Armenia.

3. How much funding will selected organisations receive?
Selected organisations will receive a grant of 10,276,000 AMD for implementing the pilot activities.

4. How long will the project last?
The project duration is 2.5 months and will take place from August to October 2026.

5. Are refugee communities included in the programme?
Yes. At least 20% of beneficiaries must be refugees with disabilities or persons with disabilities living in vulnerable refugee-hosting communities.

6. What expertise must applicants demonstrate?
Applicants must have experience in disability inclusion, rehabilitation, assistive technologies, digital accessibility, or inclusive education services.

7. What specialists are required for project implementation?
Applicants must include professionals such as a Special Educator/Speech and Language Therapist and an AAC Trainer with practical experience.

Conclusion

The UNDP Armenia AAC Technology Pilot Grant provides an opportunity for organisations to improve communication access and disability inclusion through innovative assistive technologies. By supporting the testing and evaluation of AAC solutions, the programme will help build evidence-based approaches for expanding inclusive communication services across Armenia and ensuring vulnerable groups, including refugees with disabilities, receive equal access to support.