The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or to remove environmental barriers for people with disabilities. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities.
Field-Initiated RERC on Individual Mobility and Manipulation: In the area of individual mobility and manipulation, NIDILRR seeks to fund research and development toward products, devices, or technological advances that allow people with disabilities to be more mobile, to manipulate objects in their environment more effectively, or both. Innovations in this area, such as new and improved assistive devices, wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories, prosthetics and orthotics, and robotic manipulators increase independence of people with disabilities and allow them to participate more fully in their communities.
Deadline: March 31, 2020
States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; IHEs; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
