science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · HHS-ACL

Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) On Employer Practices Leading to Successful Employment Outcomes Among People With Disabilities

Administration for Community Living · HHS-2026-ACL-NIDILRR-RTEM-0214

Closed

Award Range

$920K – $925K

Total Program Funding

$925K

Expected Awards

Deadline

July 29, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

ACL is funding one RRTC on Employer Practices Leading to Employment of People with Disabilities ($920K-$925K). This center researches what EMPLOYERS do (or should do) that results in hiring and retaining workers with disabilities — then trains employers on those practices. Focus is on the demand side of disability employment: employer policies, hiring practices, workplace accommodations, and organizational culture.

Who Should Apply

Research institutions with established disability employment research programs, existing employer partnerships, and capacity for both research and employer training/TA. Must understand employment from the employer's perspective.

Who Should NOT Apply

Vocational rehabilitation providers (focus on supply side), researchers without employer connections, job training programs, or institutions without both research AND training capacity.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Must research employer practices that lead to disability employment
•Must provide training and TA to employers on inclusive practices
•Single award of $920K-$925K
•Must focus on demand-side (employers), not supply-side (job seekers)
•Must involve both employers and people with disabilities
•No cost-sharing required

💡 GrantQuick Tip

This RRTC must have EMPLOYER partnerships — you're researching what companies actually do that works, then training other employers to replicate it. Name specific companies in your application who'll participate as research sites and practice adopters. Show you understand the business case for disability inclusion (not just the moral case). HR directors and hiring managers are your audience, not disability service providers.

Competitiveness: High — single award. Institutions with existing employer partnership networks and disability employment research records have decisive advantages.

What This Grant Funds

The purpose of the RRTCs is to achieve the goals of, and improve the effectiveness of, services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act through well-designed research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities in important topical areas as specified by NIDILRR. This particular opportunity is for an RRTC is to generate new knowledge about effective employer practices that support successful employment outcomes among people with disabilities. NIDILRR plans to make one grant under this opportunity. The grant will have a 60-month project period, with five 12-month budget periods.

Attachments

PDF

hhs-2026-acl-nidilrr-rtem-0214.pdf

Who Can Apply

States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; IHEs; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement.

Eligible Applicant Types

State GovernmentsPrivate Colleges & UniversitiesOther (see NOFO for details)Public Colleges & UniversitiesCounty GovernmentsCity/Township GovernmentsFederally Recognized Tribal Governments501(c)(3) NonprofitsOther Tribal OrganizationsFor-Profit OrganizationsSmall BusinessesSpecial District GovernmentsNonprofits without 501(c)(3)

Funding Details

Minimum Award: $920K
Maximum Award: $925K
Total Program Funding: $925K
Expected Number of Awards: 1
Cost Sharing Required?: No
Funding Instrument: grant

Key Dates

Posted: June 22, 2026

Application Deadline: July 29, 2026 (0 days remaining)

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

Agency Contact

Stephanie Lau Stephanie.Lau@acl.hhs.gov

Stephanie.Lau@acl.hhs.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov

View on Grants.gov