Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on AI-Driven Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies
This grant funds research and development of AI-driven assistive and rehabilitation technologies to improve independence and quality of life for people with disabilities through smarter, adaptive solutions.
Funder: Administration for Community Living
Due Dates: June 24, 2026 (Optional notice of intent) | July 16, 2026 (Full application due by 11:59 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: Up to $975,000 per year for 5 years (total project period: 60 months); 1 anticipated award.
Summary: Supports advanced research, development, and evaluation of AI-driven assistive and rehabilitation technologies to improve independence and quality of life for people with disabilities.
Key Information: Foreign entities and individuals are not eligible; project budget and duration limits strictly enforced.
Description
This opportunity funds a single Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven assistive and rehabilitation technologies. The program aims to advance engineering research and development of innovative solutions that enhance independence, participation, and quality of life for people with disabilities, particularly those with physical disabilities affecting mobility or upper limb function. Projects should address persistent limitations in adaptability, personalization, and integration of assistive and rehabilitation technologies, leveraging AI and machine learning to create smarter, more responsive, and individualized systems.
The funded RERC will be expected to:
- Conduct research, development, and evaluation activities targeting both assistive and rehabilitation technologies.
- Involve people with disabilities, their families, clinicians, and stakeholders in all phases of design and implementation.
- Address the principles of universal design, accessibility, usability, and affordability.
- Contribute to knowledge, innovation, capacity building, dissemination, and technology transfer in the field.
- Ensure compliance with federal accessibility and data management standards.
