Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Health and Function (Development)

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Health and Function (Development), has been established with the goal of promoting research, training, and related activities, including those at an international level. The key focus of this program is to devise new methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies which enhance the full societal inclusion, job opportunities, independent living, familial support, as well as economic and social independence of individuals living with disabilities. This program particularly emphasizes assisting those individuals with disabilities who are in the greatest need of support.

The main objective of this DRRP agenda is to advocate for projects that concentrate on improving the health and functionality of disabled individuals. An integral aspect of a project developed under this program includes creating tangible materials, devices, systems, or methods that will prove beneficial to the target group. This development process must also comprise the design and creation of prototypes and processes.

Three field-initiated DRRP awards will be provided by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) within the Health and Function domain. Depending on how the applications are ranked by the peer review panel, these awards will be allocated to: research projects, development projects, or a combination of both.

This five-year grant will span across 60 months with a consistent distribution of funds over five 12-month budget periods. The intention behind this grant is to enhance the efficiency of services sanctioned under the amended Rehabilitation Act of 1973.