HHS-2026-ACL-AOD-DNSA-0023 Peer Supports for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

The purpose of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (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. The purpose of this RERC is to conduct research on, develop, and evaluate Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven assistive and rehabilitation technologies that enhance independence, participation, and quality of life for people with disabilities. Many existing assistive and rehabilitation technologies lack adaptability, personalization, and seamless integration into daily life. AI and machine learning (ML) offer trans-formative potential to address these gaps by enabling smarter, more responsive, and individualized assistive and rehabilitation technologies. AI-driven innovations in assistive and rehabilitation technology can shift them from static tools to dynamic, intelligent systems that continuously learn and adapt in real time to individual preferences, needs, and changing abilities. This grant will have a 60-month project period, with five 12-month budget periods.

Cooperative agreements under this Alzheimer"s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are intended to support and promote the development and implementation of dementia-capable home and community-based service (HCBS) systems in Indian Country. The Dementia Capability in Indian Country program is intended to support federally recognized tribes, tribal organizations and/or consortiums representing federally recognized tribes in these targeted activities. The dementia-capable systems resulting from activities under this program are expected to provide quality, strengths-based services and supports that help people living with dementia and their caregivers remain independent and safe in their communities. There are two application options contained in this single NOFO: Grants to Tribes and Tribal Entities that have previously received ADPI grants (Option A) and Grants to Tribes and Tribal Entities that are new to the ADPI program (Option B). Applicants for the 36-month Dementia in Indian Country cooperative agreement are those entities that are presently responsible for the provision of and actively providing home and community services in tribal communities (i.e. tribes, tribal organizations and/or consortiums representing federally recognized tribes). Applicants for Option A will propose the ways in which they will expand on their previously funded ADPI programs (this grant program is not intended to sustain previously funded ADPI activities) and applicants under option B will propose to enhance existing service systems with dementia services, resulting in the provision of services to Tribal Elders and their caregivers through a dementia-capable system. Responsive applications will demonstrate tribal leadership support and the authority to conduct the activities proposed in their application.

Under this priority, 10 grants, one within each of the 10 HHS regions, will be funded as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network. Applicants must propose a program of training, technical assistance, outreach, and research that lead to improved understanding by stakeholders of their rights and responsibilities under the ADA. The grants will have a 36-month project period, with three 12-month budget periods.