HHS Awards 35 Million to Advance Disability Research and Technology Grants Supporting Higher Education

HHS Invests 35 Million in Disability Research and Technology With Impact on Higher Education

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded more than $35 million in disability research and technology grants that will directly influence accessibility, rehabilitation science, and inclusive innovation across higher education. The funding supports 68 projects through the Administration for Community Living and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. Many of these initiatives involve universities, research hospitals, and academic centers that play a central role in advancing disability inclusion.

Strengthening University-Based Rehabilitation Research

A significant portion of the funding supports the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems program, one of the most established rehabilitation research networks in the world. University-led projects will explore arm recovery, nerve pain, home-based spinal stimulation, and urinary tract infection prevention. Additional grants support mental health resilience after spinal cord injury and self-management programs for adults with chronic burn injuries, expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary research and graduate training.

Expanding Employment Pathways for Disabled Students and Graduates

Several awards focus on employment research that directly benefits higher education institutions and career centers. Topics include accessible hiring technologies, employer practices, job readiness supports for deaf students, workplace communication strategies for autistic youth, and AI-supported task instructions for employees with intellectual disabilities. These projects provide new evidence-based practices that colleges can integrate into disability services, workforce development, and cooperative education programs.

Supporting Independent Living and Student Transitions

Projects in this category explore peer-led community living, volunteer transportation, accessible assistive technology platforms, and smart-home research. Universities involved in disability studies and occupational therapy programs will gain new tools and data to support students transitioning from pediatric to adult disability services. Innovations include a wheelchair-mounted robotic arm and digital tools for assistive technology assessments that can be used in campus accessibility centers.

Advancing ADA Implementation Across Higher Education

Ten regional ADA National Network centers received funding to expand resources related to healthcare access, workplace accommodations, web accessibility, and rural community needs. These centers frequently support colleges and universities with ADA compliance training, accessibility audits, and policy guidance. A national Knowledge Translation Center will coordinate resources and improve measurement of ADA implementation outcomes, offering higher education institutions more consistent and research-backed support.

Driving Innovation Through University-Industry Partnerships

Small Business Innovation Research awards support feasibility studies and development of new technologies, including a motorized hand exoskeleton, bionic prosthetics, accessible medication markings, and online diabetes prevention tools. Many of these projects involve collaborations between universities and private companies, strengthening pathways for commercialization and student research involvement.

Summary of Disability Research and Technology Grants Funding

HHS awarded $35,763,912 across 68 projects, spanning rehabilitation research centers, ADA implementation networks, small business innovation awards, field-initiated projects, and advanced rehabilitation training programs. Higher education institutions will play a major role in conducting research, training future professionals, and implementing new accessibility innovations.

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Mark Miller

Founder & CEO at Inclusion Impact Accessibility

Mark SMiller is a digital accessibility consultant who helps organizations build accessible, inclusive digital experiences. He speaks regularly at industry conferences,, CSUN, CVENt and apperes on many webinars and podace. , He trains teams on practical, sustainable accessibility workflows.