National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)

Created in 1978, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) provides leadership and support for a comprehensive program of research related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. NIDRR plays a unique role in federally-funded research activities in that this research is balanced between the scientific and consumer communities.

It is the mission of NIDRR to generate, disseminate and promote new knowledge to improve the options available to disabled persons. The ultimate goal is to allow these individuals to perform their regular activities in the community and to bolster society's ability to provide full opportunities and appropriate supports for people with disabilities.

NIDRR's Core Areas of Research Are:

• Employment Outcomes Funds research into a wide spectrum of employment and disability issues, including economics; Federal, State, and community employment programs; accommodation; technology; education; and ergonomics and the work environment.
• Health and FunctionAddresses challenges to individual care, services, and supports for people with disabilities. Research topics include: medical rehabilitation; health and wellness programs; service delivery; short and long-term interventions; systems research; and new and emerging disabilities.
• Technology for Access & Function NIDRR's research addresses a broad range of technology, including systems of public technology. The research program also encourages universal design practices.
• Independent Living & Community Integration Encourages independent living and community integration, to achieve more successful outcomes for people with disabilities, and to foster the development of innovative methods to achieve these outcomes and to measure achievement.
• Associated Disability Research Areas Emphasizes knowledge areas that are cross-cutting and essential to the support and refinement of disability research generally. The common theme linking this research is that all provide essential frameworks and building blocks that enable the disability research enterprise to thrive and to address important issues in meaningful ways.
• Knowledge Dissemination & Utlization Program Ensures the widespread distribution, in usable formats, of practical scientific and technological information generated by research, demonstration, and related activities. Goals are reaching diverse and changing populations, presenting information in accessible formats, and using technology appropriately.
• Capacity Building for Rehabilitation Research ProgramsSupports advanced instruction for researchers and service providers, and training for consumers in applications of new research and technology.
  
  

Three of NIDRR's Funding Programs that relate to transition include:

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)

RRTCs conduct coordinated programs of research, training and information dissemination on a wide variety of topics impacting the promotion of social and economic independence for individuals with disabilities, as well as improving the methods and delivery of rehabilitation services.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)

RERCs plan and conduct research leading to new scientific knowledge and new or improved methods, procedures and devices to benefit individuals with disabilities. RERCs work at both the individual level, focusing on the use of technology to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities as well as at the systems level in order to eliminate barriers to fully accessible community life.

Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DB-TACs)

NIDRR funds a network of 10 regional DBTAC. They are ADA Centers providing the most complete and experienced services for information, referrals, resources, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for businesses, employers, government entities, and individuals with disabilities, as well as media and news reporters.