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Independent Living News & Policy from the National Council on Independent Living

Applications Open for NIDILRR’s Switzer Research Fellowships Program

The Switzer Research Fellowships Program builds research capacity by providing support to highly-qualified individuals to conduct research on rehabilitation of people with disabilities. The research goals are to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.

Within ACL, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) works to generate new knowledge and promote its effective use to improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community; and to expand society’s capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for people with disabilities. NIDILRR conducts its work through grants that support research. 

Only individuals are eligible to apply for Switzer Research Fellowships. Applicants must satisfy specific requirements, including training and experience that show a potential for engaging in scientific research for improving outcomes of individuals with disabilities.

There are two categories for the Switzer Research Fellowships program:

  • Merit Fellowships: To qualify, an individual must be in the earlier stages of his or her career in research and have either advanced professional training or experience in independent study in an area that is directly relevant to disability and rehabilitation.
  • Distinguished Fellowships: To qualify, an individual must have seven or more years of research experience in subject areas, methods, or techniques relevant to research on rehabilitation, independent living, or other experiences and outcomes of people with disabilities. They must also have a doctorate, other terminal degree, or comparable academic qualifications.

Please visit the link above for more details about the application process, which closes on January 30, 2017.

To stay current on NIDILRR grant opportunities, please visit www.grants.gov and search: NIDILRR or 93.433.