Grants / Department of Health and Human Services / Administration for Community Living

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

Closed Closed July 22, 2026 Opportunity HHS-2026-ACL-AOD-DNSA-0023 ☆ Save

This grant is closed. A newer notice from the same program is forecast: Strengthening the Direct Care Workforce: A Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Initiative (HHS-2027-ACL-AOD-DNDP-0016). Status: Expected deadline March 14, 2027. It is in our archive of Administration for Community Living notices from 2026.

• Award ceiling$775,000
• Award floor$750,000
• Total funding$775,000
• Expected awards1
• Cost sharingNot required
• Funding typeCooperative Agreement

Key dates

Who can apply

This opportunity was open to the applicants described in the notice.

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

AoD plans to fund one (1) 3-year cooperative agreement to develop sustainable peer support models for individuals who use or can benefit from the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) across the lifespan. The funded project must include, but not be limited to, individuals that use AAC, nonprofit community-based service-provider organization(s), self-advocacy organizations, youth and adults with I/DD, families, and others in their support system. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement.

Is this a realistic fit?

• Past Developmental Disabilities Projects of National Significance awards averaged $1.2 million; this notice allows up to $775,000 per award.
• Most of the program's money (46% over five years) went to colleges and universities.
• No cost sharing or match is required.

What the grant funds

AoD plans to fund one (1) 3-year cooperative agreement to developsustainable peer support models for individuals who use or can benefit from the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) across the lifespan. The funded project must include, but not be limited to, individuals that use AAC, nonprofit community-based service-provider organization(s), self-advocacy organizations, youth and adults with I/DD, families, and others in their support system. The project will address the needs of and provide support for the estimated five million people in the US that experience speech disabilities including individuals intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who use AAC or could benefit from AAC to ensure access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life. The goal will be to provide a community where people who need or use AAC can come together in a safe space to share their positive and negative experiences and to increase knowledge, usage, and awareness of AAC for people with speech disabilities to live independent, self-determined lives using AAC that meets their interests and communicaion preferences.

Category: Income Security and Social Services.

Applying now

This notice no longer takes applications. Apply under the newer notice, HHS-2027-ACL-AOD-DNDP-0016, which is forecast.

The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.