Peer Supports for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

The Peer Supports for Augmentative and Alternative Communication grant opportunity is issued by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ACL is committed to increasing access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and their caregivers. The Office of Disability Services Innovation (AoD), operating under ACL, focuses on initiatives to improve the quality of life and community participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This specific grant is part of the Developmental Disabilities Projects of National Significance and aims to address a critical need in communication supports for individuals with speech disabilities. This opportunity seeks to fund one cooperative agreement for a three-year period to support the development of sustainable peer support models for individuals across the lifespan who use or could benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC encompasses methods of communication used to supplement or replace speech for those with impairments. This initiative is vital, as an estimated five million Americans experience speech disabilities, and access to appropriate AAC tools can significantly enhance their autonomy, inclusion, and quality of life. The program's overarching goal is to build supportive communities for AAC users to share experiences, learn from each other, and enhance awareness and access to AAC systems that align with individuals’ communication preferences. The scope of work includes developing peer networks and service models that incorporate individuals who use AAC, nonprofit community-based service-provider organizations, self-advocacy groups, families, and individuals with I/DD. The funded project must foster inclusive participation and provide technical assistance or training, as needed, to ensure engagement across diverse communities. The approach must prioritize person-centered planning and culturally competent support mechanisms that help individuals achieve independence, productivity, and community inclusion. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this grant, making it accessible to a broader range of organizations, including faith-based and community-based groups, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Foreign entities are excluded from participation. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a clear connection to the AAC community and should have the capacity to work across stakeholder groups including youth and adults with I/DD, families, and direct support professionals. Applicants will need to prepare materials for a single-phase application process. Key dates include an estimated posting date of April 1, 2026, and an application due date of June 3, 2026. The anticipated award announcement is expected by July 15, 2026, with project activities beginning around September 30, 2026. All application submissions are managed through Grants.gov. There is no indication of pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed in the current forecast, but based on the cooperative agreement structure, applicants should expect to engage in ongoing collaboration and reporting with ACL throughout the performance period. Contact for this funding opportunity is Katherine Cargill-Willis, who can be reached at 202-795-7322. Additional information and any updates to the forecast can be found through ACL’s official grants page.