Advancing Research in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PA 19 046

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 19 046

The "Advancing Research in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PA-19-046) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program designed to fund exploratory and early-stage studies that strengthen the science behind AAC. The focus is on improving how individuals with severe speech and physical impairments (SSPI) are evaluated and treated, with the broader goal of helping people who cannot rely on natural speech communicate more effectively in everyday life. AAC is framed here in practical terms, meaning the tools, technologies, and communication strategies people use to navigate day-to-day communication challenges, whether those are low-tech systems (like symbol boards) or high-tech systems (like speech-generating devices and software-based solutions).

This announcement supports only the NIH R21 mechanism, which is typically used for exploratory or developmental projects that may be high-impact but are still at an earlier stage of evidence-building. The FOA explicitly encourages a wide range of research approaches, including basic research (such as foundational work on communication processes, user interaction, or language representation), clinical research (such as evaluating intervention approaches and communication outcomes), and translational research (such as bridging discoveries into practical tools, protocols, or implementation pathways). Importantly, clinical trials are optional under this FOA, meaning applicants may propose studies that include clinical trial elements, but they are not required to do so.

The program is categorized under Health as the funding activity area, and it is listed under CFDA number 93.173. The award ceiling is noted as $200,000, indicating the maximum amount that can be requested within the program constraints. While the dataset does not specify the number of expected awards, the main purpose is clearly to seed innovative AAC research that can lead to larger, more definitive studies and ultimately better communication supports for people with SSPI.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations across the public, private, nonprofit, and educational sectors. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal government agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).

In terms of timing and administrative details, the opportunity was created on 2018-10-31, and the original closing date shown in the provided record is 2022-01-07. Overall, the grant is meant to push AAC research forward by supporting early, innovative projects that improve assessment methods, intervention strategies, and real-world communication outcomes for individuals who experience significant speech and physical barriers to communication.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Advancing Research in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.173.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-10-31.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PA 19 046

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