The purpose of the Field Initiated (FI) Projects program is 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,

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especially individuals with the most severe disabilities.

Another purpose of the FI Projects program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The purpose of this MSI-FI competition is to improve the capacity of minority entities to engage in disability and rehabilitation research and development activities.

NIDILRR will accomplish this by limiting eligibility for this competition to minority entities and Indian tribes in a manner consistent with Section 21(b)(2)(A) of the Act, which authorizes NIDILRR to make awards to minority entities and Indian tribes to carry out activities authorized under Title II of the Act.

NIDILRR is particularly interested in applications from individual minority entities that have historically been underrepresented in the Federally-sponsored research arena.In carrying out a research activity under a FI Projects research grant, a grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and, based on the hypotheses or research questions identified, perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) new scientific knowledge, or (2) better understanding of the subject, problem studied, or body of knowledge.Please note that this will be the funding opportunity for FI research proposals for minority-serving institutions.