Peer Supports for Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofit organizations and community-based service providers serving individuals with speech disabilities and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) who use or benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Eligible applicants must include AAC users, nonprofit community-based service providers, self-advocacy organizations, youth, adults with I/DD, families, and support system members. The project must develop sustainable peer support models across the lifespan.
Geographic scope is national. Funding supports a 3-year cooperative agreement to create community-based peer support systems and increase AAC knowledge and awareness among an estimated 5 million Americans with speech disabilities.
Key dates
- Feb 27, 2026 Applications open
- Jun 3, 2026 Application deadline in 2 days
- Jul 15, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 30, 2026 Project start
This grant is for nonprofit organizations and community-based service providers serving individuals with speech disabilities and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) who use or benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Eligible applicants must include AAC users, nonprofit community-based service providers, self-advocacy organizations, youth, adults with I/DD, families, and support system members. The project must develop sustainable peer support models across the lifespan.
Geographic scope is national. Funding supports a 3-year cooperative agreement to create community-based peer support systems and increase AAC knowledge and awareness among an estimated 5 million Americans with speech disabilities.
Program description
|
|
|
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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for nonprofit organizations and community-based service providers serving individuals with speech disabilities and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) who use or benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Eligible applicants must include AAC users, nonprofit community-based service providers, self-advocacy organizations, youth, adults with I/DD, families, and support system members. The project must develop sustainable peer support models across the lifespan.
Geographic scope is national. Funding supports a 3-year cooperative agreement to create community-based peer support systems and increase AAC knowledge and awareness among an estimated 5 million Americans with speech disabilities.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (likely SF-424 or ACL-specific form)
- Project narrative/proposal describing peer support model
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of commitment from partner organizations and AAC user/self-advocacy groups
- Evaluation plan with measurable outcomes
Program contact
- 👤 Katherine Cargill-Willis
- 📧 katherine.cargill-willis@acl.hhs.gov
- 📞 202 795 7322
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.631 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$3,898,324
-
$2,473,630
-
$2,425,000
-
$2,252,586
-
$2,150,000
-
$1,734,953
-
$1,674,972
-
$1,449,268
-
$1,449,268
-
$1,449,073
Top States by Funding
- DC 3 awards $5.4M
- VA 2 awards $5.0M
- MA 3 awards $4.8M
- KS 3 awards $3.6M
- OH 2 awards $3.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.631). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $12,500,000 | |
| 2025 | $12,500,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofit organizations, community-based service providers, and self-advocacy organizations that serve individuals with speech disabilities and I/DD. Your project must include AAC users and families in planning and leadership roles.
What project activities does this grant fund?
Development of sustainable peer support models for AAC users across their lifespan. Activities include creating safe spaces for shared experiences, increasing AAC knowledge and awareness, and promoting self-determination and community integration.
What is the funding amount and project duration?
This is a 3-year cooperative agreement with awards between $750,000 and $775,000. Funding is a one-time opportunity with a fixed deadline of June 3, 2026.
Is cost sharing required?
No, cost sharing is not required for this grant. However, demonstrating organizational commitment through leveraged resources can strengthen your application.
How competitive is this grant?
This is highly competitive. Only one award will be made from the total funding pool, so your application must clearly demonstrate capacity to build sustainable peer support systems and meaningfully involve AAC users and families.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Center AAC users and people with I/DD in your project leadership and planning. They must be authentic partners, not just participants.
- Show evidence of organizational capacity to sustain peer support models beyond the 3-year funding period. Include financial and sustainability planning.
- Clearly explain how your model serves the full lifespan from youth through adults. Include age-specific strategies and transitions planning.
- Connect to existing networks and infrastructure in your community. Partner with established I/DD organizations, self-advocacy groups, and speech-language pathology associations.
- Document the specific peer support strategies you'll use and how you'll measure increased AAC awareness and community integration outcomes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to meaningfully include AAC users and people with I/DD as true partners in project leadership and decision-making. Proposing peer support services without demonstrating long-term sustainability plans beyond the grant period. Unclear connection between proposed activities and outcomes for the estimated 5 million Americans with speech disabilities.
Similar grants
- OPEN 27-0343-10 FFY27 Local Agency General Non-Enforcement — Illinois Department of Transportation
- ROLLING Annual Agency Threshold Application Applicants for Funding Start Here — Texas City of Austin - Austin Public Health
- CLOSED Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26 — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- OPEN FY27 Event Sponsorship Program Round 2: Funds Events Held November 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 — Virginia Housing Development Authority
- CLOSING SOON FY27 Housing Counseling & Education (HCE) — Virginia Housing Development Authority