FAQ
How often does the AAC Research Alliance award grants?
The AAC Research Alliance calls for proposals twice a year. The grants are awarded on approximately April 1 and October 1. The deadlines for submission are February 1 and August 1. However, proposals will be accepted at anytime through the end of 2010.
What kind of research projects does the AAC Research Alliance support?
The AAC Research Alliance has identified several research priorities including:
- AAC and Autism
- Core Vocabulary and Effectiveness of Communication
- Best Practice AAC Therapy Interventions and Speech-Generating Device Usage
Learn more about research priorities.
For additional information, contact research@prentrom.com.
What type of support does the AAC Research Alliance provide?
The AAC Research Alliance provides three types of research project support. First, we will occasionally provide financial grants for scientifically designed projects associated with academic institutions or 501-c-3 organizations. Secondly , we offer loaner devices for a specified time period for certain projects such as “Action Research” projects as well as academic projects. Applicants must sign loan agreements accepting responsibility for the care and security of the devices. and are responsible for returning the devices at the end of the specified period. Thirdly, we also provides training and technical support for research projects regardless of whether the project is approved for grants or loans.
What overall dollar amount does The AAC Research Alliance provide in the form of financial grants?
The amount of funds available for grants is determined each funding cycle. For more specific information, contact research@prentrom.com
How does the consideration process work?
A committee reviews the submitted proposals at regular intervals to determine which projects best address current research priorities.Projects that are chosen are prioritized and itis determined if any further clarification is needed that requires additional input prior to final approval. Once a project receives final approval, a committee member will contact the project PI to arrange details for the project support.
What criteria is used to evaluate a proposal?
All proposals will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:
- Well-defined goals and objectives that, if achieved, have the potential to make a significant contribution to the knowledge base of that research priority.
- Potential for wide dissemination and use of findings, including specific plans for publications, conference presentations, and distance learning.
- Ability to complete the project, including the adequacy of resources available, reasonableness of timelines, and number and qualifications of identified contributors.
- Sound research methodology.
- Qualifications of principal investigator, including previous history of work in the trustworthy computing area, successful completion of previous funded projects, teaching awards, books published, etc.
For what length of time will the AAC Research Alliance grants/device loans be made?
To maintain maximum flexibility, no time limits have been established for the length of projects.. The average length of a grant/device loan is anticipated at one year or less. Projects that anticipate continuing research lasting longer than 12 months should stipulate so in the timelines section of the application. To ensure accountability, the AAC Research Alliance monitors projects it supports, the results, and publications related to each project. Any grant that continues beyond a year will be required to submit a brief report (during the 12th month) on the status of the project, the use of grant funds, and the use of devices loaned. Infrequently, the committee may fund a maximum of two years of research. If the PI feels that there are distinctive and substantive reasons for submitting a two-year application, he or she should understand that competition is keen, and awards for two years are scarce.
