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Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on Blindness and Low Vision

Award Number: 90REGE0018
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY, INDEPENDENT LIVING, AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH
OPDIV: ACL
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: OTHER
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on Blindness and Low Vision - RERC on Blindness and Low Vision Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco Goal: We propose a five-year program of research and development to impact the problems faced by blind and visually impaired people. Objectives: We will focus on three main areas of need. 1) Access to Education and Information. Objectives are to develop and evaluate new applications of audio-tactile maps and graphics; leverage AI for a human-in-the-loop approach to video description; and develop and conduct a Summer Institute program to provide tools for blind and visually impaired students to enter STEM courses and careers. 2) Navigation and Spatial Interactions. Objectives are to make digital maps accessible to mobile blind users via an audio interface; quantify and improve training methods for passive and active environmental cues; and develop AI-based tools for micro-navigation tasks. 3) Optimizing Function with Residual Vision. Objectives are to develop a practical mobile questionnaire app for identifying cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and suggesting interventions; and develop practical binocular training tools for individuals with central visual field loss to improve task performance and reduce falls. We will also conduct International Symposia on Topical Issues such as Advanced Mobility Options (rideshare, autonomous vehicles, etc.) and Smart Assistants to bring industry players together with consumers and stakeholders highlight and address accessibility issues. Outcomes & Products: Outcomes will include the availability of new knowledge and technologies that address pressing problems for blind and visually impaired individuals that are not receiving wide attention. Products will include new tools and mobile apps addressing the specific objectives outlined above.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $925,000 )
2025	2025	THE SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	4	5/27/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$925,000
2025	2024	THE SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	4	5/27/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
2025	2023	THE SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	4	5/27/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
2025	2022	THE SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	4	5/27/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $925,000

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $925,000 )
2024	2024	THE SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	3	7/15/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$925,000
2024	2023	THE SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	3	7/15/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
2024	2022	THE SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	3	7/15/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $925,000

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $925,000 )
2023	2023	SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	2	8/16/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$925,000
2023	2022	SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	2	8/16/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $925,000

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $925,000 )
2022	2022	SMITH-KETTLEWELL EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE	2318 FILLMORE ST	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94115	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	ACL National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research	00	1	8/8/2022	NEW	$925,000
														Subtotal = $925,000

Grand Total All Awards = $3,700,000

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Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on Blindness and Low Vision

Award Number: 90REGE0018

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DISABILITY, INDEPENDENT LIVING, AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH

OPDIV: ACL

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: OTHER

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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