The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or to remove environmental barriers.

credit:

/>
RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities.

Field-Initiated RERC on Rehabilitation Strategies, Techniques, and Interventions:
In this area, NIDILRR seeks to fund research and development that leads to rehabilitation practices and services that improve the health, and the physical, cognitive, sensory, and communication abilities, of individuals with a wide range of disabling conditions.

Rehabilitation engineering in this area should result in new or improved products, devices, and technological advances that enhance rehabilitation services in clinical or community settings.