2009 ESPA-AUCD Trainee Sponsored Project

October 3, 2008

Pre Solicitation Notice

Easter Seals Project ACTION (Accessible Community Transportation In Our Nation), ESPA, in cooperation with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), intends to announce an opportunity to conduct research that relates to transportation for people with disabilities on or about October 31, 2008.

Only current trainees of the network of AUCD members will be eligible to apply.

Purpose

This project seeks to increase the involvement of university students in the issues that surround accessible transportation and the impacts and implications on the lives of people with disabilities.

ESPA intends to award 2 grants of $5,000 each for research projects with a 8 month project period beginning approximately January 1, 2009.

Research projects may be proposed on topics of significance related to public transportation from the disability community perspective; however proposed projects may not be related to airline travel.

Highlights

Applicants must demonstrate that they have a faculty member at their Center who has agreed to partner with them on the project. This partnership could involve co-authorship of the final product, day-to-day oversight of research and writing, or another outlined agreement.

Recipients will also work with a mentor from ESPA who will monitor project progress and assure that the project report will be publication-ready for posting on the ESPA Clearinghouse and AUCD website.

Recipients may be invited to present a summary of their work at an ESPA National Steering Committee meeting or other ESPA event and/or an AUCD Conference; if invited, expenses to attend meeting will be covered by ESPA in addition to the project award.

More Information

ESPA staff will be available at the 2008 AUCD Annual Meeting and Conference to answer questions about this research opportunity. Staffers will present a concurrent session, a poster, and will attend the Trainee Reception.

Information on this request for proposals will be available on the AUCD website following its release on or about October 31, 2008.