[Federal Register: July 7, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 130)]
[Notices]
[Page 38440-38443]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07jy08-79]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research--
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program--
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) and Rehabilitation
Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priorities for DRRP and RRTC.
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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces certain funding priorities for the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program
administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this notice announces one priority for
a DRRP and one priority for an RRTC. The Assistant Secretary may use
these priorities for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2008 and later
years. We take this action to focus research attention on areas of
national need. We intend these priorities to improve rehabilitation
services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities are effective August 6, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information regarding
Priority 1--Centers on Research and Capacity Building to Improve
Outcomes for Individuals With Disabilities from Traditionally
Underserved Racial and Ethnic Populations, contact: Marlene Spencer,
U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6026,
Potomac Center Plaza (PCP), Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202)
245-7532 or by e-mail: marlene.spencer@ed.gov.
For further information regarding Priority 2--Individuals With
Disabilities Living in Rural Areas, contact: Donna Nangle, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 6029, PCP,
Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-mail:
donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We published a notice of proposed priorities
(NPP) for NIDRR's Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program in the Federal Register on April 22, 2008 (73 FR
21607). The NPP included background statements that described our
rationale for the three priorities proposed in that notice.
There are differences between the NPP and this notice of final
priorities (NFP) as discussed in the following section.
In this notice, we are announcing one priority for a DRRP and one
priority for an RRTC.
For the DRRP, the final priority is:
Priority 1--Centers on Research and Capacity Building To
Improve Outcomes for Individuals With Disabilities From Traditionally
Underserved Racial and Ethnic Populations.
For the RRTC, the final priority is:
Priority 2--Individuals With Disabilities Living in Rural
Areas.
Note: NIDRR intends to publish a separate notice of final
priority for the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC)
on Technologies for Successful Aging with Disability that was
proposed in the NPP.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to our invitation in the NPP, 2 parties submitted
comments on the proposed priorities for the DRRP and RRTC. An analysis
of the comments and of any changes in the priorities since publication
of the NPP follows.
Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes, or
suggested changes the law does not authorize us to make under the
applicable statutory authority. In addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not directly related to the proposed
priorities.
DRRP
Priority 1--Centers on Research and Capacity Building To Improve
Outcomes for Individuals With Disabilities From Traditionally
Underserved Racial and Ethnic Populations
Comment: One commenter asked for a definition of the term
``traditionally underserved racial and ethnic populations.''
Discussion: As stated in the priority, the term ``traditionally
underserved racial and ethnic populations'' refers to the racial and
ethnic minority populations that have not traditionally received equal
access to and benefits of rehabilitation services as discussed in
section 21(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. However,
because section 21(a) does not identify or provide examples of specific
populations that meet this definition, we expect each applicant to
identify the particular population(s) it proposes to study and to
provide support that the selected population(s) are traditionally
underserved.
Changes: We have revised the priority to include the requirement
that an applicant identify the particular population(s) it proposes to
study, and to provide support that the selected population(s) are, in
fact, racial or ethnic minority populations that have not traditionally
received equal access to and benefits of rehabilitation services.
RRTC
Priority 2--Individuals With Disabilities Living in Rural Areas
Comment: One commenter noted that this priority emphasizes research
that promotes outcomes in two of NIDRR's three areas of focus:
Employment, and health and function. The commenter noted, however, that
the priority does not include an emphasis on outcomes in NIDRR's third
area of focus: participation and community living.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the priority does not emphasize
participation and community living. However, as we describe in our
Final Long Range Plan for FY 2005-2009, 71 FR 8165 (Plan), the domains
of employment, health and function, and participation and community
living are highly interrelated. For example, employment can be a
critical part of
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participation and community living. Many elements of participation and
community living, such as housing, transportation, and access to
services and programs in the community, may influence employment and
health and function outcomes (Long Range Plan, 71 FR 8165, 8173). While
this priority emphasizes employment and health and function outcomes,
it does not preclude research that involves potential predictors of
those outcomes that are typically investigated within the participation
and community living domain.
Changes: None.
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use these priorities, we invite applications
through a notice in the Federal Register. When inviting applications
we designate the priorities as absolute, competitive preference, or
invitational. The effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by either
(1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to
which the application meets the competitive preference priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the
competitive preference priority over an application of comparable merit
that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are
particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
This NFP is in concert with President George W. Bush's New Freedom
Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 2005-2009
(Plan). Background information on the NFI can be accessed on the
Internet at the following site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/
newfreedom.
The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February
15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the following
site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html.
Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to:
(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation
research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and
training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding
of the unique needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3)
determine best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5)
identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6)
disseminate findings.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program
The purpose of the DRRP program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
by developing methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that
advance a wide range of independent living and employment outcomes for
individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most
severe disabilities. DRRPs carry out one or more of the following types
of activities, as specified and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through
350.19: Research, development, demonstration, training, dissemination,
utilization, and technical assistance.
An applicant for assistance under this program must demonstrate in
its application how it will address, in whole or in part, the needs of
individuals with disabilities from minority backgrounds (34 CFR
350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant may take to meet this
requirement are found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). In addition, NIDRR intends
to require all DRRP applicants to meet the requirements of the General
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Requirements
priority that it published in a notice of final priorities in the
Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 FR 25472).
Additional information on the DRRP program can be found at: http://
www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.
Priority 1--Centers on Research and Capacity Building to Improve
Outcomes for Individuals With Disabilities from Traditionally
Underserved Racial and Ethnic Populations
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces a priority to establish, under the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) program, Centers on Research and
Capacity Building to Improve Outcomes for Individuals With Disabilities
from Traditionally Underserved Racial and Ethnic Populations (each a
Center).
This priority is intended to improve the quality and utility of
research related to individuals with disabilities from traditionally
underserved racial and ethnic populations in the United States and to
enhance the capacity of minority entities (as defined in section
21(b)(5)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended) to conduct
this research. Under this priority, each Center must be designed to
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) New knowledge about rehabilitation and independent living
services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities from
traditionally underserved racial and ethnic populations, and knowledge
about how services for these populations can be improved. Each Center
must contribute to this outcome by conducting research that examines
service experiences and outcomes for individuals with disabilities from
traditionally underserved racial and ethnic populations.
(b) Improved capacity to conduct high quality research and develop
new knowledge about rehabilitation and independent living services and
outcomes for individuals with disabilities from traditionally
underserved racial and ethnic populations. Each Center must contribute
to this outcome by developing strategic research and capacity-building
collaborations with other entities that have demonstrated expertise in
conducting high quality disability and rehabilitation research.
Applicants must identify the specific population or populations
they propose to study, and provide support that the selected population
or populations are, in fact, racial or ethnic minority populations that
have not traditionally received equal access to and benefits of
rehabilitation services.
Applicants must focus their research activities on topics that fall
under at least one of the following major life domains, which are
identified in NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 2005-2009:
(1) Employment. Topics of interest under this domain include but
are not limited to the following: (a) The unique experiences and
factors that influence outcomes for individuals with disabilities from
traditionally underserved racial and ethnic populations who are served
by the State vocational rehabilitation (VR) services program; and (b)
VR services and approaches that improve the employment outcomes of
individuals with disabilities from racial and ethnic minority
populations.
(2) Participation and Community Living. Topics of interest under
this domain include but are not limited to the following: (a) The
unique
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experiences and factors that affect community participation and
community living outcomes of individuals with disabilities from racial
and ethnic minority populations who are served by Department-funded
centers for independent living (CILs); and (b) independent living
services that improve the community participation outcomes of
individuals with disabilities from racial and ethnic minority
populations who are served by CILs.
(3) Health and Function. Topics of interest under this domain
include but are not limited to the following: (a) The unique
experiences and factors that affect health and function outcomes for
individuals with disabilities from racial and ethnic minority
populations who receive clinical services in medical rehabilitation
programs; and (b) medical rehabilitation services or approaches that
improve the health, function, employment, or community participation
outcomes for individuals with disabilities from racial and ethnic
minority populations.
In carrying out the purposes of the priority, each Center must--
Involve individuals with disabilities from traditionally
underserved racial and ethnic populations in planning and implementing
the Center's activities, and evaluating its work;
Develop, implement, and evaluate dissemination strategies
for research and technical assistance products developed by the
project;
Develop and regularly update an online information
dissemination system that meets a government or industry-recognized
standard for accessibility;
Provide research-based expertise, consultation, and
technical assistance to relevant service providers who are seeking to
improve outcomes of individuals with disabilities from traditionally
underserved populations; and
Through consultation with the NIDRR project officer,
coordinate and establish partnerships, as appropriate, with other
academic institutions and organizations that are relevant to the
project's proposed activities.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)
The purpose of the RRTC program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
through advanced research, training, technical assistance, and
dissemination activities in general problem areas, as specified by
NIDRR. Such activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service
providers, individuals with disabilities, and the family members or
other authorized representatives of individuals with disabilities. In
addition, NIDRR intends to require all RRTC applicants to meet the
requirements of the General Rehabilitation Research and Training
Centers (RRTC) Requirements priority that it published in a notice of
final priorities in the Federal Register on February 1, 2008 (72 FR
6132). Additional information on the RRTC program can be found at:
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#RRTC.
Statutory and Regulatory Requirements of RRTCs
RRTCs must--
Carry out coordinated advanced programs of rehabilitation
research;
Provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training, to help rehabilitation personnel more effectively
provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities;
Provide technical assistance to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested
parties;
Demonstrate in their applications how they will address,
in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds;
Disseminate informational materials to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested
parties; and
Serve as centers of national excellence in rehabilitation
research for individuals with disabilities, their representatives,
providers, and other interested parties.
Priority 2--Individuals With Disabilities Living in Rural Areas
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and
Training Center (RRTC) on Individuals With Disabilities Living in Rural
Areas. This RRTC must conduct rigorous research, training, technical
assistance, and dissemination activities to improve the employment,
economic, and health outcomes for individuals with disabilities in
rural areas of the United States (U.S.). The RRTC must identify
programs, service delivery approaches, or interventions that support
and lead to improved outcomes in these areas. Where possible, the RRTC
must use a rigorous (i.e., experimental or quasi-experimental) design
to evaluate these programs, service delivery approaches, or
interventions. Under this priority, the RRTC must be designed to
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Policies, programs, or interventions that improve employment
and economic outcomes for individuals with disabilities living in rural
areas. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by identifying
evidence-based interventions, including exemplary vocational
rehabilitation strategies, or developing and testing new interventions
to improve employment and economic outcomes for these individuals.
(b) Rehabilitation or community-based programs or interventions
that enhance access to health services and improve the health and
function of individuals with disabilities living in rural areas of the
U.S. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by identifying,
developing or modifying, and evaluating new programs or interventions
to determine their effectiveness in enhancing access to health services
and improving the health and function of individuals with disabilities
living in rural areas of the U.S.
(c) Enhancement of the knowledge base of rehabilitation and health
providers who deliver services to individuals with disabilities living
in rural areas of the U.S. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by
developing, evaluating, and implementing research-based training and
technical assistance programs and initiatives that are based upon
findings from research activities described in paragraphs (a) and (b)
of this priority.
Executive Order 12866
This NFP has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order
12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential
costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with this NFP are those resulting
from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary
for administering this program effectively and efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative
and qualitative--of this NFP, we have determined that the benefits of
the final priorities justify the costs.
Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits
The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Program have been well established over the years in that
similar projects have been completed successfully. These final
priorities will generate new knowledge and
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technologies through research, development, dissemination, utilization,
and technical assistance projects.
Another benefit of these final priorities is that the establishment
of a new DRRP and a new RRTC will support the President's NFI and will
improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The new DRRP and
RRTC will generate, disseminate, and promote the use of new information
that will improve the options for individuals with disabilities to
perform regular activities in the community.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
Electronic Access to This Document
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Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.133A Disability
Rehabilitation Research Projects and 84.133B Rehabilitation Research
and Training Centers)
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g), 764(a), and 764(b)(2).
Dated: July 1, 2008.
Tracy R. Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8-15364 Filed 7-3-08; 8:45 am]
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