[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 58 (Friday, March 26, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14585-14588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-6783]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR)--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers
Program--Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)--
Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed priority.
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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133B-6.
[[Page 14586]]
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority for the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered by
NIDRR. Specifically, this notice proposes a priority for an RRTC. The
Assistant Secretary may use this priority for competitions in fiscal
year (FY) 2010 and later years. We take this action to focus research
attention on areas of national need. We intend this priority to improve
rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before April 26, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Address all comments about this notice to Donna Nangle, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6029, Potomac
Center Plaza (PCP), Washington, DC 20202-2700.
If you prefer to send your comments by e-mail, use the following
address: [email protected]. You must include the term ``Proposed
Priority for an RRTC on Center on Employment Outcomes for Individuals
who are Blind or Visually Impaired'' in the subject line of your
electronic message.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 245-
7462 or by e-mail: [email protected].
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice of proposed priority is in
concert with NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 2005-2009 (Plan). 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 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.
Invitation to Comment: We invite you to submit comments regarding
this notice.
We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific
requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of
reducing regulatory burden that might result from this proposed
priority. Please let us know of any further ways we could reduce
potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the
effective and efficient administration of the program.
During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public
comments about this notice in room 6029, 550 12th Street, SW., PCP,
Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.,
Washington, DC time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal
holidays.
Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the
Rulemaking Record: On request we will provide an appropriate
accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability who
needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the
public rulemaking record for this notice. If you want to schedule an
appointment for this type of accommodation or auxiliary aid, please
contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program is to plan and
conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related
activities to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation
technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into
society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic
and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities,
especially individuals with the most severe disabilities, and to
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(2).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
Proposed Priority
This notice contains one proposed priority.
Center on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who are Blind or Visually
Impaired
Background
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.
Center on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually
Impaired
Background
More than 21 million non-institutionalized adults, age 18 and
above, report trouble seeing even when wearing glasses or contacts
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008). Of working-age
(16-64 years) individuals who report blindness or serious difficulty
seeing even when wearing glasses, 38.9 percent are employed (American
Foundation for the Blind, 2009). In contrast, 71.2 percent of
individuals in this age range with no disabling condition are employed
(U.S. Department of Labor, 2009).
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Previous research, some of which has been conducted by NIDRR-funded
centers on blindness and low vision, has identified a number of
barriers to, and facilitators of, employment for individuals who are
blind or visually impaired. Facilitators include, but are not limited
to, postsecondary education or training, braille literacy, inclusive
corporate cultures, and some characteristics of vocational
rehabilitation (VR) services (Capella-McDonall, 2005; Golub, 2006;
Jernigan Institute, 2009; Kirchner & Smith, 2005). Barriers include
negative employer attitudes about blindness and work disincentives
experienced by Social Security beneficiaries. These disincentives
include reduced benefits and potential ineligibility for health care
coverage for those who become employed and whose income exceeds program
income limits (Crudden, Sansing & Butler, 2005; Stapleton, O'Day,
Livermore, & Imparato, 2006).
There is little empirical research that applies the results of this
research on barriers and facilitators to the development and testing of
specific practices, services, and interventions to improve employment
outcomes in either the general population of individuals who are blind
or who have visual impairments, or in subpopulations of individuals
from this population who are at even greater risk for poor employment
outcomes. Such populations include, but are not limited to, individuals
who have more severe vision loss or who have multiple disabilities
(National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, 2005; Shaw, Gold & Wolffe,
2007).
Moreover, although there are a variety of services, practices, and
interventions that are currently being used to improve employment
outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, there is
little research that supports the effectiveness and use of these
interventions and practices. Some of these interventions and practices
directly relate to improving employment outcomes. These include the use
of peer mentoring as well as collaborations between VR agencies and
consumer organizations that can provide access to mentors and input
regarding VR services and counselor training (Drew & Alan, 2006; Iowa
Department for the Blind, 2009; National Federation of the Blind,
2009). Other practices and interventions, such as training to promote
positive adjustment to an acquired disability, and orientation/mobility
training, are intended to have more general effects, but appear to
affect occupational success as well (Drew & Alan, 2004; Omvig, 2005).
Research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of these practices
and to identify and validate other promising practices that improve
employment outcomes for this population.
References
American Foundation for the Blind. (2009). Interpreting Bureau of
Labor Statistics employment data. See http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=15&SubTopicID=177.
Capella-McDonnall, M.E. (2005). Predictors of competitive employment
for blind and visually impaired consumers of vocational
rehabilitation services. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness,
99, 303-315.
Crudden, A., Sansing, W., & Butler, S. (2005). Overcoming barriers
to employment: Strategies of rehabilitation providers. Journal of
Visual Impairment & Blindness, 99, 325-335.
Drew, D.W., & Alan, G.M. (Eds). (2004). Contemporary issues in
orientation and mobility. Institute on Rehabilitation Issues,
Monograph No. 29. Washington, DC: The George Washington University,
Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program.
Drew, D.W., & Alan, G.M (Eds.). (2006). Consumer organizations:
Important resources for vocational rehabilitation agencies.
Institute on Rehabilitation Issues Monograph No. 31. Washington, DC:
The George Washington University, Center for Rehabilitation
Counseling Research and Education.
Golub, D.B. (2006). A model of successful work experience for
employees who are visually impaired: The results of a study. Journal
of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 100, 715-725.
Iowa Department for the Blind. (2009). Pathfinders: Changing Lives
together. See http://www.blind.state.ia.us/living/pathfinders.
Jernigan Institute. (2009). The Braille literacy crisis in America:
Facing the truth, reversing the trend, empowering the blind.
National Federation of the Blind. See http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Braille_Initiative.asp.
Kirchner, C, & Smith, B. (2005). Transition to what?: Education and
employment outcomes for visually impaired youths after high school.
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 99, 499-503.
National Federation of the Blind. (2009). National Center for
Mentoring Excellence: A program of the National Federation of the
Blind. See http://www.nfb.org/nfb/NCME_Brochure1.asp?SnID=1447563890.
National Longitudinal Transition Study-2. (2005). Changes over time
in the early post school outcomes of youth with disabilities. See
http://www.nlts2.org/reports/2005_06/.
Omvig, J.H. (2005). Freedom for the blind: The secret is
empowerment. Baltimore, MD: National Federation of the Blind.
Shaw, A., Gold, E., & Wolffe, K. (2007). Employment-related
experiences of youths who are visually impaired: How are these
youths faring? Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 101, 7-21.
Stapleton, D.C., O'Day, B.L., Livermore, G.A., & Imparato, A.J.
(2006). Dismantling the poverty trap: Disability policy for the
twenty-first century. The Milbank Quarterly, 84, 701-732.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2008). Summary health
statistics for the U.S. population: National Health Interview
Survey, 2006. (DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2008-1564). Hyattsville,
MD.
Proposed Priority
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and Training
Center (RRTC) on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who are Blind or
Visually Impaired. This RRTC must conduct research that contributes to
improving competitive employment outcomes for individuals who are blind
or visually impaired, consistent with the individual's informed choice
and abilities (see section 100(a)(2)(B) of Title I of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended). For the purposes of this
priority, this population is defined as individuals who have ``central
visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a
correcting lens. An eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the
fields of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field
subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be considered for
purposes of this paragraph as having a central visual acuity of 20/200
or less'' (42 U.S.C. 416(i)(1)(B)). Under this priority, the RRTC must
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Evidence-based interventions and practices designed to
facilitate competitive employment outcomes for individuals who are
blind or visually impaired. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by
developing and evaluating new interventions and practices, evaluating
practices currently in use, or by conducting both of these types of
research.
(b) New knowledge about employment interventions and practices for
individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and who are also at
greater risk for poor employment outcomes due to other individual
characteristics (e.g., individuals with more severe vision loss or
individuals with multiple disabilities). The RRTC must contribute to
this outcome by conducting research with at least one at-risk group (as
described earlier in this paragraph) to: develop and evaluate new
interventions or practices, evaluate practices currently being used
with members of the at-risk group, or by conducting both of these
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types of research. Applicants must identify the specific at-risk group
or groups they propose to study, provide evidence that the selected
population or populations are, in fact, at greater risk for poor
employment outcomes, and explain how the proposed interventions and
practices are expected to address the needs of the population or
populations.
(c) Increased incorporation of research findings into practice and
policy. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by:
(1) Collaborating with providers of vocational rehabilitation (VR)
services, employer groups, and stakeholders (e.g., individuals who are
blind or visually impaired or consumer groups) in conducting the work
of the RRTC; and
(2) Conducting training and dissemination activities to facilitate
the utilization of research findings in employment and VR settings.
(d) In addition, through coordination with the NIDRR Project
Officer, this RRTC must collaborate with:
(1) Appropriate NIDRR-funded grantees, including knowledge
translation grantees; and
(2) Relevant Office of Special Education Programs and
Rehabilitation Services Administration grantees.
Types of Priorities
When inviting applications for a competition using one or more
priorities, we designate the type of each priority as absolute,
competitive preference, or invitational through a notice in the Federal
Register. 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 (1)
awarding additional points, depending on the extent to which the
application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2)
selecting an application that meets the 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 priority.
However, we do not give an application that meets the priority a
preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
Final Priority
We will announce the final priority in a notice in the Federal
Register. We will determine the final priority after considering
responses to this notice and other information available to the
Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional
priorities, requirements, definitions, or selection criteria, subject
to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use this priority, we invite applications through
a notice in the Federal Register.
Executive Order 12866: This notice 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 proposed regulatory
action.
The potential costs associated with this proposed regulatory action
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 proposed regulatory action, we have determined
that the benefits of the proposed priority justify the costs.
Discussion of 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. This proposed
priority will generate new knowledge and technologies through research,
development, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance
projects.
Another benefit of this proposed priority is that the establishment
of a new RRTC will support and will improve the lives of individuals
with disabilities. The new RRTC will generate, disseminate, and promote
the use of new information that will improve the options for
individuals with disabilities to obtain, retain, and advance in
employment.
Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print,
audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the Grants and Contracts
Services Team, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC 20202-2550. Telephone: (202) 245-7363.
If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
Electronic Access to This Document: You can view this document, as
well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the
Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister. To
use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at
this site.
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: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.
Dated: March 23, 2010.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2010-6783 Filed 3-25-10; 8:45 am]
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