[Federal Register: April 5, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 64)]
[Notices]
[Page 16527-16532]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05ap99-146]
[[Page 16527]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Final
Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years 1999-2000 for Certain Centers;
Inviting Applications for a New Rehabilitation Research and Training
Center and New Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers for Fiscal
Year 1999; Notices
[[Page 16528]]
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research;
Notice of Final Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years 1999-2000 for
Certain Centers
SUMMARY: The Secretary announces funding priorities for one
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) and two
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) under the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) for fiscal
years 1999-2000. The Secretary takes this action to focus research
attention on areas of national need. These priorities are intended to
improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities take effect on May 5, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 205-
5880. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the TDD number at (202) 205-9136. Internet:
Donna__Nangle@ed.gov
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding
paragraph.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains final priorities under
the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program
for one RRTC related to rehabilitation of persons with traumatic brain
injury (TBI) and two RERCs related to universal design and the built
environment, and telecommunications access. The final priorities refer
to NIDRR's proposed Long-Range Plan (LRP). The LRP can be accessed on
the World Wide Web at: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/
announcements/1998-4/102698a.html
These final priorities support the National Education Goal that
calls for every adult American to possess the skills necessary to
compete in a global economy.
The authority for the Secretary to establish research priorities by
reserving funds to support particular research activities is contained
in sections 202(g) and 204 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended (29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764).
Note: This notice of final priorities does not solicit
applications. A notice inviting applications is published elsewhere
in this issue of the Federal Register.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
On January 15, 1999 the Secretary published a notice of proposed
priorities in the Federal Register (64 FR 2730). The Department of
Education received 13 letters commenting on the notice of proposed
priority by the deadline date. Technical and other minor changes--and
suggested changes the Secretary is not legally authorized to make under
statutory authority--are not addressed.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
Priority 1: Rehabilitation of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury.
Comment: Two commenters suggested that the RRTC should focus
exclusively on persons with mild TBI. Three additional commenters
suggested that the RRTC emphasize issues related to persons with mild
TBI.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the RRTC should be required to carry
out additional research on the rehabilitation of persons with mild TBI.
However, NIDRR declines to require the RRTC to focus exclusively on
persons with mild TBI because it is important for the RRTC to have the
additional discretion to pursue promising research related to persons
with moderate and severe TBI.
Changes: The second required activity has been revised to include
an emphasis on persons with mild TBI, and the fourth required activity
has been revised to include persons with mild TBI.
Comment: The RRTC should address postacute rehabilitation and
support trials of specific interventions at the inpatient stage of
rehabilitation.
Discussion: The priority is silent on the issue of the
rehabilitation setting. Applicants have the discretion to propose to
address the rehabilitation setting or settings. The peer review process
will evaluate the merits of the proposals.
Changes: None.
Comment: Because universal design can have a significant impact on
the functioning of persons with TBI, the ``Introduction'' should
include the discussion in NIDRR's proposed LRP Plan on the interaction
between individuals and the environment.
Discussion: There are numerous references to NIDRR's proposed LRP
in NIDRR's FY 1999 priorities. For the sake of consistency and brevity,
and in light of the fact that the LRP is easily accessible through the
Internet, NIDRR prefers to include only references to the LRP in the
priorities.
Changes: None.
Comment: The third required activity to develop and evaluate
innovative interventions to assist families should be revised to
include the requirement to utilize the physical and informational
environments as a resource to enhance functional and social abilities.
Discussion: An applicant could propose to fulfill the requirements
of the third activity by utilizing the physical and informational
environments as a resource to enhance functional and social abilities.
The peer review process will evaluate the merits of the proposal. NIDRR
has no basis to determine that all applicants should be required to
utilize the physical and informational environments as a resource to
enhance functional and social abilities.
Changes: None.
Comment: The RRTC should be required to coordinate with the
proposed RERCs on Universal Design and the Built Environment and
Telecommunications Access.
Discussion: The RRTC is required to coordinate with entities
carrying out related research or training activities including NIDRR's
grantees on TBI. An applicant could propose to coordinate with the
RERCs on Universal Design and the Built Environment and
Telecommunications Access. NIDRR has no basis to determine that all
applicants should be required to coordinate with the RERCs on Universal
Design and the Built Environment and Telecommunications Access.
Changes: None.
Comment: The ``Introduction'' and the second required activity
indicate that the RRTC will address all age groups. One commenter
indicated that the target population of the RRTC is overly broad, and
the four required research activities of the RRTC should focus
exclusively on children and adolescents. A second commenter suggested
that the priority should support separate geriatric and pediatric
studies.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that requiring the RRTC to address all age
groups is too broad a task. However, NIDRR believes that requiring the
RRTC to focus exclusively on children and adolescents may result in the
RRTC neglecting equally important adult issues that are not being
addressed by other research initiatives. NIDRR prefers to provide
applicants with the discretion to propose the age groups that the RRTC
will address. If an applicant proposes to emphasize issues related to
children and adolescents, the peer review process will evaluate the
merits of this proposal.
In regard to the comment on geriatric and pediatric studies, NIDRR
prefers to provide applicants with the discretion to propose whether
studies involving different age groups are conducted separately or
jointly. The peer review process will evaluate the merits of the
proposal. NIDRR has no basis to
[[Page 16529]]
determine that all applicants should propose to carry out the studies
separately.
Changes: The ``Introduction'' and the second required activity have
been revised to eliminate the requirement that the RRTC address all age
groups. Applicants have the discretion to propose the age groups that
the RRTC will address.
Comment: Several projects of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
address the epidemiology and needs of persons with mild TBI. The
priority should be revised to eliminate the epidemiological studies in
order to avoid duplication.
Discussion: After consulting with officials from the CDC, NIDRR
agrees that the requirement to carry out epidemiological studies would
duplicate CDC research.
Changes: The requirement to carry out epidemiological studies has
been eliminated.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers
Priority 2: Universal Design and the Built Environment
Comment: Is the objective of the second required activity to
develop an anthropometric database to be used to develop new universal
designs for toilet and bathing facilities, or to develop an
anthropometric database and conduct research related to accessing
toilet and bathing facilities?
Discussion: The purpose of the second required activity is to
develop an anthropometric database on the specific issue of access and
use of toileting and bathing facilities, and in the process to develop
a prototype anthropometric database that can be used as a model for
future databases.
Changes: None.
Comment: Two commenters suggested that the target population for
the fourth required activity should be broadened to include persons
with disabilities.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees the RERC should serve as a national
information resource for persons with disabilities.
Changes: Persons with disabilities has been added to the target
population of the fourth required activity.
Comment: Two commenters expressed concern that the priority is too
narrowly focused on physical access and does not address the needs of
individuals with sensory disabilities. One of the commenters indicated
that the RERC should expressly integrate acoustic and visually-based
accommodations into its universal design efforts.
Discussion: NIDRR expects the RERC to address the principles of
universal design as they apply to all persons with disabilities,
including those with sensory disabilities. The priority does not
indicate that the RERC is focused exclusively on physical access. NIDRR
prefers to provide applicants with the discretion to propose the extent
to which the RERC will address the needs of persons with sensory
disabilities. The peer review process will evaluate the merits of the
proposal.
Changes: None.
Comment: Does the RERC have to develop all the technological
solutions it evaluates under the first required activity, or can the
RERC evaluate solutions that industry has already developed?
Discussion: As long as the RERC engages in certain activities that
include both development and evaluation, applicants have the discretion
to propose to carry out additional evaluation activities.
Changes: None.
Comment: Please clarify whether the prototype anthropometric
database should include persons with cognitive disabilities.
Discussion: The only requirement that is placed on the target
population for the prototype anthropometric database is that it must
include persons who use manual or powered wheelchairs. In addition to
manual or powered wheelchair users, an applicant could propose to
include persons with cognitive disabilities in the database. The peer
review process will evaluate the merits of the proposal.
Changes: None.
Comment: The RERC should be required to coordinate on activities of
mutual interest with the RRTCs on TBI and other RRTCs dealing with
cognitive disabilities to ensure more utilization of universal design
in the built environment for these individuals.
Discussion: There is a general requirement for the RERC to
coordinate with other entities carrying out related research or
training activities. An applicant could propose to coordinate with the
RRTCs on Traumatic Brain Injury and other Centers dealing with
cognitive disabilities. The peer review process will evaluate the
merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no basis to determine that all
applicants must coordinate with the RRTCs on Traumatic Brain Injury and
other Centers dealing with cognitive disabilities.
Changes: None.
Priority 3: Telecommunications Access
Comment: The RERC should be required to address visual display
access.
Discussion: NIDRR's RERC on Hearing Enhancement is currently
conducting research and development in this area. However, an applicant
could propose to address visual display access. The peer review process
will evaluate the merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no basis to
determine that all applicants should be required to propose research on
visual display access.
Changes: None.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
Authority for the RRTC program of NIDRR is contained in section
204(b)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C.
764(b)(2)). Under this program the Secretary makes awards to public and
private organizations, including institutions of higher education and
Indian tribes or tribal organizations for coordinated research and
training activities. These entities must be of sufficient size, scope,
and quality to effectively carry out the activities of the Center in an
efficient manner consistent with appropriate State and Federal laws.
They must demonstrate the ability to carry out the training activities
either directly or through another entity that can provide that
training.
The Secretary may make awards for up to 60 months through grants or
cooperative agreements. The purpose of the awards is for planning and
conducting research, training, demonstrations, and related activities
leading to the development of methods, procedures, and devices that
will benefit individuals with disabilities, especially those with the
most severe disabilities.
Description of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
RRTCs are operated in collaboration with institutions of higher
education or providers of rehabilitation services or other appropriate
services. RRTCs serve as centers of national excellence and national or
regional resources for providers and individuals with disabilities and
the parents, family members, guardians, advocates or authorized
representatives of the individuals.
RRTCs conduct coordinated, integrated, and advanced programs of
research in rehabilitation targeted toward the production of new
knowledge to improve rehabilitation methodology and service delivery
systems, to alleviate or stabilize disabling conditions, and to promote
maximum social and economic independence of individuals with
disabilities.
[[Page 16530]]
RRTCs provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training, to assist individuals to more effectively provide
rehabilitation services. They also provide training including graduate,
pre-service, and in-service training, for rehabilitation research
personnel and other rehabilitation personnel.
RRTCs serve as informational and technical assistance resources to
providers, individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family
members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of these
individuals through conferences, workshops, public education programs,
in-service training programs and similar activities.
RRTCs disseminate materials in alternate formats to ensure that
they are accessible to individuals with a range of disabling
conditions.
NIDRR encourages all Centers to involve individuals with
disabilities and individuals from minority backgrounds as recipients of
research training, as well as clinical training.
The Department is particularly interested in ensuring that the
expenditure of public funds is justified by the execution of intended
activities and the advancement of knowledge and, thus, has built this
accountability into the selection criteria. Not later than three years
after the establishment of any RRTC, NIDRR will conduct one or more
reviews of the activities and achievements of the Center. In accordance
with the provisions of 34 CFR 75.253(a), continued funding depends at
all times on satisfactory performance and accomplishment.
Priorities
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) the Secretary gives an absolute
preference to applications that meet the following priority. The
Secretary will fund under this competition only applications that meet
this absolute priority.
Priority 1: Rehabilitation of Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Introduction
Chapter Four of NIDRR's proposed Long-Range Plan (63 FR 57204)
addresses research on trauma rehabilitation, including brain injury. A
1998 draft National Institute of Health's Consensus Development
Conference Statement on Rehabilitation of Persons with TBI identifies
emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms of TBI that
affect the individuals with TBI, family, friends, community, and
society. The report raises important research issues related to
children, the elderly, and persons who experience mild TBI symptoms.
This RRTC will emphasize, but not be limited to, the rehabilitation
needs of persons with mild TBI. For the purpose of this priority, mild
TBI is defined using the definition developed in 1991 by the Mild TBI
Committee of the Head Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group
of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine definition (see
Esselman, P. and Uomoto, J., ``Classification of the Spectrum of Mild
Traumatic Brain Injury,'' Brain Injury, Vol. 9, No. 4, pgs. 417-424,
1995).
NIDRR has a long history of support for research on TBI that has
focused primarily on adults with moderate and severe injuries. This
RRTC may address the needs of all, or selected, age groups including
children and the elderly.
Priority
The Secretary will establish an RRTC for the purpose of developing
interventions to improve the functional abilities and promote the
independence of persons with TBI. The RRTC must:
(1) Develop and evaluate methodologies to assess the long term
consequences of mild TBI and identify interventions for rehabilitation;
(2) Develop and evaluate innovative methods of diagnosis and
treatment of the medical, psychological, and neurobehavioral sequelae
of TBI with an emphasis on persons with mild TBI;
(3) Develop and evaluate innovative interventions to assist
families;
(4) Develop and test prognostic indicators of rehabilitation
outcomes including early predictors of functional outcomes for persons
with TBI including those with mild TBI;
(5) Provide training on research methodology and applied research
experience, and training on knowledge gained from the Center's research
activities to persons with disabilities and their families, service
providers, and other appropriate parties;
(6) Develop and disseminate informational materials based on
knowledge gained from the Center's research activities, and disseminate
the materials to persons with disabilities, their representatives,
service providers, and other interested parties;
(7) Involve individuals with disabilities and, if appropriate,
their representatives, in planning and implementing its research,
training, and dissemination activities, and in evaluating the Center;
(8) Conduct a state-of-the-science conference and publish a
comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference. The
report must be published in the fourth year of the grant; and
(9) Coordinate with other entities carrying out related research or
training activities including NIDRR's grantees on TBI.
Description of Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers
RERCs carry out research or demonstration activities by:
(a) Developing and disseminating innovative methods of applying
advanced technology, scientific achievement, and psychological and
social knowledge to (1) solve rehabilitation problems and remove
environmental barriers, and (2) study new or emerging technologies,
products, or environments;
(b) Demonstrating and disseminating (1) innovative models for the
delivery of cost-effective rehabilitation technology services to rural
and urban areas, and (2) other scientific research to assist in meeting
the employment and independent living needs of individuals with severe
disabilities; or
(c) Facilitating service delivery systems change through (1) the
development, evaluation, and dissemination of consumer-responsive and
individual and family-centered innovative models for the delivery to
both rural and urban areas of innovative cost-effective rehabilitation
technology services, and (2) other scientific research to assist in
meeting the employment and independent needs of individuals with severe
disabilities.
Each RERC must provide training opportunities to individuals,
including individuals with disabilities, to become researchers of
rehabilitation technology and practitioners of rehabilitation
technology in conjunction with institutions of higher education and
nonprofit organizations.
The Department is particularly interested in ensuring that the
expenditure of public funds is justified by the execution of intended
activities and the advancement of knowledge and, thus, has built this
accountability into the selection criteria. Not later than three years
after the establishment of any RERC, NIDRR will conduct one or more
reviews of the activities and achievements of the Center. In accordance
with the provisions of 34 CFR 75.253(a), continued funding depends at
all times on satisfactory performance and accomplishment.
General RERC Requirements
The following requirements apply to these RERCs pursuant to these
absolute priorities unless noted otherwise. An applicant's proposal to
fulfill these requirements will be assessed using
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applicable selection criteria in the peer review process.
The RERC must have the capability to design, build, and test
prototype devices and assist in the transfer of successful solutions to
relevant production and service delivery settings. The RERC must
evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products, instrumentation,
or assistive devices.
The RERC must disseminate research results and other knowledge
gained from the Center's research and development activities to persons
with disabilities, their representatives, disability organizations,
businesses, manufacturers, professional journals, service providers,
and other interested parties.
The RERC must develop and carry out utilization activities to
successfully transfer all new and improved technologies developed by
the RERC to the marketplace.
The RERC must involve individuals with disabilities and, if
appropriate, their representatives, in planning and implementing its
research, development, training, and dissemination activities, and in
evaluating the Center.
The RERC must conduct a state-of-the-science conference and publish
a comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference. The
report must be published in the fourth year of the grant.
The RERC must coordinate with other entities carrying out related
research or training activities.
Priorities
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) the Secretary gives an absolute
preference to applications that meet the following priorities. The
Secretary will fund under this competition only applications that meet
one of these absolute priorities.
Priority 2: Universal Design and the Built Environment Introduction
Chapter 5 of NIDRR's proposed Long-Range Plan (63 FR 57207)
discusses the importance of improving access to the built environment
through universal design. Universal design is a process whereby
environments and products are designed with built-in flexibility so
they are usable by all people, regardless of age and ability, at no
additional cost to the user. For the purpose of this priority, the
built environment includes public and private buildings, houses,
landscapes, and tools and objects of daily use (e.g., door openers,
environmental control systems, and appliances).
In order to create environments that are universal in nature, it is
necessary to have a database of physical measurements of the human body
(i.e., anthropometric data) that includes persons with disabilities.
There is a need for more anthropometric data on persons with
disabilities. A 1996 report from the U.S. Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) concluded that
research was needed regarding how people with disabilities access
toilet and bathing facilities. NIDRR expects this RERC to develop a
prototype anthropometric database that can be used to create
universally designed toileting facilities and adapted for the
development of other anthropometric databases for persons with
disabilities.
Priority
The Secretary will establish an RERC on universal design and the
built environment to advance the field of universal design and improve
the accessibility of the built environment. The RERC must:
(1) Develop and evaluate universally designed plans and products
for the built environment;
(2) Develop a prototype anthropometric database, both static and
dynamic, of persons with disabilities, including those who use manual
or powered wheelchairs, to access and use toilet and bathing
facilities;
(3) Identify, develop and evaluate strategies for promoting
adoption of universal design in the building and product manufacturing
industries, and design and architecture curricula; and
(4) Serve as a national information resource on universal design
standards, plans, building products, funding sources, and performance
evaluations for persons with disabilities, designers, builders and
manufacturers.
In carrying out these purposes, the RERC must coordinate on
activities of mutual interest with the RERCs on Telecommunications
Access and Information Technologies Access, and the Access Board.
Priority 3: Telecommunications Access
Introduction
Chapter 5 of NIDRR's proposed Long-Range Plan (63 FR 57207)
discusses the importance of telecommunications accessibility and the
need for continued research and development. For the purpose of this
priority, telecommunications systems and products include, but are not
limited to, wireless communication technologies, networks, multimedia
conferencing systems, and software supporting these technologies,
products, and systems.
The RERC on Telecommunications Access faces the challenge of
promoting access to a highly dynamic field. In order to keep pace with
developments in the field, NIDRR expects this RERC to undertake its
research and development activities in close collaboration with private
industry as well as with public entities that regulate the
telecommunications industry. NIDRR expects this RERC to contribute to
improving the employment status of persons with disabilities by
providing employers with technical assistance and by providing persons
with disabilities with information to make them better consumers.
Priority
The Secretary will establish an RERC on telecommunications access
for the purpose of developing technological solutions and promoting
access for persons with disabilities to current and emerging
telecommunications systems and products. The RERC must:
(1) Develop and evaluate in collaboration with industry
technological solutions to promote accessibility and universal design
at the outset of the development of telecommunications systems and
products;
(2) Develop and disseminate strategies for integrating current
accessibility features into newer generations of telecommunications
systems and products;
(3) Provide technical assistance to public and private
organizations responsible for developing policies, guidelines, and
standards that affect the accessibility of telecommunications
technology products and systems, including the Access Board and the
Federal Communications Commission; and
(4) Provide technical assistance and guidance to individuals with
disabilities and employers on accessibility issues affecting current
telecommunications systems and products.
In carrying out these purposes, the RERC must coordinate on
activities of mutual interest with the RERCs on Information Technology
Access, Telerehabilitation, Hearing Enhancement, Blindness and Low
Vision, and Universal Design and the Built Environment.
Electronic Access to This Document
Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or
portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the
following sites: http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm http://www.ed.gov/
news.html
[[Page 16532]]
To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with
Search, which is available free at either of the preceding sites. If
you have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government
Printing Office toll free at (202) 512-1530 or, toll free at 1-888-293-
6498.
Anyone may also view these documents in text copy only on an
electronic bulletin board of the Department. Telephone: (202) 219-1511
or, toll free, 1-800-222-4922. The documents are located under Option
G--Files/Announcements, Bulletins and Press Releases.
Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 350.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133B,
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and 84.133E,
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers)
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760-762.
Dated: March 29, 1999.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 99-8165 Filed 4-2-99; 8:45 am]
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