[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17396-17400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-7355]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA 84.133E-1 and 84.133E-3]


Proposed Priorities: Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
Projects and Centers Program

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services proposes two priorities for the Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered by 
NIDRR. Specifically, this notice proposes two priorities for RERCs: Low 
Vision and Blindness (Proposed Priority 1) and Wireless Technologies 
(Proposed Priority 2). The Assistant Secretary may use these priorities 
for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2011 and later years. We take this 
action to focus research attention on areas of national need. We intend 
to use these priorities to improve rehabilitation services and outcomes 
for individuals with disabilities.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before April 28, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Address all comments about this notice to Marlene Spencer, 
U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5133, 
Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-2700.
    If you prefer to send your comments by e-mail, use the following 
address: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e331f0c121b101b502d0e1b101d1b0c3e1b1a50191108"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c210d1e00090209423f1c09020f091e2c0908420b031a">[email protected]</span></a>. You must include the term ``Proposed 
Priorities for RERCs'' and the priority title in the subject line of 
your electronic message.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marlene Spencer. Telephone: (202) 245-
7532 or by e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eca18d9e80898289c2bf9c89828f899eac8988c28b839a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="105d71627c757e753e4360757e7375625075743e777f66">[email protected]</span></a>.
    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 priorities is in 
concert with NIDRR's currently approved Long-Range Plan (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.
    This notice proposes two priorities that NIDRR intends to use for 
RERC competitions in FY 2011 and possibly later years. However, nothing 
precludes NIDRR from publishing additional priorities, if needed. 
Furthermore, NIDRR is under no obligation to make awards for these 
priorities. The decision to make an award will be based on the quality 
of applications received and available funding.
    Invitation to Comment: We invite you to submit comments regarding 
this notice. To ensure that your comments have maximum effect in 
developing the notice of final priorities, we urge you to identify 
clearly the specific proposed priority that each comment addresses.
    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 these proposed 
priorities. 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 5140, 550 12th Street, SW., Potomac 
Center Plaza, 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, including international 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 (Rehabilitation Act).

[[Page 17397]]

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program (RERCs)

    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. 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.

General Requirements of RERCs

    RERCs carry out research or demonstration activities in support of 
the Rehabilitation Act by--
    <bullet> Developing and disseminating innovative methods of 
applying advanced technology, scientific achievement, and psychological 
and social knowledge to solve rehabilitation problems and to remove 
environmental barriers through studying and evaluating new or emerging 
technologies, products, or environments and their effectiveness and 
benefits; or
    <bullet> Demonstrating and disseminating: (a) Innovative models for 
the delivery of cost-effective rehabilitation technology services to 
rural and urban areas; and (b) other scientific research to assist in 
meeting the employment and independent living needs of individuals with 
severe disabilities; and
    <bullet> Facilitating service delivery systems change through: (a) 
The development, evaluation, and dissemination of innovative, consumer-
responsive, and individual- and family-centered models for the delivery 
to both rural and urban areas of innovative cost-effective 
rehabilitation technology services; and (b) other scientific research 
to assist in meeting the employment and independent living needs of and 
addressing the barriers confronted by individuals with disabilities, 
including individuals with severe disabilities.
    Each RERC must be operated by, or in collaboration with, one or 
more institutions of higher education or one or more nonprofit 
organizations.
    Each RERC must provide training opportunities, in conjunction with 
institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations, to assist 
individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become 
rehabilitation technology researchers and practitioners.
    Each RERC must emphasize the principles of universal design in its 
product research and development. Universal design is the design of 
products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest 
extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design 
(North Carolina State University, 1997. http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/udprinciplestext.htm).
    Additional information on the RERC program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.html.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(a).
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
    PROPOSED PRIORITIES:
    This notice contains two proposed priorities.
    Proposed Priority 1--RERC on Low Vision and Blindness.

Background

    Low vision and blindness affects approximately 3.4 million adults 
over 40 years of age in the United States (The Eye Diseases Prevalence 
Research Group, 2004) and according to the 2009 Annual Report from the 
American Printing House for the Blind, there are 59,335 legally blind 
children aged 0-21 in the U.S. (American Printing House for the Blind, 
2009). Survey estimates of the number of individuals with low vision 
and blindness vary depending on the definitions used and the wording of 
the questions. The 2008 National Health Interview Survey Provisional 
Report stated that there are 25.2 million American adults aged 18 and 
over who report experiencing vision loss (Pleis & Lucas, 2009). As 
increasing numbers of premature infants survive due to advances in 
modern medicine and technology, the number of infants with low vision 
and blindness is expected to increase. In addition, the prevalence of 
age-related causes of low vision and blindness, such as macular 
degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, is expected to rise as the 
population ages.
    The population of those with low vision and blindness is also 
changing. The elderly population of individuals with low vision and 
blindness is growing (The Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group, 
2004); returning veterans are experiencing low vision and blindness due 
to blast injuries (Thach, Johnson, Carroll, Huchun, Ainbinder, et al., 
2008); doctors are reporting an increase in the number of children with 
low vision and blindness and additional non-ophthalmic disabling 
conditions (Rahi, Cumberland, & Peckham, 2010); and there is a growing 
prevalence of deaf-blind individuals in the U.S. (Saunders & Echt, 
2007).
    Persons with low vision and blindness often need assistance with 
performing activities of daily living. While such assistance may be 
provided through more traditional methods such as through the 
assistance of family members or service animals or through the use of 
white canes and braille, clinicians, researchers and rehabilitation 
engineers are developing a growing number of technological products and 
interventions that assist persons with low vision and blindness as they 
navigate their communities and perform tasks and activities at home and 
work.
    NIDRR has been an active participant in supporting the 
technological advancements in low vision and blindness assessment, 
therapy, and rehabilitation for 20 years. NIDRR grantees have 
researched and developed technologies that improve assessment of low 
vision and blindness and technologies for blind orientation, 
navigation, and wayfinding. In addition, NIDRR grantees are researching 
and developing infant vision screening and rehabilitation technology, 
educational technology, and vocational and daily living technology for 
individuals with low vision and blindness.
    Notwithstanding this valuable research and work, new and improved 
vision assessment and vision rehabilitation technologies are required 
to meet the needs of the changing and expanding population of 
individuals who experience low vision and blindness. New products and 
technologies that detect and mitigate low vision and blindness must be 
researched and developed for individuals of all ages, as rehabilitation 
needs may vary or change with age.
    With enhancements in technology in all segments of society, there 
is an increasing need for individuals with low vision and blindness to 
manipulate and produce many types of information, such as text and 
graphics (Arditi, 2004; Krufka, Barner, & Aysal, 2007). Thus, further 
research and development are needed to ensure that individuals with low 
vision and blindness have access to graphical information, signage, and 
travel information, and appliances and displays for education, 
employment, and daily living (Vidal-Verdu & Hafez, 2007; Marston & 
Church, 2005; Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind Act of 2010, 
2010; Marom, 2010). In addition, in the area of education, new methods 
for presenting scientific information and concepts in accessible form 
are needed for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

[[Page 17398]]

Accordingly, NIDRR seeks to fund an RERC on low vision and blindness to 
research, develop, and evaluate innovative technologies that will 
improve the ability of individuals with low vision and blindness to 
function independently within their schools, communities, and 
workplaces.

References

The Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group (2004). Causes and 
prevalence of visual impairment among adults in the United States. 
Archives of Ophthalmology; 122:477-485.
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc. (2009). 2009 Annual Report. 
Louisville, KY 40206 USA. Retrieved from http://www.aph.org/about/ar2009.html.
Pleis J.R. & Lucas J.W. (2009). Provisional Report: Summary health 
statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2008. 
National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(242).
Thach A.B., Johnson A.J., Carroll R.B., Huchun A., Ainbinder D.J., 
Stutzman R.D., Blaydon S.M., Demartelaere S.L., Mader T.H., Slade C.S., 
George R.K., Ritchey J.P., Barnes S.D., & Fannin L.A. (2008). Severe 
eye injuries in the war in Iraq, 2003-2005. Ophthalmology; Feb; 
115(2):377-382.
Rahi J.S., Cumberland P.M., Peckham C.S., & British Childhood Visual 
Impairment Interest Group (2010). Improving detection of blindness in 
childhood: the British childhood vision impairment study. Pediatrics; 
Oct; 126(4).
Saunders G.H. & Echt K.V. (2007). An overview of dual sensory 
impairment in older adults: perspectives for rehabilitation. Trends in 
Amplification. Dec; 11(4):243-58.
Vidal-Verd[uacute] F. & Hafez M. (2007). Graphical tactile displays for 
visually-impaired people. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and 
Rehabilitation Engineering. Mar; 15(1):119-30.
Marston J.R. & Church R.L. (2005). A relative access measure to 
identify barriers to efficient transit use by persons with visual 
impairments. Disability and Rehabilitation. Jul 8; 27(13):769-79.
Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind Act of 2010. 111th CONGRESS, 2d 
Session, H. R. 4533.
Marom L. (2010). Insulin pump access issues for visually impaired 
people with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 
Jul; 89(1).
Arditi A. (2004). Adjustable typography: an approach to enhancing low 
vision text accessibility. Ergonomics. Apr 15; 47(5):469-82.
Krufka S.E., Barner K.E. & Aysal T.C. (2007). Visual to tactile 
conversion of vector graphics. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and 
Rehabilitation Engineering. Jun; 15(2):310-21.

Proposed Priority

    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation Engineering Research 
Center (RERC) on Low Vision and Blindness. This RERC must research and 
develop technologies that will improve the assessment of low vision and 
blindness and promote independence for individuals with low vision and 
blindness of all ages, including those who are deaf-blind and those 
with multiple disabilities. Specifically, the RERC must improve vision 
assessment for the changing and expanding population of individuals who 
are at risk for experiencing low vision and blindness, including but 
not limited to, the elderly, returning military veterans, and 
prematurely born infants. The RERC must also research and develop 
technologies that will improve individuals' access to graphical 
information, signage, and travel information and devices and appliances 
that have digital displays and control panels. In addition, the RERC 
must research and develop technologies to promote the participation of 
individuals with low vision and blindness in science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics education (STEM). Regarding participation 
in STEM, these technologies include but are not limited to accessible 
scientific measurement instruments, tools, and materials.
    Proposed Priority 2--RERC on Wireless Technologies.

Background

    Wireless technologies allow the connection of communication, 
information, and control devices to local, community, and nationwide 
networks. Wireless devices support a wide range of applications 
spanning voice and data communication, remote monitoring, and position 
finding, and offer tremendous potential for assisting individuals with 
disabilities to participate actively in the community.
    Wireless technology can improve the quality of life and enhance 
inclusiveness for individuals with disabilities in the areas of 
employment, health care, education, and emergency response. For 
example, a new wireless system offers those with hearing difficulties 
the ability to caption events in real-time; for those who have 
difficulty seeing, new mobile applications can use smart-phone cameras 
to scan labels on grocery items or pill bottles; for those with 
communication difficulties, there are many communications applications 
available for cell phones that convey typed messages through voice 
output (Mobile Future, 2010). Cloud computing is a technology that uses 
the internet and central remote servers to maintain data and 
applications. These ``cloud'' applications can be used without 
installation to a personal computer, and data and personal files can be 
accessed at any computer with internet access. Cloud computing 
technologies may provide individuals with disabilities an additional 
option for access from any wireless device in a variety of settings to 
a shared pool of computing resources, software, and information.
    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recognizes the 
importance of wireless technology for individuals with disabilities 
(FCC Broadband plan, 2010; FCC Working Paper: A Giant Leap & A Big 
Deal: Delivering on the Promise of Equal Access to Broadband for People 
with Disabilities, 2010). As part of its broadband plan, the FCC has 
included an accessibility and innovation forum and plans to modernize 
accessibility laws, rules, and subsidy programs.
    NIDRR has been an active participant in directing the technological 
advancements in wireless technologies for ten years so that individuals 
across the range of abilities may enjoy the benefits of these 
technologies and participate more fully in society. NIDRR grantees have 
been active in research on technology use and usability, and the 
development of public policy influencing equitable access to wireless 
technologies. In addition, NIDRR grantees have developed new 
technologies and accessible technology applications in the areas of web 
accessibility, emergency communications, audio captioning, touch-screen 
and audible interfaces, and TTY Phone-Deaf 911. NIDRR grantees have 
also filed comments on and informed final FCC rules concerning wireless 
use of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), the Commercial Mobile Alert 
System (CMAS), and the broadband plan.
    NIDRR recognizes the potential benefits that wireless technology 
has for individuals with disabilities and that wireless networking 
represents the future of computer and internet

[[Page 17399]]

connectivity. However, as wireless technology continues to advance in 
technical sophistication and commercial availability at a rapid pace, 
issues of usability continue for individuals with disabilities. The 
wireless industry too often fails to design products and services for 
use by individuals with disabilities, is unaware of the barriers faced 
by individuals with disabilities, and does not fully evaluate the 
usability of wireless products and services for individuals with 
disabilities before they become mainstream products and services 
(Designing Inclusive Futures, 2008). Technical issues in areas such as 
interoperability (the ability of a system or a product to work with 
other systems or products), speech-to-text conversion, and hearing aid 
compatibility have been identified as barriers that individuals with 
disabilities experience as they attempt to use wireless technologies 
(Baker & Moon, 2008). In addition, ergonomic and interface needs of 
individuals with disabilities are recognized barriers to use of 
wireless technologies (Mueller, Jones, Broderick, & Haberman, 2005).
    In addition to promoting usability of emerging and existing 
wireless technologies, NIDRR proposes to continue research and 
development efforts to develop new wireless products and technologies 
that directly facilitate the independence and community participation 
of individuals with disabilities. Accordingly, NIDRR seeks to fund an 
RERC on Wireless Technologies to research, develop, and evaluate 
innovative technologies and approaches that will improve the ability of 
individuals with disabilities to use wireless technologies to promote 
independence and community participation.

References

Mobile Future. (2010). Mobile ability: The transformational impact of 
wireless innovation for people with disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.mobilefuture.org/content/pages/mobile_ability.
Federal Communications Commission. (2010). The national broadband plan. 
Retrieved from www.broadband.gov.
Federal Communications Commission. (2010). A giant leap and a big deal: 
Delivering on the promise of equal access to broadband for people with 
disabilities. Retrieved from http://download.broadband.gov/plan/fcc-omnibus-broadband-initiative-%28obi%29-working-report-giant-leap-big-deal-delivering-promise-of-equal-access-to-broadband-for-people-with-disabilities.pdf.
Baker, P.M. & Moon, N.W. (2008). Wireless technologies and 
accessibility for people with disabilities: Findings from a policy 
research instrument.
Assist Technol. Fall; 20(3): 149-56.
Mueller, J., Jones, M., Broderick, L., & Haberman, V. (2005). 
Assessment of user needs in wireless technologies. Assist Technol. 
Spring; 17(1): 57-71.
Baker, P.M. & Moon, N.W. (2008). Access barriers to wireless 
technologies for people with disabilities: issues, opportunities and 
policy options. In: Designing Inclusive Futures. Langdon, P.; Clarkson, 
P. John; Robinson, P. (Eds.) 1st Edition.

Proposed Priority

    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation Engineering Research 
Center (RERC) on Wireless Technologies. Under this priority, the RERC 
must research, develop, and evaluate innovative technologies and 
products that facilitate the use of wireless technologies for 
individuals with disabilities. The RERC must research and develop 
wireless hardware and software that will meet the needs, promote 
independence, and improve the quality of life and community 
participation of individuals with disabilities. The RERC must also work 
with and provide information to relevant Federal agencies, designers, 
and manufacturers regarding barriers to and methods for facilitating 
the use of wireless technologies by individuals with disabilities.

Requirements Applicable to Both Proposed Priorities

    A RERC established under either of the proposed priorities in this 
notice must be designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
    (1) Increased technical and scientific knowledge relevant to its 
designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this 
outcome by conducting high-quality, rigorous research and development 
projects.
    (2) Increased innovation in technologies, products, environments, 
performance guidelines, and monitoring and assessment tools applicable 
to its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to 
this outcome through the development and testing of these innovations.
    (3) Improved research capacity in its designated priority research 
area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by collaborating with 
the relevant industry, professional associations, institutions of 
higher education, health care providers, or educators, as appropriate.
    (4) Improved awareness and understanding of cutting edge 
developments in technologies within its designated priority research 
area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by identifying and 
communicating with NIDRR, individuals with disabilities, their 
representatives, disability organizations, service providers, 
professional journals, manufacturers, and other interested parties 
regarding trends and evolving product concepts related to its 
designated priority research area.
    (5) Increased impact of research in the designated priority 
research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by providing 
technical assistance to relevant public and private organizations, 
individuals with disabilities, employers, and schools on policies, 
guidelines, and standards related to its designated priority research 
area.
    (6) Increased transfer of RERC-developed technologies to the 
marketplace. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by developing and 
implementing a plan for ensuring that all technologies developed by the 
RERC are made available to the public. The technology transfer plan 
must be developed in the first year of the project period in 
consultation with the NIDRR-funded Disability Rehabilitation Research 
Project, Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer.
    In addition, under each priority, the RERC must--
    <bullet> Have the capability to design, build, and test prototype 
devices and assist in the technology transfer and knowledge translation 
of successful solutions to relevant production and service delivery 
settings;
    <bullet> Evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products, 
instrumentation, or assistive devices;
    <bullet> Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, a 
plan that describes how it will include, as appropriate, individuals 
with disabilities or their representatives in all phases of its 
activities, including research, development, training, dissemination, 
and evaluation;
    <bullet> Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, in 
consultation with the NIDRR-funded National Center for the 
Dissemination of Disability Research, a plan to disseminate its 
research results to individuals with disabilities, their 
representatives, disability organizations, service providers, 
professional journals,

[[Page 17400]]

manufacturers, and other interested parties;
    <bullet> Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its 
designated priority research area in the fourth year of the project 
period, and publish a comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the 
conference in the fifth year of the project period; and
    <bullet> Coordinate research projects of mutual interest with 
relevant NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with 
the NIDRR project officer.

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 Priorities: We will announce the final priorities in a notice 
in the Federal Register. We will determine the final priorities 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 these priorities, 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 priorities justify the costs.

Discussion of Costs and Benefits

    The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects 
and Centers Programs have been well established over the years in that 
similar projects have been completed successfully. These proposed 
priorities will generate new knowledge through research and 
development. Another benefit of these proposed priorities is that the 
establishment of new RERCs will improve the lives of individuals with 
disabilities. The new RERCs will generate, disseminate, and promote the 
use of new information that will improve the options for individuals 
with disabilities to fully participate in their communities.
    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 24, 2011.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2011-7355 Filed 3-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


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