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[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5327-5330]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-2287]

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

RIN 1820 ZA26

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed priorities.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services proposes priorities under the Rehabilitation 
Research and Training Centers (RRTC) Program for the National Institute 
on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The Assistant 
Secretary may use one or more of these priorities for competitions in 
fiscal year (FY) 2004 and later years. We take this action to focus 
research attention on areas of national need. We intend these 
priorities to improve employment-related rehabilitation services and 
outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before March 5, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Address all comments about these proposed priorities to 
Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., 
room 3412, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2645. If you prefer 
to send your comments through the Internet, use the following address: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 205-
5880.
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call the TDD number at (202) 205-4475 or via the Internet: 
[email protected].
    Individuals with disabilities may 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:

[[Page 5328]]

Invitation to Comment

    We invite you to submit comments regarding these proposed 
priorities. 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 opportunities we should 
take to 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 these proposed priorities in room 3412, Switzer 
Building, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 
a.m. and 4 p.m., eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week 
except Federal holidays.

Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking 
Record

    On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or 
print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs 
assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public 
rulemaking record for these proposed priorities. If you want to 
schedule an appointment for this type of aid, please contact the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    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 or funding 
additional priorities, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking 
requirements.

    Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in 
which we choose to use these proposed priorities, we invite 
applications through a notice published in the Federal Register. 
When inviting applications, we designate each priority 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 priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or 
(2) selecting an application that meets the competitive priority over 
an application of comparable merit that does not meet the competitive 
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)).

    Note: NIDRR supports the goals of President Bush's New Freedom 
Initiative (NFI). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the 
following site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/freedominitiative/freedominitiative.html.

    These proposed priorities are in concert with NIDRR's Long-Range 
Plan (Plan). The Plan is comprehensive and integrates many issues 
relating to disability and rehabilitation research topics. While 
applicants will find many sections throughout the Plan that support 
potential research to be conducted under these proposed priorities, a 
specific reference is included for each priority presented in this 
notice. The Plan can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: 
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.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.

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

    RRTCs conduct coordinated and integrated advanced programs of 
research targeted toward the production of new knowledge to improve 
rehabilitation methodology and service delivery systems, alleviate or 
stabilize disability conditions, or promote maximum social and economic 
independence for persons with disabilities. Additional information on 
the RRTC program can be found at http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#RRTC.

General Requirements of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

    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;
     Disseminate informational materials to 
individuals with disabilities, their representatives, providers, and 
other interested parties; and
     Serve as centers for national excellence in 
rehabilitation research for individuals with disabilities, their 
representatives, providers, and other interested parties.
    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 RRTC. In accordance 
with the provisions of 34 CFR 75.253(a), continued funding depends at 
all times on satisfactory performance and accomplishment of approved 
grant objectives.
    The Secretary is interested in hypothesis-driven research 
activities. To address this interest it is expected that applicants 
will articulate goals, objectives, and expected outcomes for the 
proposed research activities. It is critical that proposals describe 
expected public benefits, especially benefits for individuals with 
disabilities, and propose projects that are optimally designed to 
demonstrate outcomes that are consistent with the proposed goals. 
Applicants are encouraged to include information describing how they 
will measure outcomes, including the indicators that will represent the 
end-result, the mechanisms that will be used to evaluate outcomes 
associated with specific problems or issues, and how the proposed 
activities will support new intervention approaches and strategies, 
including a discussion of measures of effectiveness. Submission of this 
information is voluntary except where required by the selection 
criteria.

[[Page 5329]]

Priorities

Background

    National data indicate that employment rates of individuals with 
disabilities continue to lag well behind those of individuals without 
disabilities. Analyses of the National Health Interview Survey, the 
Survey of Income and Program Participation, and the Current Population 
Survey provide evidence that substantial differentials in employment 
exist among all sociodemographic groups and in periods of economic 
expansion as well as decline. (How Working Age People With Disabilities 
Fared Over the 1990s Business Cycle. Burkhauser, RV, Daly, MC, and 
Houtenville, AJ. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. 2000; Improved 
Employment Prospects for People With Disabilities. Kaye, HS. Department 
of Education, Washington, DC. In press, 2003; Employment, Earnings, and 
Disability. McNeil, JM. Census Bureau, Washington, DC. 2000. http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/disable/emperndis.pdf). Even when employed, 
individuals with disabilities have substantially lower earnings than 
those without disabilities (McNeil, 2000).
    However, some analyses suggest that there has been some progress in 
closing the employment gap. In expanding industries, the employment gap 
shrank during the decade of the 1990's. Also, during that time frame, 
the employment rate increased among the group of individuals with 
disabilities who consider themselves able to work (Kaye, 2003).
    These priorities are designed to encourage studies that address 
gaps in understanding of the complex issues and factors affecting 
employment of individuals with disabilities. The focus of this research 
may be on the numerous factors affecting employment outcomes, 
facilitators and barriers for workforce participation, and employment 
policies. The goal of this research is to ultimately provide guidance 
to employers, policymakers, trainers and educators, and stakeholders to 
assist them in selecting optimal strategies that promote improved 
employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Proposed Priorities

    The Assistant Secretary proposes to fund RRTCs that will conduct 
research on improving employment outcomes of individuals with 
disabilities. Applicants must select one of the following priorities: 
Economic Research on Employment Policy and Individuals with 
Disabilities; Employment Service Systems; Workplace Supports and Job 
Retention; and Substance Abuse and Employment Outcomes.
    Under each of these priorities, the RRTC must:
    (1) Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive plan for 
training critical stakeholders, e.g., individuals with disabilities and 
their family members, practitioners, service providers, researchers, 
and policymakers;
    (2) Provide technical assistance to critical stakeholders to 
facilitate utilization of research findings; and
    (3) Develop a systematic plan for widespread dissemination of 
informational materials based on knowledge gained from the RRTC's 
research activities, for individuals with disabilities, their 
representatives, service providers, and other interested parties.
    In addition to the specific activities proposed by the applicant, 
each RRTC must:
     Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its 
respective area of research in the third year of the grant cycle, 
including research from other sources, and publish a comprehensive 
report on the final outcomes of the conference in the fourth year of 
the grant cycle;
     Coordinate on research projects of mutual 
interest with relevant NIDRR-funded projects as identified through 
consultation with the NIDRR project officer;
     Involve persons with disabilities in planning 
and implementing the RRTC's research, training, and dissemination 
activities, and in evaluating the research;
     Demonstrate in its application how it will 
address, in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with minority 
backgrounds; and
     Demonstrate how the RRTC project will yield 
measurable results for individuals with disabilities;
     Identify specific performance targets and 
propose outcome indicators, along with time lines to reach these 
targets; and
     Demonstrate how the RRTC project can transfer 
research findings to practical applications in planning, policy-making, 
program administration, and delivery of services to individuals with 
disabilities.
     Consider the effect of demographics factors such 
as race/ethnicity, and educational level and disability factors such as 
and disability severity when conducting the research.
    Each RRTC must focus research on one of the following priorities:
    Priority 1--Economic Research on Employment Policy and Individuals 
with Disabilities: The purpose of the priority on economic research on 
employment policy and individuals with disabilities is to improve 
information on the employment status of individuals with disabilities 
and the effects of legislative and policy initiatives on employment 
outcomes for such individuals. The research funded under this priority 
must be designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
     Improved understanding of employment trends for 
individuals with disabilities in relation to macroeconomic, 
legislative, and policy changes;
     Strategies for evaluating legislative and policy 
efforts to improve employment outcomes for individuals with 
disabilities; and
     Identification of policies that contribute to 
improved employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
    The research resulting from this RRTC's program will provide 
guidance to policy-makers and others involved in efforts to improve 
employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. The reference 
for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 3, Employment 
Outcomes: Economic Policy and Labor Market Trends.
    Priority 2--Employment Service Systems: The purpose of the priority 
on employment service systems is to identify effective strategies that 
could be used by public and private employment service providers to 
improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Among 
public systems, the RRTC may include State vocational rehabilitation 
services and services provided under the Workforce Investment Act 
(WIA). Among private systems, the RRTC may include for-profit and non-
profit employment service providers. The RRTC may propose research 
related to other public and private employment systems. The reference 
for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 3, Employment 
Outcomes: Community-Based Employment Service Programs and State Service 
Systems. The research funded under this priority must be designed to 
contribute to the following outcomes:
     Cost-effective strategies that enhance consumer 
access to, and satisfaction with, services that improve employment 
outcomes;
     Effective simplified strategies for eligibility 
determination that promote access to services and improved customer 
satisfaction;
     Effective service system strategies for the 
provision of individualized services, and enhanced coordination of 
services at the individual level; and

[[Page 5330]]

     Effective strategies to improve employment 
outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
    Priority 3--Workplace Supports and Job Retention: The purpose of 
the priority on workplace supports and job retention is to improve 
employment outcomes through the use of effective workplace supports and 
job retention strategies. The reference for this topic can be found in 
the Plan, chapter 3, Employment Outcomes: Employer Roles and Workplace 
Supports. The research funded under this priority must be designed to 
contribute to the following outcomes:
     Improved understanding of the use of workplace 
supports, accommodations, and strategies across a variety of work 
settings and with specific disability groups;
     Improved understanding of factors that impede 
the use of effective workplace supports and job retention strategies; 
and
     Identification of effective employer-based or 
workplace strategies or accommodations that improve employment outcomes 
for individuals with disabilities.
    Priority 4--Substance Abuse and Employment Outcomes: The purpose of 
the priority on substance abuse and employment outcomes is to improve 
employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities who also have 
substance abuse problems. The research funded under this priority must 
be designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
     Effective techniques for individuals and 
agencies providing employment-related services to individuals with 
disabilities to screen and identify those who have substance abuse 
problems; and
     Effective strategies to improve employment 
outcomes for individuals with disabilities who have substance abuse 
problems.
    When conducting this work, the RRTC must examine strategies that 
are effective in both community and work settings (including community-
based partnerships) and must examine the effects of workplace support 
and clinical treatment services. The reference to this topic can be 
found in the Plan, chapter 2, Dimensions of Disability: Emerging 
Universe of Disability.

Executive Order 12866

    This notice of proposed priorities 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 the notice of proposed 
priorities 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 notice of proposed priorities, we have 
determined that the benefits of the proposed priorities justify the 
costs.

Summary of potential costs and benefits

    The potential costs associated with these proposed priorities is 
minimal while the benefits are significant. Grantees may anticipate 
costs associated with completing the application process in terms of 
staff time, copying, and mailing or delivery. The use of e-Application 
technology reduces mailing and copying costs significantly.
    The benefits of the RRTC Program have been well established over 
the years in that similar projects have been completed successfully. 
These proposed priorities will generate new knowledge through research, 
dissemination, utilization, training, and technical assistance 
projects.
    The benefit of these proposed priorities and project requirements 
also will be the establishment of new RRTCs that generate, disseminate, 
and promote the use of new information to improve options and 
participation in the community for individuals with disabilities.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.

Electronic Access to This Document

    You may review this document, as well as all other Department of 
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe 
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: 
www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.
    To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. 
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in 
the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

    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 Number: 84.133B, 
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center Program)

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(2).

    Dated: January 29, 2004.
Troy R. Justesen,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 04-2287 Filed 2-3-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
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