31752 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 97 / Thursday, May 18, 2000 / Notices

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

National Institute on Disability and

Rehabilitation Research

AGENCY: Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of Final Funding

Priorities for Fiscal Years 2000–2001 for

Research and Training Centers.

SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for

the Office of Special Education and

Rehabilitative Services announces final

funding priorities for three

Rehabilitation Research and Training

Centers (RRTCs) under the National

Institute on Disability and

Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) for

fiscal years 2000–2001. The Assistant

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 June 19, 2000.

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:

DonnalNangle@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 for one

RRTC related to Rehabilitation for

Persons with Long-Term Mental Illness

and two RRTCs related to Independent

Living. The final priorities refer to

NIDRR’s Long Range Plan (the Plan).

The Plan can be accessed on the World

Wide Web at: http://www.ed.gov/

legislation/FedRegister/other/1999–12/

68576.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 in this issue of the

Federal Register.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

On February 23, 2000 the Assistant

Secretary published a notice of

proposed priorities in the Federal

Register (64 FR 9182). 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 Assistant

Secretary is not legally authorized to

make under statutory authority—are not

addressed.

Rehabilitation Research and Training

Centers

Rehabilitation of Persons with Longterm Mental Illness

Comment: Eleven commenters

suggested that the RRTC should add a

priority addressing the role of

technology in self-determination.

Discussion: The RRTC is established

for the purpose of conducting research

that can facilitate improving services

and supports for individuals with LongTerm Mental Illness (LTMI). NIDRR

recognizes the need for better

understanding of the role of technology

in rehabilitation of individuals with

disabilities, including applications of

information technologies in the delivery

of supports and services to individuals

with LTMI.

Changes: The priority has been

revised to require that applicants

conduct research on technology in selfdetermination.

Comment: The request for application

should specifically ask for research and

development issues related to societal

barriers that result from the problems

related to the stigma and discrimination

experienced by persons with mental

illness.

Discussion: Applicants have the

discretion to propose to address stigmas,

discrimination, and barriers as they

relate to self-determination. However,

after consulting with officials at the

National Institute on Mental Health

(NIMH), NIDRR has determined that

research on these topics duplicate

NIMH research. NIDRR declines to add

a requirement that applicants

specifically address research and

development issues related to societal

barriers that result from the problems

related to the stigma and discrimination

experienced by persons with mental

illness.

Change: None.

Comment: NIDRR is encouraged to

examine opportunities to enhance selfdetermination efforts, particularly

opportunities to expand consumer and

family member initiated acts of selfdetermination in delivery of patient care

and rehabilitative services and other

self-determination efforts that are

succeeding.

Discussion: The priority provides a

discussion on the issue of enhancing

opportunities to expand consumer and

family member initiated acts of selfdetermination in delivery of patient care

and rehabilitative services. The

applicant has the discretion to pursue

research related to all aspects of

improving self-determination services

and supports for individuals with LTMI

in the proposal. The peer review process

will evaluate the merits of the

proposals.

Change: None.

Comment: NIDRR is encouraged to

use resources to increase availability of

evidence-based service delivery

programs such as the Program of

Assertive Community Treatment

(PACT).

Discussion: The priority provides a

discussion on the issue of communitybased and evidence-based service

delivery. Applicants could propose to

address examples of evidence-based

service delivery in fulfilling the

requirements of the priority. However,

NIDRR has no basis to determine that all

applicants should be required to address

this issue or to utilize a specific theory,

model, or approach.

Change: None.

The Department of Education

received two letters commenting upon

the two proposed priorities on

independent living.

Improved Management of CIL Programs

and Services

Comment: One commenter suggested

that NIDRR require the RRTC to address

successful management practices

applied by organizations in the forprofit sector that could be utilized by

CILs.

Discussion: In the background

statement, NIDRR notes that CILs

operate in an environment of public and

private and nonprofit and business

entities. We agree that the for-profit

sector may offer CILs models of

successful management practices. In

addressing the required research

activities, applicants have the discretion

to propose specific research approaches

and theoretical perspectives. The peer

review process will evaluate the merits

of the proposals.

Changes: We have revised the fourth

activity to reflect that business

organizations are potential models of

successful management for CILs.

Comment: One commenter

recommended that the training to

improve core competency skills be

extended to all staff members, including

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 97 / Thursday, May 18, 2000 / Notices 31753

those facing barriers related to cultural

and linguistic diversity. The same

commenter recommended that the

statement regarding evaluation of

strategies for improved recruitment and

retention of staff be worded so that it

includes all center staff, with an

emphasis on people from diverse

backgrounds.

Discussion: In the background

statement, NIDRR notes that staffing

problems in general are an issue for CILs

that must be addressed. Similarly,

NIDRR recognizes that improvement of

core competencies is an issue for all CIL

staff. The language of the proposed

activities needs to be changed to fully

address the concerns of NIDRR.

Changes: NIDRR has revised the

activities to clarify that the training

needs and the recruitment and retention

of all staff, including those who are

geographically dispersed or cultural and

linguistic minorities, must be addressed.

Comment: One commenter

recommended that the focus be

broadened to include examination of

CIL partnerships with public and

private agencies that may have newly

acquired authority and resources aimed

at the mission of employment of people

with disabilities.

Discussion: In the priority, NIDRR

notes that CILs operate in an

environment of public and private and

nonprofit and business entities. NIDRR

notes that the ability to form effective

working relationships with a range of

organizations is essential for successful

CIL operation. As noted in the

background statement, recent

developments in employment services

and entitlement benefits for individuals

pose additional challenges. NIDRR

prefers to allow the applicant to develop

and propose plans that draw upon the

range of actors that may facilitate

employment. The peer review process

will evaluate the merits of the

proposals.

Changes: None.

Il and the New Paradigm of Disability

Comment: One commenter indicated

that the priority was not clearly worded

when presenting the activity that

references ‘‘generic community

services’’.

Discussion: The background

statement indicates that a challenge to

facilitating independent living and

community integration is the changing

universe of disability. NIDRR

encourages applicants to address a range

of strategies that could facilitate

advocacy and community services for

persons with significant disabilities,

including persons from a changing

universe population. An applicant

might propose to focus upon a range of

appropriate populations with different

degrees of need for services. The peer

review process will evaluate the merits

of the proposals.

Changes: None.

Comment: One commenter asked for

clarification so that the priority

explicitly includes ‘‘the policy

environment as part of the social

environment’’ cited in the opening

paragraph.

Discussion: NIDRR has long

supported policy research on disability

and independent living. Inclusion of a

policy focus is in line with positions

established in the Plan.

Changes: The priority has been

revised to explicitly include ‘‘the policy

environment’’.

Rehabilitation Research and Training

Centers

The authority for the RRTC program

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 Assistant 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.

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 inservice 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.

Priority 1: Long-Term Mental Illness

Background

The Surgeon General estimates that

approximately 20 percent of the U.S.

population experience a mental disorder

in any given year, that 9 percent of the

adult population have a diagnosable

major mental illness, and that a

subpopulation of 5.4 percent of the

population is considered to have a

significant mental illness (Kessler, R.C.,

McGonagle, K.A., Zhoa, S., Nelson, C.B.,

Hughes, M., Eshlemon, S., Wittchen,

H.U., Kendler, K.S. (1994). Lifetime and

12-month prevalence of DSM–IIIR

psychiatric disorders in the United

States. Results from the National

31754 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 97 / Thursday, May 18, 2000 / Notices

Comorbidity Survey. Archives of

General Psychiatry, 51–8–19). The costs

to society of mental illness are

substantial. The indirect costs of mental

illness in 1990, stemming from lost

productivity at work, school, or home,

were estimated at $78.6 billion (Rice

and Miller, 1996). As the population

grows, the needs of a growing number

of individuals with a significant mental

illness are not being met. Only one in

four adults with a diagnosable mental

disorder receives treatment and one

third of children and adolescents

needing mental health services are

treated (Manderscheid and Henderson,

1998), this can be attributed to many

factors. Inadequate community

resources, including lack of access to

new medications and psychosocial

treatments, unemployment, and lack of

options for long-term care complicate

the lives of individuals with long-term

mental illness. Many individuals also

experience homelessness, family

disruptions, chronic medical

conditions, alcohol and substance

abuse, incarceration, and social

isolation, as well as the potential for

periodic exacerbation.

Quality is an important factor in the

delivery of effective mental health

services. Defining quality services is not

an easy task, nor is there ready

consensus on all components of the

concept. The Institute of Medicine states

that quality of services is ‘‘the degree to

which health services for individuals

and populations increase the likelihood

of desired health outcomes and are

consistent with current professional

knowledge’’ (Marder, 1999). However,

measuring the quality of services

provided to individuals with significant

mental illness, as well as measuring

outcomes, present numerous challenges

because of the periodic and chronic

nature of the illness, and the ongoing

need for intensive therapeutic services

and long-term support. Practitioners,

policy makers, and consumers continue

to ask questions about how to

adequately meet the multifaceted needs

of individuals with significant mental

illness.

Generally, family members and

consumers want community-based

support services and treatment

programs that are accessible and

designed to meet long-term needs. The

potential for individuals with serious

mental illness to be maintained in the

community rather than in institutions,

work productively, live independently,

and participate in rehabilitation

planning is increased when a

comprehensive support system is

available in community settings.

Research on consumer participation and

community-based programs has

provided evidence that there is a

positive relationship between the level

of consumer participation and

therapeutic outcomes (Kent & Read,

1998).

Proponents of community-based

service programs and support systems

long have advocated that consumers be

empowered to participate in the

decisionmaking process. However, one

reason individuals with disabilities

have limited opportunities to participate

in decisions about their services is

related to the lack of consensus on a

definition for self-determination. Selfdetermination is defined and

implemented differently (Ward, 1999)

depending on the program, philosophy,

and purposes for implementing a selfdetermination model. However, there

are some common concepts in the

definitions for self-determination, in

particular, consumer control, choice,

self-direction, empowerment,

leadership, and self-advocacy (Ward &

Roger, 1999) as potential elements of

self-direction. While most mental health

professionals support the concept of

self-determination, not all agree that

individuals with psychiatric disabilities

should have control over or participate

in planning and decisionmaking

activities (Kent & Read, 1998).

Individuals with psychiatric

disabilities are not yet full participants

in the disability self-determination

movement. It is widely alleged that

professionals in the psychiatric

disabilities community continue to use

medical compliance as a control

mechanism and as a determining factor

for awarding patients certain privileges.

The right to choose among treatment

options is often regarded as a privilege

that is earned through medical

compliance (Chamberlain & Powers,

1999).

Obstacles to the development and

implementation of self-determination

efforts include controversy over whether

severe mental illness is a lifelong

process or whether recovery is possible.

Some discussions of this issue suggest

that the need for extensive, lifelong

support and the severity of the illness

preclude using a self-determination

approach. In addition, the impact of

self-determination approaches on

quality of services is unknown.

Methodologies, indicators, and

standards for measuring quality of care

within self-determination models would

facilitate understanding the impact of

this approach on rehabilitation

outcomes. In particular, research that

addresses questions about the ability of

individuals with serious mental

illnesses to make decisions about

treatment and medication management

is lacking.

Traditionally, program planning and

treatment decisions in the mental health

field have been made by clinicians, and

often involve maintaining patients on

medication without consumer input or

choice. Policies and service systems

tend to be based on a paternalistic

model that restricts consumer control

and input. However, there is evidence

that consumer and family involvement

in decisionmaking and program

planning have the potential to foster

higher quality services and

responsiveness from providers.

The quality of services can potentially

be improved by using information

technology to involve consumers and

families in decisionmaking. Efforts to

support individual choice can be

enhanced by using emerging

technologies to improve access to

services, particularly for individuals in

remote areas, reduce information

dissemination barriers, improve

employment training and job

opportunities, and enhance training

options for service providers. Although

recent studies have discussed the digital

divide for individuals with disabilities

(New York Times, 2000; Disability

Statistics Center, 2000) there is a

paucity of research on the benefits of

using technology to support selfdetermination. Research addressing

consumer benefits and satisfaction with

uses of technology for activities

associated with improving their

independence, barriers that prevent

access and expanded use of technology,

service provider knowledge and

experience using technology to support

self-determination, and the effectiveness

of technology to improve or enhance

self-determination is limited.

Similarly, the effectiveness service

models incorporating self-determination

and their relationship to rehabilitation

outcomes have not been evaluated. In

addition, there has not been adequate

study of the impact of the various

components of self-determination

models on the rehabilitation process.

Better understanding of the

implications of self-determination for

rehabilitation outcomes potentially will

answer questions related to competency,

patient rights, recovery, outcomes, and

policies. Research addressing these

issues, describing standards for quality,

and establishing outcome measures for

consumer driven decisions is lacking in

the research literature. Studies

evaluating self-determination will

potentially further the understanding of

the rehabilitation process for

individuals with significant mental

illness, and identify strengths,

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 97 / Thursday, May 18, 2000 / Notices 31755

weaknesses, and needed improvements

in the existing models.

The Plan emphasizes the importance

of independent living and community

integration. Central to independent

living is the recognition that each

individual has a right to independence

that comes from exercising maximal

control over his or her life. These

activities include making decisions

involved in managing one’s own life,

sustaining the ability and opportunity to

make choices in performing everyday

activities, and minimizing physical and

psychological dependence on others.

Independent living is a concept that also

emphasizes participation and equity in

the right to share in the opportunities,

risks, and rewards available to all

citizens.

Priority: Improving Services and

Supports for Individuals With LongTerm Mental Illness

The Assistant Secretary, in

collaboration with the Substance Abuse

and Mental Health Services

Administration and the Center for

Mental Health Services, will establish

an RRTC for the purpose of improving

services and supports for individuals

with long-term mental illness. In

carrying out these purposes, the Center

must:

(1) Develop measures that can be

applied to evaluate self-determination

activities in terms of rehabilitation

outcomes, quality of services, and

availability of community resources;

(2) Identify and assess selfdetermination direction theories,

models, and activities, as well as the

barriers to participation in selfdetermination activities for individuals

with disabilities;

(3) Develop and evaluate management

tools to enable service providers to

support self-determination;

(4) With significant and persistent

mental illness and publish a

comprehensive report in the fourth year

of the grant; and

(5) Address in its research the specific

needs of minority populations with

LTMI.

Two Priorities on Independent Living

Background

The mission of NIDRR emphasizes

developing knowledge that will

‘‘improve substantially the options for

disabled individuals to perform regular

activities in the community, and the

capacity of society to provide full

opportunities and appropriate supports

for its disabled’’ as stated in the Plan.

Much of NIDRR’s work reflects the

components of the Independent Living

(IL) philosophy: consumer control, selfhelp, advocacy, peer relationships and

peer role models, and equal access to

society, programs, and activities. NIDRR

has funded subject-specific RRTCs in IL

since 1980 and supports other projects

that incorporate principles of IL.

Most recently, NIDRR has funded one

RRTC on Centers for Independent

Living (CIL) management and services

and a second on IL and disability

policy. The last year of the five-year

project period for the awards was 1999.

In light of the research agenda

established in the Plan, and input

obtained from the Rehabilitation

Services Administration (RSA) and

other Federal agencies and constituents,

in various meetings that addressed

related themes, NIDRR has identified

critical issues in independent living to

be addressed at this time. There is a

continuing need to fund two Centers

that study independent living and

community integration.

Independent living and achieving

community integration to the maximum

extent possible are issues at the crux of

NIDRR’s mission. NIDRR is committed

to the creation of a theoretical

framework with measurable outcomes

that is based upon the experiences of

individuals with disabilities. The new

paradigm of disability embodied in the

Plan requires analysis of the extent to

which socioenvironmental factors help

or hinder individuals with disabilities

in attaining full participation in society.

Questions as basic as defining

independent living in the context of

diverse socioeconomic factors must be

addressed. Current challenges to

independent living derive from the

changing characteristics of both the IL

service system and the disability

population.

Substantial administrative, advocacy,

strategic and service-delivery issues

affect the daily activities of Centers for

Independent Living (CILs). Critical

issues include funding and resource

management, quality staffing, and

relationships with other agencies key to

the success of CILs. The issue of

financial management of CILs calls for

a balanced approach to identify existing

policies, regulations, models, and

programs that serve to hinder or help in

establishing sound fiscal operation.

Financial management requires

expertise in fiscal analysis, budgeting,

understanding grant requirements and

program rules, accounting, auditing, and

fundraising.

CILs, which spend substantial

amounts of money on personnel, are

subject to staffing problems typical of

human service organizations and small

businesses, including recruitment

problems, training and competency

development, and retention problems.

Staffing problems may impede the

ability of CILs to deliver individualized

information and support services. An

essential step in strengthening

continuity in services is to recruit, train,

and retain first line managers.

CILs lack documentation of the

competencies required for IL

management. Awareness of competency

needs is key to developing successful

recruitment strategies and staff

development programs. For example,

innovative recruitment strategies are

needed to attract youth with disabilities

that are transitioning from school to

independent living to obtain

employment expeiences in CIL service

programs. Creative efforts to attract

young persons entering the job market

as employees could assist the CILs in

understanding the needs of youth with

disabilities as consumers as well,

including work experience

opportunities while still in school, upon

graduation and after college. Career

development, with pathways to more

responsible positions in CILs, can be a

key to the retention of competent staff.

CILs exist in a framework of public

agencies, nonprofit organizations, and

the local business sectors. The ability to

form effective partnerships and

cooperative working relationships with

appropriate entities is essential to

successful CIL operation. Historically,

relationships with State governments,

including Vocational Rehabilitation

agencies, Statewide Independent Living

Councils, State Consumer Advocacy

Organizations and County and City

governments have been at the heart of

CIL operations and responsibilities.

Recent developments in the area of

employment services and entitlement

benefits for individuals with disabilities

pose additional opportunities and

challenges for CILs by introducing new

actors, new clients, and new rules.

Passage of the Workforce Investment

Act of 1998 and the Work Incentives

Improvement Act of 1999 might provide

new opportunities for CILs to play a role

in the process of vocational

rehabilitation and employment.

A challenge to facilitating

independent living and community

integration is the changing universe of

disability. Demographic, social and

environmental trends affect the

prevalence and distribution of various

types of disability as well as the

demands of those disabilities on social

policy and service systems. Within the

universe of disabilities are: (1) Changing

etiologies for existing disabilities; (2)

growth in segments of the population

with higher prevalence rates for certain

31756 Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 97 / Thursday, May 18, 2000 / Notices

disabilities; (3) the consequences of

changes in public policy and in health

care services and technologies; and (4)

the appearance of new disabilities.

Some of the RRTCs sponsored by NIDRR

that address these issues including the

following: Aging with a Disability,

Measuring Rehabilitative Outcomes, and

Economic Research on Employment

Policy for Persons with Disabilities.

The CILs and consumer organizations

can prepare to address changing needs

of diverse populations with attention to

the infrastructure of resource

availability and management strategy.

At the same time, there is a need to

frame the history and role of the

independent living movement within

the context of theories of society and

social movements and organizational

and group structure. Such a framework

could identify ways to: (1) Reach out to

underserved populations, (2) collaborate

with key organizations that might not be

perceived as traditional disability

advocates, and (3) recognize the role of

environmental factors on successfully

independent living and achieving

community integration. A sound

theoretical base can be drawn upon to

develop policy and service-delivery

models that can help maximize social

participation for individuals with

disabilities.

Researchers have identified an

association between disabilities and

poverty, especially among youth

(Fujiura G et al., ‘‘Disability Among

Ethnic and Racial Minorities in the

United States,’’ Journal of Disability

Policy Studies, Vol. 9, No. 2, pgs. 112–

130, 1998). The growing number of

individuals aging with long-standing

disabilities, as well as the increase in

the population of older persons who

acquire disabilities as they age, is

another aspect of a changing disability

population. Newer etiologies of

disability, such as HIV/AIDS, multiple

chemical sensitivity and environmental

illness, challenge IL concepts, services,

and research. CILs and other

organizations can serve as a resource to

teach youth, aging persons, and

underserved populations, including

those from cultural and linguistic

diversity about independent living.

There may be an opportunity for CILs to

develop strong alliances with parent

information training centers and schools

(from pre-school through postsecondary

programs) and with the aging and

underserved populations through

appropriate partnerships.

As an example of the role of

demographic factors, disability has a

disproportionate impact upon African

Americans, Hispanic Americans, and

American Indians. An array of

culturally-sensitive service-delivery

models, community organizations, and

other resources is necessary to provide

services to individuals from minority

backgrounds. Organizations with

grassroots orientations, including CILs,

are in a unique position to help identify

the specific needs of individuals from

those affected populations. Model

strategies in other countries might be

adapted to reach unserved and

underserved populations in the United

States.

Physical environment, including the

built environment, can pose numerous

obstacles that confound living

independently. Individuals with

disabilities living in rural communities

may be isolated from CILs and

vocational rehabilitation services.

Isolation resulting from distance, lack of

available transportation, lack of

monetary resources to support social

services, limited job opportunities, lack

of a health care delivery system, the

digital divide due to a lack of

technology, and unavailability of

accessible and affordable housing can be

problems for rural Americans. Similar

problems may confront persons from

minority backgrounds in inner cities

and remote areas, persons who are

homeless, and migrants. For all

populations, and for all salient issues

that affect independent living and

community integration, the social and

economic costs and benefits of various

strategies must be evaluated.

The Plan discusses research on

physical inclusion, including the

identification and evaluation of models

that facilitate housing that are consistent

with consumer choice. In addition to

physical and economic accessibility,

model housing approaches must

maximize community integration and

ability to participate in a range of

normative activities.

Priority 1: Improved Management of

CIL Programs and Services

The Assistant Secretary will establish

an RRTC on IL management, services

and strategies that will conduct research

and training activities and develop and

evaluate model approaches to enhance

the capacity of CILs to operate and

manage effective advocacy, service

programs and businesses, and develop

and maintain effective external

partnerships. In carrying out this

purpose, the Center must:

(1) Develop a database of existing CIL

funding and economic resources, and

identify innovative and best practices in

creating secure economic foundations

for CILs;

(2) Working in collaboration with

appropriate entities, design and test

several options for generating funding

from alternative sources, including

business development strategies and

analyze policy-related and

programmatic consequences of various

funding options, especially those

independent of public financing;

(3) Identify best practices and develop

and test programs for CILs in expanding

services to youth with disabilities and

their families, including those from

diverse cultural backgrounds, and in

interfacing with education and

transition programs to prepare children

and youth for independent living,

including life long learning;

(4) Develop and test strategies to

enable CILs to benefit from management

models of other successful communitybased organizations or business

organizations. Develop and test

innovative models of cost-effective

training to improve core competency

skills of CIL staff, including

geographically dispersed and culturally

and linguistically diverse CIL staff,

including but not limited to those from

Indian tribes and tribal organizations,

and evaluate strategies for improved

recruitment and retention of CIL staff,

including those from diverse

backgrounds;

(5) Review CIL and vocational

rehabilitation agency policies related to

collaborations, and design strategies for

innovative partnerships to promote

employment outcomes for individuals

with disabilities;

(6) Coordinate activities with and

provide instruments, curricula,

methodologies, and resource guides, as

well as research findings, including but

not necessarily limited to distance

learning and web-based technologies, to

the RSA training and technical

assistance provider under Part C of Title

VII of the Rehabilitation Act; and

(7) Provide training and information

for CILs, policy makers, including

business leaders and educators,

administrators, and advocates on

research findings and identified

strategies.

In carrying out these purposes, the

Center must coordinate with other

NIDRR, including Section 21 Leadership

Training and the RRTCs on Disability

Statistics and Persons with Disabilities

from Minority Backgrounds, and OSERS

grantees and community-based

organizations that focus upon

independent living and with the

National Center for the Dissemination of

Disability Research. The RRTC on

improved management of CIL programs

and services will be funded jointly by

NIDRR and RSA and will be required to

work closely with the RSA grantee

providing training, technical assistance,

Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 97 / Thursday, May 18, 2000 / Notices 31757

and transition assistance to CILs and

Statewide Independent Living Councils

under Part C of Title VII of the

Rehabilitation Act.

Priority 2: IL and the New Paradigm of

Disability

The Assistant Secretary will establish

an RRTC on IL and the New Paradigm

of Disability that will facilitate the

development of innovative independent

living strategies to meet the challenges

of the 21st century. This Center will

promote an understanding of

independent living concepts and

practices in the context of the physical

and social environments noted in the

new paradigm of disability, including

assessment of the application of

independent living to the changing

universe of disability. In carrying out

these purposes, the Center must:

(1) Develop an analytical framework

for research on living independently

that incorporates the definition of IL,

the contextual framework of disability

and an accessible community, and the

changing universe of disability as

articulated in the Plan, and is grounded

in social science theory and methods;

(2) Identify and evaluate strategies to

promote accessible cost-effective

advocacy and generic community

services for individuals with significant

disabilities, and address specifically at

least one changing universe population;

(3) Evaluate the use of peer networks

and communication channels to assist

individuals with disabilities to maintain

wellness, access community services,

and participate in community life,

including education and employment;

(4) Assess the concept and application

of independent living for diverse

populations of cultural and linguistic

minorities, including but not limited to

those from Indian tribes and tribal

organizations, Latinos and Asians and

identify and evaluate culturally

appropriate independent living

approaches and strategies to assist

individuals within these groups to

attain self-determined independent

living goals; and

(5) Provide training and information

for CILs, policy makers, including

business leaders and educators,

administrators, and advocates on

research findings and identified

strategies.

In carrying out these purposes, the

project must coordinate with other

NIDRR, including Section 21 Leadership

Training and the RRTCs on Disability

Statistics and Persons with Disabilities

from Minority Backgrounds, and OSERS

grantees and community-based

organizations that focus on independent

living, the Center on Emergent

Disability, the National Center for the

Dissemination of Disability Research,

and the RSA training and technical

assistance provider under Part C of Title

VII of the Rehabilitation Act.

Electronic Access to This Document

You may view 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 either of the following sites:

http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm

http://www.ed.gov/news.html

To use the PDF you must have the

Adobe Acrobat Reader, 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 (GPO), toll free, at 1–

888–293–6498; or in the Washington,

D.C. 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: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/

index.html.

Applicable Program Regulations: 34

CFR Part 350

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760–762.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Number: 84.133B, Rehabilitation Research

and Training Centers)

Dated: May 11, 2000.

Judith E. Heumann,

Assistant Secretary for Special Education and

Rehabilitative Services.

[FR Doc. 00–12502 Filed 5–17–00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4000–01–U

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[CFDA No.: 84.133B]

Office of Special Education and

Rehabilitative Services, National

Institute on Disability and

Rehabilitation Research, Notice

Inviting Applications for New

Rehabilitation Research Training

Centers for Fiscal Year 2000

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: This notice

is a complete application package.

Together with the statute authorizing

the programs and applicable regulations

governing the programs, including the

Education Department General

Administrative Regulations (EDGAR),

this notice contains information,

application forms, and instructions

needed to apply for a grant under these

competitions.

These programs support the National

Education Goal that calls for all

Americans to possess the knowledge

and skills necessary to compete in a

global economy and exercise the rights

and responsibilities of citizenship.

The estimated funding levels in this

notice do not bind the Department of

Education to make awards in any of

these categories, or to any specific

number of awards or funding levels,

unless otherwise specified in statute.

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: The

Education Department General

Administrative Regulations (EDGAR),

34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, 80, 81, 82, 85,

and 86; Disability and Rehabilitation

Research Projects and Centers—34 CFR

Part 350, and the Notice of Final Priority

published elsewhere in this issue of the

Federal Register.

PRE-APPLICATION MEETINGS:

Interested parties are invited to

participate in a pre-application meeting

to discuss the funding priority for the

two RRTCs on Improved Management of

Centers for Independent Living (CIL)

Programs and Services and Independent

Living (IL) and the New Paradigm of

Disability and to receive technical

assistance through individual

consultation and information about the

funding priorities.

A pre-application meeting for the

RRTC on Improving Service and

Supports for Individuals with LongTerm Mental Illness will be held on

June 13, 2000 at the Department of

Education, Office of Special Education

and Rehabilitative Services, Switzer

Building, Room 3065, 330 C St. SW,

Washington, DC between 10:00 a.m. and

12:00 a.m.

The pre-application meeting for the

Independent Living priorities will be

held on June 15, 2000 at the Department

of Education, Office of Special

Education and Rehabilitative Services,

Switzer Building, Room 3065, 330 C St.

SW, Washington, DC between 10:00

a.m. and 12:00 a.m.

NIDRR staff will also be available at

this location on from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00

p.m. on that same day of the meeting to

provide technical assistance through

individual consultation and information

about the funding priorities. NIDRR will

make alternate arrangements to

accommodate interested parties who are

unable to attend the pre-application

meeting in person. For further

information or to make arrangements to

attend either in person or by telephone

contact the following: for the preapplication meeting on the Long-Term

Mental Illness priority contact Connie

Pledger, Switzer Building, room 3423,

400 Maryland Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20202. Telephone (202)