Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 88 / Tuesday, May 7, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 26509 

Under the provisions of 33 CFR 

165.160, a vessel may not enter the 

regulated area unless given express 

permission from the COTP or the 

designated representative. Spectator 

vessels may transit outside the regulated 

area but may not anchor, block, loiter in, 

or impede the transit of other vessels. 

The Coast Guard may be assisted by 

other Federal, State, or local law 

enforcement agencies in enforcing this 

regulation. 

This notice is issued under authority 

of 33 CFR 165.160(a) and 5 U.S.C. 

552(a). In addition to this notice in the 

Federal Register, the Coast Guard will 

provide mariners with advanced 

notification of enforcement periods via 

the Local Notice to Mariners and marine 

information broadcasts. If the COTP 

determines that the regulated area need 

not be enforced for the full duration 

stated in this notice, a Broadcast Notice 

to Mariners may be used to grant general 

permission to enter the regulated area. 

Dated: April 22, 2013. 

G. Loebl, 

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the 

Port New York. 

[FR Doc. 2013–10774 Filed 5–6–13; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 9110–04–P 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

34 CFR Chapter III 

[CFDA Number: 84.133A–1] 

Final Priority; National Institute on 

Disability and Rehabilitation 

Research—Disability and 

Rehabilitation Research Projects— 

Inclusive Cloud and Web Computing 

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and 

Rehabilitative Services, Department of 

Education. 

ACTION: Final priority. 

SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for 

Special Education and Rehabilitative 

Services announces a priority under the 

Disability Rehabilitation Research 

Projects and Centers Program 

administered by the National Institute 

on Disability and Rehabilitation 

Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this 

document announces a priority for a 

Disability Rehabilitation Research 

Project (DRRP) on inclusive cloud and 

Web computing. The Assistant Secretary 

may use this priority for a competition 

in fiscal year (FY) 2013 and later years. 

We take this action to focus research 

attention on areas of national need. We 

intend this priority to improve 

outcomes for individuals with 

disabilities. 

DATES: Effective Date: This priority is 

effective June 6, 2013. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Marlene Spencer, U.S. Department of 

Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., 

room 5133, Potomac Center Plaza (PCP), 

Washington, DC 20202–2700. 

Telephone: (202) 245–7532 or by email: 

marlene.spencer@ed.gov. 

If you use a telecommunications 

device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 

telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay 

Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– 

8339. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

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 selfsufficiency 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). 

Disability and Rehabilitation Research 

Projects 

The purpose of NIDRR’s DRRPs, 

which are funded through the Disability 

and Rehabilitation Research Projects 

and Centers Program, is to improve the 

effectiveness of services authorized 

under the Rehabilitation Act, by 

developing methods, procedures, and 

rehabilitation technologies that advance 

a wide range of independent living and 

employment outcomes for individuals 

with disabilities, especially individuals 

with the most severe disabilities. DRRPs 

carry out one or more of the following 

types of activities, as specified and 

defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through 

350.19: research, training, 

demonstration, development, 

dissemination, utilization, and technical 

assistance. 

An applicant for assistance under this 

program must demonstrate in its 

application how it will address, in 

whole or in part, the needs of 

individuals with disabilities from 

minority backgrounds (34 CFR 

350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant 

may take to meet this requirement are 

found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). 

Additional information on the DRRP 

program can be found at: http:// 

www2.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/ 

res-program.html#DRRP. 

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) 

and 764(a). 

Applicable Program Regulations: 34 

CFR part 350. 

We published a notice of proposed 

priority for this program in the Federal 

Register on January 15, 2013 (78 FR 

2919). That notice contained 

background information and our reasons 

for proposing the particular priority. 

There are differences between the 

notice of proposed priority and this 

notice of final priority as discussed in 

the Analysis of Comments and Changes 

section in this notice. In addition, we 

inadvertently stated in the Summary 

section of the notice of proposed 

priority, that we intend this priority to 

contribute to improved employment 

outcomes for individuals with 

disabilities. NIDRR did not intend to 

convey that this priority is focused 

exclusively on employment outcomes 

for individuals with disabilities. We 

have corrected the summary statement 

in this notice. 

Public Comment: In response to our 

invitation in the notice of proposed 

priority, four parties submitted 

comments. 

Generally, we do not address 

technical and other minor changes, or 

suggested changes the law does not 

authorize us to make under the 

applicable statutory authority. In 

addition, we do not address general 

comments that raised concerns not 

directly related to the proposed priority. 

Analysis of Comments and Changes: 

An analysis of the comments and of any 

changes in the priority since publication 

of the notice of proposed priority 

follows. 

Comment: One commenter suggested 

the priority address natural language 

processing and ways to determine how 

to make Web content and interactions 

easier to understand for individuals 

with mental disabilities. Specifically, 

the commenter suggested research on: 

ways to assess perceptions of 

individuals with mental disabilities, the 

effects of technology across multiple life 

contexts, and understandable cloud and 

Web computing languages. 

Discussion: Determining how to make 

Web content and interactions easier to 

understand for individuals with mental 

disabilities is consistent with the 

proposed priority, which requires the 

DRRP to contribute to the development 

of an inclusive cloud and Web 

infrastructure that incorporates options 

for disability access within its general 

structure. Nothing in the priority would 

preclude an applicant from proposing 

research in this area. However, NIDRR 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
26510 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 88 / Tuesday, May 7, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 

does not wish to further specify the 

research and development areas or 

target populations, because we do not 

want to limit the number and breadth of 

applications submitted under this 

priority. The peer review process will 

determine the merits of each proposal. 

Change: None. 

Comment: One commenter suggested 

the priority require the inclusion of 

individuals with disabilities on the 

teams that develop the cloud and Web 

technologies contemplated by the 

priority. In this context, the commenter 

also suggested that the proposed teams 

address authentication technology, such 

as easy-to-understand processes for 

logging onto the Web. 

Discussion: NIDRR agrees that it is 

important for its grantees to include 

individuals with disabilities in research 

and development plans and activities. 

The General Disability and 

Rehabilitation Research Projects 

Requirements priority (71 FR 25472), 

which we apply to all DRRP 

competitions, requires that DRPPs 

‘‘involve individuals with disabilities in 

planning and implementing the DRPP’s 

research, training, and dissemination 

activities, and in evaluating its work.’’ 

This requirement allows all applicants 

the flexibility to propose how they will 

include individuals with disabilities in 

their activities. 

The specific research and 

development topic suggested by the 

commenter—authentication 

technology—is consistent with the 

proposed priority, which requires the 

DRRP to contribute to the development 

of an inclusive cloud and Web 

infrastructure that incorporates options 

for disability access within its general 

structure. The peer review process will 

determine the merits of each proposal. 

Change: None. 

Comment: One commenter suggested 

that the priority address the creation of 

inclusive, cross-platform, Web-based 

applications that can be modified easily 

in response to user accessibility issues, 

as well as the development of tools to 

support testing user interfaces in leisure 

contexts. 

Discussion: The topics suggested by 

the commenter are generally consistent 

with the priority. The priority requires 

the DRRP to contribute to the 

development of an inclusive cloud and 

Web infrastructure that incorporates 

options for disability access within its 

general structure, which would include 

modifiable options. Further, nothing in 

the priority would preclude an 

applicant from proposing research on 

user interfaces related to engagement in 

leisure activities. The peer review 

process will determine the merits of 

each proposal. 

Change: None. 

Comment: One commenter suggested 

that the priority address information 

management topics, including how to 

manage user profiles and accessibility 

options over time, as technology 

evolves. The commenter noted that 

research on information management by 

individuals with disabilities and those 

in their support circles is needed to 

determine how technology use may 

influence an individual’s sense of time 

management, competence, and 

connectedness to others. 

Discussion: The topics suggested by 

the commenter are consistent with the 

proposed priority, which requires the 

DRRP to contribute to the development 

of an inclusive cloud and Web 

infrastructure that incorporates options 

for disability access within its general 

structure. Nothing in the priority would 

preclude an applicant from proposing 

research in these areas. However, 

NIDRR does not wish to further specify 

the research requirements in the way 

suggested by the commenter because we 

do not want to limit the number and 

breadth of applications submitted under 

this priority. The peer review process 

will determine the merits of each 

proposal. 

Change: None. 

Comment: One commenter suggested 

that the priority address the social 

impact of individuals with disabilities 

sharing Web accessibility experiences 

and approaches. The commenter also 

suggested that the priority address 

research on the relationship between 

inclusive cloud and Web design and 

self-determination. 

Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the 

social impact of cloud and Web 

technology is important, particularly as 

it affects participation and social 

networks. The topics suggested by the 

commenter may be consistent with the 

priority if they are framed to meet the 

purpose of the priority, which is to 

contribute to the development of an 

inclusive cloud and Web infrastructure 

that incorporates options for disability 

access within its general structure. This 

includes identifying, designing, 

prototyping, and assessing promising 

methods and systems for a cloud and 

Web infrastructure that addresses the 

needs of individuals with disabilities. 

For example, Table 1 of the priority 

includes a suggested research question, 

‘‘How to enable individuals with 

disabilities to share accessibility 

experiences and approaches.’’ 

Change: None. 

Comment: Three commenters stated 

that the needs of individuals with 

disabilities cannot be addressed with a 

sole focus on technology and that one of 

the primary factors limiting technology 

utilization for individuals with 

disabilities is the high poverty rate 

experienced by this population. The 

commenters noted the prohibitive costs 

of assistive technology required to use 

the Internet. The commenters 

recommended that the proposed priority 

be revised to include a focus on the 

relationship between poverty and 

disability. 

Discussion: NIDRR agrees that poverty 

affects technology and Web utilization 

by individuals with disabilities, in part 

because individuals with disabilities 

currently are required to purchase 

separate accessibility software and 

assistive devices for each device they 

use to access the Web. However, the 

DRRP on inclusive cloud and Web 

computing is designed specifically to 

contribute to the development of an 

inclusive cloud and Web infrastructure 

that incorporates options for disability 

access within its general structure. A 

more inclusive infrastructure may 

reduce the need for individuals with 

disabilities to purchase separate 

equipment and thereby reduce the 

economic burden of Web use by 

individuals with disabilities. 

Nothing in the priority precludes an 

applicant from proposing research 

questions specific to poverty, as long as 

the research questions are framed to 

meet the purpose and requirements of 

the priority. However, NIDRR does not 

wish to further specify the research 

requirements in the way suggested by 

the commenter because we do not want 

to limit the number and breadth of 

applications submitted under this 

priority. The peer review process will 

determine the merits of each proposal. 

Change: None. 

Comment: Three commenters stated 

that the proposed priority focuses on the 

development of technologies and 

products solely for the benefit of 

individuals with disabilities and 

recommended a change to make the 

final priority more focused on the 

development of universally designed 

products. 

Discussion: For purposes of this 

priority, NIDRR uses the term ‘‘inclusive 

cloud and Web infrastructure’’ to mean 

the same thing as a ‘‘universally 

designed’’ cloud and Web 

infrastructure. An inclusive cloud and 

Web infrastructure is one that is 

accessible to a wide range of 

individuals, including individuals with 

disabilities. Contributions to the 

development of an inclusive cloud and 

Web infrastructure may reduce the need 

for specialized adaptations or the 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 88 / Tuesday, May 7, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 26511 

purchase of assistive technology 

equipment. 

NIDRR would also like to note that 

the purpose of the DRRP is not to 

develop technologies and products, as 

suggested by the commenter, but to 

develop methods of, systems for, and 

technical approaches to developing an 

inclusive cloud and Web infrastructure. 

The proposed priority requires the 

DRRP to ‘‘identify, design, prototype, 

and assess promising methods and 

systems for, and technical approaches to 

designing, a cloud and Web 

infrastructure that addresses the needs 

of individuals with disabilities.’’ If the 

grantee under this priority is successful 

in contributing to the development of a 

more universally-designed and 

inclusive cloud and Web infrastructure, 

there is likely to be a stronger 

foundation for the further development 

of universally designed products for 

widespread use, as suggested by the 

commenter. 

Change: None. 

Comment: Three commenters 

recommended that the final priority 

require research that is related to the 

employment of individuals with 

disabilities. The commenters also noted 

that none of the research questions 

included in Table 1 of the proposed 

priority addresses employment. 

Discussion: NIDRR agrees that 

employment is a critical outcome for the 

population of individuals with 

disabilities. We have developed this 

priority because we believe that a more 

inclusive cloud and Web infrastructure 

is likely to contribute to improved 

employment outcomes for individuals 

with disabilities. With a more inclusive 

cloud and Web infrastructure, for 

example, individuals with disabilities 

are likely to have more direct access to 

the Web without the need for additional 

assistive technologies, thereby creating 

opportunities to search and apply for 

jobs and engage in work online. 

The priority requires applicants to 

address at least one of the research 

questions in Table 1 but also allows 

applicants to focus on additional 

research questions not reflected in Table 

1. If applicants choose to focus on 

additional research questions, such as 

those related to employment, they must 

explain how work on the additional 

question or questions will advance 

disability access in cloud and Web 

infrastructure design. 

In sum, nothing in the priority 

precludes an applicant from proposing 

research related to employment, as long 

as the research questions are framed to 

meet the requirements of the priority. 

However, NIDRR does not wish to 

further specify the research 

requirements in the way suggested by 

the commenters because we do not want 

to limit the number and breadth of 

applications submitted under this 

priority. The peer review process will 

determine the merits of each proposal. 

Change: None. 

Comment: None. 

Discussion: In the proposed priority, 

Table 1 is located in the background 

section, which will not be published as 

part of this notice of final priority. 

Because the contents of Table 1 are 

integral to the priority and its 

requirements, we are including it in the 

priority. 

Change: NIDRR has included the text 

of Table 1 in the text of the final 

priority. 

FINAL PRIORITY: 

DRRP on Inclusive Cloud and Web 

Computing. 

The Assistant Secretary for Special 

Education and Rehabilitative Services 

establishes a priority for a Disability and 

Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) 

on inclusive cloud and Web computing. 

The DRRP must contribute to the 

development of an inclusive cloud and 

Web infrastructure that incorporates 

options for disability access within its 

general structure. 

To contribute to this initiative, the 

DRRP must— 

(1) Identify, design, prototype, and 

assess promising methods and systems 

for, and technical approaches to 

designing, a cloud and Web 

infrastructure that addresses the needs 

of individuals with disabilities. The 

DRRP must address at least one of the 

research questions outlined in Table 1. 

Applicants may also choose to address 

additional research questions not 

reflected in Table 1. In that case, the 

application must fully explain how 

work on the additional topic or topics 

proposed by the applicant will advance 

disability access in cloud and Web 

infrastructure design. 

(2) Conduct knowledge translation 

activities (e.g., training, technical 

assistance, dissemination, collaboration) 

in order to facilitate use of the research 

results by key stakeholders (e.g., 

individuals with disabilities, computer 

scientists, other researchers and 

software developers working on 

accessibility technology, policy makers, 

international partners). 

(3) Demonstrate meaningful 

involvement by key stakeholder groups 

(e.g., individuals with disabilities, 

computer scientists, software developers 

and researchers working on accessibility 

technology, policy makers, international 

partners) in order to maximize the 

relevance and usability of the research 

conducted under this priority. 

Involvement may include, but is not 

limited to, participation in a 

multidisciplinary research team, 

advisory board, focus group, or other 

participatory action research method. 

TABLE 1—RESEARCH QUESTIONS OF IMPORTANCE IN DEVELOPING INCLUSIVE CLOUD AND WEB COMPUTING

INFRASTRUCTURE

Research questions Possible computer science approaches 

How to make content and interactions easier to understand for individuals with mental disabilities ..... Natural language processing. 

How to make it easier for individuals with disabilities to log on to the Web ........................................... Authentication technology. 

How to change the presentation of information on Web pages to respond to difficulties encountered 

by individuals with disabilities.

Adaptive user interfaces. 

How to manage user profiles and accessibility options over time, as technology evolves .................... Federated information management. 

How to make software more easily modifiable to meet individual needs ............................................... Software architecture. 

How to improve the ability of software tools to identify accessibility problems in documents ................ Automated user interface testing. 

How to enable individuals with disabilities to share accessibility experiences and approaches ............ Social computing. 

How to incorporate specific accessibility features (e.g., closed captioning, volume control, video description, screen reader technology, accessible user interfaces) into an inclusive Web infrastructure.Software design. 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
26512 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 88 / Tuesday, May 7, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 

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)). 

This notice does not preclude us from 

proposing additional priorities, 

requirements, definitions, or selection 

criteria, subject to meeting applicable 

rulemaking requirements. 

Note: This notice does not solicit 

applications. In any year in which we choose 

to use this priority, we invite applications 

through a notice in the Federal Register. 

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 

Regulatory Impact Analysis 

Under Executive Order 12866, the 

Secretary must determine whether this 

regulatory action is ‘‘significant’’ and, 

therefore, subject to the requirements of 

the Executive order and subject to 

review by the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive 

Order 12866 defines a ‘‘significant 

regulatory action’’ as an action likely to 

result in a rule that may— 

(1) Have an annual effect on the 

economy of $100 million or more, or 

adversely affect a sector of the economy, 

productivity, competition, jobs, the 

environment, public health or safety, or 

State, local, or tribal governments or 

communities in a material way (also 

referred to as an ‘‘economically 

significant’’ rule); 

(2) Create serious inconsistency or 

otherwise interfere with an action taken 

or planned by another agency; 

(3) Materially alter the budgetary 

impacts of entitlement grants, user fees, 

or loan programs or the rights and 

obligations of recipients thereof; or 

(4) Raise novel legal or policy issues 

arising out of legal mandates, the 

President’s priorities, or the principles 

stated in the Executive order. 

This final regulatory action is not a 

significant regulatory action subject to 

review by OMB under section 3(f) of 

Executive Order 12866. 

We have also reviewed this final 

regulatory action under Executive Order 

13563, which supplements and 

explicitly reaffirms the principles, 

structures, and definitions governing 

regulatory review established in 

Executive Order 12866. To the extent 

permitted by law, Executive Order 

13563 requires that an agency— 

(1) Propose or adopt regulations only 

upon a reasoned determination that 

their benefits justify their costs 

(recognizing that some benefits and 

costs are difficult to quantify); 

(2) Tailor its regulations to impose the 

least burden on society, consistent with 

obtaining regulatory objectives and 

taking into account—among other things 

and to the extent practicable—the costs 

of cumulative regulations; 

(3) In choosing among alternative 

regulatory approaches, select those 

approaches that maximize net benefits 

(including potential economic, 

environmental, public health and safety, 

and other advantages; distributive 

impacts; and equity); 

(4) To the extent feasible, specify 

performance objectives, rather than the 

behavior or manner of compliance a 

regulated entity must adopt; and 

(5) Identify and assess available 

alternatives to direct regulation, 

including economic incentives—such as 

user fees or marketable permits—to 

encourage the desired behavior, or 

provide information that enables the 

public to make choices. 

Executive Order 13563 also requires 

an agency ‘‘to use the best available 

techniques to quantify anticipated 

present and future benefits and costs as 

accurately as possible.’’ The Office of 

Information and Regulatory Affairs of 

OMB has emphasized that these 

techniques may include ‘‘identifying 

changing future compliance costs that 

might result from technological 

innovation or anticipated behavioral 

changes.’’ 

We are issuing this final priority only 

on a reasoned determination that its 

benefits justify its costs. In choosing 

among alternative regulatory 

approaches, we selected those 

approaches that maximize net benefits. 

Based on the analysis that follows, the 

Department believes that this regulatory 

action is consistent with the principles 

in Executive Order 13563. 

We also have determined that this 

regulatory action does not unduly 

interfere with State, local, and tribal 

governments in the exercise of their 

governmental functions. 

In accordance with both Executive 

orders, the Department has assessed the 

potential costs and benefits, both 

quantitative and qualitative, of this 

regulatory action. The potential costs 

are those resulting from statutory 

requirements and those we have 

determined as necessary for 

administering the Department’s 

programs and activities. 

The benefits of the Disability and 

Rehabilitation Research Projects and 

Centers Program have been well 

established over the years, as projects 

similar to the one envisioned by the 

final priority have been completed 

successfully. Establishing a new DRRP 

based on the final priority would 

generate new knowledge through 

research and development and improve 

the lives of individuals with disabilities. 

The new DRRP would generate, 

disseminate, and promote the use of 

new information that would improve 

the options for individuals with 

disabilities to perform regular activities 

of their choice in the community. 

Accessible Format: Individuals with 

disabilities can obtain this document in 

an accessible format (e.g., braille, large 

print, audiotape, or compact disc) 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 or a TTY, call 

the FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339. 

Electronic Access to This Document: 

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 via the Federal Digital System 

at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site 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). To use PDF you must 

have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is 

available free at the site. 

You may also access documents of the 

Department published in the Federal 

Register by using the article search 

feature at: www.federalregister.gov. 

Specifically, through the advanced 

search feature at this site, you can limit 

your search to documents published by 

the Department. 


emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with RULES
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 88 / Tuesday, May 7, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 26513 

Dated: May 1, 2013. 

Michael K. Yudin, 

Delegated the authority to perform the 

functions and duties of the Assistant 

Secretary for Special Education and 

Rehabilitative Services. 

[FR Doc. 2013–10823 Filed 5–6–13; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4000–01–P 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

34 CFR Chapter III 

[CFDA Numbers: 84.133A–3 and 84.133A– 

9; 84.133A–4 and 84.133A–10; and 84.133A– 

5 and 84.133A–11] 

Final Priorities and Definitions—NIDRR 

DRRP—Community Living and 

Participation, Health and Function, and 

Employment of Individuals With 

Disabilities 

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and 

Rehabilitative Services, Department of 

Education. 

ACTION: Final priorities and definitions. 

SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for 

Special Education and Rehabilitative 

Services announces priorities and 

definitions for the Disability and 

Rehabilitation Research Projects and 

Centers Program administered by the 

National Institute on Disability and 

Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). 

Specifically, we announce priorities and 

definitions for Disability and 

Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) 

on Community Living and Participation 

of Individuals with Disabilities (Priority 

1), Health and Function of Individuals 

with Disabilities (Priority 2), and 

Employment of Individuals with 

Disabilities (Priority 3). 

If an applicant proposes to conduct 

research under these priorities, the 

research must be focused on one of the 

four stages of research defined in this 

notice of final priorities and definitions. 

The Assistant Secretary for Special 

Education and Rehabilitative Services 

may use these priorities and definitions 

for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2013 

and later years. We take this action to 

focus research attention on areas of 

national need. We intend these 

priorities to improve community living 

and participation, health and function, 

and employment outcomes of 

individuals with disabilities. 

DATES: Effective Date: These priorities 

and definitions are effective June 6, 

2013. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Marlene Spencer, U.S. Department of 

Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., 

room 5133, Potomac Center Plaza (PCP), 

Washington, DC 20202–2700. 

Telephone: (202) 245–7532 or by email: 

marlene.spencer@ed.gov. 

If you use a telecommunications 

device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 

telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay 

Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877– 

8339. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

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 selfsufficiency 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). 

DRRPs 

DRRPs carry out one or more of the 

following types of activities, as specified 

and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through 

350.19: research, training, 

demonstration, development, 

dissemination, utilization, and technical 

assistance. An applicant under this 

program must demonstrate in its 

application how it will address, in 

whole or in part, the needs of 

individuals with disabilities from 

minority backgrounds (34 CFR 

350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant 

may take to meet this requirement are 

found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). 

Additional information on the DRRP 

program can be found at: http:// 

www2.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/ 

res-program.html#DRRP. 

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) 

and 764(a). 

Applicable Program Regulations: 34 

CFR part 350. 

We published a notice of proposed 

priorities and definitions for this 

program in the Federal Register on 

January 25, 2013 (78 FR 5330). That 

notice contained background 

information and our reasons for 

proposing these particular priorities and 

definitions. 

There are differences between the 

notice of proposed priorities and 

definitions and this notice of final 

priorities and definitions as discussed 

in the Analysis of Comments and 

Changes section elsewhere in this 

notice. 

Public Comment: In response to our 

invitation in the notice of proposed 

priorities and definitions, seven parties 

submitted comments on the proposed 

priorities. 

Generally, we do not address 

technical and other minor changes or 

suggested changes the law does not 

authorize us to make under the 

applicable statutory authority. In 

addition, we do not address general 

comments that raised concerns not 

directly related to the proposed priority 

or definitions. 

Analysis of Comments and Changes: 

An analysis of the comments and of any 

changes in these priorities since 

publication of the notice of proposed 

priorities and definitions follows. 

DRRP on Community Living and 

Participation of Individuals With 

Disabilities (Priority 1) 

Comment: One commenter 

recommended that NIDRR revise the 

priority to require applicants to include 

Family-to-Family Health Information 

Centers, Parent Training and 

Information Centers, and Centers for 

Independent Living among the 

stakeholders under paragraph (1)(d). 

Discussion: Applicants can propose 

collaboration with Family-to-Family 

Health Information Centers, Parent 

Training and Information Centers, and 

Centers for Independent Living. 

However, NIDRR does not believe that 

it should specify the stakeholders that 

applicants must involve in their 

research and development activities. 

The stakeholders recommended by the 

commenter may not be relevant to many 

of the research or development topics 

that could be proposed under this 

priority, and we do not want to limit the 

number and breadth of applications that 

could be submitted. The peer review 

process will determine the merits of 

each proposal. 

Changes: None. 

Comment: Three commenters noted 

that socioeconomic barriers often 

magnify disability-related barriers to 

community living and participation. 

These commenters recommended that 

NIDRR focus this priority on the 

development of, or research on, 

interventions for improving community 

living and participation outcomes for 

low income and ethnic minority 

individuals with disabilities. 

Discussion: Applicants are free to 

specify their target population as 

individuals with disabilities who are 

ethnic minorities or who have low 

income. The priority areas under 

paragraph (a) allow applicants to specify 

target populations of individuals with 

disabilities generally or within specific 

disability or demographic groups. 

NIDRR does not want to limit the 


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