### 14585 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 58 / Friday, March 26, 2010 / Notices

by RSA to participate in these in-depth
case studies to determine factors or variables that are related to high performance as defined for this project. The factors or variables may be
decisions or activities that are under the control of the State VR agency, or they may be characteristics of the external
State environment. Information from the case study analysis will be used in the design of an intervention model by the successful grantee that will serve as the basis for the demonstration projects to be carried out and evaluated by the grantee under this priority.

Proposed Priority

The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority under the Special Demonstration Programs to fund a project to identify, develop, and implement model demonstration projects to improve outcomes for individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) who are served by State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies. Under this priority, the project must be designed to contribute to the following outcomes:

• Identify through in-depth case study of selected State VR agencies factors that account for the relatively better qualitative and quantitative results of these agencies in achieving employment outcomes at or above substantial gainful activity (SGA) for
SSDI beneficiaries.

• Determine whether there are a
sufficient number of factors related to the better employment outcome results
that are within the control of the State VR agency, and if so, develop an intervention model incorporating those factors that can be replicated in other State VR agencies and that can be
evaluated in terms of the model’s impact after implementation.

• Implement and evaluate the
intervention model in at least three State VR agencies, selected by the
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) based on information provided by the grantee, that are willing to implement the model. One criterion for selecting these State VR agencies is that SSDI beneficiaries whom they serve have an employment outcome rate at or
below the rate for other State VR agencies.

• If the model demonstration projects show an improved employment rate for SSDI beneficiaries, complete the development of the intervention model incorporating information acquired through the model demonstration projects, recommend any strategies needed for implementation of the model by other State VR agencies, and disseminate the findings of this demonstration project to State VR agencies.

Types of Priorities

When inviting applications for a competition using one or more priorities, we designate the type of each priority as absolute, competitive preference, or invitational through a
notice in the Federal Register . The effect of each type of priority follows:

Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).

Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference priority, we give competitive preference to an application by (1) awarding additional points, depending on the extent to which the application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the priority over an application of comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).

Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are particularly interested in applications that meet the priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the priority a preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).

Final Priority

We will announce the final priority in
a notice in the Federal Register . We will determine the final priority after considering responses to this notice and
other information available to the Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional priorities, requirements, definitions, or selection criteria, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.

Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in which we choose to use this priority, we invite applications through a notice in the Federal Register.

Executive Order 12866: This notice
has been reviewed in accordance with
Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential costs and benefits of this proposed regulatory action.

The potential costs associated with this proposed regulatory action are those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary for administering this program effectively and efficiently.

In assessing the potential costs and benefits—both quantitative and qualitative—of this proposed regulatory action, we have determined that the benefits of the proposed priority justify
the costs. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. One of the objectives of the
Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism. The Executive order relies on processes developed by State and local governments for coordination and review of proposed
Federal financial assistance.

This document provides early notification of our specific plans and actions for this program.

Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document in an accessible format ( e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the Grants and Contracts Services Team, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC 20202–2550. Telephone: (202) 245– 7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339.

Electronic Access to This Document: You can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register , in the
text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/ fedregister. To use PDF you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
available free at this site.

Note: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register . Free Internet access to the official
edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO

Access at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.

Dated: March 23, 2010. Alexa Posny, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.

[FR Doc. 2010–6787 Filed 3–25–10; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4000–01–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION**

**National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)—**  **Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program—**  **Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)—Employment** 
**Outcomes for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired** 

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

**ACTION :**  Notice of proposed priority.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

(CFDA) Number: 84.133B–6.


### 14586 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 58 / Friday, March 26, 2010 / Notices

**SUMMARY :**  The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered by NIDRR. Specifically, this notice proposes a priority for an RRTC. The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2010 and later years. We take
this action to focus research attention on
areas of national need. We intend this priority to improve rehabilitation
services and outcomes for individuals
with disabilities.

**DATES :**  We must receive your comments on or before April 26, 2010.

**ADDRESSES :**  Address all comments about this notice to Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6029, Potomac Center Plaza (PCP), Washington, DC

20202–2700.

If you prefer to send your comments by e-mail, use the following address: donna.nangle@ed.gov. You must
include the term ‘‘Proposed Priority for an RRTC on Center on Employment
Outcomes for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired’’ in the subject line of your electronic message.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 245– 7462 or by e-mail: donna.nangle@ed.gov.

If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at

1–800–877–8339.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  This notice of proposed priority is in concert with NIDRR’s Final Long-Range Plan for FY 2005–2009 (Plan). The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can
be accessed on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/ about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/ policy.html.

Through the implementation of the Plan, NIDRR seeks to: (1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3) determine best strategies and programs to improve
rehabilitation outcomes for underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5) identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6) disseminate findings.

Invitation to Comment: We invite you to submit comments regarding this

notice. 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 this proposed priority. Please let us know of any further ways we could reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the
effective and efficient administration of the program.

During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public comments about this notice in room 6029, 550 12th Street, SW., PCP, Washington, DC,
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays.

Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking Record: On request we will provide an appropriate accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability who needs assistance to
review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record for this notice. If you want to schedule an appointment for this type of accommodation or auxiliary aid, please contact the person listed under **FOR**

**FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT**

.

Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, familysupport, 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.

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

Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.

Proposed Priority

This notice contains one proposed priority.

Center on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Background

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)

The purpose of the RRTC program is to improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, through advanced research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities in general problem areas, as specified by NIDRR. Such activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service providers, individuals with disabilities, and the family members or other authorized representatives of individuals with disabilities. In addition, NIDRR intends to require all RRTC applicants to meet the requirements of the General Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) Requirements priority that it published in a notice of final priorities in the Federal Register on February 1, 2008 (72 FR 6132).
Additional information on the RRTC program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/resprogram.html#RRTC.

Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
of RRTCs

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;

• Demonstrate in their applications how they will address, in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from minority backgrounds;

• Disseminate informational materials to individuals with disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested parties; and

• Serve as centers of national
excellence in rehabilitation research for individuals with disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested parties.

Center on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

Background

More than 21 million noninstitutionalized adults, age 18 and above, report trouble seeing even when wearing glasses or contacts (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008). Of working-age (16–64 years) individuals who report blindness or serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses, 38.9 percent are employed (American Foundation for the Blind, 2009). In contrast, 71.2 percent of individuals in this age range with no disabling condition are employed (U.S. Department of Labor, 2009).


### 14587 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 58 / Friday, March 26, 2010 / Notices

Previous research, some of which has been conducted by NIDRR-funded centers on blindness and low vision, has identified a number of barriers to, and facilitators of, employment for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Facilitators include, but are not limited to, postsecondary education or training, braille literacy, inclusive corporate cultures, and some
characteristics of vocationalrehabilitation (VR) services (CapellaMcDonall, 2005; Golub, 2006; Jernigan Institute, 2009; Kirchner & Smith, 2005). Barriers include negative employer
attitudes about blindness and work disincentives experienced by Social Security beneficiaries. These
disincentives include reduced benefits and potential ineligibility for health care coverage for those who become employed and whose income exceeds program income limits (Crudden, Sansing & Butler, 2005; Stapleton, O’Day, Livermore, & Imparato, 2006).

There is little empirical research that applies the results of this research on
barriers and facilitators to the development and testing of specific practices, services, and interventions to improve employment outcomes in either the general population of
individuals who are blind or who have visual impairments, or in subpopulations of individuals from this population who are at even greater risk for poor employment outcomes. Such populations include, but are not limited to, individuals who have more severe vision loss or who have multiple disabilities (National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, 2005; Shaw, Gold & Wolffe, 2007).

Moreover, although there are a variety of services, practices, and interventions that are currently being used to improve employment outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, there is little research that supports the
effectiveness and use of these interventions and practices. Some of these interventions and practices directly relate to improving employment outcomes. These include the use of peer mentoring as well as collaborations between VR agencies and consumer organizations that can provide access to mentors and input regarding VR services and counselor training (Drew & Alan, 2006; Iowa Department for the Blind, 2009; National Federation of the Blind, 2009). Other practices and interventions, such as training to promote positive adjustment to an acquired disability, and orientation/ mobility training, are intended to have more general effects, but appear to affect occupational success as well (Drew & Alan, 2004; Omvig, 2005). Research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of these practices and to identify and validate other promising practices that improve employment outcomes for this population.

References

American Foundation for the Blind. (2009). Interpreting Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data. See http:// www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=15& SubTopicID=177. Capella-McDonnall, M.E. (2005). Predictors of competitive employment for blind and visually impaired consumers of
vocational rehabilitation services. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 99, 303–315. Crudden, A., Sansing, W., & Butler, S. (2005). Overcoming barriers to employment: Strategies of rehabilitation providers. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 99, 325–335. Drew, D.W., & Alan, G.M. (Eds). (2004). Contemporary issues in orientation and mobility. Institute on Rehabilitation Issues, Monograph No. 29. Washington, DC: The George Washington University, Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program. Drew, D.W., & Alan, G.M (Eds.). (2006). Consumer organizations: Important
resources for vocational rehabilitation agencies. Institute on Rehabilitation Issues Monograph No. 31. Washington, DC: The George Washington University, Center for Rehabilitation Counseling
Research and Education. Golub, D.B. (2006). A model of successful work experience for employees who are visually impaired: The results of a study. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 100, 715–725. Iowa Department for the Blind. (2009). Pathfinders: Changing Lives together. See http://www.blind.state.ia.us/living/ pathfinders. Jernigan Institute. (2009). The Braille literacy crisis in America: Facing the truth, reversing the trend, empowering the
blind. National Federation of the Blind. See http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Braille

_ Initiative.asp. Kirchner, C, & Smith, B. (2005). Transition to what?: Education and employment outcomes for visually impaired youths after high school. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 99, 499–503. National Federation of the Blind. (2009). National Center for Mentoring Excellence: A program of the National
Federation of the Blind. See http:// www.nfb.org/nfb/NCME

_ Brochure1.asp?SnID=1447563890. National Longitudinal Transition Study-2. (2005). Changes over time in the early post school outcomes of youth with
disabilities. See http://www.nlts2.org/ reports/2005

_06/. Omvig, J.H. (2005). Freedom for the blind: The secret is empowerment. Baltimore,
MD: National Federation of the Blind. Shaw, A., Gold, E., & Wolffe, K. (2007). Employment-related experiences of youths who are visually impaired: How are these youths faring? Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 101, 7–21. Stapleton, D.C., O’Day, B.L., Livermore, G.A., & Imparato, A.J. (2006). Dismantling the poverty trap: Disability policy for the twenty-first century. The Milbank Quarterly, 84, 701–732. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2008). Summary health statistics for the U.S. population: National Health Interview Survey, 2006. (DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2008– 1564). Hyattsville, MD.

Proposed Priority

The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who are Blind or Visually Impaired.
This RRTC must conduct research that contributes to improving competitive employment outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired,
consistent with the individual’s informed choice and abilities (see section 100(a)(2)(B) of Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended). For the purposes of this priority, this population is defined as individuals
who have ‘‘central visual acuity of 20/ 200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens. An eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the
fields of vision such that the widest
diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be considered for purposes of this paragraph as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less’’ (42 U.S.C. 416(i)(1)(B)). Under this priority, the RRTC must contribute to the following

outcomes:

(a) Evidence-based interventions and practices designed to facilitate competitive employment outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by developing and evaluating new interventions and practices, evaluating practices currently in use, or by conducting both of these types of research.

(b) New knowledge about employment interventions and practices for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and who are also at greater risk for poor employment outcomes due to other individual characteristics (e.g.,
individuals with more severe vision loss or individuals with multiple disabilities). The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by conducting research with at least one at-risk group (as described earlier in this paragraph) to: develop and evaluate new interventions or practices, evaluate practices currently being used with members of the at-risk group, or by conducting both of these


### 14588 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 58 / Friday, March 26, 2010 / Notices

types of research. Applicants must identify the specific at-risk group or groups they propose to study, provide evidence that the selected population or populations are, in fact, at greater risk for poor employment outcomes, and explain how the proposed interventions and practices are expected to address the needs of the population or populations.

(c) Increased incorporation of research findings into practice and policy. The
RRTC must contribute to this outcome by:

(1) Collaborating with providers of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, employer groups, and stakeholders (e.g., individuals who are blind or visually impaired or consumer groups) in conducting the work of the RRTC; and

(2) Conducting training and
dissemination activities to facilitate the utilization of research findings in employment and VR settings.

(d) In addition, through coordination with the NIDRR Project Officer, this
RRTC must collaborate with:

(1) Appropriate NIDRR-funded grantees, including knowledge translation grantees; and

(2) Relevant Office of Special Education Programs and Rehabilitation Services Administration grantees.

Types of Priorities

When inviting applications for a competition using one or more priorities, we designate the type of each priority as absolute, competitive preference, or invitational through a
notice in the Federal Register . The effect of each type of priority follows:

Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).

Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference priority, we give competitive preference to an application by (1) awarding additional points, depending on the extent to which the application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the priority over an application of comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).

Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are particularly interested in applications that meet the priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the priority a preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).

Final Priority

We will announce the final priority in
a notice in the Federal Register . We will determine the final priority after considering responses to this notice and
other information available to the Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional priorities, requirements, definitions, or selection criteria, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.

Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in which we choose to use this priority, we invite applications through a notice in the Federal Register.

Executive Order 12866: This notice
has been reviewed in accordance with
Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential costs and benefits of this proposed regulatory action.

The potential costs associated with this proposed regulatory action are those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary for administering this program effectively and efficiently.

In assessing the potential costs and benefits—both quantitative and qualitative—of this proposed regulatory action, we have determined that the benefits of the proposed priority justify
the costs.

Discussion of Costs and Benefits

The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program have been well established over the years in that similar projects have been completed successfully. This proposed priority will generate new knowledge and technologies through research, development, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance projects.

Another benefit of this proposed priority is that the establishment of a new RRTC will support and will improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities. The new RRTC will generate, disseminate, and promote the
use of new information that will improve the options for individuals with disabilities to obtain, retain, and advance in employment.

Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.

Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document in an accessible format ( e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the Grants and Contracts Services Team, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC 20202–2550. Telephone: (202) 245– 7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339.

Electronic Access to This Document: You can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register , in
text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/ fedregister. To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
available free at this site.

Note: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register . Free Internet access to the official
edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO

Access at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.

Dated: March 23, 2010. Alexa Posny, Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.

[FR Doc. 2010–6783 Filed 3–25–10; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4000–01–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY**

**Proposed Agency Information**
**Collection**

**AGENCY :**  U.S. Department of Energy.

**ACTION :**  Notice and request for OMB
review and comment.

**SUMMARY :**  Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of Energy (DOE) invites public comment on a proposed emergency collection of information that DOE is developing to collect data on the status of activities, project progress, jobs created and retained, spend rates and performance metrics under the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques
or other forms of information technology.

**DATES :**  Comments regarding this
collection must be received on or before April 9, 2010. If you anticipate difficulty in submitting comments within that period, contact the person listed in

**ADDRESSES** as soon as possible.

**ADDRESSES :**  Written comments may be

sent to: