[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 22 (Friday, February 1, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6132-6146]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-1901]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research--
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program--
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs), Rehabilitation 
Research and Training Centers (RRTCs), and Rehabilitation Engineering 
Research Centers (RERCs)

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

ACTION: Notice of final priorities for DRRPs, RRTCs, and RERCs.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services announces certain funding priorities for the 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program 
administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this notice announces nine priorities 
for DRRPs, five priorities for RRTCs, and six priorities for RERCs. The 
Assistant Secretary may use these priorities for competitions in fiscal 
year (FY) 2008 and later years. We take this action to focus research 
attention on areas of national need. We intend these priorities to 
improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with 
disabilities.

DATES: Effective Date: These priorities are effective March 3, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6029, Potomac Center Plaza, 
Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or via Internet: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d090203030c43030c030a01082d0809430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="17737879797639797679707b7257727339707861">[email protected]</span></a>.
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We published a notice of proposed priorities 
(NPP) for NIDRR's Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and 
Centers Program in the Federal Register on August 31, 2007 (72 FR 
50516). The NPP included a background statement that described our 
rationale for each priority proposed in that notice.
    In this notice, we are announcing nine priorities for DRRPs, five 
priorities for RRTCs, and six priorities for RERCs.
    For DRRPs, the final priorities are:
    <bullet> Priority 1--Health Care Coordination for Individuals With 
Physical Disabilities.
    <bullet> Priority 2--Health and Health Care Disparities Among 
Individuals With Disabilities.
    <bullet> Priority 3--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) 
Centers Collaborative Research Projects.
    <bullet> Priority 4--Classification and Measurement of Medical 
Rehabilitation Interventions.
    <bullet> Priority 5--Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for 
Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders.
    <bullet> Priority 6--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology 
Transfer.
    <bullet> Priority 7--Asset Accumulation and Economic Self-
Sufficiency for Individuals With Disabilities.
    <bullet> Priority 8--Technology Access in Resource-Limited 
Environments.
    <bullet> Priority 9--Research and Knowledge Translation Center for 
Individuals With Disabilities and Their Families.
    For RRTCs, the final priorities are:
    <bullet> Priority 10--General Rehabilitation Research and Training 
Center (RRTC) Requirements.
    <bullet> Priority 11--Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the 
21st Century.
    <bullet> Priority 12--Disability Statistics and Demographics.
    <bullet> Priority 13--Health and Function Across the Lifespan of 
Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
    <bullet> Priority 14--Community Living and Employment for 
Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
    For RERCs, the final priorities are:
    <bullet> Priority 15--RERC for Hearing Enhancement.
    <bullet> Priority 16--RERC for Accessible Public Transportation.

[[Page 6133]]

    <bullet> Priority 17--RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics.
    <bullet> Priority 18--RERC for Communication Enhancement.
    <bullet> Priority 19--RERC for Universal Interface and Information 
Technology Access.
    <bullet> Priority 20--RERC for Wheeled Mobility.
    The Department is not finalizing certain priorities that were 
proposed in the NPP; we identify those priorities in the Analysis of 
Comments and Changes section of this notice of final priorities (NFP). 
The Department intends to revisit some of the priorities not being 
finalized in this NFP and to publish revised versions of those 
priorities in one or more separate notices of proposed priorities.
    There are also other differences between the NPP and this NFP. 
Specifically, we have made changes to the following priorities: 
Priority 3--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Centers 
Collaborative Research Projects (Proposed Priority 4 in the NPP); 
Priority 6--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer 
(Proposed Priority 7--Center on Knowledge Translation for Assistive 
Technology Transfer in the NPP); Priority 8--Technology Access in 
Resource-Limited Environments (Proposed Priority 9--Technology Transfer 
in Resource-Limited Environments in the NPP); Priority 9--Research and 
Knowledge Translation Center for Individuals With Disabilities and 
Their Families (Proposed Priority 10 in the NPP); Priority 10--General 
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Requirements 
(Proposed Priority 11 in the NPP); Priority 11--Personal Assistance 
Services (PAS) in the 21st Century (Proposed Priority 15 in the NPP); 
Priority 14--Community Living and Employment for Individuals With 
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Proposed Priority 21--
Participation and Community Living for Individuals With Intellectual 
and Developmental Disabilities in the NPP); and Priority 15--RERC for 
Hearing Enhancement (Proposed Priority 22 in the NPP).

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    In response to our invitation in the NPP, 90 parties submitted 
comments on the proposed priorities that are announced in this NFP.
    An analysis of the comments and the changes in the priorities since 
the publication of the NPP follows. We discuss substantive issues under 
the priorities to which they pertain.
    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 
priorities.

Proposed Priority 2--Assistive Technology Reuse; Proposed Priority 12--
Enhancing the Health and Wellness of Individuals With Neuromuscular 
Diseases; and Proposed Priority 13--Enhancing the Health and Wellness 
of Individuals With Arthritis

    Comments: None.
    Discussion: In order to make NIDRR's resources available for work 
that builds strategically on new initiatives and priorities in OSERS 
and the Department, NIDRR has decided not to finalize Proposed Priority 
2--Assistive Technology Reuse; Proposed Priority 12--Enhancing the 
Health and Wellness of Individuals With Neuromuscular Diseases; and 
Proposed Priority 13--Enhancing the Health and Wellness of Individuals 
With Arthritis.
    Changes: We are not including the following proposed priorities in 
this notice: Proposed Priority 2--Assistive Technology Reuse, Proposed 
Priority 12--Enhancing the Health and Wellness of Individuals With 
Neuromuscular Diseases, and Proposed Priority 13--Enhancing the Health 
and Wellness of Individuals With Arthritis.

Proposed Priority 14--Stroke Rehabilitation; Proposed Priority 16--
Participation and Community Living for Individuals With Psychiatric 
Disabilities; Proposed Priority 17--Multiple Sclerosis: Interventions 
to Maximize Health, Well Being, and Participation; and Proposed 
Priority 18--Aging With Physical Disability: Reducing Secondary 
Conditions and Enhancing Health and Participation

    Comment: We received seven comments seeking clarification on terms 
used in proposed priorities 14, 16, 17, and 18.
    Discussion: NIDRR appreciates the feedback provided by commenters 
regarding these priorities; however, we have decided not to finalize 
these priorities at this time. Instead, we intend to revisit these five 
priorities and to publish one or more new notices proposing revised 
versions of them. The Department takes this action to better align the 
priorities with other work being done by OSERS. Specifically, we intend 
to revise these priorities to focus on outcomes related to employment 
and vocational rehabilitation services. A focus on employment and 
vocational rehabilitation services outcomes is consistent with the work 
being done by other programs within OSERS.
    Changes: We are not including the following proposed priorities in 
this notice: Proposed Priority 14--Stroke Rehabilitation; Proposed 
Priority 16--Participation and Community Living for Individuals With 
Psychiatric Disabilities; Proposed Priority 17--Multiple Sclerosis: 
Interventions to Maximize Health, Well Being, and Participation; and 
Proposed Priority 18--Aging With Physical Disability: Reducing 
Secondary Conditions and Enhancing Health and Participation.

DRRPs

Priority 3--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Centers 
Collaborative Research Projects (Proposed Priority 4)

    Comment: One commenter asked whether a study funded under this 
priority could include individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) as 
well as individuals with non-traumatic brain injury. The commenter 
noted that, while some study topics are appropriately organized along 
medical diagnostic boundaries, there are other topics where the 
problems of individuals with traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries 
substantially overlap and where the ``active ingredients'' of an 
intervention would not be expected to vary with the etiology of the 
damage.
    Discussion: If the proposed study is conducted for the purpose of 
improving the lives of persons with TBI, then the enrollment of a 
sample of subjects with mixed etiologies (i.e., individuals with 
traumatic brain injuries and individuals with non-traumatic brain 
injuries) in that study is permissible. Nothing in this priority 
prohibits an applicant from proposing a study that includes both 
individuals with traumatic brain injuries and individuals with non-
traumatic brain injuries. The peer review process will evaluate the 
merits of the proposals received under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Upon further review of this priority, NIDRR determined 
that it is appropriate to identify the types of service providers to 
whom research results must be disseminated. NIDRR believes that it is 
particularly important to disseminate the results of the research 
conducted under this priority to vocational rehabilitation and 
independent living service providers described in Titles I and VII of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. At least five million 
individuals in the United States live with significant

[[Page 6134]]

disabilities due to TBI. A large percentage of these individuals do not 
return to their pre-injury vocational or community roles. The results 
of the research sponsored under this priority have the potential to be 
of great utility to providers of vocational rehabilitation and 
independent living services who serve individuals with TBI. Thus, NIDRR 
decided to identify these types of service providers as examples of 
audiences to whom the research results must be disseminated.
    Changes: We have added vocational rehabilitation and independent 
living service providers as specific audiences to receive dissemination 
materials that result from the research carried out under this 
priority.

Priority 4--Classification and Measurement of Medical Rehabilitation 
Interventions (Proposed Priority 5)

    Comment: One commenter suggested that paragraph (a) of this 
priority be amended to list music therapists as a specific example of 
``other allied health professionals.''
    Discussion: The priority includes the primary allied health 
professionals (physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech 
language pathologists) involved in rehabilitation interventions. We 
referred to ``other allied health professionals'' in this priority to 
acknowledge that there are a number of other health professionals that 
provide rehabilitation interventions and to allow applicants to propose 
research that reflects the breadth of clinical expertise that is 
involved in the practice of medical rehabilitation. Applicants may 
propose research that includes development of methods for the 
classification of music therapy interventions under this priority. 
However, NIDRR does not find it necessary to include music therapists 
as a specific example of ``other allied health professionals.''
    Changes: None.

Priority 6--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer 
(Proposed Priority 7)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: NIDRR decided, upon review of the proposed priority, 
that limiting the activities of this priority to assistive technology 
was too restrictive because it would not allow applicants to focus on 
the range of technology developed by NIDRR funding.
    Changes: The priority title has been changed to ``Center on 
Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer.''
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Upon further review of this priority, NIDRR has 
determined that the list of technology areas specified in the second 
paragraph is not fully inclusive of all technology areas covered by 
NIDRR's research portfolio, and that it, therefore, should not be a 
basis for limiting the scope of original research carried out by the 
Center.
    Changes: We have revised the second paragraph of the priority by 
deleting the brief list of technology areas. We have clarified the 
language to indicate that the Center's original research and 
development must concentrate on no more than three technology areas 
that are the focus of current NIDRR technology grantees. Information on 
technology research funded by NIDRR can be found at http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm. Each applicant must define and 
justify its focus. The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of 
each proposal under this priority.
    Comment: One commenter noted that requiring a grantee under this 
priority to focus on no more than three technology areas limits the 
usefulness of the Center. With this restriction, the commenter argued, 
the grantee would not be able to provide training and technical 
assistance to RERCs and other technology-related NIDRR grantees whose 
research and development activities fall outside of the selected 
technology areas.
    Two other commenters expressed a concern that, by focusing only on 
technology produced with NIDRR resources, this priority lacked a broad 
approach to transferring technology for use by people with 
disabilities.
    Discussion: NIDRR believes that limiting the Center's original 
research and development activities under this priority to specific 
technology areas that are the focus of current NIDRR-technology 
grantees is appropriate and that this limitation does not diminish the 
usefulness of the Center. Information on technology research funded by 
NIDRR can be found at http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm.
    The purpose of this priority is three-fold: (1) Identifying and 
compiling existing information on how the results of scientifically 
based research can be used to develop and improve technology for 
persons with disabilities (pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of 
the priority), (2) conducting research and development in a limited 
number of specific technology areas (pursuant to paragraphs (a)(2), 
(b)(2), and (b)(3) of the priority), and (3) providing training and 
technical assistance to NIDRR-funded technology grantees to help them 
enhance their technology transfer activities.
    The limitation on how many technology areas on which a Center may 
focus only applies to its original research and development. We believe 
this limitation helps ensure the feasibility and quality of the 
proposed projects and increases the likelihood of achieving planned 
outcomes by ensuring that funding is not spread across too many 
projects. NIDRR understands that the findings from the Center's 
original research may not be applicable to the work of all NIDRR-funded 
technology grantees. However, we believe that the Center's compilation 
of existing research on the knowledge translation for technology 
transfer will enable it to provide all of NIDRR's research grantees 
with technical assistance on knowledge translation for technology 
transfer more generally.
    In response to the two commenters' concerns about the priority's 
limited approach to transferring technology for individuals with 
disabilities, we acknowledge that the training and technical assistance 
components of this priority are designed to assist current NIDRR 
technology grantees with their technology transfer activities. NIDRR 
believes that it is critical to ensure that the results of its 
investment in technology are transferred to practitioners and 
ultimately to the individuals with disabilities who can benefit from 
these technological developments.
    Changes: NIDRR has revised the second paragraph of the priority to 
clarify that the limit on technology areas only applies to the original 
research and development conducted by the Center. In addition, we have 
revised this paragraph to clarify that NIDRR intends that the 
information identified and collected by the Center in accordance with 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of the priority will serve as a knowledge 
base for the training and technical assistance to be provided to NIDRR 
technology grantees.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested that paragraph (c) of the 
priority should be clarified to articulate the role of NIDRR-funded 
technology grantees who are to receive the training and technical 
assistance provided by the Center, including RERCs that will be funded 
in FY 2008. These commenters expressed concern that the Center would 
not be able to ensure the outcome of increased utilization of validated 
best practices pursuant to paragraph (c) of the priority if NIDRR-
funded technology grantees are not required to receive and implement 
the training and technical assistance offered by the Center.
    Discussion: According to the priority, the Center must contribute 
to--not

[[Page 6135]]

ensure--the outcome of increased utilization of validated best 
practices for knowledge translation for technology transfer. Toward 
that end, this priority describes the training and technical assistance 
that must be provided by the Center. The priority cannot specify the 
role or requirements of previously funded NIDRR technology grantees. To 
promote the training and technical assistance provided by the Center, 
NIDRR will facilitate and coordinate effective collaborative 
relationships between the Center and NIDRR-funded technology grantees 
through its project monitoring efforts.
    Changes: None.

Priority 7--Asset Accumulation and Economic Self-Sufficiency for 
Individuals With Disabilities (Proposed Priority 8)

    Comment: One commenter recommended that projects funded under this 
priority be required to use Federal demonstration authority to develop 
and field test methods and procedures that produce sustainable 
``transformational reforms'' within Federal and State policies and 
program rules.
    Discussion: We assume that by ``Federal demonstration authority'' 
the commenter is referring to the authority under the Rehabilitation 
Act of 1973, as amended, for the DRRPs to conduct demonstration 
projects. The DRRP mechanism under which this priority is authorized 
(see section 204(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 
U.S.C. 764(a)) enables grantees to conduct demonstrations to maximize 
the economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with 
disabilities. Under this priority, an applicant could propose to 
conduct demonstrations to develop and field-test methods for producing 
sustainable changes to Federal and State policies and program rules 
that impact the economic self-sufficiency of individuals with 
disabilities. NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis for requiring that 
all applicants propose such demonstrations or methods. The peer review 
panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the DRRP under this 
priority be required to focus exclusively on increasing the 
understanding of the differences of how disability-specific policies, 
on the one hand, and general policies, on the other hand, differ in 
addressing asset accumulation and economic self-sufficiency issues, and 
changes in systems that are needed to overcome barriers to savings and 
asset building for individuals with disabilities.
    Discussion: Under this priority, an applicant could focus on 
increasing the understanding of the differences between disability-
specific and generic policies and changes in systems that are needed to 
overcome barriers to savings and asset building for individuals with 
disabilities. Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from 
proposing to focus on these types of systems-level analyses. However, 
the DRRP funded under this priority also must generate new knowledge 
about individual-level characteristics that may affect savings and 
asset accumulation, as described in paragraph (a) of the priority. 
Accordingly, if an applicant chooses to focus on the type of systems-
level analysis suggested by the commenter, it must also design its 
project to generate new knowledge about individual-level 
characteristics.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Three commenters recommended that the DRRP funded under 
this priority be required to provide to the disability community 
continuously-updated information on relevant State and Federal policy 
changes related to asset accumulation and economic self-sufficiency.
    Discussion: Within the framework of this priority, an applicant 
could propose to provide to the disability community continuously-
updated information on relevant State and Federal policy changes. 
Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from proposing to 
provide this type of service. The peer review panel will evaluate the 
merits of the proposals received under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the DRRP funded under this 
priority develop partnerships with the Social Security Administration 
and the Department of Labor to promote cross-agency data collection 
efforts.
    Discussion: Under this priority, an applicant could propose that 
the DRRP develop partnerships with the Social Security Administration 
and the Department of Labor to promote cross-agency data collection 
efforts. While nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from 
proposing such partnerships, NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis to 
require that each applicant do so. The peer review panel will evaluate 
the merits of the proposals received under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested that the DRRP funded under this 
priority focus on the barriers to, and facilitators of, economic self-
sufficiency for individuals with disabilities with earnings over 
$40,000 per year.
    Discussion: As described in the priority, NIDRR is interested in 
research that focuses on the barriers to, and facilitators of, economic 
self-sufficiency among low- to moderate-income individuals with 
disabilities. Each applicant is permitted to define the term ``low- to 
moderate-income'' in a way that reflects the needs and circumstances of 
the population of individuals with disabilities that the applicant is 
targeting. Thus, the applicant could propose a project that focuses on 
the barriers to, and facilitators of, economic self sufficiency for 
individuals with disabilities who have earnings of over $40,000 per 
year. However, NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis for requiring all 
applicants to propose such a focus. The peer review panel will evaluate 
the merits of each proposal under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the DRRP funded under this 
priority examine the outcomes of individuals with disabilities who 
participate in tax and financial service asset building programs and 
that the priority be revised to decrease the emphasis on generating new 
knowledge about individual-level characteristics associated with 
savings and asset accumulation.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the DRRP under this priority should 
focus on the effect of individual participation in asset accumulation 
programs and has provided for such a focus under paragraph (b) of the 
priority. That said, in order for these asset accumulation programs to 
be targeted appropriately in the future, the DRRP also must generate 
new knowledge about individual-level characteristics associated with 
savings and asset accumulation, as described in paragraph (a) of the 
priority. Accordingly, under the priority, applicants may propose to 
examine the outcomes of individuals with disabilities who participate 
in tax and financial service asset building programs, but, if they do 
so, they must also design their projects to generate new knowledge 
about individual-level characteristics associated with savings and 
asset accumulation.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Three commenters suggested that by limiting the number of 
asset accumulation interventions to be developed and tested to two in 
paragraph (b) of the priority, NIDRR would preclude the DRRP funded 
under this priority from focusing on complex interventions that include 
more than

[[Page 6136]]

two strategies to promote asset accumulation.
    Discussion: NIDRR has limited the number of asset accumulation 
interventions in this priority to help ensure the feasibility and 
quality of the proposed projects and to increase the likelihood of 
achieving planned outcomes. This pragmatic limitation does not preclude 
developing and testing one or two complex, well-defined interventions 
that include multiple asset accumulation strategies. The peer review 
panel will evaluate the merits of the proposals received under this 
priority.
    Changes: None.

Priority 8--Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments 
(Proposed Priority 9)

    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the term ``technology 
transfer,'' as used in this priority, is not consistent with the 
standard usage of that term. The commenter explained that ``technology 
transfer'' typically refers to the process of translating research into 
products and devices, or to the process of moving products from the 
prototype stage to commercialization.
    Discussion: As described in the Background statement of this 
priority in the NPP, the purpose of this priority is to focus on the 
need for research to determine effective methods of designing, 
developing, and manufacturing low-cost, high-quality products and 
distributing them and providing information regarding them to 
individuals in resource-limited environments. In the proposed priority, 
the term ``technology transfer'' appeared only in the title of the 
priority. In order to avoid confusion among potential applicants and 
more accurately convey the purpose of this priority, NIDRR is changing 
the title of the priority.
    Changes: NIDRR has changed the title of this priority to 
``Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments.''
    Comment: One commenter asked whether the term ``resource-limited 
environments'' includes urban, inner city areas in the United States 
(U.S.) or in developing countries.
    Discussion: As used in this priority, NIDRR intends the term 
``resource-limited environments'' to include resource-limited 
environments in rural areas as well as urban, inner city areas in the 
U.S. and in developing countries. While NIDRR is particularly 
interested in research to promote the effective provision of technology 
to individuals with disabilities engaged in agricultural occupations, 
nothing in this priority precludes a grantee from focusing its research 
on increasing access to and awareness of technology products in 
resource-limited urban areas in the U.S., developing countries, or 
both.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification on whether the focus 
of the priority is to improve conditions for people with disabilities 
in the U.S. or in developing countries.
    Discussion: Our intent is to permit grantees under this priority to 
focus on resource-limited environments in the U.S., in developing 
countries, or both. Paragraph (b) of the priority states that 
applicants can focus their proposals on improving the availability of 
technology for individuals with disabilities in resource-limited 
environments in the U.S., in developing countries, or both. We 
recognize that in the proposed priority, paragraph (a) stated that 
applicants must focus their work either in the United States or abroad. 
We will change this paragraph to clarify that an applicant's work may 
be focused on the United States, developing countries, or both.
    Changes: We have revised paragraph (a) of the priority to clarify 
that the DRRP can focus on resource-limited environments in the U.S., 
in developing countries, or both.

Priority 9--Research and Knowledge Translation Center for Individuals 
With Disabilities and Their Families (Proposed Priority 10)

    Comment: Forty commenters suggested that the DRRP funded under this 
priority be required to examine the needs of people with disabilities 
and their families relative to education, employment, income support, 
and cash transfer programs.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that employment and education are critical 
in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, and 
that income support and cash transfer programs are relevant to many of 
these individuals. Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from 
proposing research in these specific areas. However, NIDRR does not 
have a sufficient basis for requiring all applicants to focus on these 
areas. The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal 
under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Forty commenters requested that the priority clarify 
whether the term ``children,'' as used in the priority, includes 
individuals who are 21 years old or younger. The commenters noted that 
the term should include those children because many individuals with 
disabilities are eligible for special education services through age 
21.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the age range for the term ``child'' 
as used in this priority should be consistent with the age range in the 
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Although the age 
range for special education services under IDEA differs between States, 
children with disabilities generally are eligible for services under 
IDEA through age 21.
    Changes: NIDRR has revised the priority to clarify that the DRRP 
funded under the priority must focus on the knowledge needs of families 
that include a child aged 21 or younger with a disability, or an adult 
with a disability who is a parent of at least one child aged 21 or 
younger.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the DRRP funded under this 
priority be required to examine the needs of people with disabilities 
and their families who require behavioral and mental health services.
    Discussion: NIDRR recognizes that behavioral and mental health 
programs are often important to individuals with disabilities and their 
families. Paragraph (a) of the priority includes a short, but not 
exhaustive, list of programs and service systems that may be important 
to the community integration and participation of individuals with 
disabilities and includes ``a wide variety of related social support 
services.'' Applicants could propose research to identify the 
experiences and needs of individuals with disabilities who need access 
to behavioral and mental health programs. However, NIDRR does not have 
a sufficient basis for requiring all applicants to do so. The peer 
review panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal under this 
priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Forty-two commenters requested that the outcome in 
paragraph (b) of the priority be expanded to include work that promotes 
improved participation and community integration of families of 
individuals with disabilities--not just individuals with disabilities.
    Discussion: NIDRR's mission is to generate new knowledge and 
promote its effective use to improve levels of community participation 
and integration by individuals with disabilities. Paragraph (b) of the 
priority requires the DRRP funded under the priority to target its 
training, technical assistance, and informational resources to the 
specific knowledge needs of individuals with disabilities and their 
families. The aim of providing these services to both individuals with 
disabilities and their families is

[[Page 6137]]

ultimately to improve the participation and community integration of 
the individuals with disabilities. Efforts that focus on participation 
and integration of the families themselves, while a worthy undertaking, 
are beyond the intended scope of this priority. Therefore, NIDRR 
declines to expand the scope of the priority as requested by the 
commenters.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Forty-one commenters asked that this priority be revised 
so that it generates research and new knowledge that are cross-
disability in nature.
    Discussion: We do not believe that a change is necessary because 
paragraph (a) of the priority specifically states that the experiences 
and knowledge needs of individuals with disabilities must be analyzed 
by condition type and severity of disability; we believe that this 
requirement necessitates that grantees take a cross-disability 
approach. To the extent that the knowledge needs determined under 
paragraph (a) of the priority differ by condition or severity of 
disability, training and technical assistance materials developed under 
paragraph (b) of the priority may need to be structured to meet the 
knowledge needs of specific subgroups of individuals with disabilities 
and their families. NIDRR intends for the training, technical 
assistance, and informational materials that are developed under this 
priority to be applicable to the needs of individuals with a wide range 
of conditions, as well as their families.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter noted that very little is known about the 
knowledge needs of people with disabilities and their families across 
the lifespan and across disability categories. This commenter suggested 
that the DRRP funded under this priority be required to focus on 
generating new knowledge about the information needed by individuals 
with disabilities and their families across the lifespan and across 
disability categories.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that little is currently known about the 
needs of individuals with disabilities and their families across the 
lifespan and across disability categories. We believe that paragraph 
(a) of this priority addresses this knowledge gap.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter argued that the delivery of research-based 
training, technical assistance, and informational resources under 
paragraph (b) of the priority is not likely to be effective, given that 
access to information about service systems is primarily determined at 
the local level.
    Discussion: For multiple funding cycles, NIDRR has sponsored 
research on the experience of children with disabilities and their 
families, as well as on adults with disabilities who are parents. 
Knowledge generated by this research is directly relevant to many of 
the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families as they 
navigate a wide variety of programs and services at the local level. 
While NIDRR understands that the availability of information about 
these programs and services varies across locales, NIDRR believes that 
the current knowledge base is sufficiently well developed to be 
relevant to individuals with disabilities and their families, 
regardless of their local context.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters stated that the DRRP funded under this 
priority should address specifically the needs of parents of 
individuals with developmental disabilities. Another commenter 
recommended that the DRRP address specifically the needs of parents who 
have disabilities.
    Discussion: Nothing in this priority precludes applicants from 
proposing activities that address the needs of parents of individuals 
with developmental disabilities. Similarly, nothing in this priority 
precludes applicants from proposing activities that address the needs 
of parents with disabilities. NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis 
for requiring all applicants to focus on one of these specific areas. 
The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal under 
this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters stated that one DRRP could not address 
adequately the knowledge needs of children with disabilities and their 
families, as well as parents with disabilities and their families.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees with these commenters' suggestion that the 
DRRP funded under this priority may not be able to conduct research on, 
and provide training and technical assistance to, both parents with 
disabilities as well as children with disabilities and their families.
    Changes: We have revised the priority to require a focus on either 
families that include a child with a disability aged 21 or younger or 
an adult with a disability who is a parent of at least one child aged 
21 or younger, but not both.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the DRRP funded under this 
priority be required to focus on State and Federal policies because, 
according to the commenter, State and Federal policies and funding are 
critical to assuring and supporting access to the service systems 
available to individuals with disabilities and their families in the 
U.S.
    Discussion: NIDRR acknowledges that a wide variety of State and 
Federal policies affect the lives of individuals with disabilities and 
their families. Under the priority, applicants can propose research to 
identify the experiences and knowledge needs of individuals with 
disabilities relative to State and Federal policies. However, NIDRR 
does not have a sufficient basis for requiring all applicants to do so. 
The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal under 
this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the priority allow research 
on the needs of families with children with developmental disabilities 
who have aged into adulthood.
    Discussion: While NIDRR recognizes the needs of adults with 
developmental disabilities and their families, the DRRP funded under 
this priority is designed to build on the base of knowledge generated 
by the NIDRR-funded Center on Families of Children With Disabilities 
and Center for Parents With Disabilities. These centers focus on 
children with disabilities and their families, or on parents with 
disabilities and their families, respectively. In order to capitalize 
on the knowledge generated by these centers, NIDRR wants the work of 
the DRRP funded under this priority to focus on one of these critical 
populations. A focus on adults with disabilities who are not parents is 
therefore beyond the intended scope of this priority.
    Changes: None.

RRTCs

Priority 10--General Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) 
Requirements (Proposed Priority 11 in the NPP)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: NIDRR believes that it is particularly important to 
disseminate the results of the research conducted by RRTCs to 
vocational rehabilitation and independent living service providers 
described in Title I and Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 
as amended. Upon further review of the RRTC requirements, therefore, 
NIDRR determined that it was appropriate to identify these types of 
service providers as examples of audiences to whom the results of the 
RRTC's research must be disseminated.
    Changes: We have added vocational rehabilitation and independent 
living

[[Page 6138]]

service providers as specific audiences to receive dissemination 
materials that result from the research and related activities carried 
out by the RRTCs.

Priority 11--Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the 21st Century 
(Proposed Priority 15)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Upon further review of this priority, we have 
determined that the priority did not sufficiently emphasize the 
relationship between PAS and the employment of individuals with 
disabilities. Accordingly, we have revised the priority to emphasize 
research on the relationship between PAS and employment of individuals 
with disabilities.
    Changes: We have made minor changes throughout this priority to 
clarify that the grantee under this priority must examine, among other 
things, the use of PAS to support employment among individuals with 
disabilities.

Priority 14--Community Living and Employment for Individuals With 
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Proposed Priority 21)

    Comment: Fourteen commenters suggested adding a component to the 
priority that supports the development of personnel to provide direct 
supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities so they can live 
and work in the community.
    Discussion: NIDRR recognizes the need to support research on 
personal assistance services and professionals who provide direct 
support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities 
(ID/DD). A well-prepared and skilled workforce of direct support 
providers can provide much needed personalized services and support to 
individuals with ID/DD who seek meaningful employment and wish to 
participate more actively in the community. Further, research is needed 
to identify methods for training direct service providers so that these 
workers can facilitate positive educational and vocational outcomes for 
individuals with ID/DD. Therefore, we are revising this priority to 
include a component addressing the development of personnel providing 
support services to individuals with ID/DD.
    Changes: NIDRR has added a paragraph to this priority that requires 
the development, evaluation, and dissemination of training materials to 
prepare direct support providers for individuals with ID/DD.
    Comment: Two commenters requested adding an ID/DD policy research 
component to the priority.
    Discussion: Applicants under this priority may propose research 
that focuses on ID/DD policies. However, NIDRR does not have a 
sufficient basis for requiring that all applicants focus on this 
particular area. The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each 
proposal under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested adding an advocacy and empowerment 
component to the priority.
    Discussion: Applicants may propose to conduct research on advocacy 
and empowerment interventions under paragraph (c) of this priority. 
However, NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis for requiring that all 
applicants focus on this particular area. The peer review panel will 
evaluate the merits of each proposal under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: NIDRR wishes to highlight both access to employment and 
community living for individuals with disabilities in this priority. 
For this reason, NIDRR is changing the title and introductory 
paragraphs of this priority to specify that employment is a key outcome 
to be addressed by the interventions developed by the proposed Center.
    Changes: NIDRR has changed the title of this priority to 
``Community Living and Employment for Individuals With Intellectual and 
Developmental Disabilities.'' NIDRR also has added the word 
``employment'' to the introductory paragraphs of the priority to 
emphasize that the RRTC funded under the priority must focus on 
interventions that support the employment of individuals with 
disabilities.

RERCs

General

    Comment: Two commenters asked whether the Department has a 
mechanism for ensuring that RERCs comply with the NIDRR requirement 
that all RERCs collaborate with the Center on Knowledge Translation for 
Technology Transfer to develop a technology transfer plan (paragraph 
(6) of the RERC priorities).
    Discussion: All RERCs must propose methods for collaborating with 
the Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer, as 
specified in paragraph (6) of the RERC priorities. The peer review 
panel will evaluate the merits of the proposals received under the RERC 
priorities. Once RERC awards are made, NIDRR staff will facilitate and 
promote collaborative relationships between the RERCs and the Center on 
Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer to help ensure that this 
collaboration occurs.
    Changes: None.

Priority 15--RERC for Hearing Enhancement (Proposed Priority 22)

    Comment: One commenter stated that research is needed to improve 
and evaluate hearing enhancement technologies, particularly in the 
areas of sound suppression, compatibility standards, standards for 
measuring fidelity and distortion, user customization, built-in 
wireless receivers, hearing in noise, high frequencies in hearing aids, 
and designing for usability.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that research on hearing enhancement 
technologies is necessary to improve outcomes for individuals with 
hearing loss.
    Changes: NIDRR has revised the priority to include a research focus 
on improving the performance, usability, and accessibility of hearing 
enhancement technologies.
    Comment: One commenter stated that research into aural 
rehabilitation and consumer education, including areas such as training 
for professionals, developing aural rehabilitation tools, and 
disseminating information to consumers, should be an important 
component of this priority.
    Discussion: Nothing in the priority precludes applicants from 
proposing research on aural rehabilitation and consumer education. The 
priority specifically calls for the development and testing of 
innovative technologies, products, and tools, which could include aural 
rehabilitation tools. Likewise, nothing in the priority precludes 
applicants from proposing consumer education strategies, such as 
training, technical assistance, and dissemination methods, to address 
these areas. Under the priority, each RERC must target technical 
assistance and dissemination to a wide variety of relevant stakeholder 
groups, including consumers. The peer review panel will evaluate the 
merits of each proposal under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: None.
    Discussion: NIDRR has determined that the term ``assistive 
technology,'' as used in the deaf and hard of hearing community, 
typically refers to assistive listening and alerting devices such as FM 
systems and flashing lights. In this priority, NIDRR intended to be 
more inclusive of all hearing enhancement technologies, including 
possible focus areas that include, but are not limited to, hearing aids 
and implants, as well as assistive listening and alerting devices.

[[Page 6139]]

    Changes: NIDRR has deleted the word ``assistive'' from the 
priority, so that the phrase now reads ``hearing enhancement 
technologies.''

Priority 17--RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics (Proposed Priority 24)

    Comment: One commenter suggested that the Prosthetics and Orthotics 
priority be revised to require grantees to conduct an independent 
evaluation of commercially available prosthetic and orthotic 
components.
    Discussion: Nothing in the priority precludes applicants from 
proposing to conduct an independent evaluation of commercially 
available prosthetic and orthotic components. However, NIDRR does not 
have a sufficient basis for requiring that all applicants propose such 
evaluations. The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each 
proposal under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter noted that orthotic research and development 
have historically received less attention than that of prosthetics. 
This commenter suggested that the Prosthetics and Orthotics priority be 
revised to require an appropriate focus on both prosthetics and 
orthotics.
    Discussion The Prosthetics and Orthotics priority requires research 
and development in both disciplines. NIDRR has not prescribed a 
particular amount of resources that this RERC must devote to either 
discipline. The relative amount of focus on prosthetics and orthotics 
will be determined by the applicants. The peer review process will 
evaluate the merits of the proposals received under this priority.
    Changes: None.

Priority 19--RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology 
Access (Proposed Priority 26)

    Comment: None.
    Discussion: Upon further internal review of this priority, NIDRR 
noticed that we mistakenly referred to a NIDRR-funded Information 
Technology Technical Assistance Center. We intend for the RERC for 
Universal Interface and Information Technology Access to work 
collaboratively with the RERC on Telecommunication Access and the RERC 
on Mobile Wireless Technologies.
    Changes: We deleted the reference to the NIDRR-funded Information 
Technology Technical Assistance Center from this priority.

    Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in 
which we choose to use one or more of these final priorities, we 
invite applications through a notice in the Federal Register. When 
inviting applications, we designate each priority as absolute, 
competitive preference, or invitational.

    The effect of each type of priority follows:
    Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only 
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
    Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference 
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by either 
(1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to 
which the application meets the competitive preference priority (34 CFR 
75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the 
competitive preference 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 invitational 
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the 
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other 
applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
    This NFP is in concert with President George W. Bush's New Freedom 
Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 2005-2009 
(Plan). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom.
    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 NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to: 
(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation 
research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and 
training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding 
of the unique needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3) 
identify 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.
    Priorities:

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program

    The purpose of the DRRP program is to improve the effectiveness of 
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 
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, development, demonstration, training, 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). In addition, NIDRR intends to require all DRRP 
applicants to meet the General Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
Projects (DRRP) Requirements priority that it published in a notice of 
final priorities in the Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 FR 
25472).
    Additional information on the DRRP program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.

Priority 1--Health Care Coordination for Individuals With Physical 
Disabilities

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Project (DRRP) on Health Care Coordination for Individuals 
with Disabilities. The purpose of this priority is to conduct research 
on the outcomes of Medicare-or Medicaid-managed health care 
coordination programs for individuals with disabilities. Under this 
priority, the DRRP must be designed to contribute to the following 
outcomes:
    (a) New knowledge about the extent to which enrollment in health 
care coordination programs enhances access to health care for 
individuals with disabilities. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome 
by conducting research on, and evaluating, one or more existing 
Medicaid- or Medicare-funded managed health care coordination programs 
for individuals with disabilities.
    (b) New knowledge about the health outcomes associated with 
participation in health care coordination programs for individuals with 
disabilities. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by conducting 
research on, and evaluating, one or more existing Medicaid- or 
Medicare-funded health care coordination programs for individuals with 
disabilities.
    (c) New knowledge about potential Medicaid or Medicare cost savings 
that are associated with health care coordination efforts for 
individuals with disabilities. The DRRP must contribute

[[Page 6140]]

to this outcome by conducting research on, and evaluating, one or more 
existing Medicaid- or Medicare-funded health care coordination programs 
for individuals with disabilities.
    In addition, the DRRP must work with the NIDRR project officer to 
coordinate its research efforts with the Centers for Medicare & 
Medicaid Services--Office of Research, Development, and Information.

Priority 2--Health and Health Care Disparities Among Individuals With 
Disabilities

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Project (DRRP) on Health and Health Care Disparities Among 
Individuals with Disabilities. The purpose of this priority is to build 
a knowledge base about health care access and health outcomes among the 
diverse population of individuals with disabilities. Under this 
priority, the DRRP must be designed to contribute to the following 
outcomes:
    (a) A foundation of available knowledge about health disparities 
among subpopulations of individuals with disabilities. The DRRP must 
contribute to this outcome by conducting a review and synthesis of 
existing research on health and health care access among individuals 
with disabilities or subgroups of individuals with disabilities. The 
DRRP must then use this review and synthesis to inform the subsequent 
research and evaluation efforts of the DRRP.
    (b) New knowledge about system-level factors that are associated 
with the health of individuals with disabilities and their access to 
health care. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by conducting 
research on the extent to which the health of individuals with 
disabilities and their access to health care are related to system-
level factors that may include, but are not limited to, rural or urban 
status, as well as characteristics of their health care insurance or 
health care providers.
    (c) New knowledge about the individual-level characteristics of 
individuals with disabilities that are associated with their health and 
access to health care. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by 
conducting research on the extent to which the health of individuals 
with disabilities and their access to health care are related to their 
disabling condition categories (mental illness, sensory, physical, 
cognitive, or combinations thereof), disability severity, age, gender, 
race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education level, or other 
individual-level characteristics.
    (d) Improved policies, programs, or interventions that promote the 
health and health care access among subpopulations of individuals with 
disabilities who are least likely to receive recommended health care 
services. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by applying 
knowledge derived from research conducted under paragraphs (a), (b), 
and (c) of this priority.
    In addition, the DRRP must collaborate with the Rehabilitation 
Research and Training Center on Health and Wellness, and other projects 
identified through consultation with the NIDRR project officer.

Priority 3--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Centers 
Collaborative Research Projects

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Projects (DRRPs) on Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems 
(TBIMS) Collaborative Projects. Each DRRP under this priority must 
conduct research that contributes to evidence-based rehabilitation 
interventions, including, but not limited to, medical, psychological, 
vocational, and social interventions for the purpose of improving the 
lives of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
    To be eligible under this priority, an applicant must be currently 
funded under NIDRR's TBIMS program.
    Under this priority, each DRRP must be designed to contribute to 
the following outcomes:
    (a) Increased use of the TBIMS program to conduct high-quality 
collaborative research. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by 
collaborating with three or more of the NIDRR-funded TBIMS centers (for 
a minimum of four TBIMS sites).

    Note: Applicants under this priority may propose to include 
other TBI research sites that are not participating in a NIDRR-
funded TBIMS program in their collaborative research projects.

    (b) Improved long-term outcomes for individuals with TBI. The DRRP 
must contribute to this outcome by using clearly identified research 
designs to conduct collaborative research on questions of significance 
to TBI rehabilitation. The DRRP's research must focus on one or more 
specific domains identified in NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 
2005-2009, including health and function, participation and community 
living, technology, and employment, and must be designed to ensure that 
the research study has appropriate research hypotheses and methods to 
generate reliable and valid findings.
    In addition, the DRRP must address the following requirements:
    <bullet> Demonstrate the capacity to carry out collaborative, 
multi-site research projects, including the ability to coordinate 
research among centers; maintain data quality; and adhere to research 
protocols, confidentiality requirements, and data safety requirements.
    <bullet> Coordinate with the NIDRR-funded Model Systems Knowledge 
Translation Center to provide scientific results and information for 
dissemination to clinical and consumer audiences, including vocational 
rehabilitation and independent living service providers. (Additional 
information on this center can be found at http://uwctds.washington.edu/projects/msktc.asp).

Priority 4--Classification and Measurement of Medical Rehabilitation 
Interventions

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Project (DRRP) on Classification and Measurement of Medical 
Rehabilitation Interventions. This DRRP must conduct research and 
development toward the creation of a taxonomy of medical rehabilitation 
interventions. Under this priority, the DRRP must be designed to 
contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) Enhanced research capacity and improved clinical practice in 
the field of medical rehabilitation. The DRRP must contribute to this 
outcome by conducting research to develop validated methods for 
systematically classifying the broad range of medical rehabilitation 
interventions delivered by rehabilitation physicians, physical 
therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, 
rehabilitation nurses, rehabilitation psychologists, and other allied 
health professionals.
    (b) Enhanced research capacity and improved clinical practice in 
the field of medical rehabilitation through the application of one or 
more treatment theories to guide the development of a rehabilitation 
treatment taxonomy.
    (c) Collaboration with relevant NIDRR-sponsored projects, such as 
the Rehabilitation Research Training Center on Measuring Rehabilitation 
Outcomes, and other projects as identified through

[[Page 6141]]

consultation with the NIDRR project officer.

Priority 5--Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for Individuals 
With Autism Spectrum Disorders

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Project (DRRP) on Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for 
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This DRRP must 
conduct research on vocational rehabilitation (VR) service models for 
individuals with ASDs that contributes to evidence-based rehabilitation 
interventions to improve the lives of individuals with ASDs. Under this 
priority, the DRRP must be designed to contribute to one or both of the 
following outcomes:
    (a) Improved vocational and postsecondary education outcomes for 
individuals with ASDs. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by 
developing or testing VR intervention strategies for individuals with 
ASDs, the measures needed to assess the effectiveness of VR 
intervention strategies for individuals with ASDs, or both.
    (b) Improved long-term vocational and postsecondary education 
services for individuals with ASDs. The DRRP must contribute to this 
outcome by analyzing the factors affecting the organization and 
delivery of these services to individuals with ASDs and by recommending 
changes that could improve these service delivery mechanisms.

Priority 6--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Project to serve as the Center on Knowledge Translation for 
Technology Transfer (Center). The Center must conduct rigorous 
research, development, technical assistance, dissemination, and 
utilization activities to increase successful knowledge translation 
(KT) for the transfer of assistive technology products developed by 
NIDRR-funded technology grantees.
    The Center must partner with key stakeholders such as trade and 
professional associations, and relevant industry representatives and 
focus its original research and development activities (i.e., those 
activities conducted pursuant to paragraphs (a)(2), (b)(2), and (b)(3) 
of the priority) on no more than three technology areas that are the 
focus of current NIDRR technology grantees. Information on technology 
research funded by NIDRR can be found at http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm. Each applicant must define and justify its focus. The 
Center's identification and compilation of existing research on 
technology transfer pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of the 
priority must be designed to serve as a knowledge base for the training 
and technical assistance the Center must provide to NIDRR technology 
grantees.
    Under this priority, the Center must be designed to contribute to 
the following outcomes:
    (a) Improved understanding of barriers to, and facilitators of, 
successful KT for technology transfer in different industries related 
to NIDRR's technology portfolio. The Center must contribute to this 
outcome by--
    (1) Identifying and compiling existing research-based knowledge 
about barriers to, and facilitators of, successful KT for technology 
transfer; and
    (2) Conducting research on barriers to, and facilitators of, 
successful KT for technology transfer related to the technology areas 
on which the Center focuses.
    (b) Advanced knowledge of best practices in KT for technology 
transfer. The Center must contribute to this outcome by--
    (1) Identifying existing models, methods, or measures of KT for 
technology transfer in different industries related to NIDRR's 
technology portfolio;
    (2) Further developing and testing models, methods, or measures in 
the technology areas on which the Center focuses; and
    (3) Establishing best technology transfer practices that can be 
used to effectively implement and evaluate the success of technology 
transfer activities in the technology areas on which the Center 
focuses.
    (c) Increased utilization of the validated best practices for KT 
for technology transfer. The Center must contribute to this outcome by 
providing training and technical assistance to NIDRR-funded technology 
grantees to implement and evaluate the success of such practices.

Priority 7--Asset Accumulation and Economic Self-Sufficiency for 
Individuals With Disabilities

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Project (DRRP) on Asset Accumulation and Economic Self-
Sufficiency for Individuals with Disabilities. This DRRP must create 
new research-based knowledge to promote asset accumulation among 
individuals with disabilities. Under this priority, the DRRP must be 
designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) New knowledge of both the barriers to, and facilitators of, 
asset accumulation and economic self-sufficiency for low-to moderate-
income individuals with disabilities and their families. This DRRP must 
contribute to this outcome by focusing on individual-level 
characteristics that may affect savings and asset accumulation, as well 
as system-level factors that include policies or programs designed to 
create system-level incentives or disincentives to the accumulation of 
assets.
    (b) Improved asset accumulation outcomes and economic self-
sufficiency among individuals with disabilities. The DRRP must 
contribute to this outcome by developing and testing no more than two 
interventions that capitalize on the facilitators of asset accumulation 
and economic self-sufficiency and address the barriers to asset 
accumulation described in paragraph (a) of this priority. These 
interventions may include tailoring existing asset accumulation 
interventions to the specific needs and circumstances of individuals 
with disabilities.

Priority 8--Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Project (DRRP) on Technology Access in Resource-Limited 
Environments. Under this priority, the DRRP must be designed to 
contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) Increased access to, and acquisition of, high-quality, low-cost 
technology products by individuals with disabilities who need them. The 
DRRP must contribute to this outcome by conducting research to evaluate 
the application of various models of transferring technology products 
to individuals with disabilities in resource-limited environments in 
the United States (U.S.), developing countries, or both. The DRRP's 
research must examine the relationship of factors such as type of 
technology, delivery system options, socioeconomic conditions, and 
disability type, on the successful transfer of needed technologies to 
individuals with disabilities. NIDRR is particularly concerned about 
providing technology to support individuals engaged in agricultural 
occupations because of the

[[Page 6142]]

significant need for assistive technologies by this population.
    (b) Increased awareness by individuals with disabilities of high-
quality, low-cost technology products, already developed or in 
development, for use in resource-limited environments. The DRRP must 
contribute to this outcome by conducting research on methods of 
providing information on available products to individuals with 
disabilities and their caregivers in resource-limited environments in 
the U.S., developing countries, or both. The DRRP's research must 
examine the effect of factors, such as literacy rates and the 
availability of print, Internet, or other communication resources, as 
well as socioeconomic factors and disability type, on strategies to 
increase awareness among individuals with disabilities in these areas.

Priority 9--Research and Knowledge Translation Center for Individuals 
With Disabilities and Their Families

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Project (DRRP) to serve as the Research and Knowledge 
Translation Center for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families 
(Center). The Center must conduct research on the experiences and 
knowledge needs of individuals with disabilities and their families, 
and translate these findings into training, technical assistance, and 
informational resources.
    The Center must focus on the knowledge needs of families that 
include a child aged 21 or younger with a disability, or an adult with 
a disability who is a parent of at least one child aged 21 or younger.
    Under this priority, the Center must be designed to contribute to 
the following outcomes:
    (a) Increased knowledge about the experiences and information needs 
of individuals with disabilities and their families, and how those 
experiences and needs differ by variables such as condition type, 
severity, and age, as well as key characteristics of other family 
members and the overall structure of the family. The Center must 
contribute to this outcome by synthesizing existing research and 
advancing the knowledge base through the collection and analysis of 
data about the experiences and knowledge needs of families that include 
one or more individuals with a disability. Through this research and 
analysis, the Center must examine the extent to which the needs of 
individuals with disabilities and their families are being met by the 
programs and service systems that are critical to their community 
integration and participation (e.g., legal systems related to custody, 
adoption, and divorce; health care; long-term care; assistive 
technology provision programs; child care; transportation; and a wide 
variety of related social support services).
    (b) Improved participation and community integration of individuals 
with disabilities. The Center must contribute to this outcome by 
developing, implementing, and evaluating research-based training, 
technical assistance, and informational resources that are targeted to 
the specific knowledge needs of individuals with disabilities and their 
families, as those needs are identified through the research activities 
described in paragraph (a) of this priority, or other research-based 
knowledge.
    In addition, the Center must coordinate with relevant NIDRR 
Knowledge Translation grantees to develop and implement a method for 
identifying high-quality, research-based information for dissemination 
to individuals with disabilities and their families.

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. 
Additional information on the RRTC program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#RRTC.

Statutory and Regulatory Requirements of RRTCs

    RRTCs must--
    <bullet> Carry out coordinated advanced programs of rehabilitation 
research;
    <bullet> Provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training, to help rehabilitation personnel more effectively 
provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities;
    <bullet> Provide technical assistance to individuals with 
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested 
parties;
    <bullet> Demonstrate in their applications how they will address, 
in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from 
minority backgrounds;
    <bullet> Disseminate informational materials to individuals with 
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested 
parties; and
    <bullet> Serve as centers of national excellence in rehabilitation 
research for individuals with disabilities, their representatives, 
providers, and other interested parties.

Priority 10--General Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) 
Requirements

    Priority:
    To meet this priority, the RRTC must--
    (a) Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its respective 
area of research by the fourth year of the grant cycle and publish a 
comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference by the end 
of the fourth year of the grant cycle. This conference must include 
materials from experts internal and external to the RRTC;
    (b) Coordinate on research projects of mutual interest with 
relevant NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with 
the NIDRR project officer;
    (c) Involve individuals with disabilities in planning and 
implementing its research, training, and dissemination activities, and 
in evaluating the RRTC; and
    (d) Coordinate with the appropriate NIDRR-funded Knowledge 
Translation Centers and professional and consumer organizations, to 
disseminate scientific results and information to policymakers, service 
providers, researchers, and others, including vocational rehabilitation 
and independent living center providers.

Priority 11--Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the 21st Century

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Center (RRTC) on Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the 
21st Century. This RRTC must conduct rigorous research, develop 
interventions, and provide training that address future demands for PAS 
and caregiving. Under this priority, the RRTC must be designed to 
contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) Improved access to PAS by individuals with disabilities. The 
RRTC must contribute to this outcome by: (1) analyzing and describing 
trends and needs of the population of PAS consumers, including 
individuals with disabilities who require PAS in the

[[Page 6143]]

workplace; (2) identifying gaps in programs and services; (3) 
developing effective evidence-based interventions to address unmet 
needs for PAS; and (4) proposing strategies to coordinate and secure 
PAS services during national or regional emergencies.
    (b) A larger and better prepared paid and unpaid PAS workforce to 
support individuals with disabilities, including those who are employed 
or seeking employment. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by: (1) 
Developing tools and supports for unpaid caregivers that reflect the 
changing needs of caregivers as they age; (2) developing strategies 
that lead to a PAS workforce that is geographically diverse and that 
maximizes workforce recruitment, retention, compensation and benefits, 
professional training, development, and networking; and (3) identifying 
and evaluating interventions and labor resources, such as job training 
services, that help to improve workforce capacity of PAS providers.
    (c) An understanding of the complexity of the economics of PAS. The 
RRTC must contribute to this outcome by: (1) Analyzing the 
interrelationships among employment, employment supports, the use of 
technologies, and PAS; and (2) analyzing the role of tax laws that 
affect reimbursement for PAS.

Priority 12--Disability Statistics and Demographics

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Center (RRTC) on Disability Statistics and Demographics. This 
RRTC must conduct rigorous research, knowledge translation, training, 
dissemination, and technical assistance that advance the use of 
rigorous disability statistics and demographics to inform disability 
policy and service provision. Under this priority, the RRTC must be 
designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) Rigorous and timely demographic research to inform the 
development of disability policies and programs. The RRTC must 
contribute to this outcome by: (1) Producing meta-analyses of national, 
State, and administrative data that address critical program and 
service needs; and (2) providing statistical consultation, including 
specialized analyses, to facilitate the use of survey and 
administrative data by policymakers and others.
    (b) Improved disability data and statistics. The RRTC must conduct 
research about methodologies that advance the practice for (1) 
conducting surveys of individuals with disabilities, including 
individuals with low-prevalence disabilities; (2) analyzing data about 
low-incidence populations of individuals with disabilities; and (3) 
other issues related to survey or administrative data.
    (c) Effective use of disability statistics and demographic 
information. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by: (1) Serving 
as a resource on disability statistics and demographics for Federal and 
other government agencies, policymakers, consumers, advocates, 
researchers, and others; and (2) transferring research findings to 
Federal and other government agencies, policymakers, consumers, 
advocates, researchers, and others to enhance planning, policymaking, 
program administration, and delivery of services to individuals with 
disabilities.

Priority 13--Health and Function Across the Lifespan of Individuals 
With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

    Priority:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Center (RRTC) on Health and Function Across the Lifespan of 
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD). 
This RRTC must focus on rigorous research, training, technical 
assistance, and dissemination of strategies and interventions that 
improve the health and function of individuals with ID/DD, and access 
to community-based health and social services by individuals with ID/
DD. The research conducted by this RRTC also must focus on promoting 
family and caregiver supports that enable individuals with ID/DD to 
receive long-term care.
    When applying for a grant under this priority, an applicant must 
identify, in its application, the target population from the diverse 
population of individuals with ID/DD to be served by the proposed 
research and describe how the proposed research will benefit this 
group.
    Under this priority, the RRTC must be designed to contribute to the 
following outcomes:
    (a) Conceptually-sound theories and methodologies for research on 
community-based rehabilitation and health and social service provision, 
including research on long-term care or care provided by family members 
to individuals with ID/DD. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by 
investigating existing theories that may help organize or frame 
research on ID/DD, including theories from fields such as long-term 
care, or frameworks related to delivery of rehabilitation or health 
services in the community.
    (b) Improved instruments and measures that evaluate the suitability 
and quality of personal assistance services, and the effectiveness and 
efficiency of community-based health and social services for 
individuals with ID/DD. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by 
assessing current measures and instruments, reporting on their validity 
and reliability, and then developing and testing improved measures.
    (c) Improved rehabilitation or community-based interventions that 
demonstrate measurable reductions in barriers to access to and 
utilization of community-based services or community-based 
interventions that otherwise contribute to improved health and function 
of individuals with ID/DD. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by 
identifying and testing potential interventions and providing a 
thorough assessment of the basis on which these interventions were 
selected, including any preliminary evidence of their usefulness and 
relevance to individuals with ID/DD and their families.

Priority 14--Community Living and Employment for Individuals With 
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

    Priorities:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Center (RRTC) for Community Living and Employment for 
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD). 
The RRTC must focus on rigorous research, training, technical 
assistance, and dissemination to enhance inclusion and self-
determination of individuals with ID/DD. This RRTC also must focus on 
developing interventions that support self-determination, informed 
choice, consumer control, employment, family involvement, and 
participation and community living of individuals with ID/DD.
    When applying for a grant under this priority, an applicant must 
identify, in its application, the target population of interest from 
the diverse population of individuals with ID/DD to be served by the 
proposed research and describe how the proposed research will benefit 
this group.
    Under this priority, the RRTC must be designed to contribute to the 
following outcomes:
    (a) Improved concepts and theories of societal participation and 
community

[[Page 6144]]

living, and self-determination to guide the study of the needs and 
abilities of individuals with ID/DD. The RRTC must contribute to this 
outcome by investigating existing theories of societal participation, 
community living, and self-determination to frame research on these 
topics for individuals with ID/DD.
    (b) Improved instruments and measures of participation and 
community living to assess the type, frequency, and quality of 
activities that individuals with ID/DD wish to engage in, or are able 
to engage in, outside the home or residential facility. The RRTC must 
contribute to this outcome by assessing current measures and 
instruments used to determine outcomes in the areas of access to 
community facilities, social participation, self advocacy, employment 
choice, and housing selection by individuals with ID/DD; reporting on 
the validity and reliability of these measures; and then developing and 
testing improved measures, as needed.
    (c) Improved rehabilitation or community-based interventions that 
demonstrate a measurable impact in areas such as access to communal 
facilities and events, social participation and interaction with 
members of the community, self-advocacy, employment, and housing 
choices. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by identifying and 
testing potential interventions for individuals with ID/DD, providing a 
thorough assessment of the basis on which these interventions were 
selected, and identifying any preliminary evidence of their usefulness 
and relevance to individuals with ID/DD and their families.
    (d) Improved personal assistance services and direct support for 
individuals with ID/DD living in the community, including services and 
supports in educational, vocational training, and employment settings. 
The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by developing, evaluating, and 
disseminating training modules or programs that are intended to prepare 
direct support providers for individuals with ID/DD.

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program (RERCs)

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the RERC program is to improve 
the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act 
of 1973, as amended, by conducting advanced engineering research and 
development on innovative technologies that are designed to solve 
particular rehabilitation problems, or remove environmental barriers. 
RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate 
service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and 
distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, 
and provide training opportunities.

General Requirements of RERCs

    RERCs carry out research or demonstration activities in support of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by--
    <bullet> Developing and disseminating innovative methods of 
applying advanced technology, scientific achievement, and psychological 
and social knowledge to: (a) Solve rehabilitation problems and remove 
environmental barriers; and (b) study and evaluate new or emerging 
technologies, products, or environments and their effectiveness and 
benefits; or
    <bullet> Demonstrating and disseminating: (a) innovative models for 
the delivery of cost-effective rehabilitation technology services to 
rural and urban areas; and (b) other scientific research to assist in 
meeting the employment and independent living needs of individuals with 
severe disabilities; and
    <bullet> Facilitating service delivery systems change through: (a) 
The development, evaluation, and dissemination of innovative consumer-
responsive and individual- and family-centered models for the delivery 
to both rural and urban areas of innovative cost-effective 
rehabilitation technology services; and (b) other scientific research 
to assist in meeting the employment and independence needs of 
individuals with severe disabilities.
    Each RERC must be operated by, or in collaboration with, one or 
more institutions of higher education or one or more nonprofit 
organizations.
    Each RERC must provide training opportunities, in conjunction with 
institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations, to assist 
individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become 
rehabilitation technology researchers and practitioners.
    Additional information on the RERC program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.html.

Priorities 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20--Rehabilitation Engineering 
Research Centers (RERCs) for Hearing Enhancement (Priority 15), 
Accessible Public Transportation (Priority 16), Prosthetics and 
Orthotics (Priority 17), Communication Enhancement (Priority 18), 
Universal Interface and Information Technology Access (Priority 19), 
and Wheeled Mobility (Priority 20)

    Priorities:
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services establishes the following priorities for (a) an RERC for 
Hearing Enhancement (priority 15); (b) an RERC for Accessible Public 
Transportation (priority 16); (c) an RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics 
(priority 17); (d) an RERC for Communication Enhancement (priority 18); 
(e) an RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology Access 
(priority 19); and (f) an RERC for Wheeled Mobility (priority 20). 
Within its designated priority research area, each RERC will focus on 
innovative technologies, new knowledge, and concepts that will improve 
the lives of individuals with disabilities.
    (a) RERC for Hearing Enhancement (Priority 15). Under this 
priority, the RERC must research and develop methods, systems, and 
technologies that will: (1) Improve the performance, usability, and 
accessibility of hearing enhancement technologies (e.g., hearing aids, 
ear molds, assistive devices, implants); and (2) assist hearing 
professionals with the process of matching hearing enhancement 
technologies to individuals with hearing loss and associated conditions 
such as tinnitus. This includes improving the compatibility of hearing 
enhancement technologies with various environments such as school, 
work, recreation, and social settings.
    (b) RERC for Accessible Public Transportation (Priority 16). Under 
this priority, the RERC must research and develop methods, systems, and 
devices that will promote and enhance the ability of individuals with 
disabilities to safely, comfortably, and efficiently identify 
destination information, board and disembark, and use services and 
facilities on various types of public transportation systems such as 
buses, passenger trains, and airplanes. This RERC must emphasize the 
principles of universal design in its product research and development.
    (c) RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics (Priority 17). Under this 
priority, the RERC must increase the understanding of the scientific 
and engineering principles pertaining to human locomotion, reaching, 
grasping, and

[[Page 6145]]

manipulation, and incorporate those principles into the design and 
fitting of prosthetic and orthotic devices.
    (d) RERC for Communication Enhancement (Priority 18). Under this 
priority, the RERC must research and develop augmentative and 
alternative communication technologies and strategies that will enhance 
the communicative capacity of individuals of all ages with significant 
communication disorders across environments (i.e., education, 
employment, recreation, social environments).
    (e) RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology Access 
(Priority 19). Under this priority, the RERC must research and develop 
innovative technological solutions for, and promote universal access 
to, current and emerging information technologies and technology 
interfaces that promote a seamless integration of the multiple 
technologies used by individuals with disabilities in the home, 
community, and workplace. This RERC must work collaboratively with the 
RERC on Telecommunication Access, and the RERC on Mobile Wireless 
Technologies.
    (f) RERC for Wheeled Mobility (Priority 20). Under this priority, 
the RERC must research and develop innovative technologies and 
strategies that will improve the current state of the science, design 
standards, and usability of wheeled mobility devices and wheelchair 
seating systems.
    Under each priority, the RERC must be designed to contribute to the 
following outcomes:
    (1) Increased technical and scientific knowledge relevant to its 
designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this 
outcome by conducting high-quality, rigorous research and development 
projects.
    (2) Innovative technologies, products, environments, performance 
guidelines, and monitoring and assessment tools as applicable to its 
designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this 
outcome through the development and testing of these innovations.
    (3) Improved research capacity in its designated priority research 
area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by collaborating with 
the relevant industry and professional associations, and institutions 
of higher education.
    (4) Improved focus on cutting edge developments in technologies 
within its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute 
to this outcome by identifying and communicating with NIDRR and the 
field regarding trends and evolving product concepts related to its 
designated priority research area.
    (5) Increased impact of research in the designated priority 
research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by providing 
technical assistance to public and private organizations, individuals 
with disabilities, and employers on policies, guidelines, and standards 
related to its designated priority research area.
    (6) Increased transfer of RERC-developed technologies to the 
marketplace. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by developing and 
implementing a plan for ensuring that all technologies developed by the 
RERC are made available to the public. The technology transfer plan 
must be developed in the first year of the project period in 
consultation with the NIDRR-funded Disability Rehabilitation Research 
Project, Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer.
    In addition, under each priority, the RERC must--
    <bullet> Design, build, and test prototype devices and assist in 
the transfer of successful solutions to relevant production and service 
delivery settings;
    <bullet> Evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products, 
instrumentation, or assistive devices;
    <bullet> Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, a 
plan that describes how it will include, as appropriate, individuals 
with disabilities or their representatives in all phases of its 
activities, including research, development, training, dissemination, 
and evaluation;
    <bullet> Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, in 
consultation with the NIDRR-funded National Center for the 
Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) (http://www.ncddr.org), a 
plan to disseminate its research results to individuals with 
disabilities, their representatives, disability organizations, 
employers, service providers, professional journals, manufacturers, and 
other interested parties;
    <bullet> Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its 
designated priority research area in the fourth year of the project 
period, and publish a comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the 
conference in the fifth year of the project period; and
    <bullet> Coordinate research projects of mutual interest with 
relevant NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with 
the NIDRR project officer.

Executive Order 12866

    This NFP has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 
12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential 
costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
    The potential costs associated with this NFP 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 NFP, we have determined that the benefits of 
the final priorities justify the costs.

Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits

    The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects 
and Centers Programs have been well established over the years in that 
similar projects have been completed successfully. These final 
priorities will generate new knowledge and technologies through 
research, development, dissemination, utilization, and technical 
assistance projects.
    Another benefit of these final priorities is that the establishment 
of new DRRPs, new RRTCs, and new RERCs will support the President's NFI 
and will improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The new 
DRRPs, RRTCs, and RERCs will generate, disseminate, and promote the use 
of new information that will improve the options for individuals with 
disabilities to perform regular activities in the community.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.

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 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. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. 
Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in 
the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

    Note: The official version of this document is the document 
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the 
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal 
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.133A Disability 
Rehabilitation Research Projects, 84.133B Rehabilitation Research 
and Training Centers and 84.133E Rehabilitation Engineering Research 
Centers Program)


[[Page 6146]]


    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g), 764(a), 764(b)(2), and 
764(b)(3).

    Dated: January 29, 2008.
Tracy Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
 [FR Doc. E8-1901 Filed 1-31-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


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