[Federal Register: May 4, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 85)]
[Notices]
[Page 23987-23993]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04my99-137]
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_______________________________________________________________________
Part VI
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Final
Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years 1999-2000 for Certain Centers and
Projects; Inviting Applications for New Awards Under the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project and Centers Program for Fiscal Year
(FY) 1999; Notices
[[Page 23988]]
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research;
Notice of Final Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years 1999-2000 for
Certain Centers and Projects
AGENCY: Department of Education.
SUMMARY: The Secretary announces final funding priorities for four
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs) and two Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) under the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) for fiscal
years 1999-2000. The Secretary takes this action to focus research
attention on areas of national need. These priorities are intended to
improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities take effect on June 3, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 205-
5880. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the TDD number at (202) 205-2742. Internet:
Donna__Nangle@ed.gov
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding
paragraph.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains final priorities under
the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program
for four RRTCs related to: rehabilitation for persons with long-term
mental illness; rehabilitation for children with disabilities with
special health care needs; policies affecting the provision of services
to children with emotional disturbances and their families; and
improving services and supports to children with emotional disturbances
and their families. The notice also contains final priorities for two
DRRPs related to: rehabilitation for women with disabilities; and
analysis of service delivery and policies affecting emerging disability
populations. The final priorities refer to NIDRR's proposed Long-Range
Plan (LRP). The proposed LRP can be accessed on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/1998-4/
102698a.html
These final priorities support the National Education Goal that
calls for every adult American to possess the skills necessary to
compete in a global economy.
The authority for the Secretary to establish research priorities by
reserving funds to support particular research activities is contained
in sections 202(g) and 204 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended (29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764).
Note: This notice of final priorities does not solicit
applications. A notice inviting applications is published elsewhere
in this issue of the Federal Register.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
On February 25, 1999 the Secretary published a notice of proposed
priorities in the Federal Register (64 FR 9422). The Department of
Education received 40 letters commenting on the notice of proposed
priorities by the deadline date. An analysis of the comments and of the
changes in the priorities since publication of the proposed priorities
follows. Other substantive issues are discussed under the priority in
which they pertain. Technical and other minor changes--and suggested
changes the Secretary is not legally authorized to make under statutory
authority--are not addressed.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
Priority 1: Rehabilitation for Persons With Long-Term Mental Illness
Comment: The RRTC should focus on the role of conflict resolution
skills in the recovery of individuals with long-term mental illness.
Discussion: Under the first required activity, an applicant could
propose to investigate the role of conflict resolution skills in the
recovery of individuals with long-term mental illness. The peer review
process will evaluate the merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no basis to
require all applicants to investigate the role of conflict resolution
skills in the recovery of individuals with long-term mental illness.
Changes: None.
Comment: The RRTC should be required to identify and evaluate
interventions that promote the functioning of single parent families in
which the parent has a history of mental illness.
Discussion: The purpose of the priority is to address the
employment status of persons with LTMI and investigate the
effectiveness of functional recovery. Within that context, an applicant
could propose to place a special emphasis on individuals with long-term
mental illness who are single parents. The peer review process will
evaluate the merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no basis to require all
applicants to place a special emphasis on individuals with long-term
mental illness who are single parents.
Changes: None.
Priority 2: Rehabilitation for Children With Disabilities With Special
Health Care Needs
Comment: Thirty-three commenters urged NIDRR to establish an RRTC
on Pediatric Trauma and fund a National Pediatric Trauma Registry
(NPTR).
Discussion: After consulting with other agencies carrying out
related pediatric research and reviewing the research portfolios of
current NIDRR grantees that carry out pediatric research, NIDRR will
consider establishing an RRTC on Pediatric Trauma. After conducting a
formal evaluation of the current NPTR, NIDRR will consider establishing
a new NPTR.
Changes: None.
Comment: The RRTC should address the healthcare access problems of
children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, or
autoimmune diseases.
Discussion: The priority includes a definition of children with
disabilities with special health care needs as having a chronic
physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition that also
requires health and related services of a type or amount beyond that
required by children generally. The RRTC could address the healthcare
access problems of children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, or autoimmune diseases if their condition
also requires health and related services of a type or amount beyond
that required by children generally.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter questioned the appropriateness of the target
population and asked for a clarification. The commenter asked if it was
necessary to include children with serious emotional conditions in this
RRTC in light of the two RRTCs related to children with serious
emotional disturbances. In addition, the commenter asked for
clarification regarding the age range of the target population, the
importance of the onset of disability, and the inclusion of children
who are institutionalized.
Discussion: The two RRTCs related to children with serious
emotional disturbances will not address the healthcare issues that are
addressed by this RRTC.
In terms of the target population, NIDRR prefers to give applicants
the discretion to propose the characteristics of the target population
who meet the definition in the priority of children disabilities with
special health care needs. The peer review process will
[[Page 23989]]
evaluate the merits of the proposed target population.
All children, including those who are institutionalized, who meet
the definition of children with disabilities with special health care
needs, should be included in the target population.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter questioned the utility of requiring the RRTC
to coordinate with the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center
(RERC) on Telerehabilitation.
Discussion: The RRTC is required to assess the effectiveness and
appropriateness of using telerehabilitation to provide health care
services to children in remote settings. The RERC on Telerehabilitation
should be instrumental in successfully carrying out this research.
Changes: None.
Priority 3: Policies Affecting the Provision of Services to Children
with Emotional Disturbances and Their Families
Comment: The shared Introduction that prefaces this priority and
the priority on improving services and supports to children with
emotional disturbances and their families should focus on strengths,
family-centered and family-driven planning, implementation, and
evaluation, as well as an injunction that all aspects of service
delivery should be culturally competent.
Discussion: The introductions to these, and other priorities,
include only that background information that is necessary in order for
potential applicants to propose to fulfill the purpose of the priority.
NIDRR believes that the principles articulated in the comment are
valuable, but not essential.
Changes: None.
Comment: This RRTC and the RRTC on improving services and supports
to children with emotional disturbances and their families should
include individuals from a range of diverse backgrounds and engage
family members in all of the work they perform.
Discussion: The description and general requirements of the RRTC
include provisions that are consistent with the commenter's
suggestions. They state that NIDRR encourages all Centers to involve
individuals with disabilities and individuals from minority backgrounds
as recipients of research training, as well as clinical training, and
that each RRTC must involve individuals with disabilities and, if
appropriate, their representatives, in planning and implementing its
research, training, and dissemination activities, and in evaluating the
Center. No further requirements are necessary.
Changes: None.
Comment: The first and third required activities should include
family-run organizations.
Discussion: An applicant could propose to address the role of
family-run organizations within the first and third required
activities. The peer review process will evaluate the merits of the
proposal. NIDRR has no basis to require all applicants to address the
role of family-run organizations within the first and third required
activities.
Changes: None.
Priority 4: Improving Services and Supports to Children With Emotional
Disturbances and Their Families
Comment: The first required activity should acknowledge the
importance of family participation at the case level, in service
planning, implementation, and planning, as well as in policy making.
Discussion: An applicant could propose to stress the importance of
family participation in carrying out the first required activity. The
peer review process will evaluate merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no
basis to require all applicants to stress the importance of family
participation in carrying out the first required activity.
Changes: None.
Comment: Two commenters indicated that the fourth required activity
should include issues related to collaboration in addition to issues on
communication skills.
Discussion: An applicant could propose to approach communication
skills broadly so as to include issues related to collaboration. The
peer review process will evaluate merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no
basis to require all applicants to approach communication skills
broadly so as to include issues related to collaboration.
Changes: None.
Comment: The RRTC should be required to describe the evolution and
development of family-run organizations and their impact on the design,
development, delivery, and evaluation of services and supports of
children, youth, and families.
Discussion: An applicant could propose to carry out the research
that the commenter has suggested as part of their research under the
first or second required activities. The peer review process will
evaluate the merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no basis to require all
applicants to describe the evolution and development of family-run
organizations and their impact on the design, development, delivery,
and evaluation of services and supports of children, youth, and
families.
Changes: None.
Comment: The priority refers to the Office of Policy and Planning
in the Department of Health and Human Services. Is this reference
correct?
Discussion: No. The correct reference should be the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the Department of
Health and Human Services.
Changes: The priority has been revised to refer to the Office of
the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the Department
of Health and Human Services.
Priority 5: Improved Economic Outcomes for Women With Disabilities
Comment: The DRRP should include some international focus, evaluate
a range of domestic economic development models, identify technological
obstacles and solutions, and focus on girls and young women from a
variety of ethnic backgrounds, economic strata, and disability groups.
Discussion: An applicant could propose to include all of the
commenter's suggestions in the research to be carried out by the DRRP.
The peer review process will evaluate the merits of the proposals.
NIDRR has no basis to require all applicants to include some
international focus, evaluate a range of domestic economic development
models, identify technological obstacles and solutions, and focus on
girls and young women from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, economic
strata, and disability groups.
Changes: None.
Comment: The DRRP should identify jobs that can accommodate the
special problems of persons with relapsing-remitting illnesses and
cognitive problems, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), multiple
sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Discussion: The DRRP is not required to identify jobs for any
disability group. However, as part of the research carried out under
the second and third required activity, an applicant could propose to
carry out the research suggested by the commenter. The peer review
process will evaluate the merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no basis to
require all applicants to identify jobs that can accommodate the
special problems of persons with relapsing-remitting illnesses and
cognitive problems, such as CFS, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia,
lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Changes: None.
[[Page 23990]]
Priority 6: Analysis of Service Delivery and Policies Affecting
Emerging Disability Populations
Comment: How will the DRRP determine what disabilities qualify as
``emerging,'' and specifically, does NIDRR consider CFS an emerging
disability?
Discussion: As indicated in the Introduction, NIDRR's proposed LRP
provides a description of characteristics of emerging disability
populations. Applicants will use that description to propose those
disabilities that will be addressed by the DRRP. An applicant could
propose to include CFS as an emerging disability. The peer review
process will evaluate the merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no basis to
require all applicants to consider CFS an emerging disability.
Changes: None.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
Authority for the RRTC program of NIDRR is contained in section
204(b)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C.
764(b)(2)). Under this program the Secretary makes awards to public and
private organizations, including institutions of higher education and
Indian tribes or tribal organizations for coordinated research and
training activities. These entities must be of sufficient size, scope,
and quality to effectively carry out the activities of the Center in an
efficient manner consistent with appropriate State and Federal laws.
They must demonstrate the ability to carry out the training activities
either directly or through another entity that can provide that
training.
The Secretary may make awards for up to 60 months through grants or
cooperative agreements. The purpose of the awards is for planning and
conducting research, training, demonstrations, and related activities
leading to the development of methods, procedures, and devices that
will benefit individuals with disabilities, especially those with the
most severe disabilities.
Description of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
RRTCs are operated in collaboration with institutions of higher
education or providers of rehabilitation services or other appropriate
services. RRTCs serve as centers of national excellence and national or
regional resources for providers and individuals with disabilities and
the parents, family members, guardians, advocates or authorized
representatives of the individuals.
RRTCs conduct coordinated, integrated, and advanced programs of
research in rehabilitation targeted toward the production of new
knowledge to improve rehabilitation methodology and service delivery
systems, to alleviate or stabilize disabling conditions, and to promote
maximum social and economic independence of individuals with
disabilities.
RRTCs provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training, to assist individuals to more effectively provide
rehabilitation services. They also provide training including graduate,
pre-service, and in-service training, for rehabilitation research
personnel and other rehabilitation personnel.
RRTCs serve as informational and technical assistance resources to
providers, individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family
members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of these
individuals through conferences, workshops, public education programs,
in-service training programs and similar activities.
RRTCs disseminate materials in alternate formats to ensure that
they are accessible to individuals with a range of disabling
conditions.
NIDRR encourages all Centers to involve individuals with
disabilities and individuals from minority backgrounds as recipients of
research training, as well as clinical training.
The Department is particularly interested in ensuring that the
expenditure of public funds is justified by the execution of intended
activities and the advancement of knowledge and, thus, has built this
accountability into the selection criteria. Not later than three years
after the establishment of any RRTC, NIDRR will conduct one or more
reviews of the activities and achievements of the Center. In accordance
with the provisions of 34 CFR 75.253(a), continued funding depends at
all times on satisfactory performance and accomplishment.
General Requirements
The following requirements apply to these RRTCs pursuant to these
absolute priorities unless noted otherwise. An applicant's proposal to
fulfill these proposed requirements will be assessed using applicable
selection criteria in the peer review process.
Each RRTC must provide: (1) training on research methodology and
applied research experience; and (2) training on knowledge gained from
the Center's research activities to persons with disabilities and their
families, service providers, and other appropriate parties.
Each RRTC must develop and disseminate informational materials
based on knowledge gained from the Center's research activities, and
disseminate the materials to persons with disabilities, their
representatives, service providers, and other interested parties.
Each RRTC must involve individuals with disabilities and, if
appropriate, their representatives, in planning and implementing its
research, training, and dissemination activities, and in evaluating the
Center.
The RRTC must conduct a state-of-the-science conference and publish
a comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference. The
report must be published in the fourth year of the grant.
The RRTC must coordinate with other entities carrying out related
research or training activities.
Priorities
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), the Secretary gives an absolute
preference to applications that meet the following priority. The
Secretary will fund under this competition only applications that meet
this priority.
Priority 1: Rehabilitation for Persons With Long-Term Mental Illness
Introduction
Chapter Two of NIDRR's proposed LRP addresses the employment status
of persons with mental illness (63 FR 57197-57198) and Chapter Six (63
FR 57208) sets forth the background to research addressing their
rehabilitation needs within the framework of community integration. The
National Institute of Mental Health estimates that there are over 3
million adults ages 18-69 who have a serious mental illness
(Manderscheid, R.W. & Sonnenschein, M.A. (Eds.), Mental Health, United
States 1992 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville,
MD; DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 92-1942).
The psychiatric rehabilitation model includes recovery as an
outcome for persons experiencing long-term mental illness (LTMI). The
recovery paradigm is defined as the personal, unique process of
changing one's attitudes, values, skills, and roles to maximize
personal functioning (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, Inc., http:/
/www.psychdismgmt.com/index.html). It refers to persons with LTMI
regaining social function and developing new meaning and purpose in
their lives through understanding and accepting their disability,
taking personal responsibility, developing hope, and effectively
utilizing support. There is a
[[Page 23991]]
need to determine the effectiveness of the recovery approach to
rehabilitation for persons with LTMI.
Priority
The Secretary, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration and the Center for Mental Health
Services, will establish an RRTC on rehabilitation for persons with
LTMI to address the employment status of persons with LTMI and
investigate the effectiveness of functional recovery. The RRTC must:
(1) Investigate individual and environmental factors that
facilitate or hinder recovery, and describe the recovery process;
(2) Investigate whether the recovery process differs for
individuals based on diagnosis, ethnicity, and history of physical or
psychological abuse;
(3) Investigate the relationships between recovery and job
training, education, and employment; and
(4) Investigate the impact of various alternative health care
practices and wellness activities such as exercise, diet, meditation,
peer support, and personal assistance services on employment outcomes
for persons with LTMI.
Priority 2: Rehabilitation for Children With Disabilities With Special
Health Care Needs
Introduction
Chapter Four of NIDRR's proposed LRP addresses health care and
health care systems for persons with disabilities (63 FR 57202-57203).
For the purposes of this proposed priority, children with disabilities
with special health care needs have a chronic physical, developmental,
behavioral, or emotional condition and also require health and related
services of a type or amount beyond that required by children
generally.
As the trend toward enrolling Medicaid-eligible populations in
capitated healthcare delivery programs (e.g., health maintenance
organizations) continues, States have begun to address the challenges
of providing coordinated, high quality health care to high cost
populations. Children with disabilities with special health care are
among those high cost populations because they tend to need multiple
services, advanced technologies, and specialized services. Research is
needed to determine whether cost control strategies are preventing
children with disabilities with special health care needs from
receiving access to the range of specialized and support services, and
technologies that they need to treat their condition and prevent
further disability.
Priority
The Secretary will establish an RRTC to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for children with disabilities with special health care needs.
The RRTC must:
(1) Investigate access to pediatric rehabilitation, including
specialized and support services, and technologies, by children with
disabilities with special health care needs;
(2) Analyze the impact of cost control strategies on the provision
of health care to children with disabilities with special health care
needs;
(3) Identify best practices in the transition from pediatric to
adult medical care in capitated managed care settings;
(4) Assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of using
telerehabilitation to provide health care services to children with
disabilities with special health care needs in remote settings; and
(5) Identify training issues for service providers who diagnose and
assess the assistive technology needs of children with disabilities who
have special health care needs.
In carrying out these purposes, the RRTC must coordinate with the
Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the Office of Policy and Planning
in the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Special
Education Programs, the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council, and
the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Telerehabilitation.
Two Priorities Addressing Children With Emotional Disturbances
Chapter Seven of NIDRR's proposed LRP (63 FR 57213) addresses
public policy issues for people with disabilities including the
integration of service systems. Children with emotional disturbances
and their families are likely to receive services from a number of
social service systems. Gaining a better of understanding of the
policies that serve as the foundation for these services, and their
interaction, may contribute to improvements in the quality of services.
Approximately 3.5 to 4 million youngsters (from ages 9-17) are
estimated to have an emotional disturbance accompanied by substantial
functional impairment (Center for Mental Health Services, Publication
SMA96-308, Chapter 6, 1996).
Priority 3: Policies Affecting the Provision of Services to Children
With Emotional Disturbances and Their Families
Introduction
Many children with emotional disturbances receive services over
extended periods of time from multiple agencies including child welfare
and protective services agencies, schools and local educational
agencies, and elements of the juvenile justice system. Coordination of
the delivery of services from multiple agencies is a difficult
undertaking that may be facilitated by ensuring that the public
policies authorizing the services are compatible and promote
coordination and collaboration.
The costs, or part of the costs, of mental health services provided
to children with emotional disturbances are routinely covered by
insurance programs. Research is needed to understand the impact of
changes in the field of health care financing on mental health services
provided to children with emotional disturbances.
Priority
The Secretary, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration and the Center for Mental Health
Services, will establish an RRTC to improve policies affecting the
provision of services to children with emotional disturbances and their
families. The RRTC must:
(1) Develop an analytical framework for assessing: family
characteristics and policies, structure of service systems, service
delivery processes, interagency coordination and collaboration, and
outcomes for children with emotional disturbances and their families;
(2) Using the methodology developed above, determine the
effectiveness of specific policies, implementation strategies, service
delivery procedures, and coordination practices in meeting the needs of
children with emotional disturbances and their families;
(3) Identify the impact of specific characteristics of interagency
collaboration and coordination on the provision of services to children
with emotional disturbances and their families;
(4) Assess the impact of specific policies on access to services of
children with emotional disturbances from diverse cultural, linguistic,
ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds; and
(5) Investigate the impact of changes in health care financing,
particularly the State Children's Health Insurance Program, on mental
health services
[[Page 23992]]
provided to children with emotional disturbances.
In carrying out these purposes, the RRTC must:
Coordinate with the Center for Mental Health Services and
the Office of Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the
Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Special
Education Programs, and the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council;
and
Establish practical statistical methodologies and
measurement tools that specifically assess the policies affecting
families of children with serious emotional disturbance.
Priority 4: Improving Services and Supports to Children With Emotional
Disturbances and Their Families
Introduction
Families of children with emotional disturbances face multiple
challenges and need appropriate services for their children as well as
supportive services for the family. Early identification of an
emotional disturbance is beneficial not only to the child, but also to
the family who must learn to address the impact of their child's
behavior on the family and to navigate various service systems. In
order to address family needs and be successful advocates for their
child, families must learn to communicate effectively with providers.
At the same time, service providers must have the ability to understand
families' needs and respond positively to those needs.
Priority
The Secretary, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration and the Center for Mental Health
Services, will establish an RRTC to improve services and supports for
children with emotional disturbances and their families. The RRTC must:
(1) Develop and evaluate service delivery models for children with
an emotional disturbance and their families, including family centered
and culturally sensitive services;
(2) Define and evaluate the formal and informal components of
family support and identify successful family support interventions;
(3) Identify and evaluate early intervention strategies; and
(4) Identify, develop, and evaluate communication skills to enable
families and service providers to communicate effectively with each
other.
In carrying out these purposes, the RRTC must coordinate with the
Center for Mental Health Services and the Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the Department of Health and
Human Services, the Office of Special Education Programs, and the
Federal Interagency Coordinating Council.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
Authority for Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
(DRRPs) is contained in section 204(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 764(a)). DRRPs carry out one or more of the
following types of activities, as specified in 34 CFR 350.13-350.19:
research, development, demonstration, training, dissemination,
utilization, and technical assistance. Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation
technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into
society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic
and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities,
especially individuals with the most severe disabilities. In addition,
DRRPs improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Priorities
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) the Secretary gives an absolute
preference to applications that meet the following priorities. The
Secretary will fund under this competition only applications that meet
these priorities.
Priority 5: Improved Economic Outcomes for Women With Disabilities
Introduction
Chapter One of NIDRR's proposed LRP (63 FR 57192) addresses the
need for research to explore new ways of measuring and assessing
disability in context, taking into account the effects of physical,
policy, and social environments, and the dynamic nature of disability
over the life span and across environments. Among the objectives for
persons with disabilities are satisfactory employment, economic self-
sufficiency, and the opportunity to participate in mainstream community
life.
There is evidence that the economic conditions of women with
disability are comparatively poor. Disabled women have lower levels of
educational attainment, lower employment rates regardless of education,
and lower earnings. Also, they are more likely to be dependent on
public income supports, to live in poverty, and to be single parents at
some time during their lives, with responsibility for the care and
support of children (Introduction to Disability, McColl, M. and
Bickenbach, J., Eds., W.B. Saunders Co., 1998).
NIDRR expects this project to contribute to our understanding of
strategies that women with disabilities can use to achieve greater
economic independence. The project may focus on ways to maximize
earnings from work, self-employment, and financial life planning. In
the effort to maximize earnings, some women with disabilities at
various educational levels are setting career goals, attaining
appropriate training and education throughout the life span, and
developing networks and support systems to improve their employment
outcomes. Some disabled women, especially those with young children,
are now considering the advantages and disadvantages of home-based
employment.
Priority
The Secretary will establish a DRRP to evaluate the economic status
of women with disabilities and identify strategies to improve
employment outcomes and economic independence.
(1) Analyze, using existing data sources, the employment conditions
and economic status of disabled women, including uses of public and
private income supports;
(2) Analyze the skills and conditions that promote lifelong
economics self-sufficiency for disabled women;
(3) Identify innovative strategies to improve employment outcomes,
including earnings, career progression, and benefits packages, for
women with disabilities; and
(4) Identify innovative strategies, including peer support
strategies, to assist disabled women to develop plans to increase
lifelong economic security.
Priority 6: Analysis of Service Delivery and Policies Affecting
Emerging Disability Populations
Introduction
Chapter 2 of NIDRR's proposed LRP (63 FR 57196-57198) describes
what has become known as the ``emerging universe of disability.''
Demographic, social and environmental trends affect the prevalence and
distribution of various types of disability as well as the demands of
those disabilities on social policy and service systems. Studies of
such emergent disabilities address factors that include: (1) changing
etiologies for existing disabilities; (2) growth in segments of the
population with higher prevalence rates for certain disabilities,
including the aging of the population of individuals with disabilities;
(3) the consequences of
[[Page 23993]]
changes in public policy and in health care services and technologies;
and (4) the appearance of new disabilities.
Priority
The Secretary will establish a DRRP to improve the provision of
services to persons with emerging disabilities. The DRRP must:
(1) Evaluate the implications of emerging disabilities for service
systems and social policy; and
(2) Assess the particular needs, with attention to identifying
unmet needs of the emerging universe for independent living services,
assistive technology services, community-based supports, and other
services such as vocational rehabilitation, special education, medical
and psychosocial rehabilitation, income supports, and medical
assistance.
In carrying out these purposes the DRRP must:
Use a range of existing data sources to estimate and
describe the emerging universe of disability and predict future trends;
Assess the feasibility of using existing, or establishing
new surveillance systems in order to improve the accuracy of predicting
changes in the emerging universe;
Identify etiologies, including environmental or social
factors, associated with these emerging disabilities;
Design a practical and prioritized agenda for a future
research program to address gaps in service delivery, to develop
interventions and to develop policy approaches to address the
disability-related problems of various segments of the emerging
universe; and
Convene a conference to discuss the Center's findings and
their implications, with an emphasis on dissemination of results of the
conference to appropriate NIDRR grantees.
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Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal
Regulations is available on GPO access at: http://
www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 350.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760-762.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133A, Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects, and 84.133B, Rehabilitation
Research and Training Centers)
Dated: April 28, 1999.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 99-11155 Filed 5-3-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-U