[Federal Register: July 16, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 136)]
[Notices]               
[Page 46817-46820]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16jy02-154]                         


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Part VI





Department of Education





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Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program; Notices


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program

AGENCY: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
(NIDRR), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of final priorities (NFP).

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary announces final priorities for one 
Persons Aging with Hearing and Vision Loss project and one Evaluation 
of the Changing Universe of Disability and Systems Change Activities 
project under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects 
(DRRP) Program for the National Institute on Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The Assistant Secretary may use one or 
more of these priorities for competitions in FY 2002 and in later 
years. We take this action to focus research attention on identified 
national needs. We intend these priorities to improve rehabilitation 
services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities are effective August 15, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3412, Switzer Building, 
Washington, DC 20202-2645. Telephone: (202) 205-5880 or via the 
Internet: donna.nangle@ed.gov.
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call the TDD number at (202) 205-4475.
    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: The purpose of the DRRP Program is to plan 
and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related 
activities that help to maximize the full inclusion and integration of 
individuals with disabilities into society and to improve the 
effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 
1973, as amended (the Act).
    These priorities reflect issues discussed in the New Freedom 
Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR's Long-Range Plan (the Plan). The NFI can be 
accessed on the Internet at: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/freedominitiative/freedominiative.html.
    The Plan can be accessed on the Internet at: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/Products.
    We published a notice of proposed priorities (NPP) for the Persons 
Aging with Hearing and Vision Loss project and for the Evaluation of 
the Changing Universe of Disability and Systems Change Activities 
project in the Federal Register on April 26, 2002 (67 FR 20870). This 
NFP contains two changes from the NPP. Specifically, for the Persons 
Aging with Hearing and Vision Loss project, we have clarified that the 
terms ``deaf'' and ``blind'' refer to moderate to severe hearing and 
visual impairments and we have added the term ``primary caregivers'' to 
the list of examples of the types of stakeholders from whom the DRRP 
should seek advice. We fully explain these changes in the Analysis of 
Comments and Changes elsewhere in this notice.
    Except for minor revisions, there are no other changes between the 
NPP and this NFP.
    The backgrounds for each of the priorities were published in the 
NPP.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    In response to our invitation in the NPP, several parties submitted 
comments on the proposed priorities (eight parties for the Persons 
Aging with Hearing and Vision Loss project and three parties for the 
Evaluation of the Changing Universe of Disability and Systems Change 
Activities). An analysis of the comments and of any changes in the 
priorities since publication of the NPP is published as an appendix at 
the end of this notice. We discuss comments under the priority to which 
they pertain.
    Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes and 
suggested changes the law does not authorize us to make under the 
applicable statutory authority.

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

Priorities

Priority 1--Persons Aging With Hearing and Vision Loss

    This priority supports one DRRP on Persons Aging with Hearing and 
Vision Loss. The purpose of this priority is to explore ways to improve 
outcomes for persons who are blind or who are deaf and who are now 
experiencing a secondary onset of hearing loss or vision impairment 
resulting from aging. The terms ``deaf'' and ``blind'' as used herein 
refer to the moderate to severe range of hearing and visual 
impairments. The DRRP will conduct research, development, training, and 
dissemination activities and evaluate model approaches for improving 
employment and community integration options, including more viable 
communication systems, for such individuals who are 55 years of age, or 
older. In carrying out this purpose the DRRP must:
    (1) Investigate the prevalence of age-related onset of deafness 
among older American blind individuals and age-related onset of 
blindness among older American deaf individuals and the impact on the 
employment and community integration options, including more viable 
communication systems for each population;
    (2) Identify and evaluate technology and service delivery options, 
such as transportation, housing, and community integration activities 
for individuals with early onset deafness or blindness and late onset 
hearing or vision loss and their effectiveness with persons 
experiencing secondary sensory loss resulting from aging;
    (3) Identify and evaluate access to use of technologies, including 
assistive devices and telecommunication or other existing communication 
systems, such as tactile interpreter support, needed to assist persons 
with early onset deafness or blindness and late onset hearing or vision 
loss and their effectiveness with persons experiencing secondary 
sensory loss resulting from aging; and
    (4) Using available dissemination mechanisms, with appropriate 
assistive technical modification, disseminate findings, and develop 
strategies to educate both consumers and providers, especially 
vocational rehabilitation workers, in use of these techniques.
    In addition, the DRRP must:
     Coordinate the efforts of this DRRP with other NIDRR, 
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and Rehabilitation 
Services Administration (RSA) projects that address related activities 
such as Blindness, Deafness, Deaf-Blind, Aging, Accessible Housing, 
Accessible Transportation, Telecommunication, Independent Living, and 
Interpreter Training programs;
     Solicit direct input from stakeholders (e.g., persons who 
are deaf, blind, and deaf-blind; service providers; primary caregivers; 
and employers) as part of the ongoing planning, development, and 
implementation of the DRRP's research activities;
     Demonstrate efforts to secure supplementary funding that 
will permit the DRRP more latitude in exploring additional related 
studies, in addition to

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the Federal monies available from this NIDRR grant; and
     Identify and investigate a study population that includes 
a balanced sample of subjects representative of national demographics.

Priority 2--Evaluation of the Changing Universe of Disability and 
Systems Change Activities

    This priority supports a DRRP on the Evaluation of the Changing 
Universe of Disability and Systems Change Activities. The purpose of 
the priority is to evaluate the implications over time of systems 
change activities for populations within the changing universe of 
disability.
    The DRRP must:
    (1) Identify and evaluate existing or proposed data systems that 
can be used to monitor systems change activities at the State or 
Federal level or both, including policy changes related to the NFI, the 
Workforce Investment Act of 1998, and the 1999 Olmstead decision 
(Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581);
    (2) Identify, evaluate, and project the impact of systems change 
activities and new policies for people with newly emergent disabilities 
or changing manifestations of disability or both, including those who 
are unserved and underserved;
    (3) Develop proposals for new systems or data variables, or 
changes, as necessary, to existing data systems that will facilitate 
use of such data to eliminate gaps in the availability of mechanisms to 
monitor the impact of systems change activities on people with newly 
emergent disabilities or changing manifestations of disability or both, 
including those who are unserved and underserved;
    (4) Disseminate findings and recommendations to modify monitoring 
data systems or to institute new monitoring approaches; and
    (5) Conduct research to identify and evaluate the implications of 
policy changes or other systems change activities on public and private 
rehabilitation programs and services for persons with newly emergent 
disabilities or changing manifestations of disability or both, 
including those who are unserved and underserved.
    In carrying out these purposes the applicant must:
     Involve consumers or their families, as appropriate, in 
all stages of the research and demonstration endeavor;
     Demonstrate culturally appropriate and sensitive methods 
of data collection, measurements, and dissemination addressing needs of 
individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds;
     By the end of the fourth year, convene a national 
conference to disseminate and discuss information about the effect of 
systems change activities on persons with newly emergent disabilities 
or changing manifestations of disability or both including those who 
are unserved and underserved and proposals to address gaps in such 
activities;
     Serve as a resource to researchers, consumers and consumer 
groups, planners, and policymakers for conceptual and statistical 
information that addresses the changing universe of disability, 
including systems change issues.

Intergovernmental Review

    This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 and the 
regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.

Electronic Access to This Document

    You may review 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://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.ed.gov/legislation/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.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133A, Disability 
and Rehabilitation Research Project)


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

    Dated: July 11, 2002.
Robert H. Pasternack,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and, Rehabilitative Services.

Appendix

Analysis of Comments and Changes

Priority 1--Persons Aging With Hearing and Vision Loss

    Comment: Three commenters expressed strong support for the 
priority, and gave examples of how their own current activities 
reflect sensitivity to the needs of the target populations.
    Discussion: NIDRR appreciates the broad support that these 
comments provide.
    Change: None.
    Comment: One commenter, in addition to offering support for the 
priority, also offered the service of their Unit Director as a 
resource person to whomever the project is awarded.
    Discussion: While NIDRR appreciates the offer of support, it 
will be up to each applicant to determine with whom they will 
negotiate involvement in the project.
    Change: None.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the differential 
impact of hearing loss on persons with different types of visual 
impairments, such as central or peripheral loss, be noted in the 
research.
    Discussion: NIDRR has given applicants an opportunity to define 
the scope of the population study in item One of the priority. It is 
the applicant's responsibility to establish the scope of their 
definition. The peer review process will evaluate merits of the 
proposal.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended several research activities 
for inclusion in any research project on the subject populations, 
stating that these areas are important and are supported in the 
literature cited.
    Discussion: The applicants are expected to be familiar with the 
need for new research as well as with relevant past studies. 
Applicants are responsible for determining which citations of 
specific research should be incorporated in the application 
submitted and the peer review process will evaluate the merits of 
the proposal.
    Change: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the priority's scope might 
be enhanced by adding the term ``primary caregivers'' to the second 
bullet item.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees this adds clarity to the intent.
    Change: The term has been added.
    Comment: Two commenters expressed concern about the scope of the 
definition for the terms ``deaf'' and ``blind'' and whether, in each 
case, NIDRR intends for these terms to be all inclusive. One 
commenter offered the current Veteran Administration (VA) definition 
as an example.
    Discussion: NIDRR uses the terms ``deaf'' and ``blind'' to be 
inclusive of moderate to severe hearing and visual impairments. 
NIDRR suggests that the applicants cite whatever references they 
believe best fits their research intent.
    Change: At the end of the second sentence, after the word aging, 
further clarification is added.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that such a study will be 
incomplete without including similar information from a broader 
subject base, specifically (a) from persons with both sensory 
impairments acquired at an early age; (b) persons who acquire these 
impairments late in life; and (c) from persons with both sensory 
impairments who are institutionalized.
    Discussion: NIDRR believes that it is the applicant's 
responsibility to determine and defend the inclusion or exclusion of 
any population segments within the broader populations. The priority 
encourages the applicant to seek additional research funding

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from other sources if the initial efforts support broader endeavors.
    Changes: None.

Priority 2--Evaluation of the Changing Universe of Disability and 
Systems Change Activities

    Comments: One commenter recommended that the scope of work be 
expanded to address other policy developments including welfare 
reform, recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions about the definition of 
disability, and the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement 
Act.
    Discussion: An applicant could propose a study pertaining to 
these; however, NIDRR has no basis to determine that all applicants 
should be required to focus on these issues. The peer review process 
will evaluate merits of the proposal.
    Change: None.
    Comments: Two commenters noted the extensive scope of data 
sources available to monitor systems change. These sources reflect 
variations in types of services provided, agency needs to measure 
outcomes, target populations and their descriptors, units of 
analysis, specification of legal definitions of disability under the 
ADA, and scientific rigor of the measures.
    Discussion: Applicants may choose from a variety of 
methodologies to identify and evaluate appropriate data systems 
within the scope of the priority.
    Change: None.
    Comments: Two commenters indicated that a substantial 
interagency effort is needed to develop a coherent framework and 
outcome-based methodologies for evaluation of the impact across time 
of policy changes for all persons with disabilities.
    Discussion: As the commenters indicated, there are many 
substantive issues to be addressed beyond those specified in this 
priority. However, past research regarding shifts in the universe of 
individuals with disabilities has demonstrated difficulties in using 
available data sources to characterize a diverse and dynamic 
population. Such data are needed to develop appropriate 
interventions to address the needs of people with newly emergent or 
changing manifestations of disability.
    Change: None.

[FR Doc. 02-17883 Filed 7-15-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P