National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)-Technologies for Successful Aging With Disability, 40545-40548 [E8-16125]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 136 / Tuesday, July 15, 2008 / Notices
(GPRA) indicators, revisions, and
methods appear on the NIDRR Program
Review Web site: https://
www.neweditions.net/pr/commonfiles/
pmconcepts.htm.
Grantees should consult this site on a
regular basis to obtain details and
explanations on how NIDRR programs
contribute to the advancement of the
Department’s long-term and annual
performance goals.
VII. Agency Contact
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 6029, PCP, Washington, DC
20202. Telephone: (202) 245–7462 or by
e-mail: Donna.Nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a TDD, call the Federal
Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–
877–8339.
VIII. Other Information
Alternative Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document
and a copy of the application package in
an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, or computer diskette)
by contacting the Grants and Contracts
Services Team, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC
20202–2550. Telephone: (202) 245–
7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS,
toll-free, at 1–800–877–8339.
Electronic Access to This Document:
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mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
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: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
Dated: July 10, 2008.
Tracy R. Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8–16116 Filed 7–14–08; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research—Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Program—Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Centers
(RERCs)—Technologies for Successful
Aging With Disability
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priority for an
RERC.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces a priority for an
RERC for Technologies for Successful
Aging With Disability under the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program
administered by the National Institute
on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR). The Assistant
Secretary may use this priority 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 this priority to
improve rehabilitation services and
outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
Effective Date: This priority is
effective August 14, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 6029, Potomac Center Plaza
(PCP), Washington, DC 20202–2700.
Telephone: (202) 245–7462 or by e-mail:
donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–
877–8339.
Individuals with disabilities can
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.
DATES:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers 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
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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—
• 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
• 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
• Facilitating service delivery systems
change through: (a) The development,
evaluation, and dissemination of
consumer-responsive and individual
and family-centered innovative 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 and
nonprofit organizations, to assist
individuals, including individuals with
disabilities, to become rehabilitation
technology researchers and
practitioners.
Each RERC must emphasize the
principles of universal design in its
product research and development.
Universal design is ‘‘the design of
products and environments to be usable
by all people, to the greatest extent
possible, without the need for
adaptation or specialized design’’ (North
Carolina State University, 1997. https://
www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/
udprinciplestext.htm).
Additional information on the RERC
program can be found at: https://
www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/
index.html.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 136 / Tuesday, July 15, 2008 / Notices
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We published a notice of proposed
priorities (NPP) for NIDRR’s Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Program in the Federal
Register on April 22, 2008 (73 FR
21607). The NPP included background
statements that described our rationale
for the priorities proposed in that
notice. In this notice of final priority
(NFP), we are announcing the final
priority for the RERC—Technologies for
Successful Aging With Disability, one of
the priorities proposed in the NPP. We
published a separate notice of final
priorities for the other priorities
proposed in the NPP on July 7, 2008 (73
FR 38436).
There are differences between the
proposed priority for the RERC for
Technologies for Successful Aging With
Disability and the final priority for the
RERC for Technologies for Successful
Aging With Disability as discussed in
the following section.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to our invitation in the
NPP, five parties submitted comments
on the proposed priority for the RERC.
An analysis of the comments and of any
changes in the priority since publication
of the NPP follows.
Generally, we do not address
technical and other minor changes, or
suggested changes the law does not
authorize us to make under the
applicable statutory authority. In
addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not
directly related to the proposed priority.
Comment: Two commenters asked for
clarification of NIDRR’s intent with
respect to the limits placed on the
number of research and development
projects that applicants can propose
under this priority. Specifically, the
commenters requested that we clarify
what is intended by the language in
paragraph (a) of the priority, which
states that the RERC must conduct no
more than four rigorous research and
development projects that address the
needs of individuals with disabilities
and that use state-of-the-art
methodologies. These commenters also
asked whether applicants could propose
projects that include only research
activities, only development activities,
or both research and development
activities.
Discussion: The language in
paragraph (a) of the priority referenced
by the commenter restricts the total
number of research and development
projects to be conducted by the RERC
under this priority to four or fewer. We
intend for this limitation to help focus
the resources of the RERC and thereby
increase the feasibility of the RERC’s
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proposed activities and the likelihood of
the RERC achieving its planned
outcomes. We intended the language in
paragraph (a) of the priority to allow
applicants to propose four or fewer
rigorous research and development
projects, each of which could include a
combination of research and
development activities, or only research
or only development activities.
Changes: NIDRR has revised
paragraph (a) of the priority by adding
the words ‘‘a total of’’ to clarify that
applicants must propose no more than
a total of four research and development
projects. In addition, NIDRR has revised
paragraph (a) of the priority to clarify
that each research and development
project proposed by the RERC may
include a combination of research and
development activities, or only research
or only development activities.
Comment: Two commenters noted
that this priority supports research and
development activities that are designed
to foster improvements in technologies,
assistive technologies, technology-based
products, environments, and built
environments. These commenters
requested clarification regarding the
distinctions between these terms, and
recommended that the terms be used
consistently throughout the priority.
Discussion: There is no single
definition of the term ‘‘technology,’’ but,
as used in this priority, we intend for
the term to refer to the practical
application of science and knowledge
generally. This broad definition of
‘‘technology’’ is intended to provide
applicants under this priority with the
flexibility to propose a wide range of
approaches to applying, developing,
modifying, testing, and evaluating
technologies that promote successful
aging with a disability.
We believe the terms ‘‘technology’’
and ‘‘technologies’’ encompass assistive
technologies, technology-based
products, and built environments. In
section 3 of the Assistive Technology
Act of 1998 (AT Act the term assistive
technology is defined as technology that
is designed to be used in an assistive
technology device or assistive
technology service. The AT Act defines
an assistive technology device as any
item, piece of equipment, or product
system, whether acquired commercially,
modified, or customized, that is used to
increase, maintain, or improve
functional capabilities of individuals
with disabilities. The AT Act defines an
assistive technology service as any
service that directly assists an
individual with a disability in the
selection, acquisition, or use of an
assistive technology device.
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The term ‘‘technology-based
products’’ is intended to refer to
products that utilize practical
applications of science and knowledge.
The distinction between technologies
and technology-based products is
illustrated with a specific example. A
manual wheelchair is a technologybased product that utilizes specific
technologies including hand-rim design
and seating systems.
The term ‘‘built environments’’ refers
to man-made physical spaces such as
residences, workspaces, public
buildings, and facilities. ‘‘Environment’’
is a more general term and for that
reason we removed that term from the
priority. As recommended by the
commenter, we revised the priority to
use terms consistently throughout the
priority.
Changes: We have replaced the term
‘‘assistive technologies’’ with the term
‘‘technologies’’ and replaced the term
‘‘environments’’ with the term ‘‘built
environments’’ for accuracy and
consistency within the priority.
Comment: One commenter requested
that we clarify the meaning of the
phrase ‘‘utility for intended users,’’ as
used in paragraph (b) of the priority.
Discussion: We believe that the
meaning of this phrase is clear within
the context of the priority. Intended
users, for purposes of this priority, are
middle-aged and older adults with
disabilities. Technology, technologybased products, or built environments
have utility for middle-aged and older
adults with disabilities to the extent that
they can be used to facilitate their
participation in the community.
Changes: None.
Comment: Two commenters asked for
clarification regarding the intent of the
first and second sentences of paragraph
(d) of the priority. These commenters
noted that the phrase ‘‘transfer of RERCdeveloped technologies to the
marketplace’’ in the first sentence has a
different meaning than the reference in
the second sentence to making these
technologies ‘‘available to the public.’’
The commenters noted that transferring
tangible products to the marketplace
involves manufacturing, while
technologies can conceptually be made
available to the public via dissemination
of written information.
Discussion: The intended outcome of
activities to be carried out under
paragraph (d) of the priority is the
increased transfer of RERC-developed
technologies to the marketplace. We did
not intend to de-emphasize this
outcome by referring to making
technologies available to the public in
the second sentence of paragraph (d).
However, the priority’s focus on
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 136 / Tuesday, July 15, 2008 / Notices
transferring RERC-developed
technologies to the marketplace does
not preclude applicants from also
actively disseminating their work
through relevant publications.
Changes: In paragraph (d) of the
priority, we have replaced the words
‘‘made available to the public’’ with the
words ‘‘transferred to the marketplace.’’
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Note: This notice does not solicit
applications. In any year in which we choose
to use this priority, we invite applications
through a notice in the Federal Register.
When inviting applications we designate the
priorities 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 LongRange Plan for FY 2005–2009 (Plan).
The NFI can be accessed on the Internet
at the following site: https://
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: https://
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) determine best strategies and
programs to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for underserved populations;
(4) identify research gaps; (5) identify
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mechanisms of integrating research and
practice; and (6) disseminate findings.
Priority—Technologies for Successful
Aging With Disability
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
announces a priority for the
establishment of a Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Center (RERC) for
Technologies for Successful Aging with
Disability. Under this priority, the RERC
must research, evaluate, and develop
new technologies and approaches, or
modify and apply existing technologies
and approaches that address the
challenges to community participation
experienced by middle-aged and older
adults with disabilities in home, work,
or community settings.
Under this priority, the RERC must be
designed to contribute to the following
outcomes:
(a) Increased technical and scientific
knowledge regarding the use of
technologies for successful aging with
disability. The RERC must contribute to
this outcome by conducting no more
than a total of four rigorous research and
development projects that address the
needs of individuals with disabilities
and that use state-of-the-art
methodologies. For purposes of this
priority, a rigorous research and
development project may include a
combination of research and
development activities, or may include
only research or only development
activities. These rigorous research and
development projects must generate
measurable results and improve policy,
practice, or system capacity to use
technology to meet the community
participation needs of individuals who
are aging with disabilities, or who are
aging into disability.
(b) Improved technologies,
technology-based products, and built
environments for successful aging with
disability. The RERC must contribute to
this outcome by developing new, or
modifying and applying existing
technologies, technology-based
products, and built environments, and
testing and evaluating their utility for
intended users.
(c) Increased impact of research in the
area of technologies for successful aging
with disability. 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 the
use of technologies to facilitate
successful aging with disability.
(d) Increased transfer of RERCdeveloped technologies to the
marketplace. The RERC must contribute
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to this outcome by developing and
implementing a technology transfer plan
for ensuring that technologies
developed by the RERC are transferred
to the marketplace. The RERC must
develop its technology transfer plan in
the first year of the project period in
consultation with the NIDRR-funded
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Project, Center on Knowledge
Translation for Technology Transfer.
In addition, the RERC must—
• Have the capability to design, build,
and test prototype devices and assist in
the transfer of successful solutions to
relevant production and service delivery
settings;
• Evaluate the efficacy and safety of
its new products, instrumentation, or
assistive technology devices;
• 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;
• Provide as part of its proposal, and
then implement, in consultation with
the NIDRR-funded National Center for
the Dissemination of Disability Research
(NCDDR), a plan to disseminate its
research results to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives,
disability organizations, service
providers, professional journals,
manufacturers, and other interested
parties;
• 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
• Coordinate research projects of
mutual interest with relevant NIDRRfunded 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
priority justify the costs.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 136 / Tuesday, July 15, 2008 / Notices
Summary of Potential Costs and
Benefits:
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The benefits of the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program have been well
established over the years in that similar
projects have been completed
successfully. This final priority will
generate new knowledge and
technologies through research,
development, dissemination, utilization,
and technical assistance projects.
Another benefit of this final priority is
that the establishment of a new RERC
will support the President’s NFI and
will improve the lives of individuals
with disabilities. The new RERC 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: 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: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Numbers 84.133E Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers Program)
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g),
764(a), and 764(b)(3).
Dated: July 10, 2008.
Tracy R. Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8–16125 Filed 7–14–08; 8:45 am]
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Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services; Overview
Information; Technical Assistance and
Dissemination to Improve Services and
Results for Children With Disabilities;
Notice Inviting Applications for New
Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008
Absolute Priority 1—The IDEA
Partnership Project (84.326A)
Background
The IDEA and the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965
(ESEA), as amended by the No Child
Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), and
their implementing regulations contain
a number of provisions related to the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
instruction and assessment of, and
(CFDA) Number: 84.326A and 84.326N.
accountability for, students with
Note: This notice invites applications for
disabilities that require changes in
two separate competitions. For key dates,
policy and practice at many different
contact person information, and funding
levels of the educational service system
information regarding each competition, see
the chart in the Award Information section of and in both regular and special
education: State and district policies
this notice.
must change, teachers must be trained,
Dates:
administrative supports must be
provided, and parents must be
Applications Available: See chart.
informed. Coordinating change across
Deadline for Transmittal of
regular and special education is
Applications: See chart.
challenging because teachers,
Deadline for Intergovernmental
administrators, other professionals, and
Review: See chart.
parents typically differ in their training,
experiences, priorities, and
Full Text of Announcement
perspectives.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
In order to support and facilitate the
Purpose of Program: The purpose of
effective implementation of IDEA and
the Technical Assistance and
NCLB, the Office of Special Education
Dissemination to Improve Services and
Programs (OSEP) has funded
Results for Children with Disabilities
partnership projects that bring together
program is to promote academic
representatives from national
achievement and improve results for
associations that have a vested interest
children with disabilities by supporting in improving results for all students,
technical assistance (TA), model
including students with disabilities.
demonstration projects, dissemination
These associations represent a wide
of useful information, and
range of interests and viewpoints in
implementation activities that are
both regular and special education,
supported by scientifically based
including those of policymakers, local
research.
administrators, service providers, and
Priorities: In accordance with 34 CFR
family members. Each of these national
75.105(b)(2)(iv) and (v), these priorities
associations has members working
are from allowable activities specified in directly with administrators, teachers,
the statute, or otherwise authorized in
parents, and others at the State and local
the statute (see sections 663 and 681(d)
levels (State and local affiliates) who are
of the Individuals with Disabilities
responsible for implementing the
Education Act (IDEA)). Each of the
requirements of IDEA and NCLB.
absolute priorities announced in this
An example of how partnerships with
notice corresponds to a separate
national organizations worked together
competition as follows:
to support the implementation of an
instructional practice that affects both
Competition
Absolute priority
regular and special education is the
CFDA No.
work of the OSEP-funded IDEA
The IDEA Partnership Project
84.326A Partnership Project’s National
National Dissemination Center
Community of Practice on NCLB/IDEA
for Children with Disabilities
84.326N Collaboration. The project developed
TA materials for their State and local
Absolute Priorities: For FY 2008, these affiliates to use to facilitate and promote
priorities are absolute priorities. Under
schools’ and districts’ implementation
34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), for each
of Response to Intervention (RTI)
competition, we consider only
strategies. RTI was selected because
applications that meet the absolute
changes in policies and practices at
priority for that competition.
many different levels of the special
education and regular education
The priorities are:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 136 (Tuesday, July 15, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40545-40548]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-16125]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research--
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program--
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)--Technologies for
Successful Aging With Disability
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priority for an RERC.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces a priority for an RERC for
Technologies for Successful Aging With Disability under the Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered
by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR). The Assistant Secretary may use this priority 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 this priority
to improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
DATES: Effective Date: This priority is effective August 14, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 6029, Potomac Center Plaza
(PCP), Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-
mail: donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
Individuals with disabilities can 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:
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers 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--
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
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
Facilitating service delivery systems change through: (a)
The development, evaluation, and dissemination of consumer-responsive
and individual and family-centered innovative 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 and nonprofit organizations, to assist
individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become
rehabilitation technology researchers and practitioners.
Each RERC must emphasize the principles of universal design in its
product research and development. Universal design is ``the design of
products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest
extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized
design'' (North Carolina State University, 1997. https://
www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/udprinciplestext.htm).
Additional information on the RERC program can be found at: https://
www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/.
[[Page 40546]]
We published a notice of proposed priorities (NPP) for NIDRR's
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program in
the Federal Register on April 22, 2008 (73 FR 21607). The NPP included
background statements that described our rationale for the priorities
proposed in that notice. In this notice of final priority (NFP), we are
announcing the final priority for the RERC--Technologies for Successful
Aging With Disability, one of the priorities proposed in the NPP. We
published a separate notice of final priorities for the other
priorities proposed in the NPP on July 7, 2008 (73 FR 38436).
There are differences between the proposed priority for the RERC
for Technologies for Successful Aging With Disability and the final
priority for the RERC for Technologies for Successful Aging With
Disability as discussed in the following section.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to our invitation in the NPP, five parties submitted
comments on the proposed priority for the RERC. An analysis of the
comments and of any changes in the priority since publication of the
NPP follows.
Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes, or
suggested changes the law does not authorize us to make under the
applicable statutory authority. In addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not directly related to the proposed
priority.
Comment: Two commenters asked for clarification of NIDRR's intent
with respect to the limits placed on the number of research and
development projects that applicants can propose under this priority.
Specifically, the commenters requested that we clarify what is intended
by the language in paragraph (a) of the priority, which states that the
RERC must conduct no more than four rigorous research and development
projects that address the needs of individuals with disabilities and
that use state-of-the-art methodologies. These commenters also asked
whether applicants could propose projects that include only research
activities, only development activities, or both research and
development activities.
Discussion: The language in paragraph (a) of the priority
referenced by the commenter restricts the total number of research and
development projects to be conducted by the RERC under this priority to
four or fewer. We intend for this limitation to help focus the
resources of the RERC and thereby increase the feasibility of the
RERC's proposed activities and the likelihood of the RERC achieving its
planned outcomes. We intended the language in paragraph (a) of the
priority to allow applicants to propose four or fewer rigorous research
and development projects, each of which could include a combination of
research and development activities, or only research or only
development activities.
Changes: NIDRR has revised paragraph (a) of the priority by adding
the words ``a total of'' to clarify that applicants must propose no
more than a total of four research and development projects. In
addition, NIDRR has revised paragraph (a) of the priority to clarify
that each research and development project proposed by the RERC may
include a combination of research and development activities, or only
research or only development activities.
Comment: Two commenters noted that this priority supports research
and development activities that are designed to foster improvements in
technologies, assistive technologies, technology-based products,
environments, and built environments. These commenters requested
clarification regarding the distinctions between these terms, and
recommended that the terms be used consistently throughout the
priority.
Discussion: There is no single definition of the term
``technology,'' but, as used in this priority, we intend for the term
to refer to the practical application of science and knowledge
generally. This broad definition of ``technology'' is intended to
provide applicants under this priority with the flexibility to propose
a wide range of approaches to applying, developing, modifying, testing,
and evaluating technologies that promote successful aging with a
disability.
We believe the terms ``technology'' and ``technologies'' encompass
assistive technologies, technology-based products, and built
environments. In section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (AT
Act the term assistive technology is defined as technology that is
designed to be used in an assistive technology device or assistive
technology service. The AT Act defines an assistive technology device
as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired
commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase,
maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities. The AT Act defines an assistive technology service as any
service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the
selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
The term ``technology-based products'' is intended to refer to
products that utilize practical applications of science and knowledge.
The distinction between technologies and technology-based products is
illustrated with a specific example. A manual wheelchair is a
technology-based product that utilizes specific technologies including
hand-rim design and seating systems.
The term ``built environments'' refers to man-made physical spaces
such as residences, workspaces, public buildings, and facilities.
``Environment'' is a more general term and for that reason we removed
that term from the priority. As recommended by the commenter, we
revised the priority to use terms consistently throughout the priority.
Changes: We have replaced the term ``assistive technologies'' with
the term ``technologies'' and replaced the term ``environments'' with
the term ``built environments'' for accuracy and consistency within the
priority.
Comment: One commenter requested that we clarify the meaning of the
phrase ``utility for intended users,'' as used in paragraph (b) of the
priority.
Discussion: We believe that the meaning of this phrase is clear
within the context of the priority. Intended users, for purposes of
this priority, are middle-aged and older adults with disabilities.
Technology, technology-based products, or built environments have
utility for middle-aged and older adults with disabilities to the
extent that they can be used to facilitate their participation in the
community.
Changes: None.
Comment: Two commenters asked for clarification regarding the
intent of the first and second sentences of paragraph (d) of the
priority. These commenters noted that the phrase ``transfer of RERC-
developed technologies to the marketplace'' in the first sentence has a
different meaning than the reference in the second sentence to making
these technologies ``available to the public.'' The commenters noted
that transferring tangible products to the marketplace involves
manufacturing, while technologies can conceptually be made available to
the public via dissemination of written information.
Discussion: The intended outcome of activities to be carried out
under paragraph (d) of the priority is the increased transfer of RERC-
developed technologies to the marketplace. We did not intend to de-
emphasize this outcome by referring to making technologies available to
the public in the second sentence of paragraph (d). However, the
priority's focus on
[[Page 40547]]
transferring RERC-developed technologies to the marketplace does not
preclude applicants from also actively disseminating their work through
relevant publications.
Changes: In paragraph (d) of the priority, we have replaced the
words ``made available to the public'' with the words ``transferred to
the marketplace.''
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use this priority, we invite applications through
a notice in the Federal Register. When inviting applications we
designate the priorities 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:
https://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: https://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)
determine best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5)
identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6)
disseminate findings.
Priority--Technologies for Successful Aging With Disability
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces a priority for the establishment of a Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Center (RERC) for Technologies for Successful
Aging with Disability. Under this priority, the RERC must research,
evaluate, and develop new technologies and approaches, or modify and
apply existing technologies and approaches that address the challenges
to community participation experienced by middle-aged and older adults
with disabilities in home, work, or community settings.
Under this priority, the RERC must be designed to contribute to the
following outcomes:
(a) Increased technical and scientific knowledge regarding the use
of technologies for successful aging with disability. The RERC must
contribute to this outcome by conducting no more than a total of four
rigorous research and development projects that address the needs of
individuals with disabilities and that use state-of-the-art
methodologies. For purposes of this priority, a rigorous research and
development project may include a combination of research and
development activities, or may include only research or only
development activities. These rigorous research and development
projects must generate measurable results and improve policy, practice,
or system capacity to use technology to meet the community
participation needs of individuals who are aging with disabilities, or
who are aging into disability.
(b) Improved technologies, technology-based products, and built
environments for successful aging with disability. The RERC must
contribute to this outcome by developing new, or modifying and applying
existing technologies, technology-based products, and built
environments, and testing and evaluating their utility for intended
users.
(c) Increased impact of research in the area of technologies for
successful aging with disability. 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 the use of technologies
to facilitate successful aging with disability.
(d) Increased transfer of RERC-developed technologies to the
marketplace. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by developing and
implementing a technology transfer plan for ensuring that technologies
developed by the RERC are transferred to the marketplace. The RERC must
develop its technology transfer plan in the first year of the project
period in consultation with the NIDRR-funded Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project, Center on Knowledge Translation for
Technology Transfer.
In addition, the RERC must--
Have the capability to design, build, and test prototype
devices and assist in the transfer of successful solutions to relevant
production and service delivery settings;
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products,
instrumentation, or assistive technology devices;
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;
Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, in
consultation with the NIDRR-funded National Center for the
Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR), a plan to disseminate its
research results to individuals with disabilities, their
representatives, disability organizations, service providers,
professional journals, manufacturers, and other interested parties;
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
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 priority justify the costs.
[[Page 40548]]
Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits:
The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Program have been well established over the years in that
similar projects have been completed successfully. This final priority
will generate new knowledge and technologies through research,
development, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance
projects.
Another benefit of this final priority is that the establishment of
a new RERC will support the President's NFI and will improve the lives
of individuals with disabilities. The new RERC 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:
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: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.133E
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program).
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g), 764(a), and 764(b)(3).
Dated: July 10, 2008.
Tracy R. Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8-16125 Filed 7-14-08; 8:45 am]
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