National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)-Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, 14585-14588 [2010-6783]
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 58 / Friday, March 26, 2010 / Notices
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by RSA to participate in these in-depth
case studies to determine factors or
variables that are related to high
performance as defined for this project.
The factors or variables may be
decisions or activities that are under the
control of the State VR agency, or they
may be characteristics of the external
State environment. Information from the
case study analysis will be used in the
design of an intervention model by the
successful grantee that will serve as the
basis for the demonstration projects to
be carried out and evaluated by the
grantee under this priority.
Proposed Priority
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
proposes a priority under the Special
Demonstration Programs to fund a
project to identify, develop, and
implement model demonstration
projects to improve outcomes for
individuals receiving Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSDI) who are
served by State vocational rehabilitation
(VR) agencies. Under this priority, the
project must be designed to contribute
to the following outcomes:
• Identify through in-depth case
study of selected State VR agencies
factors that account for the relatively
better qualitative and quantitative
results of these agencies in achieving
employment outcomes at or above
substantial gainful activity (SGA) for
SSDI beneficiaries.
• Determine whether there are a
sufficient number of factors related to
the better employment outcome results
that are within the control of the State
VR agency, and if so, develop an
intervention model incorporating those
factors that can be replicated in other
State VR agencies and that can be
evaluated in terms of the model’s
impact after implementation.
• Implement and evaluate the
intervention model in at least three
State VR agencies, selected by the
Rehabilitation Services Administration
(RSA) based on information provided by
the grantee, that are willing to
implement the model. One criterion for
selecting these State VR agencies is that
SSDI beneficiaries whom they serve
have an employment outcome rate at or
below the rate for other State VR
agencies.
• If the model demonstration projects
show an improved employment rate for
SSDI beneficiaries, complete the
development of the intervention model
incorporating information acquired
through the model demonstration
projects, recommend any strategies
needed for implementation of the model
by other State VR agencies, and
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disseminate the findings of this
demonstration project to State VR
agencies.
Types of Priorities
When inviting applications for a
competition using one or more
priorities, we designate the type of each
priority as absolute, competitive
preference, or invitational through a
notice in the Federal Register. The
effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute
priority, we consider only applications
that meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority:
Under a competitive preference priority,
we give competitive preference to an
application by (1) awarding additional
points, depending on the extent to
which the application meets the priority
(34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting
an application that meets the priority
over an application of comparable merit
that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an
invitational priority, we are particularly
interested in applications that meet the
priority. However, we do not give an
application that meets the priority a
preference over other applications (34
CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
Final Priority
We will announce the final priority in
a notice in the Federal Register. We will
determine the final priority after
considering responses to this notice and
other information available to the
Department. This notice does not
preclude us from proposing additional
priorities, requirements, definitions, or
selection criteria, subject to meeting
applicable rulemaking requirements.
Note: This notice does not solicit
applications. In any year in which we choose
to use this priority, we invite applications
through a notice in the Federal Register.
Executive Order 12866: This notice
has been reviewed in accordance with
Executive Order 12866. Under the terms
of the order, we have assessed the
potential costs and benefits of this
proposed regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with
this proposed regulatory action are
those resulting from statutory
requirements and those we have
determined as necessary for
administering this program effectively
and efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and
benefits—both quantitative and
qualitative—of this proposed regulatory
action, we have determined that the
benefits of the proposed priority justify
the costs.
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Intergovernmental Review: This
program is subject to Executive Order
12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR
part 79. One of the objectives of the
Executive order is to foster an
intergovernmental partnership and a
strengthened federalism. The Executive
order relies on processes developed by
State and local governments for
coordination and review of proposed
Federal financial assistance.
This document provides early
notification of our specific plans and
actions for this program.
Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document in
an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
print, audiotape, or computer diskette)
by contacting the Grants and Contracts
Services Team, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC
20202–2550. Telephone: (202) 245–
7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll
free, at 1–800–877–8339.
Electronic Access to This Document:
You can view this document, as well as
all other documents of this Department
published in the Federal Register, in the
text or Adobe Portable Document
Format (PDF) on the Internet at the
following site: https://www.ed.gov/news/
fedregister. To use PDF you must have
the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
available free at this site.
Note: The official version of this document
is the document published in the Federal
Register. Free Internet access to the official
edition of the Federal Register and the Code
of Federal Regulations is available on GPO
Access at: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
Dated: March 23, 2010.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2010–6787 Filed 3–25–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)—
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program—
Rehabilitation Research and Training
Centers (RRTCs)—Employment
Outcomes for Individuals Who Are
Blind or Visually Impaired
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed priority.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) Number: 84.133B–6.
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 58 / Friday, March 26, 2010 / Notices
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes a priority for the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program
administered by NIDRR. Specifically,
this notice proposes a priority for an
RRTC. The Assistant Secretary may use
this priority for competitions in fiscal
year (FY) 2010 and later years. We take
this action to focus research attention on
areas of national need. We intend this
priority to improve rehabilitation
services and outcomes for individuals
with disabilities.
DATES: We must receive your comments
on or before April 26, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Address all comments about
this notice to Donna Nangle, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland
Avenue, SW., room 6029, Potomac
Center Plaza (PCP), Washington, DC
20202–2700.
If you prefer to send your comments
by e-mail, use the following address:
donna.nangle@ed.gov. You must
include the term ‘‘Proposed Priority for
an RRTC on Center on Employment
Outcomes for Individuals who are Blind
or Visually Impaired’’ in the subject line
of your electronic message.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 245–
7462 or by e-mail:
donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at
1–800–877–8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
notice of proposed priority is in concert
with NIDRR’s Final Long-Range Plan for
FY 2005–2009 (Plan). The Plan, which
was published in the Federal Register
on February 15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can
be accessed on the Internet at the
following site: https://www.ed.gov/
about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/
policy.html.
Through the implementation of the
Plan, NIDRR seeks to: (1) Improve the
quality and utility of disability and
rehabilitation research; (2) foster an
exchange of expertise, information, and
training to facilitate the advancement of
knowledge and understanding of the
unique needs of traditionally
underserved populations; (3) determine
best strategies and programs to improve
rehabilitation outcomes for underserved
populations; (4) identify research gaps;
(5) identify mechanisms of integrating
research and practice; and (6)
disseminate findings.
Invitation to Comment: We invite you
to submit comments regarding this
notice.
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We invite you to assist us in
complying with the specific
requirements of Executive Order 12866
and its overall requirement of reducing
regulatory burden that might result from
this proposed priority. Please let us
know of any further ways we could
reduce potential costs or increase
potential benefits while preserving the
effective and efficient administration of
the program.
During and after the comment period,
you may inspect all public comments
about this notice in room 6029, 550 12th
Street, SW., PCP, Washington, DC,
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00
p.m., Washington, DC time, Monday
through Friday of each week except
Federal holidays.
Assistance to Individuals With
Disabilities in Reviewing the
Rulemaking Record: On request we will
provide an appropriate accommodation
or auxiliary aid to an individual with a
disability who needs assistance to
review the comments or other
documents in the public rulemaking
record for this notice. If you want to
schedule an appointment for this type of
accommodation or auxiliary aid, please
contact the person listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Purpose of Program: The purpose of
the Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects and Centers Program
is to plan and conduct research,
demonstration projects, training, and
related activities to develop methods,
procedures, and rehabilitation
technology that maximize the full
inclusion and integration into society,
employment, independent living, family
support, and economic and social selfsufficiency of individuals with
disabilities, especially individuals with
the most severe disabilities, and to
improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended.
of 1973, as amended, through advanced
research, training, technical assistance,
and dissemination activities in general
problem areas, as specified by NIDRR.
Such activities are designed to benefit
rehabilitation service providers,
individuals with disabilities, and the
family members or other authorized
representatives of individuals with
disabilities. In addition, NIDRR intends
to require all RRTC applicants to meet
the requirements of the General
Rehabilitation Research and Training
Centers (RRTC) Requirements priority
that it published in a notice of final
priorities in the Federal Register on
February 1, 2008 (72 FR 6132).
Additional information on the RRTC
program can be found at: https://
www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/resprogram.html#RRTC.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and
764(b)(2).
Center on Employment Outcomes for
Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually
Impaired
Applicable Program Regulations: 34
CFR part 350.
Proposed Priority
This notice contains one proposed
priority.
Center on Employment Outcomes for
Individuals Who are Blind or Visually
Impaired
Background
Rehabilitation Research and Training
Centers (RRTCs)
The purpose of the RRTC program is
to improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
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Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
of RRTCs
RRTCs must—
• Carry out coordinated advanced
programs of rehabilitation research;
• Provide training, including
graduate, pre-service, and in-service
training, to help rehabilitation
personnel more effectively provide
rehabilitation services to individuals
with disabilities;
• Provide technical assistance to
individuals with disabilities, their
representatives, providers, and other
interested parties;
• Demonstrate in their applications
how they will address, in whole or in
part, the needs of individuals with
disabilities from minority backgrounds;
• Disseminate informational materials
to individuals with disabilities, their
representatives, providers, and other
interested parties; and
• Serve as centers of national
excellence in rehabilitation research for
individuals with disabilities, their
representatives, providers, and other
interested parties.
Background
More than 21 million noninstitutionalized adults, age 18 and
above, report trouble seeing even when
wearing glasses or contacts (U.S.
Department of Health and Human
Services, 2008). Of working-age (16–64
years) individuals who report blindness
or serious difficulty seeing even when
wearing glasses, 38.9 percent are
employed (American Foundation for the
Blind, 2009). In contrast, 71.2 percent of
individuals in this age range with no
disabling condition are employed (U.S.
Department of Labor, 2009).
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Previous research, some of which has
been conducted by NIDRR-funded
centers on blindness and low vision, has
identified a number of barriers to, and
facilitators of, employment for
individuals who are blind or visually
impaired. Facilitators include, but are
not limited to, postsecondary education
or training, braille literacy, inclusive
corporate cultures, and some
characteristics of vocational
rehabilitation (VR) services (CapellaMcDonall, 2005; Golub, 2006; Jernigan
Institute, 2009; Kirchner & Smith, 2005).
Barriers include negative employer
attitudes about blindness and work
disincentives experienced by Social
Security beneficiaries. These
disincentives include reduced benefits
and potential ineligibility for health care
coverage for those who become
employed and whose income exceeds
program income limits (Crudden,
Sansing & Butler, 2005; Stapleton,
O’Day, Livermore, & Imparato, 2006).
There is little empirical research that
applies the results of this research on
barriers and facilitators to the
development and testing of specific
practices, services, and interventions to
improve employment outcomes in
either the general population of
individuals who are blind or who have
visual impairments, or in
subpopulations of individuals from this
population who are at even greater risk
for poor employment outcomes. Such
populations include, but are not limited
to, individuals who have more severe
vision loss or who have multiple
disabilities (National Longitudinal
Transition Study-2, 2005; Shaw, Gold &
Wolffe, 2007).
Moreover, although there are a variety
of services, practices, and interventions
that are currently being used to improve
employment outcomes for individuals
who are blind or visually impaired,
there is little research that supports the
effectiveness and use of these
interventions and practices. Some of
these interventions and practices
directly relate to improving employment
outcomes. These include the use of peer
mentoring as well as collaborations
between VR agencies and consumer
organizations that can provide access to
mentors and input regarding VR
services and counselor training (Drew &
Alan, 2006; Iowa Department for the
Blind, 2009; National Federation of the
Blind, 2009). Other practices and
interventions, such as training to
promote positive adjustment to an
acquired disability, and orientation/
mobility training, are intended to have
more general effects, but appear to affect
occupational success as well (Drew &
Alan, 2004; Omvig, 2005). Research is
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necessary to determine the effectiveness
of these practices and to identify and
validate other promising practices that
improve employment outcomes for this
population.
References
American Foundation for the Blind. (2009).
Interpreting Bureau of Labor Statistics
employment data. See https://
www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=15&
SubTopicID=177.
Capella-McDonnall, M.E. (2005). Predictors
of competitive employment for blind and
visually impaired consumers of
vocational rehabilitation services.
Journal of Visual Impairment &
Blindness, 99, 303–315.
Crudden, A., Sansing, W., & Butler, S. (2005).
Overcoming barriers to employment:
Strategies of rehabilitation providers.
Journal of Visual Impairment &
Blindness, 99, 325–335.
Drew, D.W., & Alan, G.M. (Eds). (2004).
Contemporary issues in orientation and
mobility. Institute on Rehabilitation
Issues, Monograph No. 29. Washington,
DC: The George Washington University,
Rehabilitation Continuing Education
Program.
Drew, D.W., & Alan, G.M (Eds.). (2006).
Consumer organizations: Important
resources for vocational rehabilitation
agencies. Institute on Rehabilitation
Issues Monograph No. 31. Washington,
DC: The George Washington University,
Center for Rehabilitation Counseling
Research and Education.
Golub, D.B. (2006). A model of successful
work experience for employees who are
visually impaired: The results of a study.
Journal of Visual Impairment &
Blindness, 100, 715–725.
Iowa Department for the Blind. (2009).
Pathfinders: Changing Lives together.
See https://www.blind.state.ia.us/living/
pathfinders.
Jernigan Institute. (2009). The Braille literacy
crisis in America: Facing the truth,
reversing the trend, empowering the
blind. National Federation of the Blind.
See https://www.nfb.org/nfb/Braille_
Initiative.asp.
Kirchner, C, & Smith, B. (2005). Transition to
what?: Education and employment
outcomes for visually impaired youths
after high school. Journal of Visual
Impairment & Blindness, 99, 499–503.
National Federation of the Blind. (2009).
National Center for Mentoring
Excellence: A program of the National
Federation of the Blind. See https://
www.nfb.org/nfb/NCME_
Brochure1.asp?SnID=1447563890.
National Longitudinal Transition Study-2.
(2005). Changes over time in the early
post school outcomes of youth with
disabilities. See https://www.nlts2.org/
reports/2005_06/.
Omvig, J.H. (2005). Freedom for the blind:
The secret is empowerment. Baltimore,
MD: National Federation of the Blind.
Shaw, A., Gold, E., & Wolffe, K. (2007).
Employment-related experiences of
youths who are visually impaired: How
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14587
are these youths faring? Journal of Visual
Impairment & Blindness, 101, 7–21.
Stapleton, D.C., O’Day, B.L., Livermore, G.A.,
& Imparato, A.J. (2006). Dismantling the
poverty trap: Disability policy for the
twenty-first century. The Milbank
Quarterly, 84, 701–732.
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services. (2008). Summary health
statistics for the U.S. population:
National Health Interview Survey, 2006.
(DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2008–
1564). Hyattsville, MD.
Proposed Priority
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center (RRTC) on
Employment Outcomes for Individuals
Who are Blind or Visually Impaired.
This RRTC must conduct research that
contributes to improving competitive
employment outcomes for individuals
who are blind or visually impaired,
consistent with the individual’s
informed choice and abilities (see
section 100(a)(2)(B) of Title I of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended).
For the purposes of this priority, this
population is defined as individuals
who have ‘‘central visual acuity of 20/
200 or less in the better eye with the use
of a correcting lens. An eye which is
accompanied by a limitation in the
fields of vision such that the widest
diameter of the visual field subtends an
angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be
considered for purposes of this
paragraph as having a central visual
acuity of 20/200 or less’’ (42 U.S.C.
416(i)(1)(B)). Under this priority, the
RRTC must contribute to the following
outcomes:
(a) Evidence-based interventions and
practices designed to facilitate
competitive employment outcomes for
individuals who are blind or visually
impaired. The RRTC must contribute to
this outcome by developing and
evaluating new interventions and
practices, evaluating practices currently
in use, or by conducting both of these
types of research.
(b) New knowledge about
employment interventions and practices
for individuals who are blind or visually
impaired, and who are also at greater
risk for poor employment outcomes due
to other individual characteristics (e.g.,
individuals with more severe vision loss
or individuals with multiple
disabilities). The RRTC must contribute
to this outcome by conducting research
with at least one at-risk group (as
described earlier in this paragraph) to:
develop and evaluate new interventions
or practices, evaluate practices currently
being used with members of the at-risk
group, or by conducting both of these
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types of research. Applicants must
identify the specific at-risk group or
groups they propose to study, provide
evidence that the selected population or
populations are, in fact, at greater risk
for poor employment outcomes, and
explain how the proposed interventions
and practices are expected to address
the needs of the population or
populations.
(c) Increased incorporation of research
findings into practice and policy. The
RRTC must contribute to this outcome
by:
(1) Collaborating with providers of
vocational rehabilitation (VR) services,
employer groups, and stakeholders (e.g.,
individuals who are blind or visually
impaired or consumer groups) in
conducting the work of the RRTC; and
(2) Conducting training and
dissemination activities to facilitate the
utilization of research findings in
employment and VR settings.
(d) In addition, through coordination
with the NIDRR Project Officer, this
RRTC must collaborate with:
(1) Appropriate NIDRR-funded
grantees, including knowledge
translation grantees; and
(2) Relevant Office of Special
Education Programs and Rehabilitation
Services Administration grantees.
Types of Priorities
When inviting applications for a
competition using one or more
priorities, we designate the type of each
priority as absolute, competitive
preference, or invitational through a
notice in the Federal Register. The
effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute
priority, we consider only applications
that meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority:
Under a competitive preference priority,
we give competitive preference to an
application by (1) awarding additional
points, depending on the extent to
which the application meets the priority
(34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting
an application that meets the priority
over an application of comparable merit
that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an
invitational priority, we are particularly
interested in applications that meet the
priority. However, we do not give an
application that meets the priority a
preference over other applications (34
CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
Final Priority
We will announce the final priority in
a notice in the Federal Register. We will
determine the final priority after
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considering responses to this notice and
other information available to the
Department. This notice does not
preclude us from proposing additional
priorities, requirements, definitions, or
selection criteria, subject to meeting
applicable rulemaking requirements.
Note: This notice does not solicit
applications. In any year in which we choose
to use this priority, we invite applications
through a notice in the Federal Register.
Executive Order 12866: This notice
has been reviewed in accordance with
Executive Order 12866. Under the terms
of the order, we have assessed the
potential costs and benefits of this
proposed regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with
this proposed regulatory action are
those resulting from statutory
requirements and those we have
determined as necessary for
administering this program effectively
and efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and
benefits—both quantitative and
qualitative—of this proposed regulatory
action, we have determined that the
benefits of the proposed priority justify
the costs.
Discussion of Costs and Benefits
The benefits of the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program have been well
established over the years in that similar
projects have been completed
successfully. This proposed priority will
generate new knowledge and
technologies through research,
development, dissemination, utilization,
and technical assistance projects.
Another benefit of this proposed
priority is that the establishment of a
new RRTC will support and will
improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities. The new RRTC will
generate, disseminate, and promote the
use of new information that will
improve the options for individuals
with disabilities to obtain, retain, and
advance in employment.
Intergovernmental Review: This
program is not subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34
CFR part 79.
Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document in
an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
print, audiotape, or computer diskette)
by contacting the Grants and Contracts
Services Team, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC
20202–2550. Telephone: (202) 245–
7363. If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll
free, at 1–800–877–8339.
Electronic Access to This Document:
You can view this document, as well as
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all other documents of this Department
published in the Federal Register, in
text or Adobe Portable Document
Format (PDF) on the Internet at the
following site: https://www.ed.gov/news/
fedregister. To use PDF you must have
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
available free at this site.
Note: The official version of this document
is the document published in the Federal
Register. Free Internet access to the official
edition of the Federal Register and the Code
of Federal Regulations is available on GPO
Access at: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
Dated: March 23, 2010.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2010–6783 Filed 3–25–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Proposed Agency Information
Collection
U.S. Department of Energy.
Notice and request for OMB
review and comment.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the Department
of Energy (DOE) invites public comment
on a proposed emergency collection of
information that DOE is developing to
collect data on the status of activities,
project progress, jobs created and
retained, spend rates and performance
metrics under the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (c)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on respondents, including through the
use of automated collection techniques
or other forms of information
technology.
DATES: Comments regarding this
collection must be received on or before
April 9, 2010. If you anticipate difficulty
in submitting comments within that
period, contact the person listed in
ADDRESSES as soon as possible.
ADDRESSES: Written comments may be
sent to:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 58 (Friday, March 26, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14585-14588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-6783]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR)--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers
Program--Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)--
Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed priority.
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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133B-6.
[[Page 14586]]
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority for the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered by
NIDRR. Specifically, this notice proposes a priority for an RRTC. The
Assistant Secretary may use this priority for competitions in fiscal
year (FY) 2010 and later years. We take this action to focus research
attention on areas of national need. We intend this priority to improve
rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before April 26, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Address all comments about this notice to Donna Nangle, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6029, Potomac
Center Plaza (PCP), Washington, DC 20202-2700.
If you prefer to send your comments by e-mail, use the following
address: donna.nangle@ed.gov. You must include the term ``Proposed
Priority for an RRTC on Center on Employment Outcomes for Individuals
who are Blind or Visually Impaired'' in the subject line of your
electronic message.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 245-
7462 or by e-mail: donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice of proposed priority is in
concert with NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 2005-2009 (Plan). The
Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February 15, 2006
(71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the following site:
https://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html.
Through the implementation of the Plan, NIDRR seeks to: (1) Improve
the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research; (2)
foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training to
facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the unique
needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3) determine best
strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation outcomes for
underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5) identify
mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6) disseminate
findings.
Invitation to Comment: We invite you to submit comments regarding
this notice.
We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific
requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of
reducing regulatory burden that might result from this proposed
priority. Please let us know of any further ways we could reduce
potential costs or increase potential benefits while preserving the
effective and efficient administration of the program.
During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public
comments about this notice in room 6029, 550 12th Street, SW., PCP,
Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.,
Washington, DC time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal
holidays.
Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the
Rulemaking Record: On request we will provide an appropriate
accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability who
needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the
public rulemaking record for this notice. If you want to schedule an
appointment for this type of accommodation or auxiliary aid, please
contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program is to plan and
conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related
activities to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation
technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into
society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic
and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities,
especially individuals with the most severe disabilities, and to
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(2).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
Proposed Priority
This notice contains one proposed priority.
Center on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who are Blind or Visually
Impaired
Background
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)
The purpose of the RRTC program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
through advanced research, training, technical assistance, and
dissemination activities in general problem areas, as specified by
NIDRR. Such activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service
providers, individuals with disabilities, and the family members or
other authorized representatives of individuals with disabilities. In
addition, NIDRR intends to require all RRTC applicants to meet the
requirements of the General Rehabilitation Research and Training
Centers (RRTC) Requirements priority that it published in a notice of
final priorities in the Federal Register on February 1, 2008 (72 FR
6132). Additional information on the RRTC program can be found at:
https://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#RRTC.
Statutory and Regulatory Requirements of RRTCs
RRTCs must--
Carry out coordinated advanced programs of rehabilitation
research;
Provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training, to help rehabilitation personnel more effectively
provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities;
Provide technical assistance to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested
parties;
Demonstrate in their applications how they will address,
in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds;
Disseminate informational materials to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested
parties; and
Serve as centers of national excellence in rehabilitation
research for individuals with disabilities, their representatives,
providers, and other interested parties.
Center on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually
Impaired
Background
More than 21 million non-institutionalized adults, age 18 and
above, report trouble seeing even when wearing glasses or contacts
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008). Of working-age
(16-64 years) individuals who report blindness or serious difficulty
seeing even when wearing glasses, 38.9 percent are employed (American
Foundation for the Blind, 2009). In contrast, 71.2 percent of
individuals in this age range with no disabling condition are employed
(U.S. Department of Labor, 2009).
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Previous research, some of which has been conducted by NIDRR-funded
centers on blindness and low vision, has identified a number of
barriers to, and facilitators of, employment for individuals who are
blind or visually impaired. Facilitators include, but are not limited
to, postsecondary education or training, braille literacy, inclusive
corporate cultures, and some characteristics of vocational
rehabilitation (VR) services (Capella-McDonall, 2005; Golub, 2006;
Jernigan Institute, 2009; Kirchner & Smith, 2005). Barriers include
negative employer attitudes about blindness and work disincentives
experienced by Social Security beneficiaries. These disincentives
include reduced benefits and potential ineligibility for health care
coverage for those who become employed and whose income exceeds program
income limits (Crudden, Sansing & Butler, 2005; Stapleton, O'Day,
Livermore, & Imparato, 2006).
There is little empirical research that applies the results of this
research on barriers and facilitators to the development and testing of
specific practices, services, and interventions to improve employment
outcomes in either the general population of individuals who are blind
or who have visual impairments, or in subpopulations of individuals
from this population who are at even greater risk for poor employment
outcomes. Such populations include, but are not limited to, individuals
who have more severe vision loss or who have multiple disabilities
(National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, 2005; Shaw, Gold & Wolffe,
2007).
Moreover, although there are a variety of services, practices, and
interventions that are currently being used to improve employment
outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, there is
little research that supports the effectiveness and use of these
interventions and practices. Some of these interventions and practices
directly relate to improving employment outcomes. These include the use
of peer mentoring as well as collaborations between VR agencies and
consumer organizations that can provide access to mentors and input
regarding VR services and counselor training (Drew & Alan, 2006; Iowa
Department for the Blind, 2009; National Federation of the Blind,
2009). Other practices and interventions, such as training to promote
positive adjustment to an acquired disability, and orientation/mobility
training, are intended to have more general effects, but appear to
affect occupational success as well (Drew & Alan, 2004; Omvig, 2005).
Research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of these practices
and to identify and validate other promising practices that improve
employment outcomes for this population.
References
American Foundation for the Blind. (2009). Interpreting Bureau of
Labor Statistics employment data. See https://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=15&SubTopicID=177.
Capella-McDonnall, M.E. (2005). Predictors of competitive employment
for blind and visually impaired consumers of vocational
rehabilitation services. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness,
99, 303-315.
Crudden, A., Sansing, W., & Butler, S. (2005). Overcoming barriers
to employment: Strategies of rehabilitation providers. Journal of
Visual Impairment & Blindness, 99, 325-335.
Drew, D.W., & Alan, G.M. (Eds). (2004). Contemporary issues in
orientation and mobility. Institute on Rehabilitation Issues,
Monograph No. 29. Washington, DC: The George Washington University,
Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program.
Drew, D.W., & Alan, G.M (Eds.). (2006). Consumer organizations:
Important resources for vocational rehabilitation agencies.
Institute on Rehabilitation Issues Monograph No. 31. Washington, DC:
The George Washington University, Center for Rehabilitation
Counseling Research and Education.
Golub, D.B. (2006). A model of successful work experience for
employees who are visually impaired: The results of a study. Journal
of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 100, 715-725.
Iowa Department for the Blind. (2009). Pathfinders: Changing Lives
together. See https://www.blind.state.ia.us/living/pathfinders.
Jernigan Institute. (2009). The Braille literacy crisis in America:
Facing the truth, reversing the trend, empowering the blind.
National Federation of the Blind. See https://www.nfb.org/nfb/Braille_Initiative.asp.
Kirchner, C, & Smith, B. (2005). Transition to what?: Education and
employment outcomes for visually impaired youths after high school.
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 99, 499-503.
National Federation of the Blind. (2009). National Center for
Mentoring Excellence: A program of the National Federation of the
Blind. See https://www.nfb.org/nfb/NCME_Brochure1.asp?SnID=1447563890.
National Longitudinal Transition Study-2. (2005). Changes over time
in the early post school outcomes of youth with disabilities. See
https://www.nlts2.org/reports/2005_06/.
Omvig, J.H. (2005). Freedom for the blind: The secret is
empowerment. Baltimore, MD: National Federation of the Blind.
Shaw, A., Gold, E., & Wolffe, K. (2007). Employment-related
experiences of youths who are visually impaired: How are these
youths faring? Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 101, 7-21.
Stapleton, D.C., O'Day, B.L., Livermore, G.A., & Imparato, A.J.
(2006). Dismantling the poverty trap: Disability policy for the
twenty-first century. The Milbank Quarterly, 84, 701-732.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2008). Summary health
statistics for the U.S. population: National Health Interview
Survey, 2006. (DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2008-1564). Hyattsville,
MD.
Proposed Priority
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and Training
Center (RRTC) on Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who are Blind or
Visually Impaired. This RRTC must conduct research that contributes to
improving competitive employment outcomes for individuals who are blind
or visually impaired, consistent with the individual's informed choice
and abilities (see section 100(a)(2)(B) of Title I of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended). For the purposes of this
priority, this population is defined as individuals who have ``central
visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a
correcting lens. An eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the
fields of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field
subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be considered for
purposes of this paragraph as having a central visual acuity of 20/200
or less'' (42 U.S.C. 416(i)(1)(B)). Under this priority, the RRTC must
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Evidence-based interventions and practices designed to
facilitate competitive employment outcomes for individuals who are
blind or visually impaired. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by
developing and evaluating new interventions and practices, evaluating
practices currently in use, or by conducting both of these types of
research.
(b) New knowledge about employment interventions and practices for
individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and who are also at
greater risk for poor employment outcomes due to other individual
characteristics (e.g., individuals with more severe vision loss or
individuals with multiple disabilities). The RRTC must contribute to
this outcome by conducting research with at least one at-risk group (as
described earlier in this paragraph) to: develop and evaluate new
interventions or practices, evaluate practices currently being used
with members of the at-risk group, or by conducting both of these
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types of research. Applicants must identify the specific at-risk group
or groups they propose to study, provide evidence that the selected
population or populations are, in fact, at greater risk for poor
employment outcomes, and explain how the proposed interventions and
practices are expected to address the needs of the population or
populations.
(c) Increased incorporation of research findings into practice and
policy. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by:
(1) Collaborating with providers of vocational rehabilitation (VR)
services, employer groups, and stakeholders (e.g., individuals who are
blind or visually impaired or consumer groups) in conducting the work
of the RRTC; and
(2) Conducting training and dissemination activities to facilitate
the utilization of research findings in employment and VR settings.
(d) In addition, through coordination with the NIDRR Project
Officer, this RRTC must collaborate with:
(1) Appropriate NIDRR-funded grantees, including knowledge
translation grantees; and
(2) Relevant Office of Special Education Programs and
Rehabilitation Services Administration grantees.
Types of Priorities
When inviting applications for a competition using one or more
priorities, we designate the type of each priority as absolute,
competitive preference, or invitational through a notice in the Federal
Register. The effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by (1)
awarding additional points, depending on the extent to which the
application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2)
selecting an application that meets the priority over an application of
comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are
particularly interested in applications that meet the priority.
However, we do not give an application that meets the priority a
preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
Final Priority
We will announce the final priority in a notice in the Federal
Register. We will determine the final priority after considering
responses to this notice and other information available to the
Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing additional
priorities, requirements, definitions, or selection criteria, subject
to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use this priority, we invite applications through
a notice in the Federal Register.
Executive Order 12866: This notice has been reviewed in accordance
with Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of the order, we have
assessed the potential costs and benefits of this proposed regulatory
action.
The potential costs associated with this proposed regulatory action
are those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have
determined as necessary for administering this program effectively and
efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative
and qualitative--of this proposed regulatory action, we have determined
that the benefits of the proposed priority justify the costs.
Discussion of Costs and Benefits
The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Program have been well established over the years in that
similar projects have been completed successfully. This proposed
priority will generate new knowledge and technologies through research,
development, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance
projects.
Another benefit of this proposed priority is that the establishment
of a new RRTC will support and will improve the lives of individuals
with disabilities. The new RRTC will generate, disseminate, and promote
the use of new information that will improve the options for
individuals with disabilities to obtain, retain, and advance in
employment.
Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print,
audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the Grants and Contracts
Services Team, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 5075, PCP, Washington, DC 20202-2550. Telephone: (202) 245-7363.
If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
Electronic Access to This Document: You can view this document, as
well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the
Internet at the following site: https://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister. To
use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at
this site.
Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: https://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/.
Dated: March 23, 2010.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2010-6783 Filed 3-25-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P