National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs), 18185-18189 [2010-8166]
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 68 / Friday, April 9, 2010 / Notices
percentage of high schools in each State
implementing the assessment;
6. Percentage of students in each State
taking at least one assessment in the
high school course assessment
programs; and
7. Percentage of high schools in each
State that incorporate courses in the
high school course assessment programs
into requirements for high school
diplomas or certificates.
VI. Agency Contacts
For Further Information Contact:
James Butler, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
room 3C108, Washington, DC 20202–
6400. Telephone: (202) 453–7246 or by
e-mail: racetothetop.assessment@ed.gov.
If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll
free, at 1–800–877–8339.
VII. Other Information
Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document
and a copy of the application package in
an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
print, audiotape, or computer diskette)
on request to the program contact
person listed under For Further
Information Contact in section VI of this
notice.
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/
index.html.
Dated: April 6, 2010.
Arne Duncan,
Secretary of Education.
[FR Doc. 2010–8176 Filed 4–8–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)—
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program—
Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers (RERCs)
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133E–1
and 84.133E–3.
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AGENCY: Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed priorities for
two RERCs.
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes two priorities for the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program
administered by NIDRR. Specifically,
this notice proposes two priorities for
RERCs: Universal Design in the Built
Environment and Technologies for
Children with Orthopedic Disabilities.
The Assistant Secretary may use these
priorities 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 these
priorities to improve rehabilitation
services and outcomes for individuals
with disabilities.
DATES: We must receive your comments
on or before May 10, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Address all comments about
this notice to Donna Nangle, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland
Avenue, SW., room 5142, Potomac
Center Plaza, 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 Priorities for
RERCs’’ and the priority title 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 priorities 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;
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(5) identify mechanisms of integrating
research and practice; and (6)
disseminate findings. This notice
proposes two priorities that NIDRR
intends to use for RERC competitions in
FY 2010 and possibly later years.
However, nothing precludes NIDRR
from publishing additional priorities, if
needed.
Furthermore, NIDRR is under no
obligation to make awards for these
priorities. The decision to make an
award will be based on the quality of
applications received and available
funding.
Invitation to Comment: We invite you
to submit comments regarding this
notice. To ensure that your comments
have maximum effect in developing the
notice of final priorities, we urge you to
identify clearly the specific proposed
priority that each comment addresses.
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
these proposed priorities. 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 6030, 550 12th
Street, SW., Potomac Center Plaza,
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, including
international 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
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improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation
Act).
Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers Program (RERCs)
The purpose of the RERC program is
to improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
by conducting advanced engineering
research and development on
innovative technologies that are
designed to solve particular
rehabilitation problems, or to 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.
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General Requirements of RERCs
RERCs carry out research or
demonstration activities in support of
the Rehabilitation Act by—
• Developing and disseminating
innovative methods of applying
advanced technology, scientific
achievement, and psychological and
social knowledge: (a) To solve
rehabilitation problems and to remove
environmental barriers; and (b) to 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
innovative, consumer-responsive, and
individual- and family-centered models
for the delivery to both rural and urban
areas of innovative cost-effective
rehabilitation technology services; and
(b) other scientific research to assist in
meeting the employment and
independence needs of individuals with
severe disabilities.
Each RERC must be operated by, or in
collaboration with, one or more
institutions of higher education or one
or more nonprofit organizations.
Each RERC must provide training
opportunities, in conjunction with
institutions of higher education or
nonprofit organizations, to assist
individuals, including individuals with
disabilities, to become rehabilitation
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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.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and
764(a).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34
CFR part 350.
Proposed Priorities: This notice
contains two proposed priorities.
Proposed Priority 1—Universal Design
in the Built Environment
Background
Universal Design (UD) 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). UD
improves function, independence, and
social participation for the entire
population, including individuals with
disabilities.
Examples of UD in the built
environment include curb cuts, ramps,
automatic doors, restrooms, and
wayfinding strategies. There will be an
increased need for products and
environments with UD as the Baby
Boom generation ages. Many in this
generation will wish to remain in their
own homes as they age (Bayer & Harper,
2000).
Past work supported by NIDRR has
contributed substantially to the
development of the field of UD. With
NIDRR funding, the Center for Universal
Design, in collaboration with other
researchers and practitioners, developed
and published the following ‘‘principles
of universal design’’: Equitable use,
flexibility in use, simple and intuitive
use, perceptible information, tolerance
for error, low physical effort, and size
and space for approach and use
(https://design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/
udprinciples.htm). These seven design
principles have guided researchers,
engineers, and planners in designing
accessible housing and built
environments (North Carolina State
University, 1997). Among other
outcomes, NIDRR funding also has
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contributed to the development of 35
new State and local visitability
programs across the U.S. These
programs apply UD principles in the
new housing industry by incorporating
an affordable, sustainable, and inclusive
design approach for integrating basic
accessibility features into all newly built
homes. In addition, NIDRR funding
contributed to the inclusion of UD
principles by the New York City
Department of Design and Construction
in the official guide for all architects
working for the city (Danford & Tauke,
2000).
Despite this progress, UD has
experienced relatively slow adoption for
several reasons. Until recently,
engineers, designers, and manufacturers
have focused on creating environments
and products for individuals of average
age, size, and ability and have argued
that accommodations and design for all
is too costly and complex (Danford &
Tauke, 2000). In addition, universitylevel architecture and engineering
programs do not generally include UD
courses in their curriculum (Tauke,
2008). The UD field has been criticized
for a lack of measurable implementation
guidelines and a lack of explicit
evidence-based UD practices (Steinfeld,
2006). Continued research and
development in the area of UD is
necessary to address these issues of UD
adoption and viability. Curricula on UD
for university-level engineering and
design students, proper measurement
tools, guidelines, evidence-based
practices, and aesthetically pleasing and
economically viable exemplars of UD
are needed to demonstrate the efficacy
of UD in facilitating independence and
social participation among end users.
References
Bayer, A. & Harper, L. (2000). AARP,
Fixing to stay: A national survey of
housing and home modification issues,
24. See https://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/
il/home_mod.pdf.
Danford, G. & Tauke, B., eds. (2000).
Universal Design: New York. New York,
NY: Mayor’s Office for People with
Disabilities. See https://
www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/PubIntro/
index.asp.
North Carolina State University.
(1997). The principles of universal
design (1997). Version 2.0—4/1/97.
Compiled by advocates of universal
design, listed in alphabetical order:
Bettye Rose Connell, Mike Jones, Ron
Mace, Jim Mueller, Abir Mullick, Elaine
Ostroff, Jon Sanford, Ed Steinfeld, Molly
Story, and Gregg Vanderheiden. North
Carolina State University, The Center
for Universal Design. See https://
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design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/
udprinciples.htm.
Tauke, B. (2008). Universal Design—
The time is now. See https://
www.uigarden.net/english/universaldesign-the-time-is-now.
Proposed Priority
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Center (RERC) on
Universal Design (UD) in the Built
Environment. Under this priority, the
RERC must research, develop, evaluate,
and promote UD in commercial and
private facilities, outdoor environments,
and housing. In addition, the RERC
must create measurable UD standards
and guidelines to facilitate the
implementation of UD principles, create
economically viable UD exemplars, aid
in the development of evidence-based
practices for UD, and help to design
curricula on UD for university-level
engineering and design students. The
RERC must assist designers, builders,
and manufacturers incorporate UD into
their buildings and communities.
Proposed Priority 2—Technologies for
Children With Orthopedic Disabilities
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Background
As of December 1, 2007, 55,131
students from 6 to 17 years of age were
reported to the Office of Special
Education Programs in the U.S.
Department of Education as having an
orthopedic impairment (IDEA Data,
2007). The definition of orthopedic
impairment in the IDEA regulations
includes impairments caused by
congenital anomalies, impairments
caused by disease (e.g., poliomyelitis,
bone tuberculosis), and impairments
from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy,
amputations, and fractures or burns that
cause contractures) (34 CFR 300.8(c)(8)).
Children with orthopedic disabilities
often need assistance to perform a wide
range of daily living tasks and activities.
While family members, caregivers, and
educators are the primary providers of
this assistance, clinicians, researchers,
and rehabilitation engineers are
developing a growing number of
technological products and
interventions that assist children with
orthopedic disabilities to function more
independently.
NIDRR has contributed to the research
and development of technologies for
children with orthopedic disabilities for
20 years. Much of this work has
centered on developing mobility and
manipulation devices. For example, a
NIDRR-funded RERC developed
lightweight orthotic components,
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evaluated the effectiveness of functional
electrical stimulation to improve gait,
and studied which stage of development
is the most beneficial to provide
children with wheeled mobility. A
NIDRR-funded RERC also developed the
Easy Feed Hand, a prosthetic hand that
is designed to evolve with the growth of
the child, and made a new mobile arm
support orthosis commercially
available.
Continued efforts are needed to
develop new products, technologies,
and therapies that promote
independence and functional
rehabilitation. While initial research has
evaluated assistive technologies for
children’s independence and
manipulation, more research and
development are needed to fully
implement these technologies. For
example, light-weight, adjustable
pediatric wheelchairs can improve
mobility (Meiser & McEwen, 2007) and
provide children with better wheelchair
performance with less exertion (Kirby et
al., 2008). Manipulation devices,
whether wheelchair mounted or
autonomous, can provide greater
independence and allow children to
better interact with their environment
(Machiel Van der Loos &
Reinkensmeyer, 2008). Several
rehabilitation therapies have been
successful for adults with orthopedic
impairments, and there is emerging
evidence to suggest that these therapies
may improve mobility and
manipulation among children. In this
regard, rehabilitation therapies such as
constraint-induced therapy (Taub,
Ramey, DeLuca, & Echols, 2004;
Gordon, Charles, & Wolf, 2006), robotassisted therapy (Meyer-Heim et al.,
2009), and virtual reality-based therapy
(Wille et al., 2009) have yet to be fully
developed, adapted, and analyzed for
use with children.
References
Code of Federal Regulations. (2008).
Education, 34 CFR 300.8.
Gordon, A.M., Charles, J., & Wolf, S.L.
(2006). Efficacy of constraint-induced
movement therapy on involved upperextremity use in children with
hemiplegic cerebral palsy is not agedependent. Pediatrics, Mar, 117.
Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) Data. (2007). See:
https://www.ideadata.org/
arc_toc9.asp#partbCC Table 1–4 and 1–
5.
Kirby, R.L., MacDonald, B., Smith, C.,
MacLeod, D.A., & Webber, A. (2008).
Comparison between a tilt-in-space
wheelchair and a manual wheelchair
equipped with a new rear anti-tip
device from the perspective of the
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18187
caregiver. Archives of Physical Medical
Rehabilitation, September 89(9).
Machiel Van der Loos, H.F. &
Reinkensmeyer, D.J. (2008).
Rehabilitation and health care robotics.
In B. Siciliano & O. Khatib (Eds.),
Springer Handbook of Robotics (pp.
1235–1239). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Meiser, M.J. & McEwen, I.R. (2007).
Lightweight and ultralight wheelchairs:
Propulsion and preferences of two
young children with spina bifida.
Pediatric Physical Therapy, Fall 19(3).
Meyer-Heim, A., Ammann-Reiffer, C.,
¨
Schmartz, A., Schafer, J., Sennhauser,
F.H., Heinen, F., Knecht, B., Dabrowski,
E., & Borggraefe, I. (2009). Improvement
of walking abilities after robotic-assisted
locomotion training in children with
cerebral palsy. Archives of Disease in
Childhood, August 94(8).
Taub, E., Ramey, S., DeLuca, S. &
Echols, K. (2004). Efficacy of constraintinduced movement therapy for children
with cerebral palsy with asymmetric
motor impairment. Pediatrics, 113(2).
Wille, D., Eng, K., Holper, L.,
Chevrier, E., Hauser, Y., Kiper, D., Pyk,
P., Schlegel, S., & Meyer-Heim, A.
(2009). Virtual reality-based paediatric
interactive therapy system (PITS) for
improvement of arm and hand function
in children with motor impairment—a
pilot study. Developmental
Neurorehabilitation, January–March
12(1).
Proposed Priority
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Center (RERC) on
Technologies for Children with
Orthopedic Disabilities. This RERC will
focus on innovative technologies and
new knowledge that will improve the
lives of children with orthopedic
disabilities. Under this priority, the
RERC must research, develop, apply,
and evaluate new or existing
technologies and approaches to improve
the availability and usability of assistive
devices for children with orthopedic
disabilities. This work must contribute
to the improvement of mobility and
manipulation functions among children
with orthopedic disabilities as they
perform daily tasks and activities at
home, at school, and in the community.
In addition, the RERC must develop,
test, and implement rehabilitation
therapy technologies and strategies for
use with children with orthopedic
disabilities.
Requirements applicable to both
proposed priorities: The RERC
established under each of the proposed
priorities in this notice must be
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designed to contribute to the following
outcomes:
(1) Increased technical and scientific
knowledge relevant to its designated
priority research area. The RERC must
contribute to this outcome by
conducting high-quality, rigorous
research and development projects.
(2) Increased innovation in
technologies, products, environments,
performance guidelines, and monitoring
and assessment tools applicable to its
designated priority research area. The
RERC must contribute to this outcome
through the development and testing of
these innovations.
(3) Improved research capacity in its
designated priority research area. The
RERC must contribute to this outcome
by collaborating with the relevant
industry, professional associations,
institutions of higher education, health
care providers, or educators, as
appropriate.
(4) Improved awareness and
understanding of cutting edge
developments in technologies within its
designated priority research area. The
RERC must contribute to this outcome
by identifying and communicating with
NIDRR, individuals with disabilities,
their representatives, disability
organizations, service providers,
professional journals, manufacturers,
and other interested parties regarding
trends and evolving product concepts
related to its designated priority
research area.
(5) Increased impact of research in the
designated priority research area. The
RERC must contribute to this outcome
by providing technical assistance to
relevant public and private
organizations, individuals with
disabilities, employers, and schools on
policies, guidelines, and standards
related to its designated priority
research area.
(6) Increased transfer of RERCdeveloped technologies to the
marketplace. The RERC must contribute
to this outcome by developing and
implementing a plan for ensuring that
all technologies developed by the RERC
are made available to the public. The
technology transfer plan must be
developed in the first year of the project
period in consultation with the NIDRRfunded Disability Rehabilitation
Research Project, Center on Knowledge
Translation for Technology Transfer.
In addition, under each priority, the
RERC must—
• Have the capability to design, build,
and test prototype devices and assist in
the technology transfer and
knowledge translation of successful
solutions to relevant production and
service delivery settings;
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• Evaluate the efficacy and safety of
its new products, instrumentation, or
assistive 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, 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.
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 priorities in a notice in the Federal
Register. We will determine the final
priorities after considering responses to
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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 these priorities, 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 Programs have been well
established over the years in that similar
projects have been completed
successfully. These proposed priorities
will generate new knowledge through
research and development. Another
benefit of these proposed priorities is
that the establishment of new RERCs
will improve the lives of individuals
with disabilities. The new RERCs will
generate, disseminate, and promote the
use of new information that will
improve the options for individuals
with disabilities to fully participate in
their communities.
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, Potomac Center Plaza,
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
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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: April 6, 2010.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
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BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
Notice: Request for Substantive
Comments on the EAC’s Procedural
Manual for the Election Assistance
Commission’s Pilot Voting System
Testing and Certification Program
Manual
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES
AGENCY: United States Election
Assistance Commission (EAC).
ACTION: Notice; Request for Substantive
Comments.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Election Assistance
Commission (EAC) is publishing a
procedural manual for its Pilot Voting
System Testing and Certification
Program Manual for a fifteen day public
comment period. This program sets the
administrative procedures for
manufacturers seeking certification of
pilot voting systems to be used in a
federal election.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian Hancock, Director, Voting System
Certification, Washington, DC (202)
566–3100, Fax: (202) 566–1392.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background. HAVA requires that the
EAC certify and decertify voting systems
through testing conducted by accredited
laboratories. Section 231(a)(1) of HAVA
(42 U.S.C. 15371) specifically requires
the EAC to ‘‘* * * provide for the
testing, certification, decertification and
recertification of voting system
hardware and software by accredited
laboratories.’’ To meet this obligation,
the EAC has created a voluntary
program to test pilot voting systems to
a set of voluntary pilot certification
requirements. The Pilot Testing
Certification Program manual sets the
procedures for the pilot voting system
manufacturers to follow in order to
receive certification for their system to
VerDate Nov<24>2008
17:07 Apr 08, 2010
Jkt 220001
be used in a pilot project for a state or
local jurisdiction that require EAC
certification.
The Pilot Voting System Testing and
Certification program manual contains
program requirements and procedures
for the following areas:
1. Voting system manufacturer
registration.
2. When voting system intended for
use in a pilot must be submitted for
certification.
3. Certification Testing, Technical
Review and Grant of Certification for
Pilot Voting Systems.
4. Denial of Certification.
5. Pilot Program Monitoring and
Reporting.
6. Requests for Interpretations.
7. Release of Certification Program
Information.
Substantive Comments: The EAC
seeks substantive comments from the
public on its proposed procedural
manual. Please submit comments
consistent with the information below.
Comments should identify and cite the
section of the manual at issue. Where a
substantive issue is raised, please
propose a recommended change or
alternative policy. All comments
submitted will be published at the end
of the comment period on the EAC’s
Web site at https://www.eac.gov. This
publication and request for comment is
not required under the rulemaking,
adjudicative, or licensing provisions of
the Administrative Procedures Act
(APA). It is a voluntary effort by the
EAC to gather input from the public on
the EAC’s administrative procedures for
certifying voting systems to be used in
pilot projects. Furthermore, this request
by the EAC for public comment is not
intended to make any of the APA’s
rulemaking provisions applicable to
development of this or future EAC
procedural programs. However, in
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, a separate notice
will be published on the Federal
Register to request comments regarding
the burden of responding to the
information collection activities of the
proposed manual; please refer to the
EAC’s Web site, https://www.eac.gov, for
further information about the
submission of comments regarding
burden.
DATES: Submit written or electronic
comments on this draft procedural
manual on or before 5 p.m. EDT on
April 26, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments via email to votingsystemguidelines@eac.gov;
via mail to Brian Hancock, Director of
Voting System Certification, U.S.
Election Assistance Commission, 1201
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
18189
New York Avenue, Suite 300,
Washington, DC 20005; or via fax to
202–566–1392. An electronic copy of
the proposed guidance may be found on
the EAC’s Web site at https://
www.eac.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Matthew Masterson, Deputy Director,
Testing and Certification Program 1201
New York Avenue, Suite 300,
Washington, DC, (202) 566–3100, Fax:
(202) 566–1392.
Alice Miller,
Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Election
Assistance Commission.
[FR Doc. 2010–8150 Filed 4–8–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820–KF–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Project No. 13655–000]
Riverbank Minnesota, LLC; Notice of
Preliminary Permit Application
Accepted for Filing and Soliciting
Comments, Motions To Intervene, and
Competing Applications
April 2, 2010.
On January 12, 2010, Riverbank
Minnesota, LLC filed an application,
pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal
Power Act, proposing to study the
feasibility of the Granite Falls Pumped
Storage Project No. 13655, to be located
east of the City of Granite Falls and the
Minnesota River in Chippewa County,
Minnesota.
The proposed pumped storage project
would consist of: (1) A new
approximately 135-acre, 30-foot-deep
upper reservoir constructed of enclosed
earth embankments; (2) a new lower
reservoir excavated in granite bedrock at
a depth of approximately 1,800 feet
below the surface, consisting of six
approximately 150-foot-high, 90-footwide underground galleries; (3) a new
approximately 20 to 100-foot-diameter
intake structure; (4) a new
approximately 1,800-foot-long, 20-footdiameter penstock from the intake
structure to an underground
powerhouse; (5) a new approximately
380-foot-long, 83-foot-wide, and 400foot-high underground powerhouse; (6)
four new reversible pump-turbines with
a total combined capacity of 1,000
megawatts; (7) a new 330-foot-long, 55foot-wide, and 400-foot-high
transformer gallery; (8) a new
approximately 1.2-mile-long, 230kilovolt transmission line; and (9)
appurtenant facilities. The project
E:\FR\FM\09APN1.SGM
09APN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 68 (Friday, April 9, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18185-18189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-8166]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR)--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers
Program--Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133E-1 and
84.133E-3.
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed priorities for two RERCs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services proposes two priorities for the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered by
NIDRR. Specifically, this notice proposes two priorities for RERCs:
Universal Design in the Built Environment and Technologies for Children
with Orthopedic Disabilities. The Assistant Secretary may use these
priorities 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 these priorities to improve rehabilitation services and
outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before May 10, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Address all comments about this notice to Donna Nangle, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5142, Potomac
Center Plaza, 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
Priorities for RERCs'' and the priority title 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 priorities 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. This notice proposes two priorities that NIDRR intends to use
for RERC competitions in FY 2010 and possibly later years. However,
nothing precludes NIDRR from publishing additional priorities, if
needed.
Furthermore, NIDRR is under no obligation to make awards for these
priorities. The decision to make an award will be based on the quality
of applications received and available funding.
Invitation to Comment: We invite you to submit comments regarding
this notice. To ensure that your comments have maximum effect in
developing the notice of final priorities, we urge you to identify
clearly the specific proposed priority that each comment addresses.
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 these proposed
priorities. 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 6030, 550 12th Street, SW., Potomac
Center Plaza, 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, including international 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
[[Page 18186]]
improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation Act).
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program (RERCs)
The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced
engineering research and development on innovative technologies that
are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems, or to 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 by--
Developing and disseminating innovative methods of
applying advanced technology, scientific achievement, and psychological
and social knowledge: (a) To solve rehabilitation problems and to
remove environmental barriers; and (b) to 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 innovative, consumer-
responsive, and individual- and family-centered models for the delivery
to both rural and urban areas of innovative cost-effective
rehabilitation technology services; and (b) other scientific research
to assist in meeting the employment and independence needs of
individuals with severe disabilities.
Each RERC must be operated by, or in collaboration with, one or
more institutions of higher education or one or more nonprofit
organizations.
Each RERC must provide training opportunities, in conjunction with
institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations, to assist
individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become
rehabilitation technology researchers and practitioners.
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/.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(a).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
Proposed Priorities: This notice contains two proposed priorities.
Proposed Priority 1--Universal Design in the Built Environment
Background
Universal Design (UD) 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). UD improves function, independence, and social
participation for the entire population, including individuals with
disabilities.
Examples of UD in the built environment include curb cuts, ramps,
automatic doors, restrooms, and wayfinding strategies. There will be an
increased need for products and environments with UD as the Baby Boom
generation ages. Many in this generation will wish to remain in their
own homes as they age (Bayer & Harper, 2000).
Past work supported by NIDRR has contributed substantially to the
development of the field of UD. With NIDRR funding, the Center for
Universal Design, in collaboration with other researchers and
practitioners, developed and published the following ``principles of
universal design'': Equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and
intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low
physical effort, and size and space for approach and use (https://design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/udprinciples.htm). These seven design
principles have guided researchers, engineers, and planners in
designing accessible housing and built environments (North Carolina
State University, 1997). Among other outcomes, NIDRR funding also has
contributed to the development of 35 new State and local visitability
programs across the U.S. These programs apply UD principles in the new
housing industry by incorporating an affordable, sustainable, and
inclusive design approach for integrating basic accessibility features
into all newly built homes. In addition, NIDRR funding contributed to
the inclusion of UD principles by the New York City Department of
Design and Construction in the official guide for all architects
working for the city (Danford & Tauke, 2000).
Despite this progress, UD has experienced relatively slow adoption
for several reasons. Until recently, engineers, designers, and
manufacturers have focused on creating environments and products for
individuals of average age, size, and ability and have argued that
accommodations and design for all is too costly and complex (Danford &
Tauke, 2000). In addition, university-level architecture and
engineering programs do not generally include UD courses in their
curriculum (Tauke, 2008). The UD field has been criticized for a lack
of measurable implementation guidelines and a lack of explicit
evidence-based UD practices (Steinfeld, 2006). Continued research and
development in the area of UD is necessary to address these issues of
UD adoption and viability. Curricula on UD for university-level
engineering and design students, proper measurement tools, guidelines,
evidence-based practices, and aesthetically pleasing and economically
viable exemplars of UD are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of UD in
facilitating independence and social participation among end users.
References
Bayer, A. & Harper, L. (2000). AARP, Fixing to stay: A national
survey of housing and home modification issues, 24. See https://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/home_mod.pdf.
Danford, G. & Tauke, B., eds. (2000). Universal Design: New York.
New York, NY: Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities. See https://www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/PubIntro/index.asp.
North Carolina State University. (1997). The principles of
universal design (1997). Version 2.0--4/1/97. Compiled by advocates of
universal design, listed in alphabetical order: Bettye Rose Connell,
Mike Jones, Ron Mace, Jim Mueller, Abir Mullick, Elaine Ostroff, Jon
Sanford, Ed Steinfeld, Molly Story, and Gregg Vanderheiden. North
Carolina State University, The Center for Universal Design. See https://
[[Page 18187]]
design.ncsu.edu/cud/about--ud/udprinciples.htm.
Tauke, B. (2008). Universal Design--The time is now. See https://www.uigarden.net/english/universal-design-the-time-is-now.
Proposed Priority
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Center (RERC) on Universal Design (UD) in the Built Environment. Under
this priority, the RERC must research, develop, evaluate, and promote
UD in commercial and private facilities, outdoor environments, and
housing. In addition, the RERC must create measurable UD standards and
guidelines to facilitate the implementation of UD principles, create
economically viable UD exemplars, aid in the development of evidence-
based practices for UD, and help to design curricula on UD for
university-level engineering and design students. The RERC must assist
designers, builders, and manufacturers incorporate UD into their
buildings and communities.
Proposed Priority 2--Technologies for Children With Orthopedic
Disabilities
Background
As of December 1, 2007, 55,131 students from 6 to 17 years of age
were reported to the Office of Special Education Programs in the U.S.
Department of Education as having an orthopedic impairment (IDEA Data,
2007). The definition of orthopedic impairment in the IDEA regulations
includes impairments caused by congenital anomalies, impairments caused
by disease (e.g., poliomyelitis, bone tuberculosis), and impairments
from other causes (e.g., cerebral palsy, amputations, and fractures or
burns that cause contractures) (34 CFR 300.8(c)(8)).
Children with orthopedic disabilities often need assistance to
perform a wide range of daily living tasks and activities. While family
members, caregivers, and educators are the primary providers of this
assistance, clinicians, researchers, and rehabilitation engineers are
developing a growing number of technological products and interventions
that assist children with orthopedic disabilities to function more
independently.
NIDRR has contributed to the research and development of
technologies for children with orthopedic disabilities for 20 years.
Much of this work has centered on developing mobility and manipulation
devices. For example, a NIDRR-funded RERC developed lightweight
orthotic components, evaluated the effectiveness of functional
electrical stimulation to improve gait, and studied which stage of
development is the most beneficial to provide children with wheeled
mobility. A NIDRR-funded RERC also developed the Easy Feed Hand, a
prosthetic hand that is designed to evolve with the growth of the
child, and made a new mobile arm support orthosis commercially
available.
Continued efforts are needed to develop new products, technologies,
and therapies that promote independence and functional rehabilitation.
While initial research has evaluated assistive technologies for
children's independence and manipulation, more research and development
are needed to fully implement these technologies. For example, light-
weight, adjustable pediatric wheelchairs can improve mobility (Meiser &
McEwen, 2007) and provide children with better wheelchair performance
with less exertion (Kirby et al., 2008). Manipulation devices, whether
wheelchair mounted or autonomous, can provide greater independence and
allow children to better interact with their environment (Machiel Van
der Loos & Reinkensmeyer, 2008). Several rehabilitation therapies have
been successful for adults with orthopedic impairments, and there is
emerging evidence to suggest that these therapies may improve mobility
and manipulation among children. In this regard, rehabilitation
therapies such as constraint-induced therapy (Taub, Ramey, DeLuca, &
Echols, 2004; Gordon, Charles, & Wolf, 2006), robot-assisted therapy
(Meyer-Heim et al., 2009), and virtual reality-based therapy (Wille et
al., 2009) have yet to be fully developed, adapted, and analyzed for
use with children.
References
Code of Federal Regulations. (2008). Education, 34 CFR 300.8.
Gordon, A.M., Charles, J., & Wolf, S.L. (2006). Efficacy of
constraint-induced movement therapy on involved upper-extremity use in
children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy is not age-dependent.
Pediatrics, Mar, 117.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Data. (2007).
See: https://www.ideadata.org/arc_toc9.asp#partbCC Table 1-4 and 1-5.
Kirby, R.L., MacDonald, B., Smith, C., MacLeod, D.A., & Webber, A.
(2008). Comparison between a tilt-in-space wheelchair and a manual
wheelchair equipped with a new rear anti-tip device from the
perspective of the caregiver. Archives of Physical Medical
Rehabilitation, September 89(9).
Machiel Van der Loos, H.F. & Reinkensmeyer, D.J. (2008).
Rehabilitation and health care robotics. In B. Siciliano & O. Khatib
(Eds.), Springer Handbook of Robotics (pp. 1235-1239). Springer Berlin
Heidelberg.
Meiser, M.J. & McEwen, I.R. (2007). Lightweight and ultralight
wheelchairs: Propulsion and preferences of two young children with
spina bifida. Pediatric Physical Therapy, Fall 19(3).
Meyer-Heim, A., Ammann-Reiffer, C., Schmartz, A., Sch[auml]fer, J.,
Sennhauser, F.H., Heinen, F., Knecht, B., Dabrowski, E., & Borggraefe,
I. (2009). Improvement of walking abilities after robotic-assisted
locomotion training in children with cerebral palsy. Archives of
Disease in Childhood, August 94(8).
Taub, E., Ramey, S., DeLuca, S. & Echols, K. (2004). Efficacy of
constraint-induced movement therapy for children with cerebral palsy
with asymmetric motor impairment. Pediatrics, 113(2).
Wille, D., Eng, K., Holper, L., Chevrier, E., Hauser, Y., Kiper,
D., Pyk, P., Schlegel, S., & Meyer-Heim, A. (2009). Virtual reality-
based paediatric interactive therapy system (PITS) for improvement of
arm and hand function in children with motor impairment--a pilot study.
Developmental Neurorehabilitation, January-March 12(1).
Proposed Priority
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes a priority for a Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Center (RERC) on Technologies for Children with Orthopedic
Disabilities. This RERC will focus on innovative technologies and new
knowledge that will improve the lives of children with orthopedic
disabilities. Under this priority, the RERC must research, develop,
apply, and evaluate new or existing technologies and approaches to
improve the availability and usability of assistive devices for
children with orthopedic disabilities. This work must contribute to the
improvement of mobility and manipulation functions among children with
orthopedic disabilities as they perform daily tasks and activities at
home, at school, and in the community. In addition, the RERC must
develop, test, and implement rehabilitation therapy technologies and
strategies for use with children with orthopedic disabilities.
Requirements applicable to both proposed priorities: The RERC
established under each of the proposed priorities in this notice must
be
[[Page 18188]]
designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
(1) Increased technical and scientific knowledge relevant to its
designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this
outcome by conducting high-quality, rigorous research and development
projects.
(2) Increased innovation in technologies, products, environments,
performance guidelines, and monitoring and assessment tools applicable
to its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to
this outcome through the development and testing of these innovations.
(3) Improved research capacity in its designated priority research
area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by collaborating with
the relevant industry, professional associations, institutions of
higher education, health care providers, or educators, as appropriate.
(4) Improved awareness and understanding of cutting edge
developments in technologies within its designated priority research
area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by identifying and
communicating with NIDRR, individuals with disabilities, their
representatives, disability organizations, service providers,
professional journals, manufacturers, and other interested parties
regarding trends and evolving product concepts related to its
designated priority research area.
(5) Increased impact of research in the designated priority
research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by providing
technical assistance to relevant public and private organizations,
individuals with disabilities, employers, and schools on policies,
guidelines, and standards related to its designated priority research
area.
(6) Increased transfer of RERC-developed technologies to the
marketplace. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by developing and
implementing a plan for ensuring that all technologies developed by the
RERC are made available to the public. The technology transfer plan
must be developed in the first year of the project period in
consultation with the NIDRR-funded Disability Rehabilitation Research
Project, Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer.
In addition, under each priority, the RERC must--
Have the capability to design, build, and test prototype
devices and assist in the technology transfer and
knowledge translation of successful solutions to relevant production
and service delivery settings;
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products,
instrumentation, or assistive 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, 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.
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 priorities in a notice
in the Federal Register. We will determine the final priorities 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 these priorities, 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 Programs have been
well established over the years in that similar projects have been
completed successfully. These proposed priorities will generate new
knowledge through research and development. Another benefit of these
proposed priorities is that the establishment of new RERCs will improve
the lives of individuals with disabilities. The new RERCs will
generate, disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will
improve the options for individuals with disabilities to fully
participate in their communities.
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, Potomac Center Plaza, 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
[[Page 18189]]
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: April 6, 2010.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2010-8166 Filed 4-8-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P