Funding Priorities: Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, 15964-15968 [2011-6713]
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15964
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2011 / Notices
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)).
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Proposed Selection Criterion
Background: The Department is
interested in ensuring that grantees use
rigorous methods to carry out multi-site
research conducted under Proposed
Priority Two. The selection criteria that
are available for use in DRRP
competitions (34 CFR 350.53 and
350.54) are not sufficiently detailed to
allow evaluation of large-scale multi-site
collaborative research projects.
Therefore, we propose an additional
criterion to address methods for
carrying out multi-site research
collaboration and would use this
selection criterion when evaluating
applications under the SCIMS MultiSite Collaborative Research Projects
priority (Proposed Priority Two). This
proposed criterion will be used to
evaluate applicants’ capacity to manage
and carry out a number of complex tasks
that are involved in the successful
conduct of multi-site collaborative
research.
Proposed Selection Criteria
In accordance with the provisions of
34 CFR 350.53 and 350.54 and in
addition to the selection criteria
specified in those sections, the Secretary
proposes to consider the following
factor in evaluating applications
submitted under the SCIMS Multi-Site
Collaborative Research Projects priority:
The extent to which the applicant
clearly documents its capacity to carry
out a multi-site research project,
including demonstrated administrative
capabilities, experience with managing
and following multi-site research
protocols, and ability to maintain and
meet standards for quality and
confidentiality of data gathered from
multiple sites.
Final Priorities and Selection Criteria:
We will announce the final priorities
and selection criteria in a notice in the
Federal Register. We will determine the
final priorities and selection criteria
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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 any of 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 priorities and
selection criteria 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. The priorities proposed in
this notice will generate new knowledge
through research and development.
Another benefit of this proposed
regulatory action is that the
establishment of new DRRPs will
improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities. The new DRRPs will
generate, disseminate, and promote the
use of new information that will
improve the options for individuals
with disabilities to perform regular
activities in the community.
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: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
index.html.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) Numbers: 84.133N–1 and 84.133A–
15.
Dated: March 17, 2011.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2011–6711 Filed 3–21–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA: 84.133A–6, 84.133A–7, and 84.133A–
8]
Funding Priorities: Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed priorities.
AGENCY:
The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes three funding
priorities for the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program administered by the
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).
Specifically, this notice proposes a
priority for the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) National
Network Regional Centers (Proposed
Priority 1), the ADA National Network
Knowledge Translation Center
(Proposed Priority 2), and the ADA
National Network Research
Collaborative (Proposed Priority 3). The
Assistant Secretary may use one or more
of these priorities for competitions in
fiscal year (FY) 2011 and later years. We
take this action to focus attention on
areas of national need.
DATES: We must receive your comments
on or before April 21, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Address all comments about
this notice to Lynn Medley, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland
Avenue, SW., Room 5140, Potomac
Center Plaza (PCP), Washington, DC
20202–2700.
SUMMARY:
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If you prefer to send your comments
by e-mail, use the following address:
Lynn.Medley@ed.gov. You must include
‘‘Proposed Priorities for Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) National
Network Regional Centers, Knowledge
Translation Center, and Collaborative’’
in the subject line of your electronic
message.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lynn Medley. Telephone: (202) 245–
7338 or by e-mail: Lynn.Medley@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 currently
approved Long-Range Plan (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
the 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 three priorities
that NIDRR intends to use for DRRP
competitions in FY 2011 and possibly
later years. However, nothing precludes
NIDRR from publishing additional
priorities if needed. Furthermore,
NIDRR is under no obligation to make
an award for any of 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 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
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effective and efficient administration of
the program.
During and after the comment period,
you may inspect all public comments
about these proposed priorities in Room
5133, 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, 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
improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation
Act).
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects
The purpose of NIDRR’s Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects
(DRRPs) are to improve the effectiveness
of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
by developing methods, procedures, and
rehabilitation technologies that advance
a wide range of independent living and
employment outcomes for individuals
with disabilities, especially individuals
with the most severe disabilities. DRRPs
carry out one or more of the following
types of activities, as specified and
defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through
350.19: Research, training,
demonstration, development,
dissemination, utilization, and technical
assistance. An applicant for assistance
under this program must demonstrate in
its application how it will address, in
whole or in part, the needs of
individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds (34 CFR
350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant
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may take to meet this requirement are
found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). In addition,
NIDRR intends to require all DRRP
applicants to meet the requirements of
the General Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP)
Requirements priority that it published
in a notice of final priorities in the
Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71
FR 25472).
Additional information on DRRPs can
be found at: www.ed.gov/rschstat/
research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g)
and 764(a).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34
CFR part 350.
Proposed Priorities:
This notice contains three proposed
priorities. Background: The Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990, as
amended (ADA), 42 U.S.C. 12101 et
seq., prohibits discrimination against
individuals with disabilities in
employment, public accommodations,
State and local government activities,
and telecommunications.
Since 1991, NIDRR has supported
grants to 10 regional Disability and
Business Technical Assistance Centers
(DBTACs), which provide ADA training,
technical assistance, and ADA-related
materials to individuals and entities
with rights and responsibilities under
the ADA.
In years 2006–2010, NIDRR made
several key changes in the DBTAC
program. Specifically, NIDRR added a
research component to the scope of the
DBTAC program, established a DBTAC
Coordination, Outreach, and Research
Center (DBTAC CORC) (See notice of
final priorities published in the Federal
Register on June 9, 2006 (71 FR 33562)),
and expanded DBTAC data collection
requirements in order to provide more
thorough and descriptive reports on the
volume and content of the services that
the DBTACs provide.
NIDRR made these changes in order to
(a) better align the DBTACs with
NIDRR’s research mission, and
(b) enable the DBTACs to develop new
knowledge about the ADA and DBTAC
activities in order to enhance ongoing
training, technical assistance, and
dissemination activities. Over the past
five years, the DBTACs have published
numerous journal articles, held a series
of research conferences, and conducted
other knowledge translation activities to
share the new knowledge about the
ADA gained from their research.
Examples of key research topics include
access to postsecondary education
among students with disabilities, access
to healthcare services among people
with disabilities, and reasonable
accommodations in the workplace.
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NIDRR intends to continue these
research and data collection activities in
the coming grant cycle by funding the
ADA National Network Regional
Centers, the ADA National Network
Knowledge Translation Center, and the
ADA National Network Research
Collaborative.
In addition to these NIDRR-initiated
changes, there have also been key
changes in legislation and regulations
since the last competition for the
DBTAC program. For example, in 2008,
the ADA Amendments Act (Pub. L. 110–
325) was signed into law. The ADA
Amendments Act clarifies and expands
the definition of disability through
several new provisions. These include a
provision that affirms that mitigating
measures (e.g., medication, assistive
technology, accommodations) have no
bearing in determining whether an
individual meets the definition of
having a disability and another
provision that clarifies the extent to
which the ADA covers individuals with
disabilities that are episodic or in
remission. In 2010, the U.S. Department
of Justice published new regulations
implementing titles II and III of the ADA
(28 CFR part 35 and 28 CFR part 36). In
2011, the U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission plans to
publish new regulations implementing
title I of the ADA (29 CFR part 1630).
In addition, a number of ADA
compliance issues have gained more
attention in recent years, including
access to information technologies
(National Council on Disability, 2006)
and to emergency management services
(National Council on Disability, 2009,
U.S. Department of Education, 2008,
U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
2005). These legislative and regulatory
changes and emerging issues highlight a
continuing need for NIDRR to support
activities to raise awareness of, and
promote compliance with, the ADA. To
address this need, NIDRR proposes
three priorities under which it would
fund an ADA National Network that
would replace the DBTAC program.
Under Proposed Priority 1, we would
establish 10 ADA National Network
Regional Centers (ADA Regional
Centers) that would constitute the core
of the ADA National Network. These
ADA Regional Centers would provide
comprehensive training and technical
assistance and would disseminate
materials to individuals and entities
with rights and responsibilities under
the ADA.
Under Proposed Priority 2, we would
fund the ADA National Network
Knowledge Translation Center (ADA KT
Center). The ADA KT Center would
maintain the ADA National Network
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Web site; review and synthesize the
existing ADA research literature;
maintain a detailed database describing
the training, technical assistance, and
dissemination activities provided by the
ADA National Network; and promote
the use of ADA research to implement
the ADA more effectively. This ADA KT
Center would also provide logistical and
financial support for annual meetings of
the Project Directors of the 10 ADA
Regional Centers and for a conference
on ADA-related research.
Under Proposed Priority 3, we would
fund two collaborative research grants
that contribute to ADA knowledge of
national significance. This priority
would allow the ADA Regional Centers
to conduct collaborative research using
the regional network structure as a
foundation for multi-site research to
inform ADA implementation and to
improve the performance of the ADA
National Network.
References:
National Council on Disability. (2009,
August 12). Effective emergency
management: Making improvements for
communities and people with
disabilities. Retrieved December 7, 2010,
from https://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/
publications/2009/pdf/
NCD_EmergencyManagement.pdf.
National Council on Disability. (2006,
December 26). Over the horizon:
Potential impact of emerging trends in
information and communication
technology on disability policy and
practice. Retrieved December 7, 2010,
from https://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/
publications/2006/pdf/emerging_
trends.pdf.
U.S. Department of Education. (2008,
April). Emergency management
research and people with disabilities: A
research guide. Retrieved December 7,
2010, from https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/
research/pubs/index.
html#emergencyguide.
U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. (2005, July 21). Individuals
with disabilities in emergency
preparedness. Retrieved December 7,
2010, from https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/
assets/crcl-icc-report-july05.pdf.
Proposed Priority 1—Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network
Regional Centers.
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
proposes a priority for the funding of 10
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects (DRRPs) to serve as the ADA
National Network Regional Centers
(formerly known as Disability Business
Technical Assistance Centers
(DBTACs)), one within each of the 10
U.S. Department of Education regions
that cover all of the United States.
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Together, the 10 ADA National Network
Regional Centers (ADA Regional
Centers), along with the ADA National
Network Knowledge Translation Center
(ADA KT Center, funded under a
separate priority) and the ADA Research
Collaboratives (funded under a separate
priority) will comprise the ADA
National Network. Each ADA Regional
Center must be designed to contribute to
the following outcomes:
(a) Improved understanding by ADA
stakeholders of their rights and
responsibilities under the ADA. Each
ADA Regional Center must contribute to
this outcome by implementing a
sustained program of training, technical
assistance, and information
dissemination (collectively, ADA
Network Services), aimed at ADA
stakeholders, including local, regional,
and national groups representing such
stakeholders. NIDRR anticipates that
ADA stakeholders will need information
on both longstanding ADA requirements
as well as recent legislative and
regulatory changes affecting those
requirements, such as the ADA
Amendments Act, the revised title II
and III regulations (28 CFR parts 35 and
36, respectively), the anticipated
revisions to the title I regulations (29
CFR part 1630), and information on
issues associated with ADA compliance
in emerging areas such as access to
information technologies and
emergency management services. For
purposes of this priority, the term ‘‘ADA
stakeholders’’ refers to individuals and
entities with rights and responsibilities
under the ADA.
(b) Improved understanding of ADA
stakeholders’ need for and receipt of
ADA Network Services over time,
including services to address emerging
issues related to compliance with ADA
requirements. Each of the 10 ADA
Regional Centers must contribute to this
outcome by—
(1) Entering, directly into the database
maintained by the ADA National
Network Knowledge Translation Center
(‘‘ADA KT Center’’, funded under a
separate priority), the required data
about each of the ADA Network
Services that it provides. These data
must include, but are not limited to, (1)
the ADA title or titles, regulations, and
specific topics that are addressed by the
ADA Network Services provided, (2) the
modality of service provision (e.g., inperson presentation, webinar), and (3)
non-identifying information about the
recipient or recipients of the ADA
Network Services;
(2) Collaborating with the ADA KT
Center to analyze data about ADA
stakeholder requests for information and
the services that the ADA Regional
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Center provides, and applying new
knowledge from those analyses to
further tailor and improve the provision
of ADA Network Services; and
(3) Identifying and implementing
other appropriate methods for assessing
the needs of ADA stakeholders.
(c) Enhanced efficiency and
effectiveness of ADA Network Services.
Each of the ten ADA Regional Centers
must contribute to this outcome by—
(1) Partnering with the ADA KT
Center and other ADA Regional Centers
to develop, provide, and distribute ADA
training and technical assistance
materials, and other informational
products and services. These materials,
products, and services include, but are
not limited to, the ADA National
Network Web site, as well as materials,
products, and services that are relevant
to ADA stakeholders in multiple
regions.
(2) Attending and participating in the
annual meetings of the ADA Regional
Centers’ Project Directors, to be held in
Washington, DC.
Proposed Priority 2—Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network
Knowledge Translation Center (ADA KT
Center).
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
proposes a priority for the funding of a
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Project (DRRP) to serve as an Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) National
Network Knowledge Translation Center
(ADA KT Center). For purposes of this
priority, the term ‘‘ADA stakeholders’’
refers to individuals and entities with
rights and responsibilities under the
ADA. Under this priority, the ADA KT
Center must be designed to contribute to
the following outcomes:
(a) Optimal efficiency and impact of
the ADA National Network’s training,
technical assistance, and information
dissemination activities (ADA Network
Services). The ADA KT Center must
contribute to this outcome by—
(1) Establishing and implementing an
online system to enable the 10 ADA
Regional Centers to share training and
technical assistance documents and
other materials;
(2) Facilitating the joint development
of ADA products and materials by the
10 ADA Regional Centers in content
areas in which it is possible to
maximize resources and avoid
duplication of efforts;
(3) Serving as the central repository
for ADA National Network information
and products, and maintaining ADA
Network document portals and Web
sites currently funded by NIDRR; and
(4) Organizing and providing
logistical and financial support for
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annual meetings of the ADA Regional
Centers’ Project Directors in
Washington, DC. These meetings will
facilitate collaboration between the 10
ADA Regional Centers, and will allow
the Project Directors of the ADA
Regional Centers to meet and share
information directly with their Federal
partners in the U.S. Department of
Justice, Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission, and other relevant
agencies.
(b) Increased use of available ADArelated research findings to inform
behavior, practices, or policies that
improve equal access in society for
individuals with disabilities. The ADA
KT Center must contribute to this
outcome by—
(1) Systematically reviewing existing
ADA-related research. The ADA KT
Center must identify and conduct
systematic reviews of individual ADA
research studies to assess the quality of
those studies and to synthesize the
findings from those studies. In so doing,
the ADA KT Center must select
appropriate review methods, taking into
account the type of research and stage
of knowledge development in each area
of ADA research. These areas may
include, but are not limited to research
on specific titles of the ADA, research
on ADA issues in specific industries,
and research on ADA issues that are
relevant to individuals with specific
types of disabilities; and
(2) Identifying, for future research,
topics that would provide new
knowledge or tools to help individuals
with rights and responsibilities under
the ADA (ADA stakeholders) implement
and comply with the ADA. The ADA KT
Center must identify future research
topics based on the information
gathered through the systematic reviews
conducted under paragraph (b)(1) of this
priority, in combination with
information about gaps in ADA
stakeholder knowledge related to ADA
implementation. The ADA KT Center
must collaborate with ADA stakeholders
to determine these knowledge gaps.
(c) Increased awareness and
utilization of ADA-related research
findings by appropriate ADA
stakeholder groups. The ADA KT Center
must contribute to this outcome by—
(1) Combining or adapting knowledge
translation approaches from the existing
literature to disseminate and promote
the use of ADA-related research
generated by the ADA National Network
Research Collaborative (funded under a
separate priority) and other NIDRR
grantees as appropriate; and
(2) Organizing and providing
logistical and financial support for a
conference on ADA-related research.
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This conference must highlight research
findings produced by the ADA National
Network Research Collaborative and
other ADA researchers. This conference
must take place in year five of the ADA
National Network grant cycle.
(d) Improved understanding of ADA
stakeholders’ need for and receipt of
ADA Network Services over time,
including services to address emerging
issues related to compliance with ADA
requirements. The ADA KT Center must
contribute to this outcome by—
(1) Continuing the operation and
maintenance of the existing database for
data submitted by each of the ADA
Regional Centers. This database was
previously known as the Outcome
Measurement System, and is presently
operated by the DBTAC Coordination,
Outreach, and Research Center (CORC).
This database was designed to contain
data on each DBTAC’s core activities,
including training, technical assistance,
public awareness events, and
dissemination of materials. In operating
and maintaining this database, the ADA
KT Center must ensure confidentiality
of personally identifiable information,
and provide quality control and dataretrieval capabilities, using costeffective technologies and a userfriendly interface;
(2) Providing training and technical
assistance to ADA Regional Centers on
analyzing data and using the database;
(3) Monitoring the quality of data
submitted by the ADA Regional Centers;
and
(4) Collaborating with NIDRR and the
ADA Regional Centers to ensure that the
database is accurate, comprehensive,
easy to use, and up-to-date.
Proposed Priority 3—ADA National
Network Research Collaborative.
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
proposes a priority for the funding of a
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Project (DRRP) to serve as a National
ADA Network Research Collaborative
(Collaborative). The Collaborative must
be designed to contribute to knowledge
of national significance related to ADA
implementation and compliance. To be
eligible under this priority, an applicant
must have received a grant under the
ADA National Network Regional Center
priority (Priority 1). The Collaborative
must conduct research using the
regional structure of the ADA National
Network as a foundation for multi-site
research that would inform ADA
implementation efforts. The
Collaborative must consist of the
applicant and an additional three or
more of the NIDRR-funded ADA
Regional Centers (for a minimum of four
ADA Regional Centers). In addition, the
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Collaborative may include researchers
who are not a part of the ADA National
Network. For purposes of this priority,
the term ‘‘ADA stakeholders’’ refers to
individuals and entities with rights and
responsibilities under the ADA. The
Collaborative must be designed to
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Improved knowledge related to
ADA implementation. The Collaborative
must contribute to this outcome by—
(1) Conducting research on one or
more areas in the ADA. These areas may
include, but are not limited to research
on specific titles of the ADA, research
on ADA issues in specific industries, or
research on ADA issues that are relevant
to individuals with specific types of
disabling conditions;
(2) Addressing research questions or
hypotheses of national significance that
are directly relevant to individuals and
entities with rights and responsibilities
under the ADA (ADA stakeholders); and
(3) Using appropriate and clearlyidentified research designs to generate
reliable and valid findings.
(b) Improved ADA stakeholder
awareness and utilization of research
findings produced by the ADA National
Network. The Collaborative must
contribute to this outcome by—
(1) Preparing research products (e.g.,
articles and presentations) that describe
the findings of the Collaborative’s
research. The Collaborative must also
share these research products and
research findings with the ADA
Regional Centers and the ADA KT
Center, which the Department intends
to fund under separate priorities, for
further dissemination to ADA
stakeholders; and
(2) Participating in the ADA National
Network research conference.
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)).
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:36 Mar 21, 2011
Jkt 223001
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 Priorities: 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 or 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 priorities
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 DRRPs
will improve the lives of individuals
with disabilities. The new DRRPs will
generate, disseminate, and promote the
use of new information that will
improve the options for individuals
with disabilities to perform regular
activities in the community.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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/.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) Number: 84.133A–6, 84.133A–7, and
84.133A–8.
Dated: March 17, 2011.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2011–6713 Filed 3–21–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Notice of Availability of the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement and
Public Hearing Notice for the Texas
Clean Energy Project, near Odessa,
Ector County, TX
Department of Energy.
Notice of Availability and
Public Hearing.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) announces the availability
of the Texas Clean Energy Project Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/
EIS–0444D) for public review and
comment, as well as the date, location,
and time for a public hearing. The draft
environmental impact statement (EIS)
analyzes the potential environmental
impacts associated with the Texas Clean
Energy Project (TCEP), which would be
constructed and operated by Summit
Texas Clean Energy, LLC, an affiliate of
Summit Power Group, Inc. (Summit).
Summit’s proposal was selected by DOE
to receive financial assistance under the
Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI)
program.
DOE prepared this draft EIS in
accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM
22MRN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15964-15968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-6713]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA: 84.133A-6, 84.133A-7, and 84.133A-8]
Funding Priorities: Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed priorities.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services proposes three funding priorities for the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program
administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this notice proposes a priority for the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network Regional Centers
(Proposed Priority 1), the ADA National Network Knowledge Translation
Center (Proposed Priority 2), and the ADA National Network Research
Collaborative (Proposed Priority 3). The Assistant Secretary may use
one or more of these priorities for competitions in fiscal year (FY)
2011 and later years. We take this action to focus attention on areas
of national need.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before April 21, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Address all comments about this notice to Lynn Medley, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 5140, Potomac
Center Plaza (PCP), Washington, DC 20202-2700.
[[Page 15965]]
If you prefer to send your comments by e-mail, use the following
address: Lynn.Medley@ed.gov. You must include ``Proposed Priorities for
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network Regional
Centers, Knowledge Translation Center, and Collaborative'' in the
subject line of your electronic message.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynn Medley. Telephone: (202) 245-7338
or by e-mail: Lynn.Medley@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 currently approved Long-Range Plan (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 the 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 three priorities that NIDRR intends to use for
DRRP competitions in FY 2011 and possibly later years. However, nothing
precludes NIDRR from publishing additional priorities if needed.
Furthermore, NIDRR is under no obligation to make an award for any of
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 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 these proposed priorities in Room 5133, 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, 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 improve the effectiveness of services authorized
under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation Act).
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
The purpose of NIDRR's Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects (DRRPs) are to improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by
developing methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that
advance a wide range of independent living and employment outcomes for
individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most
severe disabilities. DRRPs carry out one or more of the following types
of activities, as specified and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through
350.19: Research, training, demonstration, development, dissemination,
utilization, and technical assistance. An applicant for assistance
under this program must demonstrate in its application how it will
address, in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with
disabilities from minority backgrounds (34 CFR 350.40(a)). The
approaches an applicant may take to meet this requirement are found in
34 CFR 350.40(b). In addition, NIDRR intends to require all DRRP
applicants to meet the requirements of the General Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Requirements priority that it
published in a notice of final priorities in the Federal Register on
April 28, 2006 (71 FR 25472).
Additional information on DRRPs can be found at: www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(a).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
Proposed Priorities:
This notice contains three proposed priorities. Background: The
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA), 42 U.S.C.
12101 et seq., prohibits discrimination against individuals with
disabilities in employment, public accommodations, State and local
government activities, and telecommunications.
Since 1991, NIDRR has supported grants to 10 regional Disability
and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs), which provide ADA
training, technical assistance, and ADA-related materials to
individuals and entities with rights and responsibilities under the
ADA.
In years 2006-2010, NIDRR made several key changes in the DBTAC
program. Specifically, NIDRR added a research component to the scope of
the DBTAC program, established a DBTAC Coordination, Outreach, and
Research Center (DBTAC CORC) (See notice of final priorities published
in the Federal Register on June 9, 2006 (71 FR 33562)), and expanded
DBTAC data collection requirements in order to provide more thorough
and descriptive reports on the volume and content of the services that
the DBTACs provide.
NIDRR made these changes in order to (a) better align the DBTACs
with NIDRR's research mission, and (b) enable the DBTACs to develop new
knowledge about the ADA and DBTAC activities in order to enhance
ongoing training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities.
Over the past five years, the DBTACs have published numerous journal
articles, held a series of research conferences, and conducted other
knowledge translation activities to share the new knowledge about the
ADA gained from their research. Examples of key research topics include
access to postsecondary education among students with disabilities,
access to healthcare services among people with disabilities, and
reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
[[Page 15966]]
NIDRR intends to continue these research and data collection activities
in the coming grant cycle by funding the ADA National Network Regional
Centers, the ADA National Network Knowledge Translation Center, and the
ADA National Network Research Collaborative.
In addition to these NIDRR-initiated changes, there have also been
key changes in legislation and regulations since the last competition
for the DBTAC program. For example, in 2008, the ADA Amendments Act
(Pub. L. 110-325) was signed into law. The ADA Amendments Act clarifies
and expands the definition of disability through several new
provisions. These include a provision that affirms that mitigating
measures (e.g., medication, assistive technology, accommodations) have
no bearing in determining whether an individual meets the definition of
having a disability and another provision that clarifies the extent to
which the ADA covers individuals with disabilities that are episodic or
in remission. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice published new
regulations implementing titles II and III of the ADA (28 CFR part 35
and 28 CFR part 36). In 2011, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission plans to publish new regulations implementing title I of the
ADA (29 CFR part 1630).
In addition, a number of ADA compliance issues have gained more
attention in recent years, including access to information technologies
(National Council on Disability, 2006) and to emergency management
services (National Council on Disability, 2009, U.S. Department of
Education, 2008, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2005). These
legislative and regulatory changes and emerging issues highlight a
continuing need for NIDRR to support activities to raise awareness of,
and promote compliance with, the ADA. To address this need, NIDRR
proposes three priorities under which it would fund an ADA National
Network that would replace the DBTAC program.
Under Proposed Priority 1, we would establish 10 ADA National
Network Regional Centers (ADA Regional Centers) that would constitute
the core of the ADA National Network. These ADA Regional Centers would
provide comprehensive training and technical assistance and would
disseminate materials to individuals and entities with rights and
responsibilities under the ADA.
Under Proposed Priority 2, we would fund the ADA National Network
Knowledge Translation Center (ADA KT Center). The ADA KT Center would
maintain the ADA National Network Web site; review and synthesize the
existing ADA research literature; maintain a detailed database
describing the training, technical assistance, and dissemination
activities provided by the ADA National Network; and promote the use of
ADA research to implement the ADA more effectively. This ADA KT Center
would also provide logistical and financial support for annual meetings
of the Project Directors of the 10 ADA Regional Centers and for a
conference on ADA-related research.
Under Proposed Priority 3, we would fund two collaborative research
grants that contribute to ADA knowledge of national significance. This
priority would allow the ADA Regional Centers to conduct collaborative
research using the regional network structure as a foundation for
multi-site research to inform ADA implementation and to improve the
performance of the ADA National Network.
References:
National Council on Disability. (2009, August 12). Effective
emergency management: Making improvements for communities and people
with disabilities. Retrieved December 7, 2010, from https://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2009/pdf/NCD_EmergencyManagement.pdf.
National Council on Disability. (2006, December 26). Over the
horizon: Potential impact of emerging trends in information and
communication technology on disability policy and practice. Retrieved
December 7, 2010, from https://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2006/pdf/emerging_trends.pdf.
U.S. Department of Education. (2008, April). Emergency management
research and people with disabilities: A research guide. Retrieved
December 7, 2010, from https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/#emergencyguide.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2005, July 21). Individuals
with disabilities in emergency preparedness. Retrieved December 7,
2010, from https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/crcl-icc-report-july05.pdf.
Proposed Priority 1--Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National
Network Regional Centers.
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes a priority for the funding of 10 Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) to serve as the ADA National
Network Regional Centers (formerly known as Disability Business
Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs)), one within each of the 10 U.S.
Department of Education regions that cover all of the United States.
Together, the 10 ADA National Network Regional Centers (ADA Regional
Centers), along with the ADA National Network Knowledge Translation
Center (ADA KT Center, funded under a separate priority) and the ADA
Research Collaboratives (funded under a separate priority) will
comprise the ADA National Network. Each ADA Regional Center must be
designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Improved understanding by ADA stakeholders of their rights and
responsibilities under the ADA. Each ADA Regional Center must
contribute to this outcome by implementing a sustained program of
training, technical assistance, and information dissemination
(collectively, ADA Network Services), aimed at ADA stakeholders,
including local, regional, and national groups representing such
stakeholders. NIDRR anticipates that ADA stakeholders will need
information on both longstanding ADA requirements as well as recent
legislative and regulatory changes affecting those requirements, such
as the ADA Amendments Act, the revised title II and III regulations (28
CFR parts 35 and 36, respectively), the anticipated revisions to the
title I regulations (29 CFR part 1630), and information on issues
associated with ADA compliance in emerging areas such as access to
information technologies and emergency management services. For
purposes of this priority, the term ``ADA stakeholders'' refers to
individuals and entities with rights and responsibilities under the
ADA.
(b) Improved understanding of ADA stakeholders' need for and
receipt of ADA Network Services over time, including services to
address emerging issues related to compliance with ADA requirements.
Each of the 10 ADA Regional Centers must contribute to this outcome
by--
(1) Entering, directly into the database maintained by the ADA
National Network Knowledge Translation Center (``ADA KT Center'',
funded under a separate priority), the required data about each of the
ADA Network Services that it provides. These data must include, but are
not limited to, (1) the ADA title or titles, regulations, and specific
topics that are addressed by the ADA Network Services provided, (2) the
modality of service provision (e.g., in-person presentation, webinar),
and (3) non-identifying information about the recipient or recipients
of the ADA Network Services;
(2) Collaborating with the ADA KT Center to analyze data about ADA
stakeholder requests for information and the services that the ADA
Regional
[[Page 15967]]
Center provides, and applying new knowledge from those analyses to
further tailor and improve the provision of ADA Network Services; and
(3) Identifying and implementing other appropriate methods for
assessing the needs of ADA stakeholders.
(c) Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of ADA Network Services.
Each of the ten ADA Regional Centers must contribute to this outcome
by--
(1) Partnering with the ADA KT Center and other ADA Regional
Centers to develop, provide, and distribute ADA training and technical
assistance materials, and other informational products and services.
These materials, products, and services include, but are not limited
to, the ADA National Network Web site, as well as materials, products,
and services that are relevant to ADA stakeholders in multiple regions.
(2) Attending and participating in the annual meetings of the ADA
Regional Centers' Project Directors, to be held in Washington, DC.
Proposed Priority 2--Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National
Network Knowledge Translation Center (ADA KT Center).
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes a priority for the funding of a Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) to serve as an Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network Knowledge Translation Center
(ADA KT Center). For purposes of this priority, the term ``ADA
stakeholders'' refers to individuals and entities with rights and
responsibilities under the ADA. Under this priority, the ADA KT Center
must be designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Optimal efficiency and impact of the ADA National Network's
training, technical assistance, and information dissemination
activities (ADA Network Services). The ADA KT Center must contribute to
this outcome by--
(1) Establishing and implementing an online system to enable the 10
ADA Regional Centers to share training and technical assistance
documents and other materials;
(2) Facilitating the joint development of ADA products and
materials by the 10 ADA Regional Centers in content areas in which it
is possible to maximize resources and avoid duplication of efforts;
(3) Serving as the central repository for ADA National Network
information and products, and maintaining ADA Network document portals
and Web sites currently funded by NIDRR; and
(4) Organizing and providing logistical and financial support for
annual meetings of the ADA Regional Centers' Project Directors in
Washington, DC. These meetings will facilitate collaboration between
the 10 ADA Regional Centers, and will allow the Project Directors of
the ADA Regional Centers to meet and share information directly with
their Federal partners in the U.S. Department of Justice, Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission, and other relevant agencies.
(b) Increased use of available ADA-related research findings to
inform behavior, practices, or policies that improve equal access in
society for individuals with disabilities. The ADA KT Center must
contribute to this outcome by--
(1) Systematically reviewing existing ADA-related research. The ADA
KT Center must identify and conduct systematic reviews of individual
ADA research studies to assess the quality of those studies and to
synthesize the findings from those studies. In so doing, the ADA KT
Center must select appropriate review methods, taking into account the
type of research and stage of knowledge development in each area of ADA
research. These areas may include, but are not limited to research on
specific titles of the ADA, research on ADA issues in specific
industries, and research on ADA issues that are relevant to individuals
with specific types of disabilities; and
(2) Identifying, for future research, topics that would provide new
knowledge or tools to help individuals with rights and responsibilities
under the ADA (ADA stakeholders) implement and comply with the ADA. The
ADA KT Center must identify future research topics based on the
information gathered through the systematic reviews conducted under
paragraph (b)(1) of this priority, in combination with information
about gaps in ADA stakeholder knowledge related to ADA implementation.
The ADA KT Center must collaborate with ADA stakeholders to determine
these knowledge gaps.
(c) Increased awareness and utilization of ADA-related research
findings by appropriate ADA stakeholder groups. The ADA KT Center must
contribute to this outcome by--
(1) Combining or adapting knowledge translation approaches from the
existing literature to disseminate and promote the use of ADA-related
research generated by the ADA National Network Research Collaborative
(funded under a separate priority) and other NIDRR grantees as
appropriate; and
(2) Organizing and providing logistical and financial support for a
conference on ADA-related research. This conference must highlight
research findings produced by the ADA National Network Research
Collaborative and other ADA researchers. This conference must take
place in year five of the ADA National Network grant cycle.
(d) Improved understanding of ADA stakeholders' need for and
receipt of ADA Network Services over time, including services to
address emerging issues related to compliance with ADA requirements.
The ADA KT Center must contribute to this outcome by--
(1) Continuing the operation and maintenance of the existing
database for data submitted by each of the ADA Regional Centers. This
database was previously known as the Outcome Measurement System, and is
presently operated by the DBTAC Coordination, Outreach, and Research
Center (CORC). This database was designed to contain data on each
DBTAC's core activities, including training, technical assistance,
public awareness events, and dissemination of materials. In operating
and maintaining this database, the ADA KT Center must ensure
confidentiality of personally identifiable information, and provide
quality control and data-retrieval capabilities, using cost-effective
technologies and a user-friendly interface;
(2) Providing training and technical assistance to ADA Regional
Centers on analyzing data and using the database;
(3) Monitoring the quality of data submitted by the ADA Regional
Centers; and
(4) Collaborating with NIDRR and the ADA Regional Centers to ensure
that the database is accurate, comprehensive, easy to use, and up-to-
date.
Proposed Priority 3--ADA National Network Research Collaborative.
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services proposes a priority for the funding of a Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) to serve as a National ADA
Network Research Collaborative (Collaborative). The Collaborative must
be designed to contribute to knowledge of national significance related
to ADA implementation and compliance. To be eligible under this
priority, an applicant must have received a grant under the ADA
National Network Regional Center priority (Priority 1). The
Collaborative must conduct research using the regional structure of the
ADA National Network as a foundation for multi-site research that would
inform ADA implementation efforts. The Collaborative must consist of
the applicant and an additional three or more of the NIDRR-funded ADA
Regional Centers (for a minimum of four ADA Regional Centers). In
addition, the
[[Page 15968]]
Collaborative may include researchers who are not a part of the ADA
National Network. For purposes of this priority, the term ``ADA
stakeholders'' refers to individuals and entities with rights and
responsibilities under the ADA. The Collaborative must be designed to
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Improved knowledge related to ADA implementation. The
Collaborative must contribute to this outcome by--
(1) Conducting research on one or more areas in the ADA. These
areas may include, but are not limited to research on specific titles
of the ADA, research on ADA issues in specific industries, or research
on ADA issues that are relevant to individuals with specific types of
disabling conditions;
(2) Addressing research questions or hypotheses of national
significance that are directly relevant to individuals and entities
with rights and responsibilities under the ADA (ADA stakeholders); and
(3) Using appropriate and clearly-identified research designs to
generate reliable and valid findings.
(b) Improved ADA stakeholder awareness and utilization of research
findings produced by the ADA National Network. The Collaborative must
contribute to this outcome by--
(1) Preparing research products (e.g., articles and presentations)
that describe the findings of the Collaborative's research. The
Collaborative must also share these research products and research
findings with the ADA Regional Centers and the ADA KT Center, which the
Department intends to fund under separate priorities, for further
dissemination to ADA stakeholders; and
(2) Participating in the ADA National Network research conference.
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 Priorities: 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 or 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 priorities 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 DRRPs will improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities. The new DRRPs will generate, disseminate, and promote the
use of new information that will improve the options for individuals
with disabilities to perform regular activities in the community.
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/.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133A-6,
84.133A-7, and 84.133A-8.
Dated: March 17, 2011.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2011-6713 Filed 3-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P