Final Priorities and Selection Criterion; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Centers and SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative Research Projects, 33740-33744 [2011-14350]
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 111 / Thursday, June 9, 2011 / Notices
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VIII. Other Information
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an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
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Department.
Dated: June 6, 2011.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2011–14349 Filed 6–8–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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[CFDA Numbers: 84.133N–1 and 84.133A–
15]
Final Priorities and Selection Criterion;
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)—
Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems
(SCIMS) Centers and SCIMS Multi-Site
Collaborative Research Projects
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
AGENCY:
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Notice of final priorities and
selection criterion.
ACTION:
The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces (1) a priority under
the Special Projects and Demonstrations
for Spinal Cord Injuries Program for
SCIMS Centers (priority 1), and (2) a
priority and selection criterion for
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects (DRRPs) that will serve as the
SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative
Research Projects (priority 2). The
Assistant Secretary may use one or more
of these priorities and selection criterion
for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2011
and later years. We take this action to
focus attention on areas of national
need.
SUMMARY:
Effective Date: These priorities
and selection criterion are effective July
11, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
room 5140, Potomac Center Plaza (PCP),
Washington, DC 20202–2700.
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, toll free, at 1–
800–877–8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
notice of final priorities and selection
criterion (NFP) 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 priorities and a
selection criterion that NIDRR intends
to use for 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 using
either of the priorities or the selection
DATES:
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criterion. The decision to make an
award will be based on the quality of
applications received and available
funding.
Purpose of Programs: The SCIMS
centers are funded through the Special
Projects and Demonstrations for SCI
Program and the SCIMS Multi-Site
Collaborative Research Projects are
funded as DRRPs.
Special Projects and Demonstrations for
Spinal Cord Injuries Program
The SCIMS centers program is funded
through the Special Projects and
Demonstrations for Spinal Cord Injuries
Program. This program provides
assistance for projects that provide
comprehensive rehabilitation services to
individuals with spinal cord injuries,
and conducts spinal cord research, as
specified in 34 CFR 359.10 and 359.11.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects (DRRPs) Program
The SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative
Research Projects are funded as DRRPs.
DRRPs are designed to improve the
effectiveness of services authorized
under the Rehabilitation Act 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.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760 and
764(a) and 764(b)(4).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34
CFR parts 350 and 359.
We published a notice of proposed
priorities and selection criterion (NPP)
for NIDRR’s Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program in the Federal Register
on March 22, 2011 (76 FR 15961). That
notice contained background
information and our reasons for
proposing the SCIMS Center priority
and the SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative
Research Projects priority and selection
criterion.
Public Comment: In response to our
invitation in the NPP, nine parties
submitted comments on the proposed
priorities and selection criterion.
Generally, we do not address
technical and other minor changes. In
addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not
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directly related to the proposed
priorities and selection criterion.
Analysis of Comments and Changes:
An analysis of the comments and of any
changes in the priorities and selection
criterion since publication of the notice
NPP follows. We discuss substantive
issues under the priorities or selection
criterion to which they pertain.
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General
Comment: One commenter noted that
the proposed priorities focus on
acquired spinal cord injuries, and not
on developmental disabilities or other
conditions that affect the spinal cord.
This commenter recommended that the
priorities be expanded to include any
conditions that affect the spinal cord
and subsequent human physical activity
and movement.
Discussion: We are establishing the
SCIMS Centers priority under section
204(b)(4) of the Rehabilitation Act, the
statutory authority for the Special
Projects and Demonstrations for Spinal
Cord Injuries program. Section 204(b)(4)
of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR
part 359, the implementing regulations
for this program, clearly specify a focus
on spinal cord injury, and on services
provided to individuals following a
spinal cord injury. We are funding the
SCIMS Centers priority under this
statutory authority to build upon the
specialized research capacity that
NIDRR has established under the SCIMS
program. NIDRR developed the SCIMS
Collaborative Research Projects priority
to capitalize on this specialized research
capacity. Therefore, both of the
priorities announced in this notice focus
on spinal cord injuries, and not other
conditions that affect the spinal cord
and subsequent physical activity and
movement, as suggested by the
commenter.
Changes: None.
Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems
(SCIMS) Centers Funded Under the
Special Projects and Demonstrations for
Spinal Cord Injuries
Comment: Six commenters asked
whether applicants under the SCIMS
Centers priority would be required to
propose a module project in their
proposals. Four of these commenters
asked for clarification on the
mechanism that will be used to develop
and decide upon module projects.
Discussion: Applicants are not
required to propose a specific
collaborative module project that they
will implement in their proposals.
Collaborative research projects cannot
be developed in a thoughtful manner
without knowledge of the capacity,
interests, and expertise of the
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participating collaborators. For this
reason, the priority does not require the
SCIMS Centers to develop a
collaborative module project. Rather,
each SCIMS Center is required to
participate in at least one collaborative
module. Accordingly, applicants must
demonstrate their capacity to
successfully engage in multi-site
collaborative research. This capacity
includes access to research participants,
the ability to maintain data quality, and
the ability to adhere to research
protocols.
Following the announcement of new
awards under this priority, SCIMS
Centers that are interested in developing
module projects may identify module
topics, identify potential collaborators
from among the other new SCIMS
Centers, and develop research protocols
for the potential modules. At the first
SCIMS Project Directors’ meeting,
Project Directors will review, discuss,
and decide upon specific module
projects to implement. NIDRR staff will
facilitate this post-award discussion and
selection of module topics for
implementation among new SCIMS
Center grantees. Once these module
projects are agreed upon by the Project
Directors, each SCIMS Center will be
required to participate in at least one of
the module projects.
Changes: NIDRR has modified the
note under paragraph (d) of this priority
to clearly indicate that applicants
should not propose a specific module
project in their application, and to
clarify the mechanism that will be used
to develop and decide upon the module
projects in which the SCIMS Center
grantees will participate.
Comment: Two commenters asked
how NIDRR would assess applicants’
capacity to participate in multi-site
collaborative research.
Discussion: Because the SCIMS
Centers will be funded under the
Special Projects and Demonstrations for
Spinal Cord Injuries program, the
regulations in 34 CFR 359 apply. Under
those regulations, peer reviewers will
use selection criteria in 34 CFR 359.31
to evaluate the quality of applications
under this program, including
applicants’ descriptions of their
capacity to engage in collaborative
research. Specifically, the peer review
criteria under CFR 359.31(c) and (e) are
directly applicable to the evaluation of
applicants’ capacity to engage in multisite collaborative research.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter asked how
NIDRR would assess applicants’
capacity to enroll at least 30 participants
per year in the database.
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Discussion: Under the applicable
program regulations for the Special
Projects and Demonstrations for Spinal
Cord Injuries program in 34 CFR part
359, peer reviewers will use selection
criteria under 34 CFR 359.31 to evaluate
the quality of applications under this
program, including proposed plans to
recruit at least 30 participants per year
into the SCIMS database. We expect
applicants to describe their capacity to
meet this minimum requirement in their
applications so that peer reviews can
assess this capacity under 34 CFR
359.31. In addition, we note NIDRR will
continue to closely monitor the capacity
of its funded SCIMS Centers to enroll
the minimum number of participants
into the SCIMS database each year of
the project period.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter asked
whether NIDRR intended to require
applicants to budget ‘‘at least 15
percent’’ of its budget to participate in
module projects, or if NIDRR intended
to require applicants to budget ‘‘no more
than 15 percent’’ for this activity.
Discussion: NIDRR intends paragraph
(d)(2) of this priority to require that
SCIMS Centers propose to spend at least
15 percent of their annual budget on
module participation.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter asked how
applicants should describe their module
participation in their proposed budgets.
Discussion: In order to meet
paragraph (d) of the priority, a grantee
must participate as a research
collaborator in at least one module
project. As discussed earlier in this
Analysis of Comments and Changes
section, we do not expect applicants to
propose or describe a module project.
Rather, we require applicants to propose
to spend at least 15 percent of their
annual budget on participating in a
module project. Accordingly, the only
information regarding participation in
the module project that is needed in the
application is a single line item for
module participation that is at least 15
percent of the overall budget. No
additional information is required.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter noted that
the requirements under paragraph (c) of
the priority are overly restrictive, in that
they require projects to test both
innovative approaches to treating SCI
and innovative approaches to assessing
outcomes. This commenter stated that it
would be more reasonable to require
projects to test either innovative
approaches to treating SCI or innovative
approaches to assessing outcomes. This
commenter also suggested that NIDRR
broaden the types of possible research
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that can be proposed under this priority
to include research that uses advanced
methods to collect other information of
clinical and/or scientific value that is of
relevance to SCI.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the
language in proposed paragraph (c) of
the priority is overly restrictive and is
changing the priority to require that
applicants propose research to test
innovative SCI treatments, or research to
test innovative approaches to assessing
outcomes of spinal cord injury.
In response to the second point raised
by the commenter, NIDRR would like to
maintain focus on the testing of
interventions or the development of
new outcomes measures and
assessments. Through sustained funding
of its SCIMS program, NIDRR has
created a mature research infrastructure
that will support the testing of
interventions. NIDRR’s emphasis on the
testing of interventions and the
development of measures to support
that testing is intended to build upon
this infrastructure to improve the
outcomes of individuals with spinal
cord injury. For this reason, we decline
to revise this requirement to broaden the
types of research that can be supported
under this priority.
Changes: NIDRR has made minor
modifications to paragraph (c) of the
priority to clarify that applicants can
propose research to test innovative SCI
treatments, or research to test innovative
approaches to assessing outcomes of
spinal cord injury.
Comment: None.
Discussion: Paragraph (c) of this
priority states that each SCIMS Center
must propose and conduct at least one,
but no more than two, site-specific
research projects. We intend this
language to prohibit applicants from
proposing and conducting more than
two site-specific research projects. To
avoid any confusion on this point, we
believe it would be helpful to applicants
to add language clearly stating that
applicants who propose more than two
site-specific research projects will be
disqualified.
Changes: NIDRR has revised
paragraph (c) of this priority by adding
a sentence stating that applicants who
propose more than two site-specific
research projects will be disqualified.
SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative
Research Projects
Comment: One commenter asked
NIDRR to expand the eligibility criteria
for serving as the lead applicant for one
of the SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative
Research Projects, so that the two
NIDRR-funded Rehabilitation Research
and Training Centers on Secondary
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Conditions in Rehabilitation of
Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury
would be eligible to apply.
Discussion: NIDRR’s SCIMS Centers
program has evolved into a multi-site
platform that can serve as a resource for
testing promising interventions and
building the evidence base for spinal
cord injury rehabilitation. NIDRR has
designed this priority to directly utilize
this platform for collaborative research
on interventions. Therefore, only SCIMS
Centers are eligible to apply. These
SCIMS Centers have direct access to
individuals with SCI who will
participate in the collaborative research.
They also maintain comprehensive
systems of clinical services for
individuals with SCI. Applicants that
are not SCIMS Centers will not have
direct access to these resources, which
are necessary for leading collaborative
research within the SCIMS program.
While only SCIMS Centers can apply as
lead applicants for the SCIMS Multi-Site
Collaborative Research grants,
applicants may include as part of their
multi-site collaborative research project
other SCI research sites that are not
participating as a SCIMS Center.
Changes: None.
Final Priorities
Priority 1—Spinal Cord Injury Model
Systems Centers
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
establishes a priority for the funding of
Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems
(SCIMS) centers of care (SCIMS
Centers). The SCIMS Centers must
provide comprehensive,
multidisciplinary services to
individuals with spinal cord injury
(SCI) as a basis for conducting research
that contributes to evidence-based
rehabilitation interventions and clinical
and practice guidelines. The SCIMS
program is designed to generate new
knowledge that can be used to improve
outcomes of individuals with SCI in one
or more domains identified in NIDRR’s
currently approved Long Range Plan,
published in the Federal Register on
February 15, 2006 (71 FR 8165): health
and function, participation and
community living, technology, and
employment. Each SCIMS Center must
contribute to this outcome by—
(a) Providing a multidisciplinary
system of rehabilitation care specifically
designed to meet the needs of
individuals with SCI. The system must
encompass a continuum of care,
including emergency medical services,
acute care services, acute medical
rehabilitation services, and post-acute
services;
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(b) Continuing the assessment of longterm outcomes of individuals with SCI
by enrolling at least 30 subjects per year
into the SCIMS database, following
established protocols for the collection
of enrollment and follow-up data on
subjects;
(c) Proposing and conducting at least
one, but no more than two, site-specific
research projects to test innovative
approaches to treating SCI or to
assessing outcomes of individuals with
SCI in one or more domains identified
in the Plan: health and function,
participation and community living,
technology, and employment.
Note: Applicants who propose more than
two site-specific research projects will be
disqualified.
(d) Participating as research
collaborators in at least one module
project. Module projects are research
collaborations with one or more other
SCIMS Centers on topics of mutual
interest and expertise. These module
projects are carried out as part of the
SCIMS Centers’ activities. They are not
part of the SCIMS Multi-Site
Collaborative Projects, which are funded
under a separate priority.
Note: Applicants should not propose a
specific module project in their application.
While all SCIMS Center grantees are required
to participate as research collaborators in at
least one module project, they are not
required to develop any module project on
their own. Immediately following the
announcement of new awards under this
priority, those SCIMS Centers that are
interested in developing module projects
may identify module topics, identify
potential collaborators from among the other
new SCIMS Centers, and develop research
protocols for the potential modules. At the
first SCIMS Project Directors’ meeting,
Project Directors will review, discuss, and
decide upon specific module projects to
implement. NIDRR staff will facilitate this
post-award discussion and negotiation
among new SCIMS grantees. Once these
module projects are agreed upon by the
Project Directors, each SCIMS Center will be
required to participate in at least one of them.
Each applicant under this priority
must—
(1) Demonstrate, in its application, its
capacity to successfully engage in multisite collaborative research. This capacity
includes access to research participants,
the ability to maintain data quality, and
the ability to adhere to research
protocols; and
(2) Propose to spend at least 15
percent of its annual budget on
participating in a module project, as
described in paragraph (d) of this
priority;
(e) Addressing the needs of persons
with disabilities including individuals
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from traditionally underserved
populations;
(f) Coordinating with the NIDRRfunded Model Systems Knowledge
Translation Center (MSKTC) to provide
scientific results and information for
dissemination to clinical and consumer
audiences; and
(g) Ensuring participation of persons
with disabilities in conducting SCIMS
research.
Priority 2—Spinal Cord Injury Model
Systems (SCIMS) Multi-Site
Collaborative Research Projects
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
establishes a priority for the funding of
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects (DRRPs) to serve as Spinal Cord
Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) multisite collaborative research projects. To
be eligible under this priority, an
applicant must have received a grant
under the SCIMS Centers priority
(Proposed Priority 1 in this notice).
Following completion of a competition
using the SCIMS Centers priority, the
Department will invite successful
applicants under that competition to
apply for funding under this SCIMS
Multi-Site Collaborative Research
Projects priority.
Each SCIMS multi-site collaborative
research project must be designed to
contribute to evidence-based
rehabilitation interventions and clinical
practice guidelines that improve the
lives of individuals with spinal cord
injury (SCI) through research, including
the testing of approaches to treating SCI
or the assessment of the outcomes of
individuals with SCI. Each SCIMS
multi-site collaborative research project
must contribute to this outcome by—
(a) Collaborating with three or more of
the NIDRR-funded SCIMS centers (for a
minimum of four SCIMS sites).
Applicants may also propose to include
as part of their multi-site collaborative
research project other SCI research sites
that are not participating in a NIDRRfunded program;
(b) Conducting multi-site research on
questions of significance to SCI
rehabilitation, using clearly identified
research designs. The research must
focus on outcomes in one or more
domains identified in NIDRR’s currently
approved Long Range Plan, published in
the Federal Register on February 15,
2006 (71 FR 8165): Health and function,
participation and community living,
technology, and employment;
(c) Demonstrating the capacity to
carry out multi-site collaborative
research projects, including
administrative capabilities, experience
with management of multi-site research
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protocols, and demonstrated ability to
maintain standards for quality and
confidentiality of data gathered from
multiple sites;
(d) Addressing the needs of people
with disabilities, including individuals
from traditionally underserved
populations;
(e) Coordinating with the NIDRRfunded Model Systems Knowledge
Translation Center (MSKTC) to provide
scientific results and information for
dissemination to clinical and consumer
audiences; and
(f) Ensuring participation of
individuals with disabilities in
conducting SCIMS research.
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)).
Selection Criterion
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
will 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.
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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 final
regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with
this final 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 final regulatory
action, we have determined that the
benefits of the final priorities justify the
costs.
Summary of Potential Costs and
Benefits
The benefits of the Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers and the Special Projects and
Demonstrations for Spinal Cord Injuries
Programs have been well established
over the years in that similar projects
have been completed successfully.
These final priorities and selection
criterion will generate new knowledge
through research and development.
Another benefit of these final priorities
and selection criterion is that the
establishment of new SCIMS Centers
and the DRRPs conducting SCIMS
multi-site research projects will generate
new knowledge to improve the lives of
individuals with disabilities. The new
SCIMS Centers and the SCIMS multisite research projects will generate,
disseminate, and promote the use of
new information that will improve the
options for individuals with spinal cord
injury to perform activities of their
choice in the community.
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:
The official version of this document is
the document published in the Federal
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Register. Free Internet access to the
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this site, you can limit your search to
documents published by the
Department.
Dated: June 6, 2011.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2011–14350 Filed 6–8–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA Number: 84.133A–09]
Final Priority; National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR)—Disability Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP)—Disability in
the Family
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priority.
AGENCY:
The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces a funding priority
for the Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects and Centers Program
administered by NIDRR. Specifically,
this notice announces a priority for a
center on disability in the family. The
Assistant Secretary may use this priority
for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2011
and later years. We take this action to
focus research attention on areas of
national need. We intend this priority to
contribute to increased participation
and community living within the
context of family life for individuals
with disabilities and their families.
DATES: Effective Date: This priority is
effective July 11, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Marlene Spencer, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
room 5133, Potomac Center Plaza (PCP),
Washington, DC 20202–2700.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:56 Jun 08, 2011
Jkt 223001
Telephone: (202) 245–7532 or by e-mail:
marlene.spencer@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service, toll free, at 1–
800–877–8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
This notice of final priority (NFP) 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 announces a priority 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 this priority. The decision
to make an award will be based on the
quality of applications received and
available funding.
Purpose of Program: The purpose of
the Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects and Centers Program
is (1) 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 (2) to
improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation
Act).
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and
764(a).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34
CFR part 350.
We published a notice of proposed
priority (NPP) for this program in the
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Federal Register on March 29, 2011 (76
FR 17403). That notice contained
background information and our reasons
for proposing the particular priority.
There are no differences between the
proposed priority and this final priority.
Public Comment: In response to our
invitation in the notice of proposed
priority, one party submitted comments
on the proposed priority.
Generally, we do not address
technical and other minor changes. In
addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not
directly related to the proposed priority.
Analysis of Comments and Changes:
An analysis of the comment and of any
changes in the priority since publication
of the notice of proposed priority
follows.
Comment: One commenter
recommended that NIDRR require the
DRRP on Disability in the Family to
partner with the network of Parent
Training and Information Centers that
are funded by the Department’s Office of
Special Education Programs (OSEP), as
well as with the Parent Training and
Information Projects funded by the
Department’s Rehabilitation Services
Administration (RSA). The commenter
stated that these partnerships would
ensure widespread dissemination of
DRRP resources and information.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that these
partnerships may help provide a
targeted means of dissemination to
families that include at least one
member with a disability. Nothing in
the priority precludes applicants from
proposing partnerships with OSEP’s
Parent Training and Information
Centers, or RSA’s Parent Training and
Information Projects. However, NIDRR
does not have a sufficient basis for
requiring all applicants to do so.
Applicants under this priority have a
large number of stakeholder groups and
organizations with whom they can
collaborate. NIDRR does not want to
limit applicants’ choices by requiring
partnerships with a particular type of
entity.
Changes: None.
Final Priority
Priority—DRRP on Disability in the
Family
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
establishes a priority for a Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP)
on Disability in the Family. The DRRP
must contribute to the outcome of
increased participation and community
living for individuals with disabilities
and their families.
To contribute to this outcome, the
DRRP must—
E:\FR\FM\09JNN1.SGM
09JNN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 111 (Thursday, June 9, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33740-33744]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-14350]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[CFDA Numbers: 84.133N-1 and 84.133A-15]
Final Priorities and Selection Criterion; National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)--Spinal Cord Injury
Model Systems (SCIMS) Centers and SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative
Research Projects
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priorities and selection criterion.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces (1) a priority under the Special
Projects and Demonstrations for Spinal Cord Injuries Program for SCIMS
Centers (priority 1), and (2) a priority and selection criterion for
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) that will serve
as the SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative Research Projects (priority 2).
The Assistant Secretary may use one or more of these priorities and
selection criterion for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2011 and later
years. We take this action to focus attention on areas of national
need.
DATES: Effective Date: These priorities and selection criterion are
effective July 11, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynn Medley, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5140, Potomac Center Plaza
(PCP), Washington, DC 20202-2700. 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, toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice of final priorities and
selection criterion (NFP) 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 priorities and a selection criterion that
NIDRR intends to use for 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 using either of the priorities or the selection criterion. The
decision to make an award will be based on the quality of applications
received and available funding.
Purpose of Programs: The SCIMS centers are funded through the
Special Projects and Demonstrations for SCI Program and the SCIMS
Multi-Site Collaborative Research Projects are funded as DRRPs.
Special Projects and Demonstrations for Spinal Cord Injuries Program
The SCIMS centers program is funded through the Special Projects
and Demonstrations for Spinal Cord Injuries Program. This program
provides assistance for projects that provide comprehensive
rehabilitation services to individuals with spinal cord injuries, and
conducts spinal cord research, as specified in 34 CFR 359.10 and
359.11.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) Program
The SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative Research Projects are funded as
DRRPs. DRRPs are designed to improve the effectiveness of services
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act 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.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760 and 764(a) and 764(b)(4).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR parts 350 and 359.
We published a notice of proposed priorities and selection
criterion (NPP) for NIDRR's Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program in the Federal Register on March 22, 2011
(76 FR 15961). That notice contained background information and our
reasons for proposing the SCIMS Center priority and the SCIMS Multi-
Site Collaborative Research Projects priority and selection criterion.
Public Comment: In response to our invitation in the NPP, nine
parties submitted comments on the proposed priorities and selection
criterion.
Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes. In
addition, we do not address general comments that raised concerns not
[[Page 33741]]
directly related to the proposed priorities and selection criterion.
Analysis of Comments and Changes: An analysis of the comments and
of any changes in the priorities and selection criterion since
publication of the notice NPP follows. We discuss substantive issues
under the priorities or selection criterion to which they pertain.
General
Comment: One commenter noted that the proposed priorities focus on
acquired spinal cord injuries, and not on developmental disabilities or
other conditions that affect the spinal cord. This commenter
recommended that the priorities be expanded to include any conditions
that affect the spinal cord and subsequent human physical activity and
movement.
Discussion: We are establishing the SCIMS Centers priority under
section 204(b)(4) of the Rehabilitation Act, the statutory authority
for the Special Projects and Demonstrations for Spinal Cord Injuries
program. Section 204(b)(4) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR part
359, the implementing regulations for this program, clearly specify a
focus on spinal cord injury, and on services provided to individuals
following a spinal cord injury. We are funding the SCIMS Centers
priority under this statutory authority to build upon the specialized
research capacity that NIDRR has established under the SCIMS program.
NIDRR developed the SCIMS Collaborative Research Projects priority to
capitalize on this specialized research capacity. Therefore, both of
the priorities announced in this notice focus on spinal cord injuries,
and not other conditions that affect the spinal cord and subsequent
physical activity and movement, as suggested by the commenter.
Changes: None.
Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Centers Funded Under the
Special Projects and Demonstrations for Spinal Cord Injuries
Comment: Six commenters asked whether applicants under the SCIMS
Centers priority would be required to propose a module project in their
proposals. Four of these commenters asked for clarification on the
mechanism that will be used to develop and decide upon module projects.
Discussion: Applicants are not required to propose a specific
collaborative module project that they will implement in their
proposals. Collaborative research projects cannot be developed in a
thoughtful manner without knowledge of the capacity, interests, and
expertise of the participating collaborators. For this reason, the
priority does not require the SCIMS Centers to develop a collaborative
module project. Rather, each SCIMS Center is required to participate in
at least one collaborative module. Accordingly, applicants must
demonstrate their capacity to successfully engage in multi-site
collaborative research. This capacity includes access to research
participants, the ability to maintain data quality, and the ability to
adhere to research protocols.
Following the announcement of new awards under this priority, SCIMS
Centers that are interested in developing module projects may identify
module topics, identify potential collaborators from among the other
new SCIMS Centers, and develop research protocols for the potential
modules. At the first SCIMS Project Directors' meeting, Project
Directors will review, discuss, and decide upon specific module
projects to implement. NIDRR staff will facilitate this post-award
discussion and selection of module topics for implementation among new
SCIMS Center grantees. Once these module projects are agreed upon by
the Project Directors, each SCIMS Center will be required to
participate in at least one of the module projects.
Changes: NIDRR has modified the note under paragraph (d) of this
priority to clearly indicate that applicants should not propose a
specific module project in their application, and to clarify the
mechanism that will be used to develop and decide upon the module
projects in which the SCIMS Center grantees will participate.
Comment: Two commenters asked how NIDRR would assess applicants'
capacity to participate in multi-site collaborative research.
Discussion: Because the SCIMS Centers will be funded under the
Special Projects and Demonstrations for Spinal Cord Injuries program,
the regulations in 34 CFR 359 apply. Under those regulations, peer
reviewers will use selection criteria in 34 CFR 359.31 to evaluate the
quality of applications under this program, including applicants'
descriptions of their capacity to engage in collaborative research.
Specifically, the peer review criteria under CFR 359.31(c) and (e) are
directly applicable to the evaluation of applicants' capacity to engage
in multi-site collaborative research.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter asked how NIDRR would assess applicants'
capacity to enroll at least 30 participants per year in the database.
Discussion: Under the applicable program regulations for the
Special Projects and Demonstrations for Spinal Cord Injuries program in
34 CFR part 359, peer reviewers will use selection criteria under 34
CFR 359.31 to evaluate the quality of applications under this program,
including proposed plans to recruit at least 30 participants per year
into the SCIMS database. We expect applicants to describe their
capacity to meet this minimum requirement in their applications so that
peer reviews can assess this capacity under 34 CFR 359.31. In addition,
we note NIDRR will continue to closely monitor the capacity of its
funded SCIMS Centers to enroll the minimum number of participants into
the SCIMS database each year of the project period.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter asked whether NIDRR intended to require
applicants to budget ``at least 15 percent'' of its budget to
participate in module projects, or if NIDRR intended to require
applicants to budget ``no more than 15 percent'' for this activity.
Discussion: NIDRR intends paragraph (d)(2) of this priority to
require that SCIMS Centers propose to spend at least 15 percent of
their annual budget on module participation.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter asked how applicants should describe their
module participation in their proposed budgets.
Discussion: In order to meet paragraph (d) of the priority, a
grantee must participate as a research collaborator in at least one
module project. As discussed earlier in this Analysis of Comments and
Changes section, we do not expect applicants to propose or describe a
module project. Rather, we require applicants to propose to spend at
least 15 percent of their annual budget on participating in a module
project. Accordingly, the only information regarding participation in
the module project that is needed in the application is a single line
item for module participation that is at least 15 percent of the
overall budget. No additional information is required.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter noted that the requirements under paragraph
(c) of the priority are overly restrictive, in that they require
projects to test both innovative approaches to treating SCI and
innovative approaches to assessing outcomes. This commenter stated that
it would be more reasonable to require projects to test either
innovative approaches to treating SCI or innovative approaches to
assessing outcomes. This commenter also suggested that NIDRR broaden
the types of possible research
[[Page 33742]]
that can be proposed under this priority to include research that uses
advanced methods to collect other information of clinical and/or
scientific value that is of relevance to SCI.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the language in proposed paragraph
(c) of the priority is overly restrictive and is changing the priority
to require that applicants propose research to test innovative SCI
treatments, or research to test innovative approaches to assessing
outcomes of spinal cord injury.
In response to the second point raised by the commenter, NIDRR
would like to maintain focus on the testing of interventions or the
development of new outcomes measures and assessments. Through sustained
funding of its SCIMS program, NIDRR has created a mature research
infrastructure that will support the testing of interventions. NIDRR's
emphasis on the testing of interventions and the development of
measures to support that testing is intended to build upon this
infrastructure to improve the outcomes of individuals with spinal cord
injury. For this reason, we decline to revise this requirement to
broaden the types of research that can be supported under this
priority.
Changes: NIDRR has made minor modifications to paragraph (c) of the
priority to clarify that applicants can propose research to test
innovative SCI treatments, or research to test innovative approaches to
assessing outcomes of spinal cord injury.
Comment: None.
Discussion: Paragraph (c) of this priority states that each SCIMS
Center must propose and conduct at least one, but no more than two,
site-specific research projects. We intend this language to prohibit
applicants from proposing and conducting more than two site-specific
research projects. To avoid any confusion on this point, we believe it
would be helpful to applicants to add language clearly stating that
applicants who propose more than two site-specific research projects
will be disqualified.
Changes: NIDRR has revised paragraph (c) of this priority by adding
a sentence stating that applicants who propose more than two site-
specific research projects will be disqualified.
SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative Research Projects
Comment: One commenter asked NIDRR to expand the eligibility
criteria for serving as the lead applicant for one of the SCIMS Multi-
Site Collaborative Research Projects, so that the two NIDRR-funded
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers on Secondary Conditions in
Rehabilitation of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury would be eligible
to apply.
Discussion: NIDRR's SCIMS Centers program has evolved into a multi-
site platform that can serve as a resource for testing promising
interventions and building the evidence base for spinal cord injury
rehabilitation. NIDRR has designed this priority to directly utilize
this platform for collaborative research on interventions. Therefore,
only SCIMS Centers are eligible to apply. These SCIMS Centers have
direct access to individuals with SCI who will participate in the
collaborative research. They also maintain comprehensive systems of
clinical services for individuals with SCI. Applicants that are not
SCIMS Centers will not have direct access to these resources, which are
necessary for leading collaborative research within the SCIMS program.
While only SCIMS Centers can apply as lead applicants for the SCIMS
Multi-Site Collaborative Research grants, applicants may include as
part of their multi-site collaborative research project other SCI
research sites that are not participating as a SCIMS Center.
Changes: None.
Final Priorities
Priority 1--Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for the funding of Spinal Cord Injury
Model Systems (SCIMS) centers of care (SCIMS Centers). The SCIMS
Centers must provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary services to
individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) as a basis for conducting
research that contributes to evidence-based rehabilitation
interventions and clinical and practice guidelines. The SCIMS program
is designed to generate new knowledge that can be used to improve
outcomes of individuals with SCI in one or more domains identified in
NIDRR's currently approved Long Range Plan, published in the Federal
Register on February 15, 2006 (71 FR 8165): health and function,
participation and community living, technology, and employment. Each
SCIMS Center must contribute to this outcome by--
(a) Providing a multidisciplinary system of rehabilitation care
specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with SCI. The
system must encompass a continuum of care, including emergency medical
services, acute care services, acute medical rehabilitation services,
and post-acute services;
(b) Continuing the assessment of long-term outcomes of individuals
with SCI by enrolling at least 30 subjects per year into the SCIMS
database, following established protocols for the collection of
enrollment and follow-up data on subjects;
(c) Proposing and conducting at least one, but no more than two,
site-specific research projects to test innovative approaches to
treating SCI or to assessing outcomes of individuals with SCI in one or
more domains identified in the Plan: health and function, participation
and community living, technology, and employment.
Note: Applicants who propose more than two site-specific
research projects will be disqualified.
(d) Participating as research collaborators in at least one module
project. Module projects are research collaborations with one or more
other SCIMS Centers on topics of mutual interest and expertise. These
module projects are carried out as part of the SCIMS Centers'
activities. They are not part of the SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative
Projects, which are funded under a separate priority.
Note: Applicants should not propose a specific module project
in their application. While all SCIMS Center grantees are required
to participate as research collaborators in at least one module
project, they are not required to develop any module project on
their own. Immediately following the announcement of new awards
under this priority, those SCIMS Centers that are interested in
developing module projects may identify module topics, identify
potential collaborators from among the other new SCIMS Centers, and
develop research protocols for the potential modules. At the first
SCIMS Project Directors' meeting, Project Directors will review,
discuss, and decide upon specific module projects to implement.
NIDRR staff will facilitate this post-award discussion and
negotiation among new SCIMS grantees. Once these module projects are
agreed upon by the Project Directors, each SCIMS Center will be
required to participate in at least one of them.
Each applicant under this priority must--
(1) Demonstrate, in its application, its capacity to successfully
engage in multi-site collaborative research. This capacity includes
access to research participants, the ability to maintain data quality,
and the ability to adhere to research protocols; and
(2) Propose to spend at least 15 percent of its annual budget on
participating in a module project, as described in paragraph (d) of
this priority;
(e) Addressing the needs of persons with disabilities including
individuals
[[Page 33743]]
from traditionally underserved populations;
(f) Coordinating with the NIDRR-funded Model Systems Knowledge
Translation Center (MSKTC) to provide scientific results and
information for dissemination to clinical and consumer audiences; and
(g) Ensuring participation of persons with disabilities in
conducting SCIMS research.
Priority 2--Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Multi-Site
Collaborative Research Projects
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for the funding of Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) to serve as Spinal Cord Injury
Model Systems (SCIMS) multi-site collaborative research projects. To be
eligible under this priority, an applicant must have received a grant
under the SCIMS Centers priority (Proposed Priority 1 in this notice).
Following completion of a competition using the SCIMS Centers priority,
the Department will invite successful applicants under that competition
to apply for funding under this SCIMS Multi-Site Collaborative Research
Projects priority.
Each SCIMS multi-site collaborative research project must be
designed to contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation interventions
and clinical practice guidelines that improve the lives of individuals
with spinal cord injury (SCI) through research, including the testing
of approaches to treating SCI or the assessment of the outcomes of
individuals with SCI. Each SCIMS multi-site collaborative research
project must contribute to this outcome by--
(a) Collaborating with three or more of the NIDRR-funded SCIMS
centers (for a minimum of four SCIMS sites). Applicants may also
propose to include as part of their multi-site collaborative research
project other SCI research sites that are not participating in a NIDRR-
funded program;
(b) Conducting multi-site research on questions of significance to
SCI rehabilitation, using clearly identified research designs. The
research must focus on outcomes in one or more domains identified in
NIDRR's currently approved Long Range Plan, published in the Federal
Register on February 15, 2006 (71 FR 8165): Health and function,
participation and community living, technology, and employment;
(c) Demonstrating the capacity to carry out multi-site
collaborative research projects, including administrative capabilities,
experience with management of multi-site research protocols, and
demonstrated ability to maintain standards for quality and
confidentiality of data gathered from multiple sites;
(d) Addressing the needs of people with disabilities, including
individuals from traditionally underserved populations;
(e) Coordinating with the NIDRR-funded Model Systems Knowledge
Translation Center (MSKTC) to provide scientific results and
information for dissemination to clinical and consumer audiences; and
(f) Ensuring participation of individuals with disabilities in
conducting SCIMS research.
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)).
Selection Criterion
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 will 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.
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 final regulatory
action.
The potential costs associated with this final 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 final regulatory action, we have determined
that the benefits of the final priorities justify the costs.
Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits
The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers and the Special Projects and Demonstrations for Spinal Cord
Injuries Programs have been well established over the years in that
similar projects have been completed successfully. These final
priorities and selection criterion will generate new knowledge through
research and development. Another benefit of these final priorities and
selection criterion is that the establishment of new SCIMS Centers and
the DRRPs conducting SCIMS multi-site research projects will generate
new knowledge to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The new SCIMS Centers and the SCIMS multi-site research projects will
generate, disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will
improve the options for individuals with spinal cord injury to perform
activities of their choice in the community.
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: The official version of this
document is the document published in the Federal
[[Page 33744]]
Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal
Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available via the
Federal Digital System at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site 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). To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader,
which is available free at the site.
You may also access documents of the Department published in the
Federal Register by using the article search feature at: https://www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published
by the Department.
Dated: June 6, 2011.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2011-14350 Filed 6-8-11; 8:45 am]
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