Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program; Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers, 37022-37025 [2012-15091]
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on time—within four years for the
bachelor’s degree and within two years
for the associate’s degree;
5. The percentage of UBMS
participants who enrolled in a program
of postsecondary education and attained
either an associate’s degree within three
years or a bachelor’s degree within six
years of enrollment;
6. The percentage of UBMS students
expected to graduate high school in the
reporting year who complete a Free
Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA);
7. The percentage of former UBMS
students who earned a postsecondary
degree in a STEM field (i.e., science,
technology, engineering, or
mathematics); and
8. The cost per successful participant.
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Note: Because calculating some of these
performance measures requires the use of
data that are not already reported, the
Department will be asking grantees to collect
some data in addition to what are already
provided each year on annual reports. These
data are:
• Remediation Courses: Whether or not a
student in higher education placed into
college-level math and English or needed
remediation in those subjects.
The Department will determine the
sixth performance measure on FAFSA
completion by using its own databases
and, therefore, does not need additional
information from grantees on this
measure.
Grant recipients must collect and
report data on steps they have taken
toward achieving these goals.
Accordingly, we request that applicants
include these performance measures in
conceptualizing the design,
implementation, and evaluation of their
proposed projects.
5. Continuation Awards: In making a
continuation award, the Secretary may
consider, under 34 CFR 75.253, the
extent to which a grantee has made
‘‘substantial progress toward meeting
the objectives in its approved
application.’’ This consideration
includes the review of a grantee’s
progress in meeting the targets and
projected outcomes in its approved
application, and whether the grantee
has expended funds in a manner that is
consistent with its approved application
and budget. In making a continuation
grant, the Secretary also considers
whether the grantee is operating in
compliance with the assurances in its
approved application, including those
applicable to Federal civil rights laws
that prohibit discrimination in programs
or activities receiving Federal financial
assistance from the Department (34 CFR
100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
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VII. Agency Contact
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program;
Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers
Sharon Easterling, Upward Bound Math
and Science Program, U.S. Department
of Education, 1990 K St. Room 7000,
NW., Washington, DC 20006–8510.
Telephone: (202) 502–7651 or by email:
sharon.easterling@ed.gov mailto:.
If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll
free, at 1–800–877–8339.
VIII. Other Information
Dated: June 15, 2012.
David Bergeron,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy,
Planning, and Innovation, delegated the
authority to perform the functions and duties
of the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary
Education.
[FR Doc. 2012–15012 Filed 6–19–12; 8:45 am]
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Overview Information:
CFDA Numbers: 84.133E–1 and 84.133E–3.
Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document
and a copy of the application package in
an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
print, audiotape, or compact disc) on
request to the program contact person
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT in section VII of this notice.
Electronic Access to This Document:
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 via the Federal Digital System
at: 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 this site.
You may also access documents of the
Department published in the Federal
Register by using the article search
feature at: www.federalregister.gov.
Specifically, through the advanced
search feature at this site, you can limit
your search to documents published by
the Department.
Delegation of Authority: The Secretary
of Education has delegated authority to
David Bergeron, Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Policy, Planning, and
Innovation to perform the functions and
duties of the Assistant Secretary for
Postsecondary Education.
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Final Priorities; National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR)—Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects and Centers
Program—Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers (RERC).
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces two priorities for
RERCs: Recreational Technologies and
Exercise Physiology Benefiting
Individuals with Disabilities (Priority 1)
and Rehabilitation Robotics (Priority 2).
The Assistant Secretary may use one or
both of these priorities for competitions
in fiscal year (FY) 2012 and later years.
We take this action to focus research
attention on areas of national need. We
intend to use these priorities to improve
rehabilitation services and outcomes for
individuals with disabilities.
DATES: Effective Date: These priorities
are effective July 20, 2012.
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.
Telephone: (202) 245–7532 or by email:
marlene.spencer@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
notice of final priorities (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:
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
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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 two priorities
that NIDRR intends to use for RERC
competitions in FY 2012 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 these priorities. 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 to plan and conduct
research, demonstration projects,
training, and related activities,
including international activities; to
develop methods, procedures, and
rehabilitation technologies that
maximize the full inclusion and
integration of individuals with
disabilities into society, and support the
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).
Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers Program (RERCs)
The purpose of the NIDRR’s RERCs,
which are funded through the Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Program, is to improve the
effectiveness of services authorized
under the Rehabilitation Act by
conducting advanced engineering
research on and development of
innovative technologies that are
designed to solve particular
rehabilitation problems, or to remove
environmental barriers. RERCs also
demonstrate and evaluate such
technologies, facilitate service delivery
system changes, stimulate the
production and distribution of new
technologies and equipment in the
private sector, and provide training
opportunities for early-career
rehabilitation engineers. RERCs seek to
solve rehabilitation problems and
remove environmental barriers to
improvements in employment,
community living and participation,
and health and function outcomes of
individuals with disabilities.
The general requirements for RERCs
are set out in subpart D of 34 CFR part
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350 (What Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers Does the Secretary
Assist?).
Additional information on the RERC
program can be found at: www.ed.gov/
rschstat/research/pubs/.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g)
and 764(b)(3).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34
CFR part 350.
We published a notice of proposed
priorities (NPP) for NIDRR’s Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Program in the Federal
Register on April 10, 2012 (77 FR
21547). That notice contained
background information and our reasons
for proposing the particular priorities.
Public Comment: In response to our
invitation in the NPP, one party
submitted comments on one of the
proposed priorities.
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
priorities.
Analysis of Comments and Changes:
An analysis of the comments and of any
changes in the priorities since
publication of the NPP follows.
Recreational Technologies and Exercise
Physiology Benefiting Individuals With
Disabilities
Comment: One commenter requested
that NIDRR revise the priority statement
to more clearly state that the priority is
relevant to populations across the
lifespan—including children. This
commenter also suggested that the
priority should focus more clearly on
preventing negative health and
functioning outcomes, and that these
prevention efforts should be aimed at
children.
Discussion: Regarding the
commenter’s suggestion about the
populations to be served under this
priority, we note that nothing in the
priority precludes applicants from
proposing research and development
projects that focus on the health and
functioning of children with disabilities,
or individuals with disabilities across
the lifespan. However, NIDRR does not
believe it is appropriate to require all
applicants to define their target
population in this way, because we do
not wish to preclude applicants from
proposing promising research and
development projects that focus on
other target populations. Applicants are
expected to describe and justify their
target population(s) in their proposals.
The peer review panel will evaluate the
merits of each application.
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NIDRR agrees with the commenter
that the priority should focus on
preventing negative health and
functioning outcomes. In fact, one of the
stated outcomes of the RERC’s activities
is ‘‘to improve physical health and
reduce debilitating secondary
conditions associated with disability
and sedentary lifestyle.’’ Given this
language in the priority, we do not
believe any changes are necessary to
address the commenter’s concern.
Changes: None.
Comment: None.
Discussion: NIDRR has decided to
withdraw the proposed requirement that
each funded RERC conduct a state-ofthe science conference. Instead, NIDRR
has added language to the fourth
bulleted requirement related to
dissemination to clarify that a state-ofthe-science conference could be one
possible means of disseminating the
RERC’s findings.
Changes: NIDRR has removed the
requirement (reflected in the fifth
proposed bulleted requirement
applicable to both priorities) that each
RERC conduct a state-of-the-science
conference on its designated priority
research area in the fourth year of the
project period, and publish a
comprehensive report on the final
outcomes of the conference in the fifth
year of the project period. We also have
added language to the fourth bulleted
requirement applicable to both
priorities, related to dissemination.
Finally, NIDRR has deleted the language
that referred to the National Center for
Dissemination of Disability Research.
NIDRR no longer funds this center.
Final Priorities:
The Assistant Secretary for Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services
announces the following priorities for
the establishment of a Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Center (RERC) on
Recreational Technologies and Exercise
Physiology Benefiting Individuals with
Disabilities; and an RERC on
Rehabilitation Robotics. Within its
designated priority research area, each
RERC will focus on innovative
technological solutions, new
knowledge, and concepts that will
improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities.
Priority 1—RERC on Recreational
Technologies and Exercise Physiology
Benefiting Individuals With Disabilities.
Under this priority, the RERC must
research, develop, and evaluate
innovative technologies and strategies
that will enhance recreational and
physical activity opportunities for
individuals with disabilities. The RERC
must research, develop, or adapt
technologies to capture, monitor, and
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analyze energy expenditure levels in
individuals with disabilities as they
perform different recreational and
physical activities, so that clinicians,
researchers, and individuals with
disabilities can better estimate the
intensity and frequency of physical
activity required to promote health and
function within specific disability
populations. In addition, the RERC must
facilitate access to, and use of,
recreational and physical activity
equipment, facilities, and recreational
programs, that improve physical health
and reduce debilitating secondary
conditions associated with disability
and sedentary lifestyle through such
means as collaboration and
communication with relevant
stakeholders, technical assistance, and
technology transfer, in addition to
research and the development and
testing of innovations.
Priority 2—RERC on Rehabilitation
Robotics.
Under this priority, the RERC must
research, develop, and evaluate
innovative technologies and strategies
for the safe use of, and expanded access
to, rehabilitation robotics by individuals
with disabilities. This RERC must
engage in research and development
activities in the areas of both assistance
and therapy robots for use by
individuals with disabilities. The RERC
must generate new knowledge and
products that can improve the usability
and utility of assistance robots so that
they are more efficient and effective
facilitators of independence and
community participation. The RERC
must also generate new knowledge and
products that expand the use of therapy
robots beyond large rehabilitation
centers and into more community and
home-based settings.
Requirements applicable to both
priorities:
Under each priority, the RERC must
be designed to contribute to the
following outcomes:
(1) Increased technical and scientific
knowledge relevant to its designated
priority research area. The RERC must
contribute to this outcome by
conducting high-quality, rigorous
research and development projects.
(2) Increased innovation in
technologies, products, environments,
performance guidelines, and monitoring
and assessment tools applicable to its
designated priority research area. The
RERC must contribute to this outcome
through the development and testing of
these innovations.
(3) Improved research capacity in its
designated priority research area. The
RERC must contribute to this outcome
by collaborating with the relevant
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industry, professional associations,
institutions of higher education, health
care providers, or educators, as
appropriate.
(4) Improved usability and
accessibility of products and
environments in the RERC’s designated
priority research area. The RERC must
contribute to this outcome by
emphasizing the principles of universal
design in its product research and
development. For purposes of this
section, the term ‘‘universal design’’
refers to the design of products and
environments to be usable by all people,
to the greatest extent possible, without
the need for adaptation or specialized
design.
(5) Improved awareness and
understanding of cutting-edge
developments in technologies within its
designated priority research area. The
RERC must contribute to this outcome
by identifying and communicating with
relevant stakeholders, including NIDRR;
individuals with disabilities and their
representatives; disability organizations;
service providers; editors of professional
journals; manufacturers; and other
interested parties regarding trends and
evolving product concepts related to its
designated priority research area.
(6) Increased impact of research in the
designated priority research area. The
RERC must contribute to this outcome
by providing technical assistance to
relevant public and private
organizations, individuals with
disabilities, employers, and schools on
policies, guidelines, and standards
related to its designated priority
research area.
(7) Increased transfer of RERCdeveloped technologies to the
marketplace. The RERC must contribute
to this outcome by developing and
implementing a plan for ensuring that
all technologies developed by the RERC
are made available to the public. The
technology transfer plan must be
developed in the first year of the project
period in consultation with the NIDRRfunded Disability Rehabilitation
Research Project, Center on Knowledge
Translation for Technology Transfer.
In addition, under each priority, the
RERC must—
• Have the capability to design, build,
and test prototype devices and assist in
the technology transfer and knowledge
translation of successful solutions to
relevant production and service delivery
settings;
• Evaluate the efficacy and safety of
its new products, instrumentation, or
assistive devices;
• Provide as part of its proposal, and
then implement, a plan that describes
how it will include, as appropriate,
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individuals with disabilities or their
representatives in all phases of its
activities, including research,
development, training, dissemination,
and evaluation;
• Provide as part of its proposal, and
then implement, a plan to disseminate
its research results to individuals with
disabilities and their representatives;
disability organizations; service
providers; professional journals;
manufacturers; and other interested
parties. In meeting this requirement,
each RERC may use a variety of
mechanisms to disseminate information,
including state-of-the-science
conferences, webinars, Web sites, and
other dissemination methods; and
• Coordinate research projects of
mutual interest with relevant NIDRRfunded projects, as identified through
consultation with the NIDRR project
officer.
Types of Priorities:
When inviting applications for a
competition using one or more
priorities, we designate the type of each
priority as absolute, competitive
preference, or invitational through a
notice in the Federal Register. The
effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute
priority, we consider only applications
that meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority:
Under a competitive preference priority,
we give competitive preference to an
application by (1) awarding additional
points, depending on the extent to
which the application meets the priority
(34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting
an application that meets the priority
over an application of comparable merit
that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an
invitational priority, we are particularly
interested in applications that meet the
priority. However, we do not give an
application that meets the priority a
preference over other applications (34
CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
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 one or more of these priorities, we
invite applications through a notice in the
Federal Register.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Regulatory Impact Analysis
Under Executive Order 12866, the
Secretary must determine whether this
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regulatory action is ‘‘significant’’ and,
therefore, subject to the requirements of
the Executive order and subject to
review by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive
Order 12866 defines a ‘‘significant
regulatory action’’ as an action likely to
result in a rule that may—
(1) Have an annual effect on the
economy of $100 million or more, or
adversely affect a sector of the economy,
productivity, competition, jobs, the
environment, public health or safety, or
State, local or Tribal governments or
communities in a material way (also
referred to as an ‘‘economically
significant’’ rule);
(2) Create serious inconsistency or
otherwise interfere with an action taken
or planned by another agency;
(3) Materially alter the budgetary
impacts of entitlement grants, user fees,
or loan programs or the rights and
obligations of recipients thereof; or
(4) Raise novel legal or policy issues
arising out of legal mandates, the
President’s priorities, or the principles
stated in the Executive order.
This regulatory action is not a
significant regulatory action subject to
review by OMB under section 3(f) of
Executive Order 12866.
We have also reviewed this regulatory
action under Executive Order 13563,
which supplements and explicitly
reaffirms the principles, structures, and
definitions governing regulatory review
established in Executive Order 12866.
To the extent permitted by law,
Executive Order 13563 requires that an
agency—
(1) Propose or adopt regulations only
on a reasoned determination that their
benefits justify their costs (recognizing
that some benefits and costs are difficult
to quantify);
(2) Tailor its regulations to impose the
least burden on society, consistent with
obtaining regulatory objectives and
taking into account—among other things
and to the extent practicable—the costs
of cumulative regulations;
(3) In choosing among alternative
regulatory approaches, select those
approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic,
environmental, public health and safety,
and other advantages; distributive
impacts; and equity);
(4) To the extent feasible, specify
performance objectives, rather than the
behavior or manner of compliance a
regulated entity must adopt; and
(5) Identify and assess available
alternatives to direct regulation,
including economic incentives—such as
user fees or marketable permits—to
encourage the desired behavior, or
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provide information that enables the
public to make choices.
Executive Order 13563 also requires
an agency ‘‘to use the best available
techniques to quantify anticipated
present and future benefits and costs as
accurately as possible.’’ The Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs of
OMB has emphasized that these
techniques may include ‘‘identifying
changing future compliance costs that
might result from technological
innovation or anticipated behavioral
changes.’’
We are taking this regulatory action
only on a reasoned determination that
its benefits justify its costs. In choosing
among alternative regulatory
approaches, we selected those
approaches that maximize net benefits.
Based on the analysis that follows, the
Department believes that these priorities
are consistent with the principles in
Executive Order 13563.
We also have determined that this
regulatory action would not unduly
interfere with State, local, and tribal
governments in the exercise of their
governmental functions.
In accordance with both Executive
orders, the Department has assessed the
potential costs and benefits of this
regulatory action. The potential costs
associated with this regulatory action
are those resulting from statutory
requirements and those we have
determined as necessary for
administering the Department’s
programs and activities.
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 priorities will
generate new knowledge through
research and development. Another
benefit of these priorities is that the
establishment of new RERCs will
improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities. The new RERCs will
generate, disseminate, and promote the
use of new information that will
improve the options for individuals
with disabilities to fully participate in
their communities.
Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document in
an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
print, audiotape, or compact disc) on
request to 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
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37025
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 via the Federal Digital System
at: 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: 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 15, 2012.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2012–15091 Filed 6–19–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Final Priority: Disability Rehabilitation
Research Project—Burn Model
Systems Centers
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Notice.
Overview Information
CFDA Number: 84.133A–3.
Final priority; National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR)—Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects and Centers
Program—Disability Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP)—Burn Model
Systems Centers.
The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces a priority for the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program
administered by the National Institute
on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this
notice announces a priority for Burn
Model Systems (BMS) Centers. The
Assistant Secretary may use this priority
for a competition in fiscal year (FY)
2012 and later years. We take this action
to focus research attention on areas of
national need.
SUMMARY:
Effective Date: This priority is
effective July 20, 2012.
DATES:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 20, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37022-37025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-15091]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers
Program; Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Overview Information:
CFDA Numbers: 84.133E-1 and 84.133E-3.
Final Priorities; National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)--Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program--Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers (RERC).
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces two priorities for RERCs:
Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology Benefiting
Individuals with Disabilities (Priority 1) and Rehabilitation Robotics
(Priority 2). The Assistant Secretary may use one or both of these
priorities for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2012 and later years.
We take this action to focus research attention on areas of national
need. We intend to use these priorities to improve rehabilitation
services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
DATES: Effective Date: These priorities are effective July 20, 2012.
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. Telephone: (202) 245-7532 or by
email: marlene.spencer@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice of final priorities (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:
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
[[Page 37023]]
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 two priorities that NIDRR intends to use for
RERC competitions in FY 2012 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 these
priorities. 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 to plan and conduct research, demonstration
projects, training, and related activities, including international
activities; to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation
technologies that maximize the full inclusion and integration of
individuals with disabilities into society, and support the 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).
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program (RERCs)
The purpose of the NIDRR's RERCs, which are funded through the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is
to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the
Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and
development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve
particular rehabilitation problems, or to remove environmental
barriers. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies,
facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production
and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private
sector, and provide training opportunities for early-career
rehabilitation engineers. RERCs seek to solve rehabilitation problems
and remove environmental barriers to improvements in employment,
community living and participation, and health and function outcomes of
individuals with disabilities.
The general requirements for RERCs are set out in subpart D of 34
CFR part 350 (What Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Does the
Secretary Assist?).
Additional information on the RERC program can be found at:
www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(3).
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
We published a notice of proposed priorities (NPP) for NIDRR's
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program in
the Federal Register on April 10, 2012 (77 FR 21547). That notice
contained background information and our reasons for proposing the
particular priorities.
Public Comment: In response to our invitation in the NPP, one party
submitted comments on one of the proposed priorities.
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 priorities.
Analysis of Comments and Changes: An analysis of the comments and
of any changes in the priorities since publication of the NPP follows.
Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology Benefiting
Individuals With Disabilities
Comment: One commenter requested that NIDRR revise the priority
statement to more clearly state that the priority is relevant to
populations across the lifespan--including children. This commenter
also suggested that the priority should focus more clearly on
preventing negative health and functioning outcomes, and that these
prevention efforts should be aimed at children.
Discussion: Regarding the commenter's suggestion about the
populations to be served under this priority, we note that nothing in
the priority precludes applicants from proposing research and
development projects that focus on the health and functioning of
children with disabilities, or individuals with disabilities across the
lifespan. However, NIDRR does not believe it is appropriate to require
all applicants to define their target population in this way, because
we do not wish to preclude applicants from proposing promising research
and development projects that focus on other target populations.
Applicants are expected to describe and justify their target
population(s) in their proposals. The peer review panel will evaluate
the merits of each application.
NIDRR agrees with the commenter that the priority should focus on
preventing negative health and functioning outcomes. In fact, one of
the stated outcomes of the RERC's activities is ``to improve physical
health and reduce debilitating secondary conditions associated with
disability and sedentary lifestyle.'' Given this language in the
priority, we do not believe any changes are necessary to address the
commenter's concern.
Changes: None.
Comment: None.
Discussion: NIDRR has decided to withdraw the proposed requirement
that each funded RERC conduct a state-of-the science conference.
Instead, NIDRR has added language to the fourth bulleted requirement
related to dissemination to clarify that a state-of-the-science
conference could be one possible means of disseminating the RERC's
findings.
Changes: NIDRR has removed the requirement (reflected in the fifth
proposed bulleted requirement applicable to both priorities) that each
RERC conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its designated
priority research area in the fourth year of the project period, and
publish a comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference
in the fifth year of the project period. We also have added language to
the fourth bulleted requirement applicable to both priorities, related
to dissemination. Finally, NIDRR has deleted the language that referred
to the National Center for Dissemination of Disability Research. NIDRR
no longer funds this center.
Final Priorities:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces the following priorities for the establishment of a
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Recreational
Technologies and Exercise Physiology Benefiting Individuals with
Disabilities; and an RERC on Rehabilitation Robotics. Within its
designated priority research area, each RERC will focus on innovative
technological solutions, new knowledge, and concepts that will improve
the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Priority 1--RERC on Recreational Technologies and Exercise
Physiology Benefiting Individuals With Disabilities.
Under this priority, the RERC must research, develop, and evaluate
innovative technologies and strategies that will enhance recreational
and physical activity opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The RERC must research, develop, or adapt technologies to capture,
monitor, and
[[Page 37024]]
analyze energy expenditure levels in individuals with disabilities as
they perform different recreational and physical activities, so that
clinicians, researchers, and individuals with disabilities can better
estimate the intensity and frequency of physical activity required to
promote health and function within specific disability populations. In
addition, the RERC must facilitate access to, and use of, recreational
and physical activity equipment, facilities, and recreational programs,
that improve physical health and reduce debilitating secondary
conditions associated with disability and sedentary lifestyle through
such means as collaboration and communication with relevant
stakeholders, technical assistance, and technology transfer, in
addition to research and the development and testing of innovations.
Priority 2--RERC on Rehabilitation Robotics.
Under this priority, the RERC must research, develop, and evaluate
innovative technologies and strategies for the safe use of, and
expanded access to, rehabilitation robotics by individuals with
disabilities. This RERC must engage in research and development
activities in the areas of both assistance and therapy robots for use
by individuals with disabilities. The RERC must generate new knowledge
and products that can improve the usability and utility of assistance
robots so that they are more efficient and effective facilitators of
independence and community participation. The RERC must also generate
new knowledge and products that expand the use of therapy robots beyond
large rehabilitation centers and into more community and home-based
settings.
Requirements applicable to both priorities:
Under each priority, the RERC must be designed to contribute to the
following outcomes:
(1) Increased technical and scientific knowledge relevant to its
designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this
outcome by conducting high-quality, rigorous research and development
projects.
(2) Increased innovation in technologies, products, environments,
performance guidelines, and monitoring and assessment tools applicable
to its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to
this outcome through the development and testing of these innovations.
(3) Improved research capacity in its designated priority research
area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by collaborating with
the relevant industry, professional associations, institutions of
higher education, health care providers, or educators, as appropriate.
(4) Improved usability and accessibility of products and
environments in the RERC's designated priority research area. The RERC
must contribute to this outcome by emphasizing the principles of
universal design in its product research and development. For purposes
of this section, the term ``universal design'' refers to the design of
products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest
extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
(5) Improved awareness and understanding of cutting-edge
developments in technologies within its designated priority research
area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by identifying and
communicating with relevant stakeholders, including NIDRR; individuals
with disabilities and their representatives; disability organizations;
service providers; editors of professional journals; manufacturers; and
other interested parties regarding trends and evolving product concepts
related to its designated priority research area.
(6) Increased impact of research in the designated priority
research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by providing
technical assistance to relevant public and private organizations,
individuals with disabilities, employers, and schools on policies,
guidelines, and standards related to its designated priority research
area.
(7) Increased transfer of RERC-developed technologies to the
marketplace. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by developing and
implementing a plan for ensuring that all technologies developed by the
RERC are made available to the public. The technology transfer plan
must be developed in the first year of the project period in
consultation with the NIDRR-funded Disability Rehabilitation Research
Project, Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer.
In addition, under each priority, the RERC must--
Have the capability to design, build, and test prototype
devices and assist in the technology transfer and knowledge translation
of successful solutions to relevant production and service delivery
settings;
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products,
instrumentation, or assistive devices;
Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, a
plan that describes how it will include, as appropriate, individuals
with disabilities or their representatives in all phases of its
activities, including research, development, training, dissemination,
and evaluation;
Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, a
plan to disseminate its research results to individuals with
disabilities and their representatives; disability organizations;
service providers; professional journals; manufacturers; and other
interested parties. In meeting this requirement, each RERC may use a
variety of mechanisms to disseminate information, including state-of-
the-science conferences, webinars, Web sites, and other dissemination
methods; and
Coordinate research projects of mutual interest with
relevant NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with
the NIDRR project officer.
Types of Priorities:
When inviting applications for a competition using one or more
priorities, we designate the type of each priority as absolute,
competitive preference, or invitational through a notice in the Federal
Register. The effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by (1)
awarding additional points, depending on the extent to which the
application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2)
selecting an application that meets the priority over an application of
comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are
particularly interested in applications that meet the priority.
However, we do not give an application that meets the priority a
preference over other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
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 one or more of these priorities, we invite
applications through a notice in the Federal Register.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Regulatory Impact Analysis
Under Executive Order 12866, the Secretary must determine whether
this
[[Page 37025]]
regulatory action is ``significant'' and, therefore, subject to the
requirements of the Executive order and subject to review by the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866
defines a ``significant regulatory action'' as an action likely to
result in a rule that may--
(1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more,
or adversely affect a sector of the economy, productivity, competition,
jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local or
Tribal governments or communities in a material way (also referred to
as an ``economically significant'' rule);
(2) Create serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an
action taken or planned by another agency;
(3) Materially alter the budgetary impacts of entitlement grants,
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients
thereof; or
(4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles stated in the
Executive order.
This regulatory action is not a significant regulatory action
subject to review by OMB under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866.
We have also reviewed this regulatory action under Executive Order
13563, which supplements and explicitly reaffirms the principles,
structures, and definitions governing regulatory review established in
Executive Order 12866. To the extent permitted by law, Executive Order
13563 requires that an agency--
(1) Propose or adopt regulations only on a reasoned determination
that their benefits justify their costs (recognizing that some benefits
and costs are difficult to quantify);
(2) Tailor its regulations to impose the least burden on society,
consistent with obtaining regulatory objectives and taking into
account--among other things and to the extent practicable--the costs of
cumulative regulations;
(3) In choosing among alternative regulatory approaches, select
those approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential
economic, environmental, public health and safety, and other
advantages; distributive impacts; and equity);
(4) To the extent feasible, specify performance objectives, rather
than the behavior or manner of compliance a regulated entity must
adopt; and
(5) Identify and assess available alternatives to direct
regulation, including economic incentives--such as user fees or
marketable permits--to encourage the desired behavior, or provide
information that enables the public to make choices.
Executive Order 13563 also requires an agency ``to use the best
available techniques to quantify anticipated present and future
benefits and costs as accurately as possible.'' The Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB has emphasized that these
techniques may include ``identifying changing future compliance costs
that might result from technological innovation or anticipated
behavioral changes.''
We are taking this regulatory action only on a reasoned
determination that its benefits justify its costs. In choosing among
alternative regulatory approaches, we selected those approaches that
maximize net benefits. Based on the analysis that follows, the
Department believes that these priorities are consistent with the
principles in Executive Order 13563.
We also have determined that this regulatory action would not
unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the
exercise of their governmental functions.
In accordance with both Executive orders, the Department has
assessed the potential costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with this regulatory action are those
resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as
necessary for administering the Department's programs and activities.
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 priorities
will generate new knowledge through research and development. Another
benefit of these priorities is that the establishment of new RERCs will
improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The new RERCs will
generate, disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will
improve the options for individuals with disabilities to fully
participate in their communities.
Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print,
audiotape, or compact disc) on request to 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 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: 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:
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 15, 2012.
Alexa Posny,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 2012-15091 Filed 6-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P