National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years 2013-2017, 20299-20311 [2013-07879]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 65 / Thursday, April 4, 2013 / Notices
supporting documentation, may be
obtained by calling the Corporation for
National and Community Service,
Kirsten Breckinridge, at (202) 606–7570
or email to kbreckinridge@cns.gov.
Individuals who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf
(TTY–TDD) may call 1–800–833–3722
between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern
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ADDRESSES: Comments may be
submitted, identified by the title of the
information collection activity, to the
Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, Attn: Ms. Sharon Mar, OMB
Desk Officer for the Corporation for
National and Community Service, by
any of the following two methods
within 30 days from the date of
publication in the Federal Register:
(1) By fax to: (202) 395–6974,
Attention: Ms. Sharon Mar, OMB Desk
Officer for the Corporation for National
and Community Service; or
(2) By email to: smar@omb.eop.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB
is particularly interested in comments
which:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
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the information will have practical
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including the validity of the
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• Propose ways to enhance the
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Comments
A 60-day public comment Notice was
published in the Federal Register on
December 31, 2012. This comment
period ended March 1, 2013. No public
comments were received from this
Notice.
Description: CNCS is seeking approval
of the Social Innovation Fund
Continuation Application Guidance,
which is used by current SIF grantees to
apply for continued grant funding.
Type of Review: New.
Agency: Corporation for National and
Community Service.
Title: Social Innovation Fund
Continuation Application Guidance.
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OMB Number: None.
Agency Number: None.
Affected Public: Social Innovation
Fund grantees.
Total Respondents: 20.
Frequency: Annually.
Average Time Per Response: 8 hours.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 160.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):
None.
Total Burden Cost (operating/
maintenance): None.
Dated: March 26, 2013.
Lois Nembhard,
Acting Director, SIF.
[FR Doc. 2013–07850 Filed 4–3–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6050–28–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Office of the Secretary
Meeting of the Department of Defense
Military Family Readiness Council
(MFRC)
Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense for Personnel and Readiness,
Department of Defense.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Pursuant to Section 10(a),
Public Law 92–463, as amended, notice
is hereby given of a forthcoming
meeting of the Department of Defense
Military Family Readiness Council
(MFRC). The purpose of the Council
meeting is to review the military family
programs which will be the focus for the
Council for next year, and address
selected concerns of military family
organizations.
SUMMARY:
Wednesday, May 1, 2013, from
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ADDRESSES: Pentagon Conference Center
B6 (escorts will be provided from the
Pentagon Metro entrance).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Melody McDonald or Ms. Betsy Graham,
Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of
Defense (Military Community & Family
Policy), 4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350–2300, Room
3G15. Telephones (571) 372–0880; (571)
372–0881 and/or email:
FamilyReadinessCouncil@osd.mil.
DATES:
The
meeting is open to the public, subject to
the availability of space. Persons
desiring to attend may contact Ms.
Melody McDonald at 571–372–0880 or
email FamilyReadinessCouncil@osd.mil
no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April
19, 2013 to arrange for parking and
escort into the conference room inside
the Pentagon.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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20299
Interested persons may submit a
written statement for consideration by
the Council. Persons desiring to submit
a written statement to the Council must
notify the point of contact listed in FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT no later
than 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2013.
The purpose of this meeting is to
refine the Council recommendations
that will be included in the 2013
Military Family Readiness Council
report to the congressional defense
committees and the Secretary of
Defense. This meeting will focus on
Army and Office of the Secretary of
Defense efforts to ensure that existing
military family readiness programs are
prepared for full scope program
evaluation and the council will be
briefed on the Exceptional Family
Member Program and the efforts to
standardize the program across the
services. The council will also receive
an update on the Department of Defense
Task Force on Common Services for
Service Member and Family Support.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Welcome & Administrative Remarks.
Family Policy changes since last
meeting.
Discussion of Exceptional Family
Member Program standardization.
Update on the Department of Defense
Task Force on Common Services for
Service Member and Family Support.
Closing Remarks.
Note: Exact order may vary.
Dated: April 1, 2013.
Aaron Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison
Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2013–07890 Filed 4–3–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research; Long-Range
Plan for Fiscal Years 2013–2017
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, Department of
Education.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Assistant Secretary for
Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces the publication of
the final Long-Range Plan for Fiscal
Years (FY) 2013–2017 (Plan) for the
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Services (NIDRR). This
Plan provides an overview of NIDRR’s
goals and objectives, identifies
contributions that NIDRR research has
made to improve the lives of individuals
SUMMARY:
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with disabilities, and presents NIDRR’s
specific goals and objectives for the next
five years.
DATES:
This Plan is effective May 6,
Final Long-Range Plan
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Long-Range Plan for
Fiscal Years 2013–2017
2013.
Preface
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The introductory section of the
National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) LongRange Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2013–
2017 (Plan) provides basic background
about NIDRR and the Plan. The
background explains NIDRR’s mission,
its intention for the Plan, and how the
Plan will shape NIDRR’s priorities. The
second section of the Plan provides a
brief summary of NIDRR’s goals and
objectives. The third section of the Plan
provides background information about
NIDRR’s legislative mandate and
purpose, NIDRR’s applied approach to
disability and rehabilitation research,
how that approach is improving the
lives of individuals with disabilities,
and how NIDRR’s grant mechanisms
will structure NIDRR’s research and
development programs. Section four of
the Plan details NIDRR’s goals and
objectives for the next five years.
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 text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
8339.
The Plan
presents a five-year research agenda
anchored in NIDRR’s legislative
authority, consumer goals, and scientific
initiatives. Section 202(h) of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
(Act), requires NIDRR’s Director to
prepare the Plan and establishes the
Plan’s purposes as follows:
(1) To identify activities to be
conducted under NIDRR’s authority
‘‘respecting the full inclusion and
integration into society of individuals
with disabilities.’’
(2) To identify funding priorities for
the activities to be conducted.
(3) To specify goals and timetables for
the activities to be conducted by NIDRR
over the next five years.
NIDRR published a notice of proposed
long-range plan for FY 2013–2017
(proposed Plan) on April 18, 2012 (70
FR 23231–23237). The Act requires that
NIDRR consider all public comments
received regarding the proposed Plan
and then transmit the final Plan to
Congress.
Analysis of Comments and Changes:
In response to our invitation in the
notice of proposed Plan, NIDRR
received 145 comments. We categorize
127 of these comments into 15 subject
areas and provide responses to
comments that suggested changes in the
proposed Plan. We do not address the
18 other general comments because they
do not propose changes to the Plan.
Generally, we do not address technical
and other minor changes. An analysis of
the comments and changes in the Plan
since publication of the proposed Plan
is published as an appendix at the end
of this notice.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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I. Introduction
NIDRR has a broad and complex
mission. NIDRR must support the
generation of new knowledge and
promote its effective use to (1) improve
the abilities of individuals with
disabilities to participate in community
activities of their choice and (2) enhance
society’s capacity to provide
opportunities and accommodations for
these individuals. NIDRR fulfills its
mission through research, development,
and dissemination and related activities
designed to contribute to the
independence, inclusion, employment,
and health and function of individuals
of all ages with all types and degrees of
disability, including low-incidence
disability. As the number of Americans
with disabilities is projected to increase
substantially over the next two decades,
the importance of fulfilling NIDRR’s
mission will only grow (Institute of
Medicine, 2007. The future of disability
in America. Washington, DC: National
Academies Press).
NIDRR’s Plan includes priorities,
goals, and objectives to make manifest
the direction that NIDRR intends for
FYs 2013 through 2017. NIDRR will
begin implementing all goals at the
beginning of FY 2013. Over the life of
the Plan, NIDRR will further refine the
priorities, goals, objectives, and
timelines to reflect the evolution of
science and technology, the needs of
individuals with disabilities, and the
input of interested stakeholders, as the
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completion of the funding cycles of
current centers and projects allow.
Proposed refinements to this Plan will
be published in the Federal Register for
public comment and review. NIDRR
will also establish and actively solicit
the guidance of the Rehabilitation
Research Advisory Council (RRAC),
which is authorized under section
205(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended (Act). The RRAC will
engage individuals with disabilities and,
as appropriate, their representatives;
community rehabilitation and service
professionals, including providers of
assistive technologies; rehabilitation
researchers and engineers; and other
stakeholders. With this input, the RRAC
will advise NIDRR as to how its
programs may better serve its
established principles. The three
principles that NIDRR will employ to
guide the implementation of the Plan
and the administration of its programs
are balance, quality, and relevance.
‘‘Balance’’ refers to the management
of NIDRR’s resource allocations across
three dimensions: (1) The three outcome
domains of individual well-being (i.e.,
employment, community living and
participation, and health and function);
(2) populations of focus; and (3) who,
whether NIDRR or the grant applicant,
defines the specific approach to a
disability or rehabilitation research
topic.
‘‘Quality’’ refers to the scientific merit
of the research and development
activities, whatever the method
employed, and the appropriateness of
the methods to the topic, question, or
problem being addressed.
‘‘Relevance’’ refers to the likelihood
that proposed research and
development activities will make a
substantial contribution to the wellbeing of individuals with disabilities,
recognizing that the benefits of such
activities may not always be direct or
immediate.
NIDRR’s peer review process will
help increase the quality and relevance
of NIDRR-funded research and
development activities. NIDRR is
committed to the goal that every eligible
application for NIDRR funding will be
reviewed by a knowledgeable panel of
experts in research, development,
policy, services and supports, and other
areas appropriate to the topic, including
individuals with disabilities and, as
appropriate, family members.
NIDRR’s priorities will be informed
by assessments of the state of the
science, policy, and practice, the advice
of the RRAC, and the public’s response
to proposed priorities. NIDRR’s portfolio
of research and development activities
will range from the identification of the
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needs and opportunities of individuals
with disabilities to the widespread
implementation of effective, evidencebased policies, practices, and products
that respond to those needs and
opportunities. NIDRR recognizes that
the development of effective, evidencebased policies, practices, and products
is as dependent on the exploration and
description stage of research and
development as it is on experimental
and quasi-experimental trials and other
well-designed tests of potentially
effective interventions, programs, and
products.
II. Summary of NIDRR’s Goals and
Objectives
NIDRR will maintain a balanced
portfolio of high-quality research and
development centers and projects that
address the most important problems
and issues affecting individuals with
disabilities and their families. The
following is a summary of NIDRR’s
goals and objectives for FY 2013
through FY 2017.
Goal 1: Create a portfolio of research,
development, and other activities that
balances domains, populations of focus,
and who, whether NIDRR or the grant
applicant, defines the specific approach
to a disability or rehabilitation research
topic.
• Establish a balanced distribution of
priorities focused on improved
outcomes in the domains of
employment, community living and
participation, and health and function.
• Establish a balanced distribution of
priorities to address the needs of
individuals with different disabilities,
personal characteristics, and social
circumstances.
• Expand field-initiated research and
development opportunities to support
innovation.
Goal 2: Support centers and projects
that conduct well-designed research and
development activities using a range of
appropriate methods.
• Adopt stages-of-research and stagesof-development frameworks that will
enhance NIDRR’s efforts to generate
evidence-based policies, practices, and
products.
• Support a variety of research and
development approaches, as
appropriate, to important topics and
questions.
• Provide for the training of emerging
talent and leadership in research and
development.
Goal 3: Promote the effective use of
knowledge in areas of importance to
individuals with disabilities and their
families.
• Increase and improve the
capabilities and activities of NIDRR
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research and engineering centers and
projects to ensure the accessibility and
effectiveness of their work products.
• Increase the use of input from
stakeholders by NIDRR and NIDRRfunded centers and projects.
• Establish priorities that inform
systems and policy development, as
well as interventions and inventions, to
improve individual outcomes.
• Support research and development
activities of relevance that cut across
disability categories and NIDRR’s three
domains.
• Maintain effective ongoing
investments and invest in new
initiatives of promise to address topics
of importance to individuals with
disabilities and their families.
Goal 4: Improve program
administration.
• Streamline NIDRR’s processes for
establishing and publishing priorities
for grant competitions.
• Establish and implement a
consistent schedule of competitions and
peer reviews so that competition
announcements are predictable for
potential applicants and peer reviewers.
• Improve NIDRR’s peer review
processes.
III. Background
NIDRR was established by the 1978
amendments to the Act. As specified in
section 200 of the Act (29 U.S.C. 760),
NIDRR’s purpose is to: (a) Provide for
research, demonstration projects,
training, and related activities to
maximize the full inclusion and
integration into society, employment,
independent living, family support, and
economic and social self-sufficiency of
individuals with disabilities of all ages,
with particular emphasis on improving
the effectiveness of services authorized
under the Act; (b) provide for a
comprehensive and coordinated
approach to the support and conduct of
such research, demonstration projects,
training, and related activities; (c)
promote the transfer of rehabilitation
technology to individuals with
disabilities; (d) ensure the widespread
distribution, in usable formats, of
practical scientific and technological
information; (e) identify effective
strategies to enhance the opportunities
of individuals with disabilities to
engage in employment, including
employment involving telecommuting
and self-employment; and (f) increase
opportunities for researchers who are
members of traditionally underserved
populations, including researchers who
are members of minority groups and
researchers who are individuals with
disabilities.
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NIDRR is led by a director within the
Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the
U.S. Department of Education. OSERS
has two other components: the
Rehabilitation Services Administration
and the Office of Special Education
Programs. NIDRR works closely with
these offices and other disability-related
offices and agencies across the Federal
government.
NIDRR supports a wide range of
rehabilitation research, development,
and other activities designed to assist
individuals with disabilities to achieve
long-term outcomes such as
independence, community
participation, employment, and good
health. To maximize its effectiveness in
achieving such outcomes, NIDRR
research and development activities
focus on the complex interaction of
personal, environmental, and
supporting factors, including assistive
technologies. In its practical and
applied focus, NIDRR seeks to play a
pivotal role in the relationship between
the producers and consumers of
knowledge.
The value of NIDRR’s applied focus
on research and development can be
found in important advances in
knowledge, practice, and public policies
that have derived fully or partially from
it. In recent years these have included,
but not been limited to, the
development of principles, standards,
and applications of universal design; the
development of standards and
applications to enhance accessibility of
the World Wide Web and the design of
accessibility features for information
technology devices, such as computers
and cell phones; widespread
applications of technology to
rehabilitation including
telerehabilitation and national Internetbased workforce training systems;
improved understanding and treatments
of the long-term consequences of spinal
cord injury, burn injury, and traumatic
brain injury; development of
rehabilitation and community supports
for individuals recovering from
psychiatric conditions; understanding of
the costs and outcomes of
deinstitutionalization and the
development of community supports for
individuals with disabilities; better
understanding of factors and practices
contributing to the employment
experience of individuals with
disabilities; improvements in way
finding and other mobility aides for
individuals with cognitive or sensory
conditions; and ongoing analysis of
national disability statistics to guide
policy and practice. NIDRR is
committed to maintaining its focus on
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practical applications of research,
development, knowledge translation,
capacity building, technical assistance,
and information dissemination to
improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities and their families.
NIDRR currently employs nine
mechanisms to make grant awards.
Funding allocation within these
mechanisms depends on the overall
funding available to NIDRR, NIDRR’s
topical priorities for that year, and the
size of the funding commitments for
grants awarded in previous years. On
average, about 25 percent of NIDRR’s
grants end each year. NIDRR’s grant
mechanisms are as follows:
• Rehabilitation Research and
Training Centers (RRTCs) conduct
coordinated, advanced research to
maximize the health and function of,
the social and economic independence
of, and rehabilitation methods and
service delivery systems for individuals
with disabilities. RRTCs also serve as
national resource centers in their areas
of focus.
• Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers (RERCs) conduct programs of
advanced engineering and technical
research and development activities
designed to enhance opportunities,
solve rehabilitation problems, and
remove environmental barriers for
individuals with disabilities. RERCs
provide for the cost-effective delivery
and use of assistive technology devices.
• Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects (DRRPs) emphasize a
broad range of research and
development projects, training, and
knowledge translation on rehabilitation
topics. DRRPs have ranged from
collecting longitudinal data on spinal
cord, traumatic brain, and burn injuries
to studying the effects of health care
coordination.
• Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) National Network Regional
Centers provide information, technical
assistance, and training in areas related
to the mandates of the ADA. These
centers form a national network and
assist disability organizations,
individuals with disabilities,
businesses, public agencies, and the
general public in understanding and
fulfilling the purposes of the ADA.
• Model Systems in Spinal Cord
Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and
Burn Injury provide model
rehabilitation services and supports to
individuals after injury. The Model
Systems conduct center-specific
research projects and a collaborative
program of research, longitudinal data
collection, and dissemination.
• Field-Initiated Projects address
disability and rehabilitation topics in
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promising and innovative ways based
on the applicant’s perception of needed
research or development. These projects
attend to a wide range of topics and
target populations, including lowincidence populations.
• Advanced Rehabilitation Research
Training Projects provide support to
institutions of higher education to
recruit qualified post-doctoral
individuals with clinical, management,
or basic research experience and
prepare them for careers in disability
and rehabilitation research.
• Switzer Research Fellowships give
individual researchers opportunities to
develop new ideas, gain research
experience, and concentrate on specific
lines of research. NIDRR supports
Switzer Fellows for one year as they
conduct independent research projects.
• Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) grants are administered by
NIDRR as a part of the larger mandatory
Federal SBIR program. NIDRR’s SBIR
grants support the design and
production of new assistive and
rehabilitation technologies, including
the research, development, and
dissemination of, and training with
respect to, products with commercial
potential and with benefit to individuals
with disabilities. This two-phase
program takes a rehabilitation-related
product from development toward
market readiness.
NIDRR funds are awarded
competitively on the basis of advice
received through a peer review process
to ensure the quality and integrity of the
NIDRR portfolio. Researchers,
methodologists, rehabilitation
engineers, and other experts, including
individuals with disabilities and their
families, serve on panels made up of
three to seven individuals. These
experts review proposals according to
the selection criteria in the application
package for the competition. NIDRR’s
peer review process is designed to
ensure the scientific quality of NIDRR’s
portfolio, its contributions to the wellbeing of individuals with disabilities,
and its relevance to the needs of the
disability and rehabilitation
communities. NIDRR continues to focus
on improving the quality of its peer
review process, including by addressing
the specific recommendations for the
peer review process made in the
November 2011 review of NIDRR by the
National Academy of Sciences (NAS)/
National Research Council (2011).
(Review of disability and rehabilitation
research: NIDRR grantmaking processes
and products. Washington, DC: National
Academies Press.)
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IV. Goals and Objectives
NIDRR will pursue the following
goals and objectives for FY 2013
through FY 2017.
Goal 1: Create a portfolio of research,
development, and other activities that is
balanced in terms of domains,
populations of focus, and who, whether
NIDRR or the grant applicant, defines
the specific approach to a disability or
rehabilitation research topic.
Objective 1.1—Establish a balanced
distribution of priorities focused on
improved outcomes in the domains of
employment, community living and
participation, and health and function.
One of the congressional findings in
Sec. 2.(a)(3) of the Act states that
‘‘disability is a natural part of the
human experience and in no way
diminishes the right of individuals to
(A) Live independently; (B) enjoy selfdetermination; (C) make choices; (D)
contribute to society; (E) pursue
meaningful careers; and (F) enjoy full
inclusion and integration in the * * *
mainstream of American society.’’ An
individual’s opportunity to enjoy these
rights depends on an interaction
between the individual and the physical
and social environment. Within each of
its domains, NIDRR will support
research, development, and other
activities that gather and use knowledge
of systems, environments, technologies,
and individual characteristics, goals,
and behaviors to support the fulfillment
of such rights.
Employment
Employment and earnings are
essential to independence, selfdetermination, and contribution to
society. NIDRR will support centers and
projects to address unemployment,
underemployment, and unnecessary
dependency on public benefits. NIDRR
will support activities to improve
opportunities for employment that are
consistent with an individual’s abilities,
interests, and career aspirations. NIDRR
will also support research and
development activities that examine
employment policies and practices,
vocational rehabilitation services, and
technologies and accommodations that
contribute to improved employment and
career outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
Community Living and Participation
NIDRR is committed to improving the
opportunities and abilities of
individuals with disabilities to live as
integrated members of their
communities and to participate in
community activities of their choice.
NIDRR will fund activities consistent
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with the underlying principles of the
independent living programs authorized
under the Act and the ADA as affirmed
in the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1999
decision in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S.
581. NIDRR will support centers and
projects to increase community living
and participation through
improvements in policy, services and
support delivery, assistive technologies,
environmental modifications, and
person-centered planning and
therapeutic interventions.
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Health and Function
Maximizing health and function
among people with disabilities is
critical to achieving the goals of
employment, community living and
participation, and individual well-being
across the lifespan. NIDRR will support
centers and projects on health and
function that improve understanding of
the health status, health needs, and
health care access of individuals with
disabilities. These centers and projects
will also develop and test interventions,
including public policy interventions, to
improve health outcomes, increase or
maintain functional abilities, and
contribute to more effective medical
rehabilitation and long-term services
and supports, including integrated
health and long-term service and
support approaches.
Objective 1.2—Establish a balanced
distribution of priorities to address the
needs of individuals with different
disabilities, personal characteristics,
and social circumstances.
Rehabilitation Research and Training
Centers (RRTCs)
NIDRR will establish RRTCs, as
authorized in the Act. In addition to
being productive centers of relevant and
well-designed research, these RRTCs
will serve as: (1) National resource
centers for individuals with disabilities
and their representatives, families,
service providers, policymakers, and
others; (2) informational and technical
assistance resources to individuals with
disabilities and their representatives,
families, service providers,
policymakers, and others through
conferences, workshops, public
education programs, in-service training
programs, and similar activities; and (3)
centers of data gathering, analysis, and
knowledge translation to address
systems and policy issues that affect
individuals with disabilities of all ages.
The RRTCs will address the needs of
individuals of all ages with psychiatric,
intellectual and developmental, and
physical disabilities, as well as
individuals with significant
impairments of vision and hearing.
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These centers will identify practices
associated with positive outcomes
across NIDRR’s domains and assess the
status and effectiveness of programs and
service systems in achieving positive
outcomes.
NIDRR will also establish RRTCs in
such areas as:
• Vocational rehabilitation.
• Rural rehabilitation.
• Rehabilitation of individuals from
minority backgrounds.
• Families with members with
disabilities.
• Disability statistics.
Rehabilitation Engineering and
Research Centers (RERCs)
NIDRR will support RERCs to address
the barriers confronted by individuals
with disabilities in all aspects of their
lives. These RERCs will address the
needs of a wide range of individuals
with disabilities, including those with
sensory and cognitive impairments.
They will address barriers confronted by
persons with disabilities in
employment, community living and
participation, and health and function
through technologies that accommodate
communication, mobility, sensory
impairments, and other limitations.
NIDRR will establish RERCs that will
address priorities within the following
four areas of rehabilitation engineering:
• Rehabilitation strategies,
techniques, and interventions.
• Information and communication
technologies.
• Individual mobility and
manipulation.
• Physical access and transportation.
Objective 1.3—Expand field-initiated
research and development opportunities
to support innovation.
In order to take advantage of the
field’s expertise, knowledge, and
creativity, NIDRR plans to provide an
increased number of field-initiated
opportunities for research,
demonstration, and development of
technological solutions to significant
problems faced by individuals with
disabilities. These projects may choose
to focus on specific disability
populations, including low-incidence
populations. After consulting with the
RRAC, publishing the proposed
priorities for comment, and considering
those comments, NIDRR will publish
final priorities that include broad
topical areas from which applicants will
have the discretion to define a specific
approach. Applicants also may propose
cross-domain projects that have the
potential to make a substantial
contribution to solving significant
problems.
Goal 2: Support centers and projects
that conduct well-designed research and
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development activities using a range of
appropriate methods.
Objective 2.1—Adopt a stages-ofresearch framework that will enhance
its efforts to generate evidence-based
practices.
NIDRR will support a range of welldesigned research methods using a
stages-of-research framework. When
inviting applications for funding,
NIDRR will ask applicants to identify
the stage of research appropriate to their
proposed research. Specification of the
stage of research will allow NIDRR to
ensure that proposed research is
evaluated by peer reviewers who are
knowledgeable about the stage of
research and the proposed research
methods using appropriate selection
criteria. NIDRR will ask applicants to
justify the stage of research proposed
based on the current state-of-knowledge
on the topic as well as the importance
of the research questions and
appropriateness of the methods
proposed to carry out the research.
NIDRR’s framework will include the
following stages of research:
Exploration and Description
Exploration and description have the
research objective of generating new and
refined analyses of data, observational
findings, and other sources of
information to establish the
circumstances and needs of persons
with disabilities and to guide
hypotheses and theories. Exploration
and description seek to advance the
state of knowledge regarding the status
of individuals with disabilities and the
barriers to and facilitators of improved
employment, community living and
participation, health and function, and
other outcomes for individuals with
disabilities. This research stage may
include identifying or describing
existing policies, practices, or products
that are associated with important
aspects of the lives and needs of
individuals with disabilities or the
outcomes of services and supports
provided to them. Results achieved
under this research objective may be
used to inform new lines of research
related to practices, programs, or
policies to inform decisions or
priorities.
Intervention Development
Intervention development has the
research objective of generating and
testing interventions that have the
potential to improve outcomes for
individuals with disabilities.
Intervention development involves
determining the features of possible
interventions that are most significant in
achieving desired outcomes and the
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measures that would be required to
illustrate those outcomes, specifying
target populations, conducting field
tests, and assessing the feasibility of
conducting a well-designed
interventions study. Results from this
research objective may be used to
inform the design of a study to test the
efficacy of an intervention.
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Intervention Efficacy
Intervention efficacy has the research
objective of evaluating and testing
whether an intervention is feasible, is
practical, and can yield positive
outcomes for individuals with
disabilities. Efficacy research may assess
the strength of an intervention, identify
factors associated with outcomes, and
inform decisions about whether there is
sufficient evidence to support ‘‘scalingup’’ an intervention to other sites and
contexts. Issues addressed may include
training needed for wide-scale
implementation and approaches to
evaluation of the intervention in realworld applications.
Scale-up Evaluation
Scale-up evaluation has the research
objective of evaluating whether
interventions are effective in producing
improved outcomes for individuals with
disabilities when implemented in realworld settings. This research tests the
outcomes of evidence-based practices
operating in different settings. It
examines the challenges to successful
replications and the circumstances and
activities that contribute to successful
wide-scale adoption of interventions,
programs, policies, and technologies.
Research in this area may also include
well-designed studies of interventions
that have been widely adopted in
practice but lack sufficient evidence of
their effectiveness.
Objective 2.2—Develop and adopt a
framework for development to support
the design, creation, testing, and uptake
of assistive technology, engineering, and
other products to improve the lives of
people with disabilities.
To improve its management of centers
and projects that develop methods,
procedures, and technologies to
maximize inclusion, independence, and
self-sufficiency of individuals with
disabilities, NIDRR will develop and
adopt a framework for development.
This framework will contribute to the
effective review of applications for
funding, assist in describing and
monitoring project activities, and
support evaluation of the utility and
productivity of NIDRR’s investment in
development projects. This framework
will be created, reviewed, and amended,
as appropriate, in consultation with
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individuals with disabilities,
rehabilitation engineers and other
developers and providers of assistive
technology, community rehabilitation
and service professionals, and other
stakeholders.
Objective 2.3—Support a variety of
research methods as appropriate to
important topics and research
questions.
NIDRR will support quantitative and
qualitative research methodologies, as
well as research approaches that
combine both methodologies. NIDRR
will provide guidance on its
expectations for the various research
methods.
Objective 2.4—Provide for the training
of emerging talent and leadership in
research and development.
NIDRR will fulfill its statutory
obligation to build the Nation’s capacity
to conduct research and development
activities that make positive
contributions to the lives of individuals
with disabilities across the domains of
employment, community living and
participation, and health and function.
NIDRR’s capacity-building activities
will include fellowship programs and
centers where emerging talent and
leadership in research and engineering
will be developed. In these capacitybuilding activities NIDRR will promote
opportunities for individuals with
disabilities and individuals from
minority backgrounds.
Goal 3: Promote the generation and
effective use of knowledge in areas of
importance to individuals with
disabilities and their families.
Objective 3.1—Ensure that NIDRR
research centers and projects provide
access to, and effective use of, their
research.
NIDRR will increase expectations that
its research centers and projects provide
research-based knowledge and resources
to individuals with disabilities and their
families, service providers, and
policymakers. NIDRR will support
training, technical assistance, and
knowledge translation activities to
enhance the capabilities of individuals
with disabilities, researchers,
practitioners, and organizations and
agencies to use the best available
information in order to obtain desired
outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
All of NIDRR’s centers and projects
will carry out knowledge translation
(KT) activities. KT promotes the use of
research-based knowledge to support
the ability of individuals to live
successfully in society. KT requires that
grantees involve relevant stakeholders
in the design and conduct of research
activities to optimize the relevance and
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use of proposed outputs, use tools such
as systematic reviews and research
synthesis to assess and disseminate the
information generated through research,
and translate research findings into
information that is usable by
individuals with disabilities and their
families, practitioners, and
policymakers.
Objective 3.2—Increase the use of
input from stakeholders.
In order to ensure that its centers and
projects address important issues
affecting individuals with disabilities
and their families, NIDRR will develop
and implement a process by which
NIDRR may continuously communicate
with a wide range of stakeholders about
NIDRR’s activities, solicit feedback on
the impact of NIDRR’s investments,
obtain recommendations for research
topics, and gather stakeholder input on
NIDRR’s Plan.
Rehabilitation Research Advisory
Council
As authorized by section 205 of the
Act and consistent with a
recommendation in the 2012 NAS
review report, NIDRR will establish the
RRAC. The RRAC will advise NIDRR’s
Director on research priorities and the
need for revisions of the current Plan
and on the development of future longrange plans.
Improved Use of Information
Technology
NIDRR will continue to upgrade its
use of information technology,
including its Web site, in order to
improve its information dissemination
activities, increase its capacity to obtain
input and feedback from stakeholders,
and facilitate ongoing discussions with
and among NIDRR grantees, individuals
with disabilities, and other
stakeholders.
Objective 3.3—Establish priorities
that inform systems and policy
development as well as interventions to
improve outcomes for individuals.
Across its three domains, NIDRR will
support centers and projects that
address systems and policy issues as
well as interventions that directly
improve outcomes for individuals with
disabilities and their families.
Objective 3.4—Support topics of
relevance that cut across disability
categories and NIDRR’s three domains.
NIDRR will support important
projects that cut across disability
categories or domains when such
projects are relevant, well-designed, and
offer promise of significant benefit to
multiple groups of individuals with
disabilities and their families. Examples
of these cross-cutting priorities will
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include, but not be limited to, disability
demographics and technology for access
and function.
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Disability Demographics
Valid and reliable demographic data
help all agencies and research in the
disability field. NIDRR will continue its
work with other Federal agencies to
meet its statutory mandate to collaborate
in producing demographic and
statistical data that describe the
population of individuals with
disabilities. NIDRR’s disability
demographics effort will generate and
disseminate new and current
information that can be used by
individuals with disabilities, service
providers, policymakers, and others
working to identify and eliminate
disparities in employment, community
living and participation, and health and
function.
Technology for Access and Function
For individuals with disabilities,
technology plays a vital role in
improving function and increasing
access, thereby enhancing the ability to
lead increasingly independent, secure,
and productive lives. The importance of
accessibility for individuals with
disabilities to the existing and emerging
technology environments in our homes,
schools, jobs, and communities cannot
be overstated. At the individual level,
NIDRR will focus on assistive
technology devices that enhance the
physical, sensory, cognitive, and
communication capabilities of persons
with disabilities, including individuals
from low-incidence populations. At the
systems level, NIDRR will promote the
application of technology research and
development in ways that enhance
community integration, independence,
productivity, competitiveness, and
equal opportunity by mitigating or
eliminating barriers found in large
social systems such as public
transportation, telecommunications,
information technology, commerce, and
the built environment.
NIDRR will continue to support
technology-related research and
development centers and projects with
the goal of transferring technology into
products that can be readily accessed
and used to improve the lives of
individuals with disabilities. NIDRR
will continue to play a leadership role
within the Federal government on
accessibility of information and
computer technologies.
Leadership in Cloud Computing
NIDRR is committed to ensuring
access to, and benefit from, cloud
computing for individuals with
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disabilities. There is substantial
international activity in this area, from
which individuals stand to benefit and
to which the United States should
contribute. NIDRR and its grantees will
play leadership roles in national and
international activities to ensure
accessibility, and to exploit the
potential of cloud computing to support
the independence, employment, and
functional capabilities of persons with
disabilities. In its efforts NIDRR will
support grantees working on cloudbased infrastructure and applications,
and will work cooperatively with
government agencies and private
entities to leverage all available
resources.
Objective 3.5—Maintain ongoing
investments that effectively address
topics of importance to individuals with
disabilities and their families.
NIDRR has invested in a number of
projects for many years. The value of
these long-term investments is an
important consideration as NIDRR plans
for its future commitments. For
example, NIDRR has supported projects
that have created national rehabilitation
and disability services databases and
that have enhanced accessibility of the
built environment and information
technologies, as well as other nationally
valued projects in other areas. On a
project-by-project basis and with the
input of the RRAC and other
stakeholders, NIDRR will continue to
support centers and projects in certain
priority areas in which NIDRR has
substantial long-term investments and
that continue to contribute significantly
to NIDRR’s goals and objectives.
Goal 4: Improve program
administration.
Objective 4.1—Streamline processes
for establishing and publishing
priorities for grant competitions.
Historically, most of NIDRR’s
priorities have included a number of
detailed required activities that
demanded a great deal of time to
develop and publish. As indicated in
Objective 1.3 of the Plan, NIDRR will
provide applicants with more fieldinitiated opportunities by issuing
priorities for each domain that consist of
broad topical areas and fewer
specifically required activities. These
topical areas will remain open for
competition for up to five years. This
will provide applicants with increased
discretion to propose specific projects
that fall within the topical areas and
enhance NIDRR’s ability to publish its
funding priorities on a more timely
basis. In addition, because NIDRR staff
will devote less time to developing and
publishing new priorities, they will
have more time for providing technical
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assistance to their grantees, monitoring
grants, and participating in cross-agency
research and development activities.
Objective 4.2—Establish and
implement a regular schedule of
competitions and peer reviews.
The NAS/National Research Council
review report noted that NIDRR has not
established a regular schedule for
publishing priorities, publishing notices
inviting applications, or conducting
peer reviews. An irregular schedule may
negatively affect the ability of qualified
applicants to submit proposals and limit
the availability of expert reviewers.
Consistent with the NAS
recommendations, and aided by
streamlining its priority development
process, NIDRR will establish a regular
schedule of competitions that potential
applicants and peer reviewers can
depend on for planning purposes.
Having the topical areas in place for up
to five years will provide the field with
stable and reliable opportunities for
funding, and applicants who are not
successful in one competition can revise
and improve their applications for
future competitions under the same
topic.
Objective 4.3—Improve the peer
review process.
The NAS review report commented
on NIDRR’s peer review processes and
made a number of recommendations for
enhancement. Consistent with the NAS
recommendations and ongoing quality
improvement goals within NIDRR,
during the next five years NIDRR will
improve the following:
• Recruitment of qualified reviewers.
• Peer reviewer orientation.
• Review criteria and scoring.
• Stakeholder representation and
related stakeholder support.
• Consistency across review panels.
A number of other changes will be
explored by NIDRR as potential means
of enhancing the ability of peer
reviewers to carry out their
responsibilities. These include, but are
not limited to: (1) Establishing page
limits for some or all NIDRR program
applications; and (2) limiting the
number of applications reviewed per
panel with limits depending on the page
limits of the applications.
V. Summary
With the adoption of this Plan, as
refined by comments and suggestions
from stakeholders and other parties,
NIDRR believes it will be positioned to
better promote the principles of balance,
quality, and relevance in its activities.
This approach will make NIDRR more
effective in fulfilling its role as a leading
Federal agency in generating and
promoting the use of knowledge to
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improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities and their families.
Accessible Format: Individuals with
disabilities can obtain this document in
an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
print, audiotape, or compact disc) 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 or a TTY, 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: April 1, 2013.
Michael Yudin,
Delegated the authority to perform the
functions and duties of Assistant Secretary
for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services.
Appendix
Analysis of Comments and Changes
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Note: This appendix will not appear in the
Code of Federal Regulations.
1. NIDRR’s Commitment to Balance
Comments: Three commenters
recommended that NIDRR ‘‘reconcile’’ its
commitment to maintain investments in
effective programs with its commitment to
maintain balance in its funding of programs
across its three primary domains.
Discussion: We believe both commitments
are important and can be maintained with
judicious attention to the effectiveness of
existing programs and the disparities in
resource allocation across domains.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter noted support
for the commitment to a balanced portfolio
but challenged NIDRR to remain responsive
to the needs of constituents and fluctuations
in topics of importance.
Discussion: We are fully committed to
supporting programs that are relevant to the
current and changing needs of persons with
disabilities. When established, Research
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Advisory Council (RRAC) will represent key
stakeholder groups and is expected to assist
NIDRR in adhering to that commitment.
Change: None.
Comments: Two commenters asked how
balance will be achieved with the increased
emphasis on funding field-initiated projects.
Discussion: We believe that NIDRR’s broad
priority areas and increased emphasis on
field-initiated proposals will allow ample
opportunity for applicants to propose work of
relevance to individuals with disabilities in
each of NIDRR’s primary domains. If
necessary to achieve reasonable balance
across domains, NIDRR will fund the highest
scoring applications within specific domains.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked whether
our commitment to balance includes balance
between research and technology
development funding.
Discussion: In the Plan NIDRR commits to
maintaining balance across its primary
domains and to the full range of types and
degrees of disability. There is no
commitment to maintain a particular
distribution between funding for research
and technology development projects, but we
anticipate no notable deviation from the
present distribution. There may be effects in
the relative distribution of funding associated
with increased opportunities for fieldinitiated proposals. We will monitor such
trends in funding among NIDRR’s primary
domains, and, as appropriate, we will
explore needed remedies with our RRAC,
when established.
Change: None.
Comments: Three commenters proposed
that NIDRR identify in the Plan its
commitment to specific disability conditions
or specific demographic groupings. One
commenter suggested that we expand our
Model Systems program to include a specific
disability group.
Discussion: There are too many conditions
and potential demographic groupings for us
to designate funding for each specific group.
We may, based on compelling need or
opportunity, designate funding for research
or development projects focused on specific
groups, but generally applicants with interest
in specific disability and demographic
groups will be encouraged to submit highquality, compelling proposals to our various
field-initiated competitions. Given currently
available funding, a substantial investment in
creating and financing additional Model
Systems programs would preclude NIDRR
from funding other important research and
development activities.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked for
clarification about whether NIDRR will
continue competitions for priority areas that
are currently funded or will establish new
priorities.
Discussion: In carrying out the Plan,
NIDRR may continue current priorities,
create new priorities, or both.
Change: None.
2. Stages of Research
Comments: One commenter suggested that
we invite interested parties to engage in a
facilitated dialogue on the concept of stages
of research.
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Discussion: We will continue to obtain
feedback through our regulatory process. We
have already requested public comment on
the proposed stages of research in the
Federal Register notice requesting comments
on the priority for the FY 2012 Employment
of Individuals with Disabilities (H133A–1)
Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Project and sought further comment on the
proposed stages of research in some priorities
developed for FY 2013 competitions.
Change: None.
Comments: We were asked whether the
exploratory stage of research is restricted to
descriptive research or whether it can
include the study of interventions.
Discussion: In our proposed stages of
research, exploratory research is research that
can describe or classify a problem through a
variety of mechanisms, including but not
limited to descriptive research, analysis of
secondary data, development of measures,
and so forth. This research may result in
information that will lead to development of
an intervention, or it may advance
knowledge or the capacity to conduct
research.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked if small,
non-randomized trials of interventions could
be part of the interventions development
stage.
Discussion: It will be up to the applicant
to specify and justify what is necessary to
develop an intervention. Nothing prohibits
an applicant from suggesting a small, nonrandomized trial as part of this development
process. It will be up to the peer review panel
to determine the appropriateness of the
proposed methodology for any research
study.
Change: None.
Comments: We were asked if scale-up
evaluation primarily means moving from a
single-center to a multi-center study.
Discussion: The purpose of a scale-up
project is to determine if the intervention is
effective in real-world settings. This could
involve multi-center studies; however, the
intent is to determine how best to move
proven interventions into widespread
practical use.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter distinguished
between normal research, described as
testing hypotheses and building evidence in
a prescribed method (such as NIDRR’s stages
of research), and systems research, described
as aiming to solve problems right away by
adopting ‘‘socially valid’’ solutions. The
commenter suggested that solutions of the
latter type, having been developed within the
context in which they are intended to be
applied, do not require a scale-up stage
before being implemented broadly.
Discussion: We are aware that other
government agencies have promulgated
translational research activities that
incorporate this approach. In this approach,
evidence-based practice for one population
may be adapted for use in a new population
using established criteria for evaluating the
uptake but not following a proscribed and
lengthy process for establishing evidence of
efficacy for the new population. Since we are
not prescribing the steps to accompany each
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stage, it will be up to applicants to propose
and justify the methods proposed for any
stage, including the scale-up stage. We would
invite, within the scale-up stage, research on
the effects of interventions, programs, or
policies that are broadly applied, but on
which there is inadequate well-designed
research.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked if an
applicant has to limit its proposal to a single
stage.
Discussion: An applicant does not have to
limit its proposed efforts to a single stage of
research; however, applicants should identify
and justify each research stage and should
consider time and resources in its decision
about work carried out at multiple stages.
Change: None.
Comments: Two commenters asked for
clarification about whether the stages of
research approach will limit grantees who
propose non-intervention research and
whether such applicants will be able to
obtain fair consideration of their proposals.
Discussion: NIDRR’s overall purpose is to
support research that results in beneficial
changes in programs, policies, and practices
affecting the lives of individuals with
disabilities. In many ways, these changes are
interventions. So at a broad level, the
purpose of NIDRR’s research is the
development of interventions, defined as
changes in practices, programs, and policies.
In the past, much of NIDRR’s funding has
been allocated to projects at stages preceding
the intervention stage, documenting the
conditions and needs of individuals with
disabilities and their families and creating
the infrastructure to support development of
evidence-based changes in programs,
policies, and practices. We expect to
continue funding projects at theses stages.
The purpose of introducing a requirement to
identify the proposed research stage is to
improve the quality of the research that we
fund. It will also help NIDRR clarify and
classify the kinds of research it supports and
help applicants better justify the topics,
research goals, and approaches they propose.
We are not seeking to limit applicants from
proposing any research that will benefit
individuals with disabilities. Nothing in the
stages of research approach is designed to
favor one type of research over another.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked if
activities such as longitudinal data analysis
would be considered exploratory even if new
knowledge is produced.
Discussion: It will be up to the applicants
to determine the stage of their proposed
research and to explain why the stage is
appropriate to the state of knowledge about
the proposed topic. Nothing in our Plan will
specify how methods should be used to
support stages of research.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked what we
are gaining from the stages of research
approach and how policy, statistics, and
survey research fit into the stages.
Discussion: Through the stages of research
framework we gain a way to describe how
our research investments are contributing to
changes in programs, policies, and practices
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that improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities. We also hope to improve the
quality of the research we fund by asking
applicants to clarify why the stages proposed
are appropriate to the state of knowledge of
the topic they are addressing. We are not
weighting our research investment in favor of
any stage, unless the specific circumstances
warrant focus on a particular stage of
research.
It will be up to applicants to propose and
justify methods to conduct research at any
stage of research. We do not intend that
identification of stages of research will limit
applicants in their methods for conducting
studies, and we plan that peer review will
determine if the methods are appropriate.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter suggested that
NIDRR is prioritizing interventions research
and asked if NIDRR’s funding will allow it
to support such research.
Discussion: We have articulated our belief
that, at a broad level, all of our research is
conducted with the goal of creating
interventions that support changes in
programs, policies, and practices that
improve outcomes for individuals with
disabilities. We are aware that available
funding may not allow for scaling up
interventions to a large number of sites;
however, we hope to promote and, as
feasible, support this critical stage of testing
research findings in the real world.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked if
NIDRR would consider funding projects that
seek to advance methodology as well as
service delivery.
Discussion: Nothing in the Plan prohibits
any applicant from seeking to advance
methodology, and we do not intend to fund
only research on service delivery.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked how
NIDRR will ensure that panel reviewers
understand the stages of research and the
variations in applications across disciplines,
and whether NIDRR will provide guidelines
or templates to reviewers.
Discussion: NIDRR’s peer review criteria
for research have been and will be applied
to all applicants regardless of the academic
discipline or perspective of the applicant.
Research review criteria will define and
support the stages concept generally but will
not establish specific standards for any stage.
We are developing new peer reviewer
training materials and will incorporate the
stages of research approach.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter recommended
that NIDRR incorporate the stages of research
approach into its priority setting process for
center grants.
Discussion: We assume that this
commenter was referring to the
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
(RRTCs) and the Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers (RERCs). NIDRR will ask
center applicants to use the proposed stages
of research framework to explain their
proposed research. We may also require this
framework in applications for non-center
grants such as DRRPs and other research
programs.
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Change: None.
Comments: One commenter expressed
concern that the stages of research approach
could stifle innovation and be applied in a
formulaic manner. This commenter suggested
that NIDRR have an ongoing role in
implementing, and in training researchers on,
the stages of research framework.
Discussion: We see no circumstances in
which the stages of research could in any
way diminish innovation, but we do agree
that ongoing discussion and training on the
stages of research framework and the wide
diversity of research methods and topics that
can be subsumed within them will be
helpful.
Change: None.
3. Low-Incidence Populations
Comments: One commenter recommended
that NIDRR-funded centers and projects enter
into partnerships with entities that have
expertise in the needs of low-incidence
populations to address policy and systems
implications for these populations.
Discussion: In the Plan’s knowledge
translation (KT) requirements, we recognize
the need for all NIDRR-funded centers and
projects to involve relevant stakeholders. As
stated in Objective 3.1, all of NIDRR’s centers
and projects will carry out KT activities, and
a key component of KT is requiring grantees
to involve relevant stakeholders in the design
and conduct of research activities to optimize
the relevance and use of proposed outputs.
We believe that this expectation will
encourage researchers to engage in
partnerships with individuals and entities
with appropriate expertise related to
important target populations, including
persons with low-incidence conditions.
Change: None.
Comments: Two commenters
recommended that one or more of NIDRR’s
programs address the needs of a wide variety
of disabilities, including low-incidence
disabilities.
Discussion: The Plan’s introduction
discusses how NIDRR fulfills its mission
through research, development, and
dissemination and related activities that
contribute to the independence, inclusion,
employment, and health and function of
individuals of all ages and degrees of
disability, including low-incidence
disabilities. NIDRR recognizes the
importance of research on low-incidence
disabilities. While in the past NIDRR
priorities may have specified target
populations, its new, more field-initiated
approach, as discussed in the Plan, will
increase opportunities for researchers to
target specific low-incidence populations.
Change: The Plan’s description of the fieldinitiated process now indicates that these
projects may choose to focus on specific
disability populations, including lowincidence populations.
4. Applicability of Knowledge Translation
Activities
Comments: Three commenters questioned
the applicability of the KT activities
described in the Plan to all NIDRR-funded
projects. One of these commenters also
suggested that NIDRR provide additional
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guidelines to applicants and peer reviewers
about how different types of KT would apply
to different types of projects.
Discussion: Our descriptions of KT
activities are intentionally general and broad.
We expect applicants to select and justify
their specific KT activities based on the
nature of their project and the associated
stakeholder groups. We are confident that
NIDRR peer reviewers will be able to discern
whether the proposed KT activities will be
beneficial and productive uses of resources to
meet the needs and expectations of
stakeholders.
Change: None.
5. Design or Effectiveness of Specific NIDRR
‘‘Capacity-building’’ Programs
Comments: One commenter questioned
whether there is a requirement that centers
be based at a university and expressed a
concern that this would be a barrier to broad
dissemination of RRTCs.
Discussion: There is no requirement in the
Plan that RRTCs be based at universities. In
fact, such a requirement would be
inconsistent with 34 CFR 350.21, which
requires an RRTC to be operated by or in
conjunction with (a) one or more institutions
of higher education; or (b) one or more
providers of rehabilitation or other
appropriate services. The same flexible
collaboration requirement also applies to
RERCs.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked how
NIDRR will link stages of research to its
investment in capacity building.
Discussion: At the present time, NIDRR’s
investments in capacity building are fieldinitiated in nature, meaning that applicants
propose and justify capacity-building
activities in response to regulatory
requirements rather than in response to
NIDRR-developed priorities. NIDRR has no
plans to change this at the present time, but
could propose more directed capacity
building if deemed necessary. We expect that
our focus on stages of research will result in
changes in the types if research that our
grantees carry out and that this will help
contribute to increased capacity in the field
to carry out research at all stages.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter noted that the
proposed Plan contains no reference to the
July 2011 NIDRR-sponsored Research
Capacity-Building Summit and asks how
NIDRR proposes to further the summit
recommendations related to development of
young investigators, especially individuals
from minority serving institutions and
individuals with disabilities
Discussion: The commenter is correct. The
Plan does not specifically refer to research
capacity building or to the results of the July
2011 summit nor to other NIDRR-sponsored
events, conferences, or activities. The Plan
does state in the background section that
‘‘NIDRR is committed to maintaining its
focus on practical applications of research,
development, knowledge translation,
capacity building, technical assistance, and
information dissemination to improve the
lives of individuals with disabilities and
their families,’’ However, it may not fully
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clarify NIDRR’s goal of enhancing capacity to
conduct disability and rehabilitation
research, including its focus on capacity
building for minority-serving institutions and
individuals with disabilities.
Change: A new Objective 2.4 was added:
NIDRR will provide for the training of
emerging talent and leadership in research
and development. The objective indicates a
special commitment to support the
development of individuals with disabilities
and individuals from minority backgrounds.
Comments: One commenter asked if
NIDRR will consider funding mechanisms
that promote new investigators.
Discussion: We agree that promoting new
investigators is important to the future of
rehabilitation and disability research.
However, NIDRR already employs two grant
mechanisms with the expressed purpose of
providing research training to qualified
individuals, including new investigators—
the Advanced Rehabilitation Research
Training (ARRT) Projects and the Switzer
Research Fellowship Program. NIDRR also
provides funding for practical research
training of hundreds of graduate students and
post-doctoral fellows participating in its
other programs.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter suggested a
review of the Switzer Research Fellowship
Program to assess the current need for the
program and how it might better meet the
needs of research professionals.
Discussion: We agree that it is important
for NIDRR to conduct periodic assessments of
its various programs. NIDRR is currently
developing a long-term evaluation plan that
will include recommendations for evaluating
NIDRR programs, including the Switzer
Research Fellowship Program. In addition,
we also anticipate that, when formed, the
RRAC will advise NIDRR on the relative
value of its various programs, including the
Switzer Research Fellowship Program.
Change: None.
6. Improve Peer Review Process
Comments: Comments on peer review
either provided specific recommendations for
improving the peer review process or asked
about specific methods for improving the
peer review process. Two commenters asked
whether NIDRR would implement standing
panels of reviewers, while another asked
more specifically whether standing panels
would be created around research stages or
domains. One commenter suggested that
NIDRR does not often recruit new reviewers
onto its review panels and that it should do
so more often. Another commenter requested
that NIDRR provide additional training to
reviewers to improve the feedback that they
provide to applicants. One of the commenters
asked specifically how we would recruit
reviewers with engineering expertise or those
with expertise in implementing the outputs
and products of NIDRR’s grants.
Discussion: NIDRR understands the
importance of the peer review process. We
appreciate the commenters’ questions and
their recommendations for optimizing the
quality of our peer review process. NIDRR
currently maintains a standing panel for its
Field-Initiated Projects (FIPs) program. We
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anticipate that, as we create more
opportunities for applicants to submit
proposals in response to field-initiated
research and development priorities, we may
be able to create standing panels of reviewers
to evaluate these applications. At the same
time, NIDRR continuously and actively
recruits new, highly-qualified reviewers into
its reviewer pool and onto its review panels.
The Department’s policy of allowing
reviewers to serve on standing panels for no
more than three consecutive years promotes
an effective mix of experienced reviewers
and those with fresh perspectives. NIDRR
will determine how we structure the specific
expertise on our panels as we develop and
publish our priorities in the coming years.
Regarding training of peer reviewers, NIDRR
is creating Web-based training tools to
improve the quality and consistency of
training that NIDRR peer reviewers receive.
Change: None.
7. Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council
Comments: One commenter asked about
the relationship between NIDRR’s approach
to knowledge translation and the role of the
RRAC. Another commenter asked how
members of the RRAC will be selected—
whether members will be chosen to represent
NIDRR’s project areas or primary research
and development domains, or whether
members will be selected to represent
specific disability types. In addition, this
commenter asked how NIDRR will structure
the RRAC’s membership to avoid neglect of
underserved communities.
Discussion: We view the RRAC as
consistent with, and as a contributor to, our
KT efforts. A key aspect of KT is to engage
stakeholders in defining the focus of research
and to create methods and products of
research dissemination that are appropriately
designed and accessible for those who can
improve the lives of people with disabilities.
This will be a central role of the RRAC when
formed.
The primary goals of the RRAC will be to
direct attention to the most pressing
problems facing persons with disabilities
collectively or within specific
subpopulations, to establish research and
development priorities that address those
problems, and to support effective methods
of getting research and development products
to people with disabilities and other
stakeholders. To do this, we will endeavor to
have balanced representation on the RRAC of
subpopulations of persons with disabilities
and their families, service providers,
policymakers, and individuals with expertise
in research, product development, and
information dissemination. Members will
include representatives of underserved and
relatively low-incidence disability
communities.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked how the
RRAC will work with NIDRR leadership.
Discussion: The RRAC will be advisory in
its role. We intend to listen carefully to the
advice of the RRAC and expect to be well
guided by it. Ultimately, however, after
weighing its advice, as well as input from
people with disabilities and other
stakeholders and NIDRR’s own assessment of
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the state-of-the-science, NIDRR will be
responsible for the content, balance, and
quality of its programs.
Change: None.
Comments: Two commenters asked how
transparent the RRAC will be and to what
extent members would communicate with
their constituencies.
Discussion: We will gather and make
available notes from RRAC meetings, but, to
facilitate frank and open discussions, no
attributions to individual members will be
made. RRAC members will be free, and
indeed encouraged, to communicate with
their constituencies about RRAC discussions
and recommendations, NIDRR priorities, and
the accomplishments of NIDRR programs and
projects.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter recommended
that the RRAC include members with
expertise in the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) and other disability law.
Discussion: While it is not clear in the
commenter’s assessment what might
constitute ADA or disability law expertise,
the RRAC will assuredly include persons
very familiar with the ADA and its
significance to NIDRR-funded research and
development.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter suggested that
the RRAC coordinate with other Federal
agencies on disability and rehabilitation
research.
Discussion: We believe this suggestion
extends beyond what we can reasonably
require of the RRAC and its members.
Currently NIDRR coordinates the Interagency
Committee on Disability Research (ICDR), as
authorized by 29 U.S.C. 763, and is
responsible for promoting interagency
coordination of, and collaboration on,
research related to the rehabilitation of
individuals with disabilities. We are
committed to active engagement and
coordination with other Federal agencies and
will provide the RRAC with information
regarding such activities and will solicit
advice from the RRAC regarding current and
potential collaborations. If RRAC members so
elect, we are open to including Federal
agency representatives at RRAC meetings as
ex-officio members or invited participants.
This decision will be left to the RRAC and
its judgment about what will promote the
most productive discussions.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked for
assurances that the RRAC will include
appropriate advisors, including assistive
technology providers, engineers,
manufacturers, and distributors of assistive
technologies.
Discussion: We envision a relatively small,
but very well-informed RRAC, the size of
which would preclude representation of all
such important players in the development,
marketing, and effective use of assistive
technology. We will do our best to ensure
that RRAC membership has a sophistication
about and appreciation of assistive
technology development and use.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked how
representatives will be chosen and, once
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chosen, whether information on each
individual’s background and credentials will
be made public. Other commenters offered to
serve as or suggest members to the RRAC.
Discussion: Requests for nominations
(including self-nominations) to the RRAC
will be published in the Federal Register.
Once nominations have closed, we will select
members from among nominees based on
distribution of knowledge across disability
populations; familiarity with the challenges
faced by all or subpopulations of persons
with disabilities; familiarity with disability
research, development, and policy; and
direct experience with the lived experiences
of persons with disabilities. Once chosen, the
RRAC members, their qualifications, and
ways that they can be contacted will be
publicly available.
Change: None.
8. NIDRR Capacity To Monitor the Quality of
Its Research
Comments: Two comments addressed the
extent to which NIDRR’s commitment to
high-quality research included support of
project officers in monitoring and evaluating
the post-award research projects and the
extent to which NIDRR will invest in project
officer development to improve guidance and
evaluation of grantees.
Discussion: NIDRR has always emphasized
the importance of monitoring, and providing
guidance and technical assistance to, its
grantees. We have invested substantially in a
database that effectively monitors project
tasks, timelines, and product delivery. Our
staff is well trained and qualified to monitor,
evaluate, and provide needed technical
assistance to grantees. We invest as we can
in staff development in areas of topical
expertise and maximize the advantages of
being in Washington, DC and its many
professional development opportunities. We
recognize the demands of project monitoring
are substantial. We believe that moving a
greater share of our research and
development portfolio into field-initiated
grant programs will allow our project officers
to spend less time writing NIDRR-directed
priorities, and more time monitoring,
evaluating, and interacting with their
grantees.
Change: None.
9. Evaluation of Plan Goals and Objectives
Comments: Two commenters suggested
that NIDRR define the specific outcomes
expected to result from the Plan, including
measures of quality, and prepare an
evaluation plan that describes how these
outcomes will be monitored over time.
Discussion: We agree that we must gather,
analyze, and publicize the outcomes of
NIDRR programs and pay particular attention
to outcomes specifically referenced in the
Plan. This work is underway. We have
derived a core set of evaluation measures
from our electronic Annual Performance
Reporting (APR) database to which all
grantees submit data annually. The APR
gathers specific information on the status of
each NIDRR-funded project, as well as data
directly relevant to Plan objectives. For
example, the APR collects data to monitor
balance across our three primary domains
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and broad disability groupings by research
methodologies employed and the distribution
of funding levels and types of projects. The
APR also gathers annual reports on outputs
and impacts, ranging from articles in peerreviewed journals, citations of NIDRR-funded
research in peer-reviewed journals,
technologies developed, graduate-school and
post-doctoral researchers trained, and the
nature and extent of adoption of research and
development products. In addition, we are
currently developing a 10-year evaluation
plan to assess the quality and quantity of
NIDRR outputs, outcomes, and impacts
related to our long-range objectives. The
evaluation plan will include a variety of data
collection activities of different periodicities
to be carried out over a 10-year cycle.
Change: None.
10. Specific Research Suggestions
Comments: Commenters suggested that
NIDRR ensure that the research it funds
addresses various financial, cultural,
psychological, socioeconomic, geographic,
and other factors affecting persons with
disabilities in each of NIDRR’s primary
domains. Commenters further suggested that
the Plan would be strengthened by
emphasizing the interconnections of the
individuals’ biological and psychological
well-being and their social and economic
circumstances. Commenters further
suggested that we be clear that the health and
function domain includes mental health as
well as physical health, that medical
rehabilitation includes cognitive
rehabilitation, and that we make other
clarifications to avoid overly narrow
interpretations of NIDRR domains.
Discussion: We have purposely avoided
listing the full range of impairments and the
complex interpersonal and external factors in
the lives of persons with disabilities and the
interactions among them. We believe that
trying to do so would diminish our focus on
clear, relevant, and scientifically-sound cases
for proposed research that will be important
to specified populations of persons with
disabilities. We are confident that our peer
reviewers will understand the importance of
the variety of factors and interactions
described in the comment and will make
recommendations for funding based on the
adequacy of the proposed research to
appropriately address both individual and
environmental factors.
Change: None.
11. Attention in Plan to Engineering and
Assistive Technology Development
Comments: Nine commenters expressed
concern that the Plan inadequately reflects
NIDRR’s commitment to engineering and
assistive technology development because it
does not mention ‘‘development’’ as clearly
and frequently as ‘‘research.’’
Discussion: We remain fully committed to
engineering and assistive technology
development, including through our RERC
program, but we recognize that our Plan may
have inadequately communicated that
commitment.
Change: We have clarified NIDRR’s
commitment to engineering and assistive
technology throughout the document with
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specific references to ‘‘research and
development’’ and in our responses to the
related comments that follow.
Comments: Three commenters suggested
that NIDRR should include in the Plan a
‘‘stages of development’’ framework parallel
to the ‘‘stages of research’’ framework to
demonstrate NIDRR’s commitment to
development projects and to guide the
applications of those who propose
development projects.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees with this
comment.
Change: In our discussion in Objective
2.2—Develop and adopt a framework for
development to support the design, creation,
testing, and uptake of assistive technology,
engineering, and other products to improve
the lives of people with disabilities, we have
stated our intention to work with
stakeholders to develop and adopt a
framework for development projects.
Comments: Two commenters suggested
that NIDRR explicitly recognize the
importance of assistive technology for
addressing communication impairments,
including communication impairments of
individuals with low-incidence conditions.
Discussion: We agree that such
specification is warranted.
Change: The Technology for Access and
Function section of the Plan has been revised
to recognize the importance of assistive
technology that enhances communication
capabilities, including for individuals from
low-incidence populations.
Comments: One commenter recommended
that the term ‘‘universal design’’ be
referenced in multiple places in the Plan.
Discussion: We are committed to the
concept of universal design, that is, the
design of products and environments to be
useable by all people without the need for
adaptations or special design. We are proud
of NIDRR’s foundational work in the
development and implementation of the
concept of universal design. We do not,
however, believe that the concept needs to be
repeated throughout the Plan.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter recommended
that NIDRR expand its description of its
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
program to be more inclusive of research
related to training methodologies and
dissemination techniques.
Discussion: We agree that, as written in the
proposed Plan, the SBIR program may seem
limited to the production of assistive and
rehabilitation technologies. However,
NIDRR’s SBIR program grants have been and
are awarded for projects that (1) Meet
NIDRR’s broad definition of research and
development, (2) appear to have commercial
potential, and (3) are related to disability and
rehabilitation. We do not think it is advisable
to potentially narrow NIDRR’s broad
definition of research and development by
enumerating specific categories of permitted
research.
Change: The Plan language concerning the
SBIR program has been modified to indicate
that ‘‘SBIR grants support the design and
production of new assistive and
rehabilitation technologies, including
research, development, training, and
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dissemination products with commercial
potential and benefit to persons with
disabilities.’’
Comments: One commenter recommended
that NIDRR expressly acknowledge that
individuals with disabilities interact with
several environments, including specifically
and increasingly a technological
environment.
Discussion: We agree. Technology
advances and changes at great speed and
must be kept accessible and usable by all
individuals. Increasingly people with
disabilities interact in physical, social, and
technological environments.
Change: The Technology for Access and
Function section of the Plan has been revised
to reflect the importance of the technology
environment with which persons with
disabilities interact. Specifically, and as
discussed in prior, related comments, an
objective for creating and adopting a
framework for technology development has
been added to the Plan. Further, the relevant
sentence in the Technology for Access and
Function section has been rewritten to
provide that NIDRR will focus on assistive
technology devices that enhance the
physical, sensory, cognitive, and
communication capabilities of individuals
with disabilities.
Comments: One commenter asked why we
do not express intent to engage
manufacturers and clinicians who are
responsible for delivering interventions to
the target audiences through commercial
market mechanisms.
Discussion: We believe this is inherent to
the development process and will be
conveyed through the proposed ‘‘stages of
development’’ framework.
Change: None.
12. Products and Industry
Comments: One commenter expressed
concern about the lack of mention of
‘‘products’’ and ‘‘industry’’ (along with
‘‘policies’’ and ‘‘practices’’) in the Plan’s
introduction.
Discussion: We agree that including the
word ‘‘products’’ will make the statement
more comprehensive and better represent
NIDRR’s intent. We do not believe that
‘‘industry’’ warrants inclusion as we did not
intend to list the parties involved in the
development of such policies, practices, and
products.
Change: The final paragraph in the
Introduction to the Plan was revised to read:
‘‘NIDRR’s portfolio of research and
development activities will range from the
identification of the needs and opportunities
of individuals with disabilities to the
widespread implementation of effective,
evidence-based policies, practices, and
products that respond to those needs and
opportunities. NIDRR recognizes that the
development of effective, evidence-based
policies, practices, and products is as
dependent on the exploration and
description stage of research and
development as it is on experimental and
quasi-experimental trials and other welldesigned tests of potentially effective
interventions, programs, and products.’’
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13. Primary Domains of Focus
Comments: There were two comments
suggesting that, by focusing on topical
domains, NIDRR ‘‘obscures the specificity of
needs within each disability group’’ and that
RRTCs should focus on specific disability
populations rather than on broad domains.
Discussion: We understand this concern,
particularly among those stakeholders
focused on certain specific conditions. Many
RRTCs are focused on an intersection of
broad disability category (e.g., psychiatric,
cognitive/developmental, physical, or
sensory impairments) and one of our primary
domains (e.g., an RRTC on employment of
persons with psychiatric disability). We
understand that the commenters might not
view a distinction such as physical disability
as sufficiently precise to capture the
‘‘specificity of needs’’ of all persons who
might have one of many different conditions
or impairments causing physical disability.
Funding limitations simply preclude NIDRR
from paying specific attention to many
impairments and conditions that might
benefit from designated RRTCs. We have
committed to expanding funding of fieldinitiated programs to allow applicants to
make a case for the value of programs in one
or more domains that would focus on the
specific needs of subpopulations within
broad categories such as physical disability.
We feel that there is sufficient flexibility
within our broad domains for applicants to
address the needs of subpopulations with
specific disabilities or to attend to specific
subtopics within the broader domains. The
peer review process will assess the value of
these proposals. We are concerned that
efforts to further specify populations and
topics of interest would only reduce
perceived opportunities for applicants to
propose well-designed and innovative
projects that address the wide variety of
potential subtopics and subpopulations.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter noted that we
did not provide a rationale for the ordering
of domains, specifically that employment
was listed first, followed by community
living and participation and then health and
function. In the commenter’s judgment,
health and function should be listed first
because it is relevant to all persons with
disabilities, while the others pertain to a
subset.
Discussion: We mean to convey no priority
with regard to the ordering of NIDRR’s three
primary domains. We are also committed to
the proposition that employment and
community living and participation will
someday, with the assistance of sound
research, not pertain to just a subset of
persons with disabilities.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter noted that the
Plan regards research on health and function
as critical to well-being across the lifespan,
but it does not define lifespan.
Discussion: We intended ‘‘across the
lifespan’’ to mean for persons of all ages. We
believe that lifespan issues may be studied
cross-sectionally (health issues tend to be
different for people of different ages and with
different disabilities) and they may be
studied longitudinally (an individual’s health
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issues change over time but may be affected
by lifestyle and directed interventions). We
would welcome well-designed research and
development projects with either (or another)
focus.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter suggested that
community living and participation as a
domain does not sufficiently reflect the
importance of social relationships.
Discussion: We are committed to people
with disabilities being both in the
community and part of the community. We
welcome applications that design and
evaluate interventions that go beyond
physical integration to achieving social
inclusion and interpersonal relationships.
Change: None.
14. Centers of Excellence
Comments: Two commenters asked for
clarification of the expectations about the
concept of ‘‘Centers of Excellence.’’
Discussion: ‘‘Centers of National
Excellence’’ is a term that was added to the
description of RRTCs by Congress in the last
reauthorization of NIDRR. RRTCs, as Centers
of Excellence, are expected to serve as
‘‘national resource centers’’ for the topics and
populations they address. We agree with the
commenter that introduction of the new term
‘‘Centers of Excellence’’ to describe RRTCs is
unnecessarily confusing.
Change: In the RRTC criteria, we will
continue to require that RRTCs serve as
‘‘national resource centers’’ and continue to
expect excellence from them, but we will
eliminate the designation of ‘‘Centers of
Excellence.’’
15. Types of Programs Within the NIDRR
Portfolio
Comments: Two commenters indicated
that the information about the types of
programs that are administered by NIDRR is
not clear.
Discussion: NIDRR’s programs are
designated in its authorizing legislation
located in sections 200 through 205 of the
Rehabilitation Act, as amended. We manage
these programs in a manner consistent with
the authorizing statute, regulations
established in 34 CFR parts 350 through 359,
and annual appropriations bills.
Change: None.
[FR Doc. 2013–07879 Filed 4–3–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Environmental Management SiteSpecific Advisory Board Chairs
Department of Energy.
Notice of Open Webinar.
AGENCY:
wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
ACTION:
This notice announces a
webinar of the Environmental
Management Site-Specific Advisory
Board (EM SSAB) Chairs. The Federal
Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public
notice of this webinar be announced in
the Federal Register.
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:48 Apr 03, 2013
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Thursday, April 25, 2013 1:00
p.m.–5:30 p.m.
20311
DATES:
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy
Catherine Alexander, Designated
Federal Officer, U.S. Department of
Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20585; Phone:
(202) 586–7711.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of the Board: The purpose of
the Board is to make recommendations
to DOE–EM and site management in the
areas of environmental restoration,
waste management, and related
activities.
Tentative Agenda Topics:
Æ DOE Headquarters News and Views
Æ EM Program Update
Æ EM Budget Update
Æ Waste Disposition Strategies
Æ EM SSAB Cross-Cutting Issues
Public Participation: The webinar is
open to the public. Members of the
public who would like to join the
proceedings should contact Elizabeth
Schmitt, Public Participation
Coordinator, by April 22, 2013 to
register and obtain access information.
Ms. Schmitt can be reached via email at
elizabeth.schmitt@em.doe.gov, or phone
at (202) 586–1135.
Written statements may be filed with
the Board either before or after the
meeting. Individuals who wish to make
oral statements pertaining to the agenda
during the webinar should contact
Elizabeth Schmitt, at the address or
telephone number listed above.
Requests must be received by April 22,
2013. The Designated Federal Officer is
empowered to conduct the meeting in a
fashion that will facilitate the orderly
conduct of business. Individuals
wishing to make public comments will
be provided a maximum of five minutes,
or as the agenda allows, to present
comments.
Minutes: Minutes will be available by
writing or calling Elizabeth Schmitt at
the address or phone number listed
above. Minutes will also be available at
the following Web site: https://
energy.gov/em/services/communicationengagement/em-site-specific-advisoryboard-em-ssab/chairs-meetings.
Issued at Washington, DC on March 29,
2013.
LaTanya R. Butler,
Deputy Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2013–07831 Filed 4–3–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4703
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State Energy Advisory Board; Meeting
Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of Open Meeting.
AGENCY:
This notice announces a
Board meeting of the State Energy
Advisory Board (STEAB). The Federal
Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
463; 86 Stat. 770) requires that public
notice of these meetings be announced
in the Federal Register.
DATES:
June 25, 2013; 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
June 26, 2013; 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
ADDRESSES: Double Tree by Hilton Hotel
Washington, DC—Crystal City (in the
Jefferson Meeting Room), 300 Army
Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22202.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gil
Sperling, STEAB Designated Federal
Officer, U.S. Department of Energy,
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, 1000 Independence
Ave SW., Washington, DC 20585.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose of the Board: To make
recommendations to the Assistant
Secretary for the Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy
regarding goals and objectives,
programmatic and administrative
policies, and to otherwise carry out the
Board’s responsibilities as designated in
the State Energy Efficiency Programs
Improvement Act of 1990 (Pub. L. No.
101–440).
Tentative Agenda: Receive in person
updates and reviews of accomplishment
of STEAB’s Subcommittee and
Taskforces, meet with key members of
DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy (EERE) to discuss
current initiatives and programs,
participate in round-table discussions
with EERE program directors, explore
energy innovative financing options,
discuss strategic planning opportunities,
and update to the Board on routine
business matters and other topics of
interest.
Public Participation: The meeting is
open to the public. Written statements
may be filed with the Board either
before or after the meeting. Members of
the public who wish to make oral
statements pertaining to agenda items
should contact Gil Sperling at the
address listed above. Requests to make
oral comments must be received five
days prior to the meeting; reasonable
provision will be made to include
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\04APN1.SGM
04APN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 65 (Thursday, April 4, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20299-20311]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-07879]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research;
Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years 2013-2017
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces the publication of the final Long-
Range Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2013-2017 (Plan) for the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Services (NIDRR). This Plan
provides an overview of NIDRR's goals and objectives, identifies
contributions that NIDRR research has made to improve the lives of
individuals
[[Page 20300]]
with disabilities, and presents NIDRR's specific goals and objectives
for the next five years.
DATES: This Plan is effective May 6, 2013.
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 text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Plan presents a five-year research
agenda anchored in NIDRR's legislative authority, consumer goals, and
scientific initiatives. Section 202(h) of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended (Act), requires NIDRR's Director to prepare the Plan
and establishes the Plan's purposes as follows:
(1) To identify activities to be conducted under NIDRR's authority
``respecting the full inclusion and integration into society of
individuals with disabilities.''
(2) To identify funding priorities for the activities to be
conducted.
(3) To specify goals and timetables for the activities to be
conducted by NIDRR over the next five years.
NIDRR published a notice of proposed long-range plan for FY 2013-
2017 (proposed Plan) on April 18, 2012 (70 FR 23231-23237). The Act
requires that NIDRR consider all public comments received regarding the
proposed Plan and then transmit the final Plan to Congress.
Analysis of Comments and Changes: In response to our invitation in
the notice of proposed Plan, NIDRR received 145 comments. We categorize
127 of these comments into 15 subject areas and provide responses to
comments that suggested changes in the proposed Plan. We do not address
the 18 other general comments because they do not propose changes to
the Plan. Generally, we do not address technical and other minor
changes. An analysis of the comments and changes in the Plan since
publication of the proposed Plan is published as an appendix at the end
of this notice.
Final Long-Range Plan
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Long-Range Plan for
Fiscal Years 2013-2017
Preface
The introductory section of the National Institute on Disability
and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Years
(FY) 2013-2017 (Plan) provides basic background about NIDRR and the
Plan. The background explains NIDRR's mission, its intention for the
Plan, and how the Plan will shape NIDRR's priorities. The second
section of the Plan provides a brief summary of NIDRR's goals and
objectives. The third section of the Plan provides background
information about NIDRR's legislative mandate and purpose, NIDRR's
applied approach to disability and rehabilitation research, how that
approach is improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, and
how NIDRR's grant mechanisms will structure NIDRR's research and
development programs. Section four of the Plan details NIDRR's goals
and objectives for the next five years.
I. Introduction
NIDRR has a broad and complex mission. NIDRR must support the
generation of new knowledge and promote its effective use to (1)
improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities to participate
in community activities of their choice and (2) enhance society's
capacity to provide opportunities and accommodations for these
individuals. NIDRR fulfills its mission through research, development,
and dissemination and related activities designed to contribute to the
independence, inclusion, employment, and health and function of
individuals of all ages with all types and degrees of disability,
including low-incidence disability. As the number of Americans with
disabilities is projected to increase substantially over the next two
decades, the importance of fulfilling NIDRR's mission will only grow
(Institute of Medicine, 2007. The future of disability in America.
Washington, DC: National Academies Press).
NIDRR's Plan includes priorities, goals, and objectives to make
manifest the direction that NIDRR intends for FYs 2013 through 2017.
NIDRR will begin implementing all goals at the beginning of FY 2013.
Over the life of the Plan, NIDRR will further refine the priorities,
goals, objectives, and timelines to reflect the evolution of science
and technology, the needs of individuals with disabilities, and the
input of interested stakeholders, as the completion of the funding
cycles of current centers and projects allow. Proposed refinements to
this Plan will be published in the Federal Register for public comment
and review. NIDRR will also establish and actively solicit the guidance
of the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council (RRAC), which is
authorized under section 205(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended (Act). The RRAC will engage individuals with disabilities and,
as appropriate, their representatives; community rehabilitation and
service professionals, including providers of assistive technologies;
rehabilitation researchers and engineers; and other stakeholders. With
this input, the RRAC will advise NIDRR as to how its programs may
better serve its established principles. The three principles that
NIDRR will employ to guide the implementation of the Plan and the
administration of its programs are balance, quality, and relevance.
``Balance'' refers to the management of NIDRR's resource
allocations across three dimensions: (1) The three outcome domains of
individual well-being (i.e., employment, community living and
participation, and health and function); (2) populations of focus; and
(3) who, whether NIDRR or the grant applicant, defines the specific
approach to a disability or rehabilitation research topic.
``Quality'' refers to the scientific merit of the research and
development activities, whatever the method employed, and the
appropriateness of the methods to the topic, question, or problem being
addressed.
``Relevance'' refers to the likelihood that proposed research and
development activities will make a substantial contribution to the
well-being of individuals with disabilities, recognizing that the
benefits of such activities may not always be direct or immediate.
NIDRR's peer review process will help increase the quality and
relevance of NIDRR-funded research and development activities. NIDRR is
committed to the goal that every eligible application for NIDRR funding
will be reviewed by a knowledgeable panel of experts in research,
development, policy, services and supports, and other areas appropriate
to the topic, including individuals with disabilities and, as
appropriate, family members.
NIDRR's priorities will be informed by assessments of the state of
the science, policy, and practice, the advice of the RRAC, and the
public's response to proposed priorities. NIDRR's portfolio of research
and development activities will range from the identification of the
[[Page 20301]]
needs and opportunities of individuals with disabilities to the
widespread implementation of effective, evidence-based policies,
practices, and products that respond to those needs and opportunities.
NIDRR recognizes that the development of effective, evidence-based
policies, practices, and products is as dependent on the exploration
and description stage of research and development as it is on
experimental and quasi-experimental trials and other well-designed
tests of potentially effective interventions, programs, and products.
II. Summary of NIDRR's Goals and Objectives
NIDRR will maintain a balanced portfolio of high-quality research
and development centers and projects that address the most important
problems and issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their
families. The following is a summary of NIDRR's goals and objectives
for FY 2013 through FY 2017.
Goal 1: Create a portfolio of research, development, and other
activities that balances domains, populations of focus, and who,
whether NIDRR or the grant applicant, defines the specific approach to
a disability or rehabilitation research topic.
Establish a balanced distribution of priorities focused on
improved outcomes in the domains of employment, community living and
participation, and health and function.
Establish a balanced distribution of priorities to address
the needs of individuals with different disabilities, personal
characteristics, and social circumstances.
Expand field-initiated research and development
opportunities to support innovation.
Goal 2: Support centers and projects that conduct well-designed
research and development activities using a range of appropriate
methods.
Adopt stages-of-research and stages-of-development
frameworks that will enhance NIDRR's efforts to generate evidence-based
policies, practices, and products.
Support a variety of research and development approaches,
as appropriate, to important topics and questions.
Provide for the training of emerging talent and leadership
in research and development.
Goal 3: Promote the effective use of knowledge in areas of
importance to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Increase and improve the capabilities and activities of
NIDRR research and engineering centers and projects to ensure the
accessibility and effectiveness of their work products.
Increase the use of input from stakeholders by NIDRR and
NIDRR-funded centers and projects.
Establish priorities that inform systems and policy
development, as well as interventions and inventions, to improve
individual outcomes.
Support research and development activities of relevance
that cut across disability categories and NIDRR's three domains.
Maintain effective ongoing investments and invest in new
initiatives of promise to address topics of importance to individuals
with disabilities and their families.
Goal 4: Improve program administration.
Streamline NIDRR's processes for establishing and
publishing priorities for grant competitions.
Establish and implement a consistent schedule of
competitions and peer reviews so that competition announcements are
predictable for potential applicants and peer reviewers.
Improve NIDRR's peer review processes.
III. Background
NIDRR was established by the 1978 amendments to the Act. As
specified in section 200 of the Act (29 U.S.C. 760), NIDRR's purpose is
to: (a) Provide for research, demonstration projects, training, and
related activities to maximize the full inclusion and integration into
society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic
and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities of all
ages, with particular emphasis on improving the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Act; (b) provide for a comprehensive and
coordinated approach to the support and conduct of such research,
demonstration projects, training, and related activities; (c) promote
the transfer of rehabilitation technology to individuals with
disabilities; (d) ensure the widespread distribution, in usable
formats, of practical scientific and technological information; (e)
identify effective strategies to enhance the opportunities of
individuals with disabilities to engage in employment, including
employment involving telecommuting and self-employment; and (f)
increase opportunities for researchers who are members of traditionally
underserved populations, including researchers who are members of
minority groups and researchers who are individuals with disabilities.
NIDRR is led by a director within the Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of
Education. OSERS has two other components: the Rehabilitation Services
Administration and the Office of Special Education Programs. NIDRR
works closely with these offices and other disability-related offices
and agencies across the Federal government.
NIDRR supports a wide range of rehabilitation research,
development, and other activities designed to assist individuals with
disabilities to achieve long-term outcomes such as independence,
community participation, employment, and good health. To maximize its
effectiveness in achieving such outcomes, NIDRR research and
development activities focus on the complex interaction of personal,
environmental, and supporting factors, including assistive
technologies. In its practical and applied focus, NIDRR seeks to play a
pivotal role in the relationship between the producers and consumers of
knowledge.
The value of NIDRR's applied focus on research and development can
be found in important advances in knowledge, practice, and public
policies that have derived fully or partially from it. In recent years
these have included, but not been limited to, the development of
principles, standards, and applications of universal design; the
development of standards and applications to enhance accessibility of
the World Wide Web and the design of accessibility features for
information technology devices, such as computers and cell phones;
widespread applications of technology to rehabilitation including
telerehabilitation and national Internet-based workforce training
systems; improved understanding and treatments of the long-term
consequences of spinal cord injury, burn injury, and traumatic brain
injury; development of rehabilitation and community supports for
individuals recovering from psychiatric conditions; understanding of
the costs and outcomes of deinstitutionalization and the development of
community supports for individuals with disabilities; better
understanding of factors and practices contributing to the employment
experience of individuals with disabilities; improvements in way
finding and other mobility aides for individuals with cognitive or
sensory conditions; and ongoing analysis of national disability
statistics to guide policy and practice. NIDRR is committed to
maintaining its focus on
[[Page 20302]]
practical applications of research, development, knowledge translation,
capacity building, technical assistance, and information dissemination
to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their
families.
NIDRR currently employs nine mechanisms to make grant awards.
Funding allocation within these mechanisms depends on the overall
funding available to NIDRR, NIDRR's topical priorities for that year,
and the size of the funding commitments for grants awarded in previous
years. On average, about 25 percent of NIDRR's grants end each year.
NIDRR's grant mechanisms are as follows:
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)
conduct coordinated, advanced research to maximize the health and
function of, the social and economic independence of, and
rehabilitation methods and service delivery systems for individuals
with disabilities. RRTCs also serve as national resource centers in
their areas of focus.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)
conduct programs of advanced engineering and technical research and
development activities designed to enhance opportunities, solve
rehabilitation problems, and remove environmental barriers for
individuals with disabilities. RERCs provide for the cost-effective
delivery and use of assistive technology devices.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs)
emphasize a broad range of research and development projects, training,
and knowledge translation on rehabilitation topics. DRRPs have ranged
from collecting longitudinal data on spinal cord, traumatic brain, and
burn injuries to studying the effects of health care coordination.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network
Regional Centers provide information, technical assistance, and
training in areas related to the mandates of the ADA. These centers
form a national network and assist disability organizations,
individuals with disabilities, businesses, public agencies, and the
general public in understanding and fulfilling the purposes of the ADA.
Model Systems in Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain
Injury, and Burn Injury provide model rehabilitation services and
supports to individuals after injury. The Model Systems conduct center-
specific research projects and a collaborative program of research,
longitudinal data collection, and dissemination.
Field-Initiated Projects address disability and
rehabilitation topics in promising and innovative ways based on the
applicant's perception of needed research or development. These
projects attend to a wide range of topics and target populations,
including low-incidence populations.
Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Projects provide
support to institutions of higher education to recruit qualified post-
doctoral individuals with clinical, management, or basic research
experience and prepare them for careers in disability and
rehabilitation research.
Switzer Research Fellowships give individual researchers
opportunities to develop new ideas, gain research experience, and
concentrate on specific lines of research. NIDRR supports Switzer
Fellows for one year as they conduct independent research projects.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants are
administered by NIDRR as a part of the larger mandatory Federal SBIR
program. NIDRR's SBIR grants support the design and production of new
assistive and rehabilitation technologies, including the research,
development, and dissemination of, and training with respect to,
products with commercial potential and with benefit to individuals with
disabilities. This two-phase program takes a rehabilitation-related
product from development toward market readiness.
NIDRR funds are awarded competitively on the basis of advice
received through a peer review process to ensure the quality and
integrity of the NIDRR portfolio. Researchers, methodologists,
rehabilitation engineers, and other experts, including individuals with
disabilities and their families, serve on panels made up of three to
seven individuals. These experts review proposals according to the
selection criteria in the application package for the competition.
NIDRR's peer review process is designed to ensure the scientific
quality of NIDRR's portfolio, its contributions to the well-being of
individuals with disabilities, and its relevance to the needs of the
disability and rehabilitation communities. NIDRR continues to focus on
improving the quality of its peer review process, including by
addressing the specific recommendations for the peer review process
made in the November 2011 review of NIDRR by the National Academy of
Sciences (NAS)/National Research Council (2011). (Review of disability
and rehabilitation research: NIDRR grantmaking processes and products.
Washington, DC: National Academies Press.)
IV. Goals and Objectives
NIDRR will pursue the following goals and objectives for FY 2013
through FY 2017.
Goal 1: Create a portfolio of research, development, and other
activities that is balanced in terms of domains, populations of focus,
and who, whether NIDRR or the grant applicant, defines the specific
approach to a disability or rehabilitation research topic.
Objective 1.1--Establish a balanced distribution of priorities
focused on improved outcomes in the domains of employment, community
living and participation, and health and function.
One of the congressional findings in Sec. 2.(a)(3) of the Act
states that ``disability is a natural part of the human experience and
in no way diminishes the right of individuals to (A) Live
independently; (B) enjoy self-determination; (C) make choices; (D)
contribute to society; (E) pursue meaningful careers; and (F) enjoy
full inclusion and integration in the * * * mainstream of American
society.'' An individual's opportunity to enjoy these rights depends on
an interaction between the individual and the physical and social
environment. Within each of its domains, NIDRR will support research,
development, and other activities that gather and use knowledge of
systems, environments, technologies, and individual characteristics,
goals, and behaviors to support the fulfillment of such rights.
Employment
Employment and earnings are essential to independence, self-
determination, and contribution to society. NIDRR will support centers
and projects to address unemployment, underemployment, and unnecessary
dependency on public benefits. NIDRR will support activities to improve
opportunities for employment that are consistent with an individual's
abilities, interests, and career aspirations. NIDRR will also support
research and development activities that examine employment policies
and practices, vocational rehabilitation services, and technologies and
accommodations that contribute to improved employment and career
outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Community Living and Participation
NIDRR is committed to improving the opportunities and abilities of
individuals with disabilities to live as integrated members of their
communities and to participate in community activities of their choice.
NIDRR will fund activities consistent
[[Page 20303]]
with the underlying principles of the independent living programs
authorized under the Act and the ADA as affirmed in the U.S. Supreme
Court's 1999 decision in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581. NIDRR will
support centers and projects to increase community living and
participation through improvements in policy, services and support
delivery, assistive technologies, environmental modifications, and
person-centered planning and therapeutic interventions.
Health and Function
Maximizing health and function among people with disabilities is
critical to achieving the goals of employment, community living and
participation, and individual well-being across the lifespan. NIDRR
will support centers and projects on health and function that improve
understanding of the health status, health needs, and health care
access of individuals with disabilities. These centers and projects
will also develop and test interventions, including public policy
interventions, to improve health outcomes, increase or maintain
functional abilities, and contribute to more effective medical
rehabilitation and long-term services and supports, including
integrated health and long-term service and support approaches.
Objective 1.2--Establish a balanced distribution of priorities to
address the needs of individuals with different disabilities, personal
characteristics, and social circumstances.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)
NIDRR will establish RRTCs, as authorized in the Act. In addition
to being productive centers of relevant and well-designed research,
these RRTCs will serve as: (1) National resource centers for
individuals with disabilities and their representatives, families,
service providers, policymakers, and others; (2) informational and
technical assistance resources to individuals with disabilities and
their representatives, families, service providers, policymakers, and
others through conferences, workshops, public education programs, in-
service training programs, and similar activities; and (3) centers of
data gathering, analysis, and knowledge translation to address systems
and policy issues that affect individuals with disabilities of all
ages.
The RRTCs will address the needs of individuals of all ages with
psychiatric, intellectual and developmental, and physical disabilities,
as well as individuals with significant impairments of vision and
hearing. These centers will identify practices associated with positive
outcomes across NIDRR's domains and assess the status and effectiveness
of programs and service systems in achieving positive outcomes.
NIDRR will also establish RRTCs in such areas as:
Vocational rehabilitation.
Rural rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation of individuals from minority backgrounds.
Families with members with disabilities.
Disability statistics.
Rehabilitation Engineering and Research Centers (RERCs)
NIDRR will support RERCs to address the barriers confronted by
individuals with disabilities in all aspects of their lives. These
RERCs will address the needs of a wide range of individuals with
disabilities, including those with sensory and cognitive impairments.
They will address barriers confronted by persons with disabilities in
employment, community living and participation, and health and function
through technologies that accommodate communication, mobility, sensory
impairments, and other limitations.
NIDRR will establish RERCs that will address priorities within the
following four areas of rehabilitation engineering:
Rehabilitation strategies, techniques, and interventions.
Information and communication technologies.
Individual mobility and manipulation.
Physical access and transportation.
Objective 1.3--Expand field-initiated research and development
opportunities to support innovation.
In order to take advantage of the field's expertise, knowledge, and
creativity, NIDRR plans to provide an increased number of field-
initiated opportunities for research, demonstration, and development of
technological solutions to significant problems faced by individuals
with disabilities. These projects may choose to focus on specific
disability populations, including low-incidence populations. After
consulting with the RRAC, publishing the proposed priorities for
comment, and considering those comments, NIDRR will publish final
priorities that include broad topical areas from which applicants will
have the discretion to define a specific approach. Applicants also may
propose cross-domain projects that have the potential to make a
substantial contribution to solving significant problems.
Goal 2: Support centers and projects that conduct well-designed
research and development activities using a range of appropriate
methods.
Objective 2.1--Adopt a stages-of-research framework that will
enhance its efforts to generate evidence-based practices.
NIDRR will support a range of well-designed research methods using
a stages-of-research framework. When inviting applications for funding,
NIDRR will ask applicants to identify the stage of research appropriate
to their proposed research. Specification of the stage of research will
allow NIDRR to ensure that proposed research is evaluated by peer
reviewers who are knowledgeable about the stage of research and the
proposed research methods using appropriate selection criteria. NIDRR
will ask applicants to justify the stage of research proposed based on
the current state-of-knowledge on the topic as well as the importance
of the research questions and appropriateness of the methods proposed
to carry out the research. NIDRR's framework will include the following
stages of research:
Exploration and Description
Exploration and description have the research objective of
generating new and refined analyses of data, observational findings,
and other sources of information to establish the circumstances and
needs of persons with disabilities and to guide hypotheses and
theories. Exploration and description seek to advance the state of
knowledge regarding the status of individuals with disabilities and the
barriers to and facilitators of improved employment, community living
and participation, health and function, and other outcomes for
individuals with disabilities. This research stage may include
identifying or describing existing policies, practices, or products
that are associated with important aspects of the lives and needs of
individuals with disabilities or the outcomes of services and supports
provided to them. Results achieved under this research objective may be
used to inform new lines of research related to practices, programs, or
policies to inform decisions or priorities.
Intervention Development
Intervention development has the research objective of generating
and testing interventions that have the potential to improve outcomes
for individuals with disabilities. Intervention development involves
determining the features of possible interventions that are most
significant in achieving desired outcomes and the
[[Page 20304]]
measures that would be required to illustrate those outcomes,
specifying target populations, conducting field tests, and assessing
the feasibility of conducting a well-designed interventions study.
Results from this research objective may be used to inform the design
of a study to test the efficacy of an intervention.
Intervention Efficacy
Intervention efficacy has the research objective of evaluating and
testing whether an intervention is feasible, is practical, and can
yield positive outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Efficacy
research may assess the strength of an intervention, identify factors
associated with outcomes, and inform decisions about whether there is
sufficient evidence to support ``scaling-up'' an intervention to other
sites and contexts. Issues addressed may include training needed for
wide-scale implementation and approaches to evaluation of the
intervention in real-world applications.
Scale-up Evaluation
Scale-up evaluation has the research objective of evaluating
whether interventions are effective in producing improved outcomes for
individuals with disabilities when implemented in real-world settings.
This research tests the outcomes of evidence-based practices operating
in different settings. It examines the challenges to successful
replications and the circumstances and activities that contribute to
successful wide-scale adoption of interventions, programs, policies,
and technologies. Research in this area may also include well-designed
studies of interventions that have been widely adopted in practice but
lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness.
Objective 2.2--Develop and adopt a framework for development to
support the design, creation, testing, and uptake of assistive
technology, engineering, and other products to improve the lives of
people with disabilities.
To improve its management of centers and projects that develop
methods, procedures, and technologies to maximize inclusion,
independence, and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities,
NIDRR will develop and adopt a framework for development. This
framework will contribute to the effective review of applications for
funding, assist in describing and monitoring project activities, and
support evaluation of the utility and productivity of NIDRR's
investment in development projects. This framework will be created,
reviewed, and amended, as appropriate, in consultation with individuals
with disabilities, rehabilitation engineers and other developers and
providers of assistive technology, community rehabilitation and service
professionals, and other stakeholders.
Objective 2.3--Support a variety of research methods as appropriate
to important topics and research questions.
NIDRR will support quantitative and qualitative research
methodologies, as well as research approaches that combine both
methodologies. NIDRR will provide guidance on its expectations for the
various research methods.
Objective 2.4--Provide for the training of emerging talent and
leadership in research and development.
NIDRR will fulfill its statutory obligation to build the Nation's
capacity to conduct research and development activities that make
positive contributions to the lives of individuals with disabilities
across the domains of employment, community living and participation,
and health and function. NIDRR's capacity-building activities will
include fellowship programs and centers where emerging talent and
leadership in research and engineering will be developed. In these
capacity-building activities NIDRR will promote opportunities for
individuals with disabilities and individuals from minority
backgrounds.
Goal 3: Promote the generation and effective use of knowledge in
areas of importance to individuals with disabilities and their
families.
Objective 3.1--Ensure that NIDRR research centers and projects
provide access to, and effective use of, their research.
NIDRR will increase expectations that its research centers and
projects provide research-based knowledge and resources to individuals
with disabilities and their families, service providers, and
policymakers. NIDRR will support training, technical assistance, and
knowledge translation activities to enhance the capabilities of
individuals with disabilities, researchers, practitioners, and
organizations and agencies to use the best available information in
order to obtain desired outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
All of NIDRR's centers and projects will carry out knowledge
translation (KT) activities. KT promotes the use of research-based
knowledge to support the ability of individuals to live successfully in
society. KT requires that grantees involve relevant stakeholders in the
design and conduct of research activities to optimize the relevance and
use of proposed outputs, use tools such as systematic reviews and
research synthesis to assess and disseminate the information generated
through research, and translate research findings into information that
is usable by individuals with disabilities and their families,
practitioners, and policymakers.
Objective 3.2--Increase the use of input from stakeholders.
In order to ensure that its centers and projects address important
issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families,
NIDRR will develop and implement a process by which NIDRR may
continuously communicate with a wide range of stakeholders about
NIDRR's activities, solicit feedback on the impact of NIDRR's
investments, obtain recommendations for research topics, and gather
stakeholder input on NIDRR's Plan.
Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council
As authorized by section 205 of the Act and consistent with a
recommendation in the 2012 NAS review report, NIDRR will establish the
RRAC. The RRAC will advise NIDRR's Director on research priorities and
the need for revisions of the current Plan and on the development of
future long-range plans.
Improved Use of Information Technology
NIDRR will continue to upgrade its use of information technology,
including its Web site, in order to improve its information
dissemination activities, increase its capacity to obtain input and
feedback from stakeholders, and facilitate ongoing discussions with and
among NIDRR grantees, individuals with disabilities, and other
stakeholders.
Objective 3.3--Establish priorities that inform systems and policy
development as well as interventions to improve outcomes for
individuals.
Across its three domains, NIDRR will support centers and projects
that address systems and policy issues as well as interventions that
directly improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their
families.
Objective 3.4--Support topics of relevance that cut across
disability categories and NIDRR's three domains.
NIDRR will support important projects that cut across disability
categories or domains when such projects are relevant, well-designed,
and offer promise of significant benefit to multiple groups of
individuals with disabilities and their families. Examples of these
cross-cutting priorities will
[[Page 20305]]
include, but not be limited to, disability demographics and technology
for access and function.
Disability Demographics
Valid and reliable demographic data help all agencies and research
in the disability field. NIDRR will continue its work with other
Federal agencies to meet its statutory mandate to collaborate in
producing demographic and statistical data that describe the population
of individuals with disabilities. NIDRR's disability demographics
effort will generate and disseminate new and current information that
can be used by individuals with disabilities, service providers,
policymakers, and others working to identify and eliminate disparities
in employment, community living and participation, and health and
function.
Technology for Access and Function
For individuals with disabilities, technology plays a vital role in
improving function and increasing access, thereby enhancing the ability
to lead increasingly independent, secure, and productive lives. The
importance of accessibility for individuals with disabilities to the
existing and emerging technology environments in our homes, schools,
jobs, and communities cannot be overstated. At the individual level,
NIDRR will focus on assistive technology devices that enhance the
physical, sensory, cognitive, and communication capabilities of persons
with disabilities, including individuals from low-incidence
populations. At the systems level, NIDRR will promote the application
of technology research and development in ways that enhance community
integration, independence, productivity, competitiveness, and equal
opportunity by mitigating or eliminating barriers found in large social
systems such as public transportation, telecommunications, information
technology, commerce, and the built environment.
NIDRR will continue to support technology-related research and
development centers and projects with the goal of transferring
technology into products that can be readily accessed and used to
improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. NIDRR will continue
to play a leadership role within the Federal government on
accessibility of information and computer technologies.
Leadership in Cloud Computing
NIDRR is committed to ensuring access to, and benefit from, cloud
computing for individuals with disabilities. There is substantial
international activity in this area, from which individuals stand to
benefit and to which the United States should contribute. NIDRR and its
grantees will play leadership roles in national and international
activities to ensure accessibility, and to exploit the potential of
cloud computing to support the independence, employment, and functional
capabilities of persons with disabilities. In its efforts NIDRR will
support grantees working on cloud-based infrastructure and
applications, and will work cooperatively with government agencies and
private entities to leverage all available resources.
Objective 3.5--Maintain ongoing investments that effectively
address topics of importance to individuals with disabilities and their
families.
NIDRR has invested in a number of projects for many years. The
value of these long-term investments is an important consideration as
NIDRR plans for its future commitments. For example, NIDRR has
supported projects that have created national rehabilitation and
disability services databases and that have enhanced accessibility of
the built environment and information technologies, as well as other
nationally valued projects in other areas. On a project-by-project
basis and with the input of the RRAC and other stakeholders, NIDRR will
continue to support centers and projects in certain priority areas in
which NIDRR has substantial long-term investments and that continue to
contribute significantly to NIDRR's goals and objectives.
Goal 4: Improve program administration.
Objective 4.1--Streamline processes for establishing and publishing
priorities for grant competitions.
Historically, most of NIDRR's priorities have included a number of
detailed required activities that demanded a great deal of time to
develop and publish. As indicated in Objective 1.3 of the Plan, NIDRR
will provide applicants with more field-initiated opportunities by
issuing priorities for each domain that consist of broad topical areas
and fewer specifically required activities. These topical areas will
remain open for competition for up to five years. This will provide
applicants with increased discretion to propose specific projects that
fall within the topical areas and enhance NIDRR's ability to publish
its funding priorities on a more timely basis. In addition, because
NIDRR staff will devote less time to developing and publishing new
priorities, they will have more time for providing technical assistance
to their grantees, monitoring grants, and participating in cross-agency
research and development activities.
Objective 4.2--Establish and implement a regular schedule of
competitions and peer reviews.
The NAS/National Research Council review report noted that NIDRR
has not established a regular schedule for publishing priorities,
publishing notices inviting applications, or conducting peer reviews.
An irregular schedule may negatively affect the ability of qualified
applicants to submit proposals and limit the availability of expert
reviewers. Consistent with the NAS recommendations, and aided by
streamlining its priority development process, NIDRR will establish a
regular schedule of competitions that potential applicants and peer
reviewers can depend on for planning purposes. Having the topical areas
in place for up to five years will provide the field with stable and
reliable opportunities for funding, and applicants who are not
successful in one competition can revise and improve their applications
for future competitions under the same topic.
Objective 4.3--Improve the peer review process.
The NAS review report commented on NIDRR's peer review processes
and made a number of recommendations for enhancement. Consistent with
the NAS recommendations and ongoing quality improvement goals within
NIDRR, during the next five years NIDRR will improve the following:
Recruitment of qualified reviewers.
Peer reviewer orientation.
Review criteria and scoring.
Stakeholder representation and related stakeholder
support.
Consistency across review panels.
A number of other changes will be explored by NIDRR as potential
means of enhancing the ability of peer reviewers to carry out their
responsibilities. These include, but are not limited to: (1)
Establishing page limits for some or all NIDRR program applications;
and (2) limiting the number of applications reviewed per panel with
limits depending on the page limits of the applications.
V. Summary
With the adoption of this Plan, as refined by comments and
suggestions from stakeholders and other parties, NIDRR believes it will
be positioned to better promote the principles of balance, quality, and
relevance in its activities. This approach will make NIDRR more
effective in fulfilling its role as a leading Federal agency in
generating and promoting the use of knowledge to
[[Page 20306]]
improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this
document in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print,
audiotape, or compact disc) 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 or a TTY, 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
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by the Department.
Dated: April 1, 2013.
Michael Yudin,
Delegated the authority to perform the functions and duties of
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Appendix
Analysis of Comments and Changes
Note: This appendix will not appear in the Code of Federal
Regulations.
1. NIDRR's Commitment to Balance
Comments: Three commenters recommended that NIDRR ``reconcile''
its commitment to maintain investments in effective programs with
its commitment to maintain balance in its funding of programs across
its three primary domains.
Discussion: We believe both commitments are important and can be
maintained with judicious attention to the effectiveness of existing
programs and the disparities in resource allocation across domains.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter noted support for the commitment to a
balanced portfolio but challenged NIDRR to remain responsive to the
needs of constituents and fluctuations in topics of importance.
Discussion: We are fully committed to supporting programs that
are relevant to the current and changing needs of persons with
disabilities. When established, Research Advisory Council (RRAC)
will represent key stakeholder groups and is expected to assist
NIDRR in adhering to that commitment.
Change: None.
Comments: Two commenters asked how balance will be achieved with
the increased emphasis on funding field-initiated projects.
Discussion: We believe that NIDRR's broad priority areas and
increased emphasis on field-initiated proposals will allow ample
opportunity for applicants to propose work of relevance to
individuals with disabilities in each of NIDRR's primary domains. If
necessary to achieve reasonable balance across domains, NIDRR will
fund the highest scoring applications within specific domains.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked whether our commitment to balance
includes balance between research and technology development
funding.
Discussion: In the Plan NIDRR commits to maintaining balance
across its primary domains and to the full range of types and
degrees of disability. There is no commitment to maintain a
particular distribution between funding for research and technology
development projects, but we anticipate no notable deviation from
the present distribution. There may be effects in the relative
distribution of funding associated with increased opportunities for
field-initiated proposals. We will monitor such trends in funding
among NIDRR's primary domains, and, as appropriate, we will explore
needed remedies with our RRAC, when established.
Change: None.
Comments: Three commenters proposed that NIDRR identify in the
Plan its commitment to specific disability conditions or specific
demographic groupings. One commenter suggested that we expand our
Model Systems program to include a specific disability group.
Discussion: There are too many conditions and potential
demographic groupings for us to designate funding for each specific
group. We may, based on compelling need or opportunity, designate
funding for research or development projects focused on specific
groups, but generally applicants with interest in specific
disability and demographic groups will be encouraged to submit high-
quality, compelling proposals to our various field-initiated
competitions. Given currently available funding, a substantial
investment in creating and financing additional Model Systems
programs would preclude NIDRR from funding other important research
and development activities.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked for clarification about whether
NIDRR will continue competitions for priority areas that are
currently funded or will establish new priorities.
Discussion: In carrying out the Plan, NIDRR may continue current
priorities, create new priorities, or both.
Change: None.
2. Stages of Research
Comments: One commenter suggested that we invite interested
parties to engage in a facilitated dialogue on the concept of stages
of research.
Discussion: We will continue to obtain feedback through our
regulatory process. We have already requested public comment on the
proposed stages of research in the Federal Register notice
requesting comments on the priority for the FY 2012 Employment of
Individuals with Disabilities (H133A-1) Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project and sought further comment on the
proposed stages of research in some priorities developed for FY 2013
competitions.
Change: None.
Comments: We were asked whether the exploratory stage of
research is restricted to descriptive research or whether it can
include the study of interventions.
Discussion: In our proposed stages of research, exploratory
research is research that can describe or classify a problem through
a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to descriptive
research, analysis of secondary data, development of measures, and
so forth. This research may result in information that will lead to
development of an intervention, or it may advance knowledge or the
capacity to conduct research.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked if small, non-randomized trials of
interventions could be part of the interventions development stage.
Discussion: It will be up to the applicant to specify and
justify what is necessary to develop an intervention. Nothing
prohibits an applicant from suggesting a small, non-randomized trial
as part of this development process. It will be up to the peer
review panel to determine the appropriateness of the proposed
methodology for any research study.
Change: None.
Comments: We were asked if scale-up evaluation primarily means
moving from a single-center to a multi-center study.
Discussion: The purpose of a scale-up project is to determine if
the intervention is effective in real-world settings. This could
involve multi-center studies; however, the intent is to determine
how best to move proven interventions into widespread practical use.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter distinguished between normal research,
described as testing hypotheses and building evidence in a
prescribed method (such as NIDRR's stages of research), and systems
research, described as aiming to solve problems right away by
adopting ``socially valid'' solutions. The commenter suggested that
solutions of the latter type, having been developed within the
context in which they are intended to be applied, do not require a
scale-up stage before being implemented broadly.
Discussion: We are aware that other government agencies have
promulgated translational research activities that incorporate this
approach. In this approach, evidence-based practice for one
population may be adapted for use in a new population using
established criteria for evaluating the uptake but not following a
proscribed and lengthy process for establishing evidence of efficacy
for the new population. Since we are not prescribing the steps to
accompany each
[[Page 20307]]
stage, it will be up to applicants to propose and justify the
methods proposed for any stage, including the scale-up stage. We
would invite, within the scale-up stage, research on the effects of
interventions, programs, or policies that are broadly applied, but
on which there is inadequate well-designed research.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked if an applicant has to limit its
proposal to a single stage.
Discussion: An applicant does not have to limit its proposed
efforts to a single stage of research; however, applicants should
identify and justify each research stage and should consider time
and resources in its decision about work carried out at multiple
stages.
Change: None.
Comments: Two commenters asked for clarification about whether
the stages of research approach will limit grantees who propose non-
intervention research and whether such applicants will be able to
obtain fair consideration of their proposals.
Discussion: NIDRR's overall purpose is to support research that
results in beneficial changes in programs, policies, and practices
affecting the lives of individuals with disabilities. In many ways,
these changes are interventions. So at a broad level, the purpose of
NIDRR's research is the development of interventions, defined as
changes in practices, programs, and policies. In the past, much of
NIDRR's funding has been allocated to projects at stages preceding
the intervention stage, documenting the conditions and needs of
individuals with disabilities and their families and creating the
infrastructure to support development of evidence-based changes in
programs, policies, and practices. We expect to continue funding
projects at theses stages. The purpose of introducing a requirement
to identify the proposed research stage is to improve the quality of
the research that we fund. It will also help NIDRR clarify and
classify the kinds of research it supports and help applicants
better justify the topics, research goals, and approaches they
propose. We are not seeking to limit applicants from proposing any
research that will benefit individuals with disabilities. Nothing in
the stages of research approach is designed to favor one type of
research over another.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked if activities such as longitudinal
data analysis would be considered exploratory even if new knowledge
is produced.
Discussion: It will be up to the applicants to determine the
stage of their proposed research and to explain why the stage is
appropriate to the state of knowledge about the proposed topic.
Nothing in our Plan will specify how methods should be used to
support stages of research.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked what we are gaining from the
stages of research approach and how policy, statistics, and survey
research fit into the stages.
Discussion: Through the stages of research framework we gain a
way to describe how our research investments are contributing to
changes in programs, policies, and practices that improve the lives
of individuals with disabilities. We also hope to improve the
quality of the research we fund by asking applicants to clarify why
the stages proposed are appropriate to the state of knowledge of the
topic they are addressing. We are not weighting our research
investment in favor of any stage, unless the specific circumstances
warrant focus on a particular stage of research.
It will be up to applicants to propose and justify methods to
conduct research at any stage of research. We do not intend that
identification of stages of research will limit applicants in their
methods for conducting studies, and we plan that peer review will
determine if the methods are appropriate.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter suggested that NIDRR is prioritizing
interventions research and asked if NIDRR's funding will allow it to
support such research.
Discussion: We have articulated our belief that, at a broad
level, all of our research is conducted with the goal of creating
interventions that support changes in programs, policies, and
practices that improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
We are aware that available funding may not allow for scaling up
interventions to a large number of sites; however, we hope to
promote and, as feasible, support this critical stage of testing
research findings in the real world.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked if NIDRR would consider funding
projects that seek to advance methodology as well as service
delivery.
Discussion: Nothing in the Plan prohibits any applicant from
seeking to advance methodology, and we do not intend to fund only
research on service delivery.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked how NIDRR will ensure that panel
reviewers understand the stages of research and the variations in
applications across disciplines, and whether NIDRR will provide
guidelines or templates to reviewers.
Discussion: NIDRR's peer review criteria for research have been
and will be applied to all applicants regardless of the academic
discipline or perspective of the applicant. Research review criteria
will define and support the stages concept generally but will not
establish specific standards for any stage. We are developing new
peer reviewer training materials and will incorporate the stages of
research approach.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter recommended that NIDRR incorporate the
stages of research approach into its priority setting process for
center grants.
Discussion: We assume that this commenter was referring to the
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs) and the
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs). NIDRR will ask
center applicants to use the proposed stages of research framework
to explain their proposed research. We may also require this
framework in applications for non-center grants such as DRRPs and
other research programs.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter expressed concern that the stages of
research approach could stifle innovation and be applied in a
formulaic manner. This commenter suggested that NIDRR have an
ongoing role in implementing, and in training researchers on, the
stages of research framework.
Discussion: We see no circumstances in which the stages of
research could in any way diminish innovation, but we do agree that
ongoing discussion and training on the stages of research framework
and the wide diversity of research methods and topics that can be
subsumed within them will be helpful.
Change: None.
3. Low-Incidence Populations
Comments: One commenter recommended that NIDRR-funded centers
and projects enter into partnerships with entities that have
expertise in the needs of low-incidence populations to address
policy and systems implications for these populations.
Discussion: In the Plan's knowledge translation (KT)
requirements, we recognize the need for all NIDRR-funded centers and
projects to involve relevant stakeholders. As stated in Objective
3.1, all of NIDRR's centers and projects will carry out KT
activities, and a key component of KT is requiring grantees to
involve relevant stakeholders in the design and conduct of research
activities to optimize the relevance and use of proposed outputs. We
believe that this expectation will encourage researchers to engage
in partnerships with individuals and entities with appropriate
expertise related to important target populations, including persons
with low-incidence conditions.
Change: None.
Comments: Two commenters recommended that one or more of NIDRR's
programs address the needs of a wide variety of disabilities,
including low-incidence disabilities.
Discussion: The Plan's introduction discusses how NIDRR fulfills
its mission through research, development, and dissemination and
related activities that contribute to the independence, inclusion,
employment, and health and function of individuals of all ages and
degrees of disability, including low-incidence disabilities. NIDRR
recognizes the importance of research on low-incidence disabilities.
While in the past NIDRR priorities may have specified target
populations, its new, more field-initiated approach, as discussed in
the Plan, will increase opportunities for researchers to target
specific low-incidence populations.
Change: The Plan's description of the field-initiated process
now indicates that these projects may choose to focus on specific
disability populations, including low-incidence populations.
4. Applicability of Knowledge Translation Activities
Comments: Three commenters questioned the applicability of the
KT activities described in the Plan to all NIDRR-funded projects.
One of these commenters also suggested that NIDRR provide additional
[[Page 20308]]
guidelines to applicants and peer reviewers about how different
types of KT would apply to different types of projects.
Discussion: Our descriptions of KT activities are intentionally
general and broad. We expect applicants to select and justify their
specific KT activities based on the nature of their project and the
associated stakeholder groups. We are confident that NIDRR peer
reviewers will be able to discern whether the proposed KT activities
will be beneficial and productive uses of resources to meet the
needs and expectations of stakeholders.
Change: None.
5. Design or Effectiveness of Specific NIDRR ``Capacity-building''
Programs
Comments: One commenter questioned whether there is a
requirement that centers be based at a university and expressed a
concern that this would be a barrier to broad dissemination of
RRTCs.
Discussion: There is no requirement in the Plan that RRTCs be
based at universities. In fact, such a requirement would be
inconsistent with 34 CFR 350.21, which requires an RRTC to be
operated by or in conjunction with (a) one or more institutions of
higher education; or (b) one or more providers of rehabilitation or
other appropriate services. The same flexible collaboration
requirement also applies to RERCs.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked how NIDRR will link stages of
research to its investment in capacity building.
Discussion: At the present time, NIDRR's investments in capacity
building are field-initiated in nature, meaning that applicants
propose and justify capacity-building activities in response to
regulatory requirements rather than in response to NIDRR-developed
priorities. NIDRR has no plans to change this at the present time,
but could propose more directed capacity building if deemed
necessary. We expect that our focus on stages of research will
result in changes in the types if research that our grantees carry
out and that this will help contribute to increased capacity in the
field to carry out research at all stages.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter noted that the proposed Plan contains no
reference to the July 2011 NIDRR-sponsored Research Capacity-
Building Summit and asks how NIDRR proposes to further the summit
recommendations related to development of young investigators,
especially individuals from minority serving institutions and
individuals with disabilities
Discussion: The commenter is correct. The Plan does not
specifically refer to research capacity building or to the results
of the July 2011 summit nor to other NIDRR-sponsored events,
conferences, or activities. The Plan does state in the background
section that ``NIDRR is committed to maintaining its focus on
practical applications of research, development, knowledge
translation, capacity building, technical assistance, and
information dissemination to improve the lives of individuals with
disabilities and their families,'' However, it may not fully clarify
NIDRR's goal of enhancing capacity to conduct disability and
rehabilitation research, including its focus on capacity building
for minority-serving institutions and individuals with disabilities.
Change: A new Objective 2.4 was added: NIDRR will provide for
the training of emerging talent and leadership in research and
development. The objective indicates a special commitment to support
the development of individuals with disabilities and individuals
from minority backgrounds.
Comments: One commenter asked if NIDRR will consider funding
mechanisms that promote new investigators.
Discussion: We agree that promoting new investigators is
important to the future of rehabilitation and disability research.
However, NIDRR already employs two grant mechanisms with the
expressed purpose of providing research training to qualified
individuals, including new investigators--the Advanced
Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Projects and the Switzer
Research Fellowship Program. NIDRR also provides funding for
practical research training of hundreds of graduate students and
post-doctoral fellows participating in its other programs.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter suggested a review of the Switzer
Research Fellowship Program to assess the current need for the
program and how it might better meet the needs of research
professionals.
Discussion: We agree that it is important for NIDRR to conduct
periodic assessments of its various programs. NIDRR is currently
developing a long-term evaluation plan that will include
recommendations for evaluating NIDRR programs, including the Switzer
Research Fellowship Program. In addition, we also anticipate that,
when formed, the RRAC will advise NIDRR on the relative value of its
various programs, including the Switzer Research Fellowship Program.
Change: None.
6. Improve Peer Review Process
Comments: Comments on peer review either provided specific
recommendations for improving the peer review process or asked about
specific methods for improving the peer review process. Two
commenters asked whether NIDRR would implement standing panels of
reviewers, while another asked more specifically whether standing
panels would be created around research stages or domains. One
commenter suggested that NIDRR does not often recruit new reviewers
onto its review panels and that it should do so more often. Another
commenter requested that NIDRR provide additional training to
reviewers to improve the feedback that they provide to applicants.
One of the commenters asked specifically how we would recruit
reviewers with engineering expertise or those with expertise in
implementing the outputs and products of NIDRR's grants.
Discussion: NIDRR understands the importance of the peer review
process. We appreciate the commenters' questions and their
recommendations for optimizing the quality of our peer review
process. NIDRR currently maintains a standing panel for its Field-
Initiated Projects (FIPs) program. We anticipate that, as we create
more opportunities for applicants to submit proposals in response to
field-initiated research and development priorities, we may be able
to create standing panels of reviewers to evaluate these
applications. At the same time, NIDRR continuously and actively
recruits new, highly-qualified reviewers into its reviewer pool and
onto its review panels. The Department's policy of allowing
reviewers to serve on standing panels for no more than three
consecutive years promotes an effective mix of experienced reviewers
and those with fresh perspectives. NIDRR will determine how we
structure the specific expertise on our panels as we develop and
publish our priorities in the coming years. Regarding training of
peer reviewers, NIDRR is creating Web-based training tools to
improve the quality and consistency of training that NIDRR peer
reviewers receive.
Change: None.
7. Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council
Comments: One commenter asked about the relationship between
NIDRR's approach to knowledge translation and the role of the RRAC.
Another commenter asked how members of the RRAC will be selected--
whether members will be chosen to represent NIDRR's project areas or
primary research and development domains, or whether members will be
selected to represent specific disability types. In addition, this
commenter asked how NIDRR will structure the RRAC's membership to
avoid neglect of underserved communities.
Discussion: We view the RRAC as consistent with, and as a
contributor to, our KT efforts. A key aspect of KT is to engage
stakeholders in defining the focus of research and to create methods
and products of research dissemination that are appropriately
designed and accessible for those who can improve the lives of
people with disabilities. This will be a central role of the RRAC
when formed.
The primary goals of the RRAC will be to direct attention to the
most pressing problems facing persons with disabilities collectively
or within specific subpopulations, to establish research and
development priorities that address those problems, and to support
effective methods of getting research and development products to
people with disabilities and other stakeholders. To do this, we will
endeavor to have balanced representation on the RRAC of
subpopulations of persons with disabilities and their families,
service providers, policymakers, and individuals with expertise in
research, product development, and information dissemination.
Members will include representatives of underserved and relatively
low-incidence disability communities.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked how the RRAC will work with NIDRR
leadership.
Discussion: The RRAC will be advisory in its role. We intend to
listen carefully to the advice of the RRAC and expect to be well
guided by it. Ultimately, however, after weighing its advice, as
well as input from people with disabilities and other stakeholders
and NIDRR's own assessment of
[[Page 20309]]
the state-of-the-science, NIDRR will be responsible for the content,
balance, and quality of its programs.
Change: None.
Comments: Two commenters asked how transparent the RRAC will be
and to what extent members would communicate with their
constituencies.
Discussion: We will gather and make available notes from RRAC
meetings, but, to facilitate frank and open discussions, no
attributions to individual members will be made. RRAC members will
be free, and indeed encouraged, to communicate with their
constituencies about RRAC discussions and recommendations, NIDRR
priorities, and the accomplishments of NIDRR programs and projects.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter recommended that the RRAC include
members with expertise in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
and other disability law.
Discussion: While it is not clear in the commenter's assessment
what might constitute ADA or disability law expertise, the RRAC will
assuredly include persons very familiar with the ADA and its
significance to NIDRR-funded research and development.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter suggested that the RRAC coordinate with
other Federal agencies on disability and rehabilitation research.
Discussion: We believe this suggestion extends beyond what we
can reasonably require of the RRAC and its members. Currently NIDRR
coordinates the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR),
as authorized by 29 U.S.C. 763, and is responsible for promoting
interagency coordination of, and collaboration on, research related
to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. We are
committed to active engagement and coordination with other Federal
agencies and will provide the RRAC with information regarding such
activities and will solicit advice from the RRAC regarding current
and potential collaborations. If RRAC members so elect, we are open
to including Federal agency representatives at RRAC meetings as ex-
officio members or invited participants. This decision will be left
to the RRAC and its judgment about what will promote the most
productive discussions.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked for assurances that the RRAC will
include appropriate advisors, including assistive technology
providers, engineers, manufacturers, and distributors of assistive
technologies.
Discussion: We envision a relatively small, but very well-
informed RRAC, the size of which would preclude representation of
all such important players in the development, marketing, and
effective use of assistive technology. We will do our best to ensure
that RRAC membership has a sophistication about and appreciation of
assistive technology development and use.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter asked how representatives will be chosen
and, once chosen, whether information on each individual's
background and credentials will be made public. Other commenters
offered to serve as or suggest members to the RRAC.
Discussion: Requests for nominations (including self-
nominations) to the RRAC will be published in the Federal Register.
Once nominations have closed, we will select members from among
nominees based on distribution of knowledge across disability
populations; familiarity with the challenges faced by all or
subpopulations of persons with disabilities; familiarity with
disability research, development, and policy; and direct experience
with the lived experiences of persons with disabilities. Once
chosen, the RRAC members, their qualifications, and ways that they
can be contacted will be publicly available.
Change: None.
8. NIDRR Capacity To Monitor the Quality of Its Research
Comments: Two comments addressed the extent to which NIDRR's
commitment to high-quality research included support of project
officers in monitoring and evaluating the post-award research
projects and the extent to which NIDRR will invest in project
officer development to improve guidance and evaluation of grantees.
Discussion: NIDRR has always emphasized the importance of
monitoring, and providing guidance and technical assistance to, its
grantees. We have invested substantially in a database that
effectively monitors project tasks, timelines, and product delivery.
Our staff is well trained and qualified to monitor, evaluate, and
provide needed technical assistance to grantees. We invest as we can
in staff development in areas of topical expertise and maximize the
advantages of being in Washington, DC and its many professional
development opportunities. We recognize the demands of project
monitoring are substantial. We believe that moving a greater share
of our research and development portfolio into field-initiated grant
programs will allow our project officers to spend less time writing
NIDRR-directed priorities, and more time monitoring, evaluating, and
interacting with their grantees.
Change: None.
9. Evaluation of Plan Goals and Objectives
Comments: Two commenters suggested that NIDRR define the
specific outcomes expected to result from the Plan, including
measures of quality, and prepare an evaluation plan that describes
how these outcomes will be monitored over time.
Discussion: We agree that we must gather, analyze, and publicize
the outcomes of NIDRR programs and pay particular attention to
outcomes specifically referenced in the Plan. This work is underway.
We have derived a core set of evaluation measures from our
electronic Annual Performance Reporting (APR) database to which all
grantees submit data annually. The APR gathers specific information
on the status of each NIDRR-funded project, as well as data directly
relevant to Plan objectives. For example, the APR collects data to
monitor balance across our three primary domains and broad
disability groupings by research methodologies employed and the
distribution of funding levels and types of projects. The APR also
gathers annual reports on outputs and impacts, ranging from articles
in peer-reviewed journals, citations of NIDRR-funded research in
peer-reviewed journals, technologies developed, graduate-school and
post-doctoral researchers trained, and the nature and extent of
adoption of research and development products. In addition, we are
currently developing a 10-year evaluation plan to assess the quality
and quantity of NIDRR outputs, outcomes, and impacts related to our
long-range objectives. The evaluation plan will include a variety of
data collection activities of different periodicities to be carried
out over a 10-year cycle.
Change: None.
10. Specific Research Suggestions
Comments: Commenters suggested that NIDRR ensure that the
research it funds addresses various financial, cultural,
psychological, socioeconomic, geographic, and other factors
affecting persons with disabilities in each of NIDRR's primary
domains. Commenters further suggested that the Plan would be
strengthened by emphasizing the interconnections of the individuals'
biological and psychological well-being and their social and
economic circumstances. Commenters further suggested that we be
clear that the health and function domain includes mental health as
well as physical health, that medical rehabilitation includes
cognitive rehabilitation, and that we make other clarifications to
avoid overly narrow interpretations of NIDRR domains.
Discussion: We have purposely avoided listing the full range of
impairments and the complex interpersonal and external factors in
the lives of persons with disabilities and the interactions among
them. We believe that trying to do so would diminish our focus on
clear, relevant, and scientifically-sound cases for proposed
research that will be important to specified populations of persons
with disabilities. We are confident that our peer reviewers will
understand the importance of the variety of factors and interactions
described in the comment and will make recommendations for funding
based on the adequacy of the proposed research to appropriately
address both individual and environmental factors.
Change: None.
11. Attention in Plan to Engineering and Assistive Technology
Development
Comments: Nine commenters expressed concern that the Plan
inadequately reflects NIDRR's commitment to engineering and
assistive technology development because it does not mention
``development'' as clearly and frequently as ``research.''
Discussion: We remain fully committed to engineering and
assistive technology development, including through our RERC
program, but we recognize that our Plan may have inadequately
communicated that commitment.
Change: We have clarified NIDRR's commitment to engineering and
assistive technology throughout the document with
[[Page 20310]]
specific references to ``research and development'' and in our
responses to the related comments that follow.
Comments: Three commenters suggested that NIDRR should include
in the Plan a ``stages of development'' framework parallel to the
``stages of research'' framework to demonstrate NIDRR's commitment
to development projects and to guide the applications of those who
propose development projects.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees with this comment.
Change: In our discussion in Objective 2.2--Develop and adopt a
framework for development to support the design, creation, testing,
and uptake of assistive technology, engineering, and other products
to improve the lives of people with disabilities, we have stated our
intention to work with stakeholders to develop and adopt a framework
for development projects.
Comments: Two commenters suggested that NIDRR explicitly
recognize the importance of assistive technology for addressing
communication impairments, including communication impairments of
individuals with low-incidence conditions.
Discussion: We agree that such specification is warranted.
Change: The Technology for Access and Function section of the
Plan has been revised to recognize the importance of assistive
technology that enhances communication capabilities, including for
individuals from low-incidence populations.
Comments: One commenter recommended that the term ``universal
design'' be referenced in multiple places in the Plan.
Discussion: We are committed to the concept of universal design,
that is, the design of products and environments to be useable by
all people without the need for adaptations or special design. We
are proud of NIDRR's foundational work in the development and
implementation of the concept of universal design. We do not,
however, believe that the concept needs to be repeated throughout
the Plan.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter recommended that NIDRR expand its
description of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program
to be more inclusive of research related to training methodologies
and dissemination techniques.
Discussion: We agree that, as written in the proposed Plan, the
SBIR program may seem limited to the production of assistive and
rehabilitation technologies. However, NIDRR's SBIR program grants
have been and are awarded for projects that (1) Meet NIDRR's broad
definition of research and development, (2) appear to have
commercial potential, and (3) are related to disability and
rehabilitation. We do not think it is advisable to potentially
narrow NIDRR's broad definition of research and development by
enumerating specific categories of permitted research.
Change: The Plan language concerning the SBIR program has been
modified to indicate that ``SBIR grants support the design and
production of new assistive and rehabilitation technologies,
including research, development, training, and dissemination
products with commercial potential and benefit to persons with
disabilities.''
Comments: One commenter recommended that NIDRR expressly
acknowledge that individuals with disabilities interact with several
environments, including specifically and increasingly a
technological environment.
Discussion: We agree. Technology advances and changes at great
speed and must be kept accessible and usable by all individuals.
Increasingly people with disabilities interact in physical, social,
and technological environments.
Change: The Technology for Access and Function section of the
Plan has been revised to reflect the importance of the technology
environment with which persons with disabilities interact.
Specifically, and as discussed in prior, related comments, an
objective for creating and adopting a framework for technology
development has been added to the Plan. Further, the relevant
sentence in the Technology for Access and Function section has been
rewritten to provide that NIDRR will focus on assistive technology
devices that enhance the physical, sensory, cognitive, and
communication capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Comments: One commenter asked why we do not express intent to
engage manufacturers and clinicians who are responsible for
delivering interventions to the target audiences through commercial
market mechanisms.
Discussion: We believe this is inherent to the development
process and will be conveyed through the proposed ``stages of
development'' framework.
Change: None.
12. Products and Industry
Comments: One commenter expressed concern about the lack of
mention of ``products'' and ``industry'' (along with ``policies''
and ``practices'') in the Plan's introduction.
Discussion: We agree that including the word ``products'' will
make the statement more comprehensive and better represent NIDRR's
intent. We do not believe that ``industry'' warrants inclusion as we
did not intend to list the parties involved in the development of
such policies, practices, and products.
Change: The final paragraph in the Introduction to the Plan was
revised to read: ``NIDRR's portfolio of research and development
activities will range from the identification of the needs and
opportunities of individuals with disabilities to the widespread
implementation of effective, evidence-based policies, practices, and
products that respond to those needs and opportunities. NIDRR
recognizes that the development of effective, evidence-based
policies, practices, and products is as dependent on the exploration
and description stage of research and development as it is on
experimental and quasi-experimental trials and other well-designed
tests of potentially effective interventions, programs, and
products.''
13. Primary Domains of Focus
Comments: There were two comments suggesting that, by focusing
on topical domains, NIDRR ``obscures the specificity of needs within
each disability group'' and that RRTCs should focus on specific
disability populations rather than on broad domains.
Discussion: We understand this concern, particularly among those
stakeholders focused on certain specific conditions. Many RRTCs are
focused on an intersection of broad disability category (e.g.,
psychiatric, cognitive/developmental, physical, or sensory
impairments) and one of our primary domains (e.g., an RRTC on
employment of persons with psychiatric disability). We understand
that the commenters might not view a distinction such as physical
disability as sufficiently precise to capture the ``specificity of
needs'' of all persons who might have one of many different
conditions or impairments causing physical disability. Funding
limitations simply preclude NIDRR from paying specific attention to
many impairments and conditions that might benefit from designated
RRTCs. We have committed to expanding funding of field-initiated
programs to allow applicants to make a case for the value of
programs in one or more domains that would focus on the specific
needs of subpopulations within broad categories such as physical
disability. We feel that there is sufficient flexibility within our
broad domains for applicants to address the needs of subpopulations
with specific disabilities or to attend to specific subtopics within
the broader domains. The peer review process will assess the value
of these proposals. We are concerned that efforts to further specify
populations and topics of interest would only reduce perceived
opportunities for applicants to propose well-designed and innovative
projects that address the wide variety of potential subtopics and
subpopulations.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter noted that we did not provide a
rationale for the ordering of domains, specifically that employment
was listed first, followed by community living and participation and
then health and function. In the commenter's judgment, health and
function should be listed first because it is relevant to all
persons with disabilities, while the others pertain to a subset.
Discussion: We mean to convey no priority with regard to the
ordering of NIDRR's three primary domains. We are also committed to
the proposition that employment and community living and
participation will someday, with the assistance of sound research,
not pertain to just a subset of persons with disabilities.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter noted that the Plan regards research on
health and function as critical to well-being across the lifespan,
but it does not define lifespan.
Discussion: We intended ``across the lifespan'' to mean for
persons of all ages. We believe that lifespan issues may be studied
cross-sectionally (health issues tend to be different for people of
different ages and with different disabilities) and they may be
studied longitudinally (an individual's health
[[Page 20311]]
issues change over time but may be affected by lifestyle and
directed interventions). We would welcome well-designed research and
development projects with either (or another) focus.
Change: None.
Comments: One commenter suggested that community living and
participation as a domain does not sufficiently reflect the
importance of social relationships.
Discussion: We are committed to people with disabilities being
both in the community and part of the community. We welcome
applications that design and evaluate interventions that go beyond
physical integration to achieving social inclusion and interpersonal
relationships.
Change: None.
14. Centers of Excellence
Comments: Two commenters asked for clarification of the
expectations about the concept of ``Centers of Excellence.''
Discussion: ``Centers of National Excellence'' is a term that
was added to the description of RRTCs by Congress in the last
reauthorization of NIDRR. RRTCs, as Centers of Excellence, are
expected to serve as ``national resource centers'' for the topics
and populations they address. We agree with the commenter that
introduction of the new term ``Centers of Excellence'' to describe
RRTCs is unnecessarily confusing.
Change: In the RRTC criteria, we will continue to require that
RRTCs serve as ``national resource centers'' and continue to expect
excellence from them, but we will eliminate the designation of
``Centers of Excellence.''
15. Types of Programs Within the NIDRR Portfolio
Comments: Two commenters indicated that the information about
the types of programs that are administered by NIDRR is not clear.
Discussion: NIDRR's programs are designated in its authorizing
legislation located in sections 200 through 205 of the
Rehabilitation Act, as amended. We manage these programs in a manner
consistent with the authorizing statute, regulations established in
34 CFR parts 350 through 359, and annual appropriations bills.
Change: None.
[FR Doc. 2013-07879 Filed 4-3-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P