[Federal Register: July 15, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 136)]
[Notices]
[Page 40545-40548]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15jy08-29]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research--
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program--
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)--Technologies for
Successful Aging With Disability
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priority for an RERC.
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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces a priority for an RERC for
Technologies for Successful Aging With Disability under the Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered
by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR). The Assistant Secretary may use this priority for competitions
in fiscal year (FY) 2008 and later years. We take this action to focus
research attention on areas of national need. We intend this priority
to improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
DATES: Effective Date: This priority is effective August 14, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 6029, Potomac Center Plaza
(PCP), Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-
mail: donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the
Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program
The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
by conducting advanced engineering research and development on
innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular
rehabilitation problems or remove environmental barriers. RERCs also
demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery
system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new
technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training
opportunities.
General Requirements of RERCs
RERCs carry out research or demonstration activities in support of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by--
Developing and disseminating innovative methods of
applying advanced technology, scientific achievement, and psychological
and social knowledge to: (a) Solve rehabilitation problems and remove
environmental barriers; and (b) study and evaluate new or emerging
technologies, products, or environments and their effectiveness and
benefits; or
Demonstrating and disseminating: (a) Innovative models for
the delivery of cost-effective rehabilitation technology services to
rural and urban areas; and (b) other scientific research to assist in
meeting the employment and independent living needs of individuals with
severe disabilities; and
Facilitating service delivery systems change through: (a)
The development, evaluation, and dissemination of consumer-responsive
and individual and family-centered innovative models for the delivery
to both rural and urban areas of innovative cost-effective
rehabilitation technology services; and (b) other scientific research
to assist in meeting the employment and independence needs of
individuals with severe disabilities.
Each RERC must be operated by, or in collaboration with, one or
more institutions of higher education or one or more nonprofit
organizations.
Each RERC must provide training opportunities, in conjunction with
institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations, to assist
individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become
rehabilitation technology researchers and practitioners.
Each RERC must emphasize the principles of universal design in its
product research and development. Universal design is ``the design of
products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest
extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized
design'' (North Carolina State University, 1997.
http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/udprinciplestext.htm).
Additional information on the RERC program can be found at:
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.html.
[[Page 40546]]
We published a notice of proposed priorities (NPP) for NIDRR's
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program in
the Federal Register on April 22, 2008 (73 FR 21607). The NPP included
background statements that described our rationale for the priorities
proposed in that notice. In this notice of final priority (NFP), we are
announcing the final priority for the RERC--Technologies for Successful
Aging With Disability, one of the priorities proposed in the NPP. We
published a separate notice of final priorities for the other
priorities proposed in the NPP on July 7, 2008 (73 FR 38436).
There are differences between the proposed priority for the RERC
for Technologies for Successful Aging With Disability and the final
priority for the RERC for Technologies for Successful Aging With
Disability as discussed in the following section.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to our invitation in the NPP, five parties submitted
comments on the proposed priority for the RERC. An analysis of the
comments and of any changes in the priority since publication of the
NPP follows.
Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes, or
suggested changes the law does not authorize us to make under the
applicable statutory authority. In addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not directly related to the proposed
priority.
Comment: Two commenters asked for clarification of NIDRR's intent
with respect to the limits placed on the number of research and
development projects that applicants can propose under this priority.
Specifically, the commenters requested that we clarify what is intended
by the language in paragraph (a) of the priority, which states that the
RERC must conduct no more than four rigorous research and development
projects that address the needs of individuals with disabilities and
that use state-of-the-art methodologies. These commenters also asked
whether applicants could propose projects that include only research
activities, only development activities, or both research and
development activities.
Discussion: The language in paragraph (a) of the priority
referenced by the commenter restricts the total number of research and
development projects to be conducted by the RERC under this priority to
four or fewer. We intend for this limitation to help focus the
resources of the RERC and thereby increase the feasibility of the
RERC's proposed activities and the likelihood of the RERC achieving its
planned outcomes. We intended the language in paragraph (a) of the
priority to allow applicants to propose four or fewer rigorous research
and development projects, each of which could include a combination of
research and development activities, or only research or only
development activities.
Changes: NIDRR has revised paragraph (a) of the priority by adding
the words ``a total of'' to clarify that applicants must propose no
more than a total of four research and development projects. In
addition, NIDRR has revised paragraph (a) of the priority to clarify
that each research and development project proposed by the RERC may
include a combination of research and development activities, or only
research or only development activities.
Comment: Two commenters noted that this priority supports research
and development activities that are designed to foster improvements in
technologies, assistive technologies, technology-based products,
environments, and built environments. These commenters requested
clarification regarding the distinctions between these terms, and
recommended that the terms be used consistently throughout the
priority.
Discussion: There is no single definition of the term
``technology,'' but, as used in this priority, we intend for the term
to refer to the practical application of science and knowledge
generally. This broad definition of ``technology'' is intended to
provide applicants under this priority with the flexibility to propose
a wide range of approaches to applying, developing, modifying, testing,
and evaluating technologies that promote successful aging with a
disability.
We believe the terms ``technology'' and ``technologies'' encompass
assistive technologies, technology-based products, and built
environments. In section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (AT
Act the term assistive technology is defined as technology that is
designed to be used in an assistive technology device or assistive
technology service. The AT Act defines an assistive technology device
as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired
commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase,
maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities. The AT Act defines an assistive technology service as any
service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the
selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device.
The term ``technology-based products'' is intended to refer to
products that utilize practical applications of science and knowledge.
The distinction between technologies and technology-based products is
illustrated with a specific example. A manual wheelchair is a
technology-based product that utilizes specific technologies including
hand-rim design and seating systems.
The term ``built environments'' refers to man-made physical spaces
such as residences, workspaces, public buildings, and facilities.
``Environment'' is a more general term and for that reason we removed
that term from the priority. As recommended by the commenter, we
revised the priority to use terms consistently throughout the priority.
Changes: We have replaced the term ``assistive technologies'' with
the term ``technologies'' and replaced the term ``environments'' with
the term ``built environments'' for accuracy and consistency within the
priority.
Comment: One commenter requested that we clarify the meaning of the
phrase ``utility for intended users,'' as used in paragraph (b) of the
priority.
Discussion: We believe that the meaning of this phrase is clear
within the context of the priority. Intended users, for purposes of
this priority, are middle-aged and older adults with disabilities.
Technology, technology-based products, or built environments have
utility for middle-aged and older adults with disabilities to the
extent that they can be used to facilitate their participation in the
community.
Changes: None.
Comment: Two commenters asked for clarification regarding the
intent of the first and second sentences of paragraph (d) of the
priority. These commenters noted that the phrase ``transfer of RERC-
developed technologies to the marketplace'' in the first sentence has a
different meaning than the reference in the second sentence to making
these technologies ``available to the public.'' The commenters noted
that transferring tangible products to the marketplace involves
manufacturing, while technologies can conceptually be made available to
the public via dissemination of written information.
Discussion: The intended outcome of activities to be carried out
under paragraph (d) of the priority is the increased transfer of RERC-
developed technologies to the marketplace. We did not intend to de-
emphasize this outcome by referring to making technologies available to
the public in the second sentence of paragraph (d). However, the
priority's focus on
[[Page 40547]]
transferring RERC-developed technologies to the marketplace does not
preclude applicants from also actively disseminating their work through
relevant publications.
Changes: In paragraph (d) of the priority, we have replaced the
words ``made available to the public'' with the words ``transferred to
the marketplace.''
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use this priority, we invite applications through
a notice in the Federal Register. When inviting applications we
designate the priorities as absolute, competitive preference, or
invitational. The effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by either
(1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to
which the application meets the competitive preference priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the
competitive preference priority over an application of comparable merit
that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are
particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
This NFP is in concert with President George W. Bush's New Freedom
Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 2005-2009
(Plan). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the following site:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom.
The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February
15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the following
site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html.
Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to:
(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation
research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and
training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding
of the unique needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3)
determine best strategies and programs to improve rehabilitation
outcomes for underserved populations; (4) identify research gaps; (5)
identify mechanisms of integrating research and practice; and (6)
disseminate findings.
Priority--Technologies for Successful Aging With Disability
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services announces a priority for the establishment of a Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Center (RERC) for Technologies for Successful
Aging with Disability. Under this priority, the RERC must research,
evaluate, and develop new technologies and approaches, or modify and
apply existing technologies and approaches that address the challenges
to community participation experienced by middle-aged and older adults
with disabilities in home, work, or community settings.
Under this priority, the RERC must be designed to contribute to the
following outcomes:
(a) Increased technical and scientific knowledge regarding the use
of technologies for successful aging with disability. The RERC must
contribute to this outcome by conducting no more than a total of four
rigorous research and development projects that address the needs of
individuals with disabilities and that use state-of-the-art
methodologies. For purposes of this priority, a rigorous research and
development project may include a combination of research and
development activities, or may include only research or only
development activities. These rigorous research and development
projects must generate measurable results and improve policy, practice,
or system capacity to use technology to meet the community
participation needs of individuals who are aging with disabilities, or
who are aging into disability.
(b) Improved technologies, technology-based products, and built
environments for successful aging with disability. The RERC must
contribute to this outcome by developing new, or modifying and applying
existing technologies, technology-based products, and built
environments, and testing and evaluating their utility for intended
users.
(c) Increased impact of research in the area of technologies for
successful aging with disability. The RERC must contribute to this
outcome by providing technical assistance to public and private
organizations, individuals with disabilities, and employers on
policies, guidelines, and standards related to the use of technologies
to facilitate successful aging with disability.
(d) Increased transfer of RERC-developed technologies to the
marketplace. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by developing and
implementing a technology transfer plan for ensuring that technologies
developed by the RERC are transferred to the marketplace. The RERC must
develop its technology transfer plan in the first year of the project
period in consultation with the NIDRR-funded Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Project, Center on Knowledge Translation for
Technology Transfer.
In addition, the RERC must--
Have the capability to design, build, and test prototype
devices and assist in the transfer of successful solutions to relevant
production and service delivery settings;
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products,
instrumentation, or assistive technology devices;
Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, a
plan that describes how it will include, as appropriate, individuals
with disabilities or their representatives in all phases of its
activities, including research, development, training, dissemination,
and evaluation;
Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, in
consultation with the NIDRR-funded National Center for the
Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR), a plan to disseminate its
research results to individuals with disabilities, their
representatives, disability organizations, service providers,
professional journals, manufacturers, and other interested parties;
Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its
designated priority research area in the fourth year of the project
period, and publish a comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the
conference in the fifth year of the project period; and
Coordinate research projects of mutual interest with
relevant NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with
the NIDRR project officer.
Executive Order 12866
This NFP has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order
12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential
costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with this NFP are those resulting
from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary
for administering this program effectively and efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative
and qualitative--of this NFP, we have determined that the benefits of
the final priority justify the costs.
[[Page 40548]]
Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits:
The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Program have been well established over the years in that
similar projects have been completed successfully. This final priority
will generate new knowledge and technologies through research,
development, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance
projects.
Another benefit of this final priority is that the establishment of
a new RERC will support the President's NFI and will improve the lives
of individuals with disabilities. The new RERC will generate,
disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will improve
the options for individuals with disabilities to perform regular
activities in the community.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
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Note: The official version of this document is the document
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Regulations is available on GPO Access at: www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/
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(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.133E
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program).
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g), 764(a), and 764(b)(3).
Dated: July 10, 2008.
Tracy R. Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8-16125 Filed 7-14-08; 8:45 am]
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