[Federal Register: May 8, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 89)]
[Notices]
[Page 26588-26591]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08my00-43]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed funding priority for fiscal years 2000-2001
for one Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP).
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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitative Services proposes to establish a priority for one
DRRP under the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR) for fiscal years 2000-2001. The Assistant Secretary
takes this action to focus research attention on an area of national
need. We intend the priority to improve rehabilitation services and
outcomes for individuals with disabilities. This notice contains a
proposed priority under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers Program for a DRRP on information technology
technical assistance and training.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 7, 2000.
ADDRESSES: All comments concerning this proposed priority should be
addressed to Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland
Avenue, SW, room 3418, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2645.
Comments may also be sent through the Internet: donna__nangle@ed.gov.
You must include the term ``Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects and Centers'' in the subject line of your electronic message.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 205-
5880. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the TDD number at (202) 205-2742. Internet:
donna_nangle@ed.gov
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, or computer
diskette) on request to
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the contact person listed in the preceding paragraph.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Invitation to Comment
We invite you to submit comments regarding this proposed priority.
We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific
requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of
reducing regulatory burden that might result from this proposed
priority. Please let us know of any further opportunities we should
take to reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while
preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program.
During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public
comments about this priority in Room 3424, Switzer Building, 330 C
Street SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,
Eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal
holidays.
Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the
Rulemaking Record
On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or
print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs
assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public
rulemaking record for this proposed priority. If you want to schedule
an appointment for this type of aid, you may call (202) 205-8113 or
(202) 260-9895. If you use a TDD, you may call the Federal Information
Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.
This proposed priority supports the National Education Goal that
calls for every American to possess the skills necessary to compete in
a global economy.
The authority for the Assistant Secretary to establish research
priorities by reserving funds to support particular research activities
is contained in sections 202(g) and 204 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 762 and 764). Regulations governing this
program are found in 34 CFR Part 350.
We will announce the final priority in a notice in the Federal
Register. We will determine the final priority after considering
responses to this notice and other information available to the
Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing or funding
additional priorities, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking
requirements.
Note:
This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in which
the Assistant Secretary chooses to use one or more proposed
priorities, we invite applications through a notice published in the
Federal Register. When inviting applications we designate each
priority as absolute, competitive preference, or invitational.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
Authority for DRRPs is contained in section 204 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 764). DRRPs carry out
one or more of the following types of activities, as specified in 34
CFR 350.13-350.19: Research, development, demonstration, training,
dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance. Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects develop methods, procedures, and
rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and
integration into society, employment, independent living, family
support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with
disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities.
In addition, DRRPs improve the effectiveness of services authorized
under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Proposed Priority
Under an 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) the Assistant Secretary proposes to
give an absolute preference to applications that meet the following
priority. The Assistant Secretary proposes to fund under this
competition only an application that meets this absolute priority.
Proposed Priority: Information Technology Technical Assistance and
Training Center
Background
The emerging digital economy is fundamentally altering the way
Americans work. The advent of powerful computers, high speed modems,
sophisticated telecommunications networks, fiber optics, broadband
network capacity, intranets, the Internet, the World Wide Web (WWW),
and satellites has enabled computer and information experts to build a
global information network that is unparalleled. These technologies,
and how we use them, are undergoing rapid changes that result in a new
wave of information flow that touches all facets of society, including
education, employment and daily living. In this period of rapid
technical, economic, and social change, access to electronic and
information technologies is essential for everyone. Unfortunately,
while the availability of information technology holds tremendous
promise to level the playing field, the proliferation of electronic and
information technologies does not guarantee accessibility and usability
for individuals with disabilities.
The electronic and information technology industry has been growing
at more than double the rate of the overall economy--a trend that is
likely to continue (The Emerging Digital Economy II, a report by the
U.S. Department of Commerce, June, 1999). Because of the increase in
availability of the Internet, 20 million salaried workers telecommuted
from their homes last year. That number is expected to reach 130
million by 2003 (InfoTech Trends, Fourth Quarter, 1998). Electronic
mail, once considered an elite mode of communication for university-
based researchers and scientists, is now routinely used by workers to
instantly exchange visual and audible information in readable and
reusable formats (e.g., computer files, charts, figures, tables,
images, databases, and software packages) using one of the estimated
14,000 Internet service providers worldwide (InfoTech Trends, Second
Quarter, 1999).
In today's market, electronic and information technology product
cycles are measured in months, not years. The same can be said for
product lifetimes. This rapid proliferation of technologies has
emphasized the need for universal design--a process whereby
environments and products are designed with built-in flexibility so
they are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age and
ability, at no additional cost to the user. Given the rapid evolution
of each generation, new products often do not include universal design
features, thus increasing the need for the expensive process of
retrofitting.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of individuals knowledgeable
about the principles of universal design and the benefits of
incorporating universal design features into electronic and information
technologies. There is also a shortage of individuals trained to
educate consumers, customer service professionals, technical writers,
web developers, marketers, and other information technology related
professionals about accessible and usable electronic and information
technologies.
Congress has passed landmark legislation that increased access to
electronic and information technology in a range of areas. These laws,
and their provisions, include the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of
1988, the Television Decoder Circuitry Act of 1990, the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the
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Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act)
of 1998, and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which includes
sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires
telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers to
make their services and equipment accessible by persons with the full
range of disabilities, if readily achievable. If a manufacturer or
service provider claims this is not readily achievable, the
manufacturer or service provider must still ensure that the equipment
or service is compatible with existing peripheral devices or
specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by individuals
with disabilities to achieve access. On July 19, 1999, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules and guidelines to
implement section 255 of the Telecommunications Act.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, requires
access to the Federal government's electronic and information
technology. Section 508 applies to all federal departments and agencies
when they develop, procure, maintain or use electronic and information
technology. Federal departments and agencies must ensure equal access
to, and use of, electronic and information technology for Federal
employees with disabilities and members of the public seeking
information or services from their agency comparable to those who do
not have disabilities, unless such a requirement would cause an undue
burden. The Access Board published a notice of proposed rulemaking in
the Federal Register (65 FR 17345) on section 508 standards on March
31, 2000 and will publish final standards after analysis of comments
received. Federal agencies will be responsible for complaints related
to the procurement of accessible electronic and information
technologies as of August 7, 2000. The Assistive Technology Act, 29 USC
3001, also requires that States receiving assistance, including
subrecipients, under the State Grants program comply with the
requirements of section 508, including the standards developed by the
Access Board.
The regulations and standards for section 255 of the
Telecommunications Act and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act will
have a profound impact on dozens of stakeholders, including, but not
limited to, information technology manufacturers, product designers and
engineers, technical writers, marketers, distributors, purchasers of
information technologies, web developers and others. Currently there is
a dearth of information and technical assistance available for
stakeholders and other constituencies on how to comply with these
regulations and standards. There is also a limited supply of skilled
professionals capable of providing training and support on how to
implement the requisite guidelines and standards for electronic and
information technology.
A number of Federal agencies are collaborating to promote awareness
about accessible electronic and information technologies, the benefits
of incorporating universal design into these products, and the need for
expanding capacity for training and technical assistance in this field.
NIDRR, the General Services Administration, the Federal Communications
Commission, and the Access Board are jointly supporting a multifaceted
initiative that includes a demonstration center, multiple web pages,
and technical assistance and training efforts, in partnership with
industrial consortia and professional and trade associations. This
priority relates to the need for expanding capacity for technical
assistance and training for a broad array of constituents.
Priority: Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training
Center
The Assistant Secretary proposes to establish an Information
Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center to promote the wide
spread use of accessible and usable electronic and information
technology and to promote the benefits of universal design. In carrying
out these purposes, the Information Technology Technical Assistance and
Training Center must:
1. Design and implement a needs assessment that will determine the
technical assistance and training needs relative to: a) implementing
the final standards under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act; b) the
guidelines for section 255 of the Telecommunications Act; and c)
promoting the principles of universal design. The needs assessment
should target audiences including, but not limited to, State
procurement officers, product designers and engineers, marketers,
technical writers, web developers, consumer and disability-related
organizations, service providers, human resource professionals, and
relevant industrial consortia and professional and trade associations;
2. Based upon the findings of the needs assessment, develop,
implement and evaluate relevant training materials and instructional
modules that meet the requirements of section 255 of the
Telecommunications Act and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and
address the principles of universal design;
3. Develop and disseminate training materials and instructional
modules to States receiving AT Act funds on implementing the
requirements of section 508 and its standards;
4. Provide information, training and technical assistance about
section 255 of the Telecommunications Act, section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act, and the principles of universal design to
appropriate constituencies, including the information technology and
telecommunications industry, relevant industrial consortia,
professional and trade associations, and States receiving AT Act funds;
5. Collaborate with the General Services Administration, the
Federal Communications Commission, and the Access Board by contributing
information and materials for the Government wide web site on Section
508;
6. Design and implement, in collaboration with the Federal
Communications Commission, the Access Board, the Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Center on Telecommunications Access and the
telecommunications industry, a web site that contains information and
instructional materials, including those developed under Activity 2,
that can be used by telecommunications designers of equipment and
services to develop and fabricate solutions that are in accordance with
the guidelines for section 255 of the Telecommunications Act; and
7. Identify, implement, and disseminate strategies, in
collaboration with industrial consortia and professional and trade
associations, that will expand training capacity of the field and
increase the knowledge base about accessible and usable electronic and
information technology.
In addition to the activities proposed by the applicant to carry
out these purposes, the Information Technology Technical Assistance and
Training Center must:
* Collaborate with industry, industrial consortia,
professional and trade associations, and States receiving AT Act funds
on all relevant activities;
Coordinate on activities of mutual interest with NIDRR-funded
projects including the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers on
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Information Technology Access and Telecommunications Access and the
Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers; and
* Collaborate with relevant Federal agencies responsible for
the administration of public laws that address access to and usability
of electronic and information technology for individuals with
disabilities including, but not limited to, the General Services
Administration, the Access Board, the Federal Communications
Commission, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and other
relevant Federal agencies identified by NIDRR.
Proposed Additional Selection Criterion
The Assistant Secretary will use the selection criteria in 34 CFR
350.54 to evaluate applications under this program. The maximum score
for all the criteria is 100 points; however, the Assistant Secretary
also proposes to use the following criterion so that up to an
additional ten points may be earned by an applicant for a total
possible score of 110 points:
Within this absolute priority, we will give the following
competitive preference to applications that are otherwise eligible for
funding under this priority:
Up to ten (10) points based on the extent to which an application
includes effective strategies for employing and advancing in employment
qualified individuals with disabilities in projects awarded under this
absolute priority. In determining the effectiveness of those
strategies, we will consider the applicant's success, as described in
the application, in employing and advancing in employment qualified
individuals with disabilities in the project.
For purposes of this competitive preference, applicants can be
awarded up to a total of 10 points in addition to those awarded under
the published selection criteria for this priority. That is, an
applicant meeting this competitive preference could earn a maximum
total of 110 points.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Parts 350 and 353.
Electronic Access to This Document
You may view this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at either of the
following sites:
http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/news.html
To use the PDF you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
available free at either of the preceding sites. If you have questions
about using the PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO),
toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC., area at (202)
512-1530.
Note: The official version of document is the document published
in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official
edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations
is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/
index.html
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 761a(g) and 762.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133A, Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects)
Dated: May 3, 2000.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 00-11529 Filed 5-5-00; 8:45 am]
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