[Federal Register: July 6, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 130)]
[Notices]
[Page 35711-35716]
>From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06jy01-124]
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Part II
Department of Education
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National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
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Final Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years (FY) 2001-2002 for Two
Rehabilitation Research Training Centers; Grant Application Invitation
and Pre-Application Meeting; Notices
[[Page 35712]]
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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 Final Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years (FY) 2001-
2002 for two Rehabilitation Research Training Centers.
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SUMMARY: We announce final funding priorities for FY 2001-2002 for two
Rehabilitation Research Training Centers (RRTC) under the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR): Improving
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services for Individuals Who Are Blind
or Have Severe Visual Impairments and Improving Vocational
Rehabilitation (VR) Services for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of
Hearing. We take this action to focus research attention on areas of
national need. We intend these priorities to improve the rehabilitation
services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
DATES: These priorities take effect on August 6, 2001.
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) 205-4475. Internet:
Donna.Nangle@ed.gov.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding
paragraph.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The final priorities refer to NIDRR's Long-
Range Plan (the Plan). The Plan can be accessed on the World Wide Web
at: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/#LRP.
National Education Goals
The eight National Education Goals focus the Nation's education
reform efforts and provide a framework for improving teaching and
learning.
This notice addresses the National Education Goal that every adult
American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills
necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and
responsibilities of citizenship.
Authority
The authority for the program 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(g) and 764(b)). Regulations governing this
program are found in 34 CFR part 350.
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. A notice
inviting applications is published in this issue of the Federal
Register.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
On April 25, 2001, we published a notice of proposed priorities in
the Federal Register (66 FR 20866). The Department of Education
received nine letters commenting on the notice of proposed priorities
by the deadline date. Technical and other minor changes--and suggested
changes that we are not legally authorized to make under statutory
authority--are not addressed.
RRTC on Improving Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals
Who Are Blind or Have Severe Visual Impairments
Comment: One commenter suggested that language in the priority
requiring the development of a national information and resource
referral base be expanded to include a comprehensive on-line
information and resource referral data base with a special emphasis on
the training needs of State Business Enterprise program facilities.
Discussion: NIDRR believes that an applicant should be allowed
discretion in its development of the required database. The current
language allows for such discretion, and does not preclude an applicant
from developing a national information and resource referral database
whose scope of activities extends beyond but is not limited to the
training needs of State Business Enterprise program facilities. An
applicant could propose a more comprehensive information and resource
referral database as part of its specified project plan. The merits of
an expanded plan would be subject to evaluation through the application
panel review process.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the title of the priority be
changed from the ``RRTC on Rehabilitation of Persons Who Are Blind or
Visually Impaired'' to ``Improving Vocational Rehabilitation Services
for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Severe Visual Impairments'' to
reflect better the stated emphasis of the RRTC on the conduct of
vocational rehabilitation focused research and training activities.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees with the commenter that the priority
emphasizes the conduct of activities that have a clear focus on
improving vocational rehabilitation services for individuals who are
blind or have severe visual impairments.
Change: The title of the priority has been changed to ``Improving
Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who Are Blind or
Have Severe Visual Impairments''.
Comment: A commenter recommended that an applicant be encouraged to
work with the current NIDRR-funded RRTCs that have an employment focus
in its conduct of the related research required in the priority.
Discussion: The priority requires the RRTC, in consultation with
the NIDRR project officer, to coordinate with appropriate Federally
funded projects and to identify other relevant NIDRR-funded projects
for collaborative activities.
Change: None.
RRTC on Improving Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services for
Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Comment: One commenter noted that there is a continuing need for
research on tinnitus, which frequently accompanies hearing loss, and
expressed an interest in seeing an RRTC program specific to the needs
of this population.
Discussion: NIDRR is sensitive to the research needs of this
population and will consider the research needs of persons with
tinnitus in future NIDRR planning.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter felt that the population parameters proposed
for this RRTC are too broad and include, actually, two different
populations. The commenter also suggested focusing the proposed RRTC on
the substantial needs of persons who are prelingually or culturally
deaf or both, including those who are referred to as low-functioning.
The respondent further noted that the employment and personal
adjustment issues of persons who are hard of hearing or late deafened
has been and should continue to be the focus of a different NIDRR-RRTC
with that specific focus. Finally, the commenter suggested that the
overlap in the two distinctly different target populations is
unnecessary, and helps to ``muddy the waters'' on the very different
characteristics and needs of and services to the two different
populations. Two other respondents also felt that the needs of the hard
of hearing differ significantly from those of persons who are deaf and
that the service needs of the two populations should not be mingled.
[[Page 35713]]
Discussion: NIDRR appreciates the range of different needs within
the diverse population referred to as ``deaf or hard of hearing.'' It
is noted, however, that this priority deals primarily with the
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and employment aspects of rehabilitation
for these populations and, while other aspects are expected to be
weighted in determining the client's VR needs, the primary issue
addressed is entry or reentry into the labor market.
Changes: None.
Comment: Internal Department of Education review noted that the
title of the other RRTC in this notice has been changed to read
``Improving Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who Are
Blind or Have Severe Visual Impairments'' and raised the question if
this RRTC title should also be changed.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees with the commenter that the priority
emphasizes the conduct of activities that have a clear focus on
improving vocational rehabilitation services for individuals who are
deaf or hard of hearing.
Change: The title of the priority has been changed to ``Improving
Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard
of Hearing''.
Authority for Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
The authority for the RRTC program is contained in section
204(b)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C.
764(b)(2)). Under this program the Secretary makes awards to public and
private organizations, including institutions of higher education and
Indian tribes or tribal organizations, for coordinated research and
training activities. These entities must be of sufficient size, scope,
and quality to effectively carry out the activities of the Center in an
efficient manner consistent with appropriate State and Federal laws.
They must demonstrate the ability to carry out the training activities
either directly or through another entity that can provide that
training. The Secretary may make awards for up to 60 months through
grants or cooperative agreements. The purpose of the awards is to
support planning and conducting research, training, demonstrations, and
related activities leading to the development of methods, procedures,
and devices that will benefit individuals with disabilities, especially
those with the most severe disabilities.
Description of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
RRTCs are operated in collaboration with institutions of higher
education or providers of rehabilitation services or other appropriate
services. RRTCs serve as centers of national excellence and as national
or regional resources for providers and individuals with disabilities
and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized
representatives of the individuals.
RRTCs conduct coordinated, integrated, and advanced programs of
research in rehabilitation targeted toward the production of new
knowledge to improve rehabilitation methodology and service delivery
systems, to alleviate or stabilize disabling conditions, and to promote
maximum social and economic independence of individuals with
disabilities.
RRTCs provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training, to assist individuals to more effectively provide
rehabilitation services. They also provide training including graduate,
pre-service, and in-service training, for rehabilitation research
personnel and other rehabilitation personnel.
RRTCs serve as informational and technical assistance resources to
providers, individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family
members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of these
individuals through conferences, workshops, public education programs,
in-service training programs and similar activities.
RRTCs disseminate materials in alternative formats to ensure that
they are accessible to individuals with a range of disabling
conditions.
NIDRR encourages all Centers to involve individuals with
disabilities and individuals from minority backgrounds as recipients of
research training, as well as clinical training.
The Department is particularly interested in ensuring
accountability for the expenditure of public funds, will monitor the
execution of intended activities and the advancement of knowledge and,
has built this accountability into the selection criteria. To assist in
program compliance with the Government Performance Results Act (GPRA),
not later than three years after the establishment of any RRTC, NIDRR
will conduct one or more reviews of the activities and achievements of
the Center. In accordance with the provisions of 34 CFR 75.253(a),
continued funding depends at all times on satisfactory performance and
accomplishment.
Priority 1: Improving Vocational Rehabilitation Services for
Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Severe Visual Impairments
Background
Based on 1996 worldwide population estimates, approximately 45
million persons are blind and 135 million have low vision (World Health
Organization Programs for the Prevention of Blindness and Deafness,
1997). One in six Americans (17 percent) age 45 years or older, or 13.5
million middle-aged and older adults, reports some form of vision
impairment even when wearing glasses or contact lenses (The Lighthouse
Inc., 1995). Nationally, only 43.7 percent of persons age 21 to 64 who
are visually impaired, defined as difficulty or inability to see words
and letters, are employed. Among individuals unable to see words and
letters, the figure decreases to 30.6 percent. This proportion is
significantly lower than the estimated 80 percent of persons without
disabilities in this age group who are employed (based on 1994-1995
estimates: McNeil, 1997; personal communication, November 16, 1996).
NIDRR published a Long-Range Plan (The Plan) which is based on a
paradigm for rehabilitation that identifies disability in terms of its
relationship between the individual and the natural, built, cultural,
and social environment (63 FR 57189-57219). The Plan focuses on both
individual and systemic factors that have an impact on the ability of
individuals with disabilities to function.
In accord with this Plan, the Department will establish an RRTC
whose mission is to conduct research and training activities designed
to improve employment and career outcomes for individuals who are blind
or have visual impairments through vocational rehabilitation, community
rehabilitation, post-secondary education, and independent living
services. Research and training activities under this RRTC must clearly
focus on the vocational rehabilitation needs of adults, who, by
definition, are the primary recipients of vocational rehabilitation
services. Likewise, the RRTC should focus on individuals who are blind
or have severe visual impairment, as opposed to those who have minimal
vision loss.
With the passage of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and
the Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1998, vocational rehabilitation
agencies were ensured a role in developing community partnerships and
establishing vocational rehabilitation as
[[Page 35714]]
a major part of the workforce development system and one-stop centers.
As a result, vocational rehabilitation agencies are now collaborating
with welfare to work programs, independent living centers, and colleges
and technical schools. The influence of such collaboration upon
vocational outcomes for individuals who are blind or have visual
impairments remains unknown. Thus, there is a need to investigate and
document the impact of changes in disability and employment legislation
on the extent to which the vocational rehabilitation agencies address
the unique employment needs of individuals who are blind and have
visual impairments. Research should identify barriers that hinder the
participation of individuals who are blind or have visual impairments
in these evolving systems and develop and document effective strategies
to eliminate such barriers.
Understanding the ongoing employment problems of individuals who
are blind or have visual impairments has been hampered by the virtual
absence of salient data such as work history, use of assistive
techniques, transportation, and other environmental features. A subtle
constraint is the tendency to ``over attribute'' problems to
individuals' vision status without seriously examining the dynamics of
vision loss in relation to other characteristics of the work they do or
seek to do, and characteristics of their work settings. Thus, there is
a serious need to identify and document salient demographic and
employment-related characteristics associated with working-age adults
who are blind or have visual impairments, including but not limited to
highlighting differences among this group, as well as general
differences between working-age adults with disabilities and working-
age adults without disabilities. Research that results in contemporary
and accurate data on employment status and an improved understanding of
employment issues is critically important to the development of a
national agenda and strategies to achieve full employment for
individuals who are blind or have visual impairments.
New computer technologies and the growing trend toward home-based
work appear to enhance the employment outcomes and earning potential of
individuals with disabilities. New computer and information
technologies place a premium on intellectual and interpersonal skills
and offer solid employment opportunities for individuals with
disabilities who remain current with the changing work environment.
Efforts to support individuals who are blind or have visual impairments
can be enhanced by using emerging technologies to improve access to
services (particularly for individuals in remote areas), reduce
information dissemination barriers, improve employment training and job
opportunities, and facilitate improved training options for service
providers. Research should be focused on determining how computer
technology can be effectively used to improve the independence of
individuals who are blind or visually impaired, identifying barriers
that prevent access and expanded use of technology, and, increasing
service provider knowledge of and experience with using technology to
support rehabilitation service efforts.
Computer and information technology is changing rapidly.
Rehabilitation professionals must have state-of-the-art knowledge of
accessible computer and information technology for individuals who are
blind or visually impaired. To address such a need, this RRTC will
facilitate collaboration between the Rehabilitation Services
Administration (RSA) and NIDRR to support the training of State
vocational rehabilitation agency staff through use of a train the
trainer model.
Since 1936 the Randolph-Sheppard Act has been a source of
employment for individuals who are blind. This program enables
individuals who are blind to become licensed facility managers and
operate vending facilities on Federal and State property. According to
RSA, in fiscal year 1999, 2,809 blind vendors operated 3,352 vending
facilities under the Randolph-Sheppard Act Program. The program
generated $448.1 million in gross earnings, with individual vendors
averaging an annual income of $32,544. The RRTC should undertake an
assessment to identify areas of the program that may be improved by
training Business Enterprise Program counselors and licensed managers.
The training is intended to foster the acquisition of improved skills
by counselors and licensed managers and increase the capacity of the
Business Enterprise Program to be competitive with other vending
facilities.
Priority
We will establish a RRTC on improving vocational services for
individuals who are blind or have visual impairments that will conduct
research and training activities and develop and evaluate model
approaches to improve the employment outcomes for such individuals. In
carrying out this purpose, the center must:
(a) Investigate and document the impact of changes in disability
and employment legislation on the ability to address the unique
employment-related needs of individuals who are blind or have visual
impairments (e.g., Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Rehabilitation Act
Amendments of 1998) and service delivery options and policy (e.g.,
State and Federal VR, Community Rehabilitation Programs, One-Stop
Centers, presumptive eligibility, order of selection, informed choice,
CSPD) using formal research protocols on workforce participation and
employment outcomes achieved by persons who are blind or have visual
impairments and considering such factors as age, gender, race or ethnic
background, education, severity of impairment, and secondary
disability;
(b) Investigate, document, and analyze existent State and Federal
data sets (e.g., RSA 911 data, NCHS data sets on population health
conditions, the national Independent Living Center survey and the
annual State-by-State VR agency data sets detailing performance
outcomes), to determine different employment outcomes for persons who
are blind or have visual impairments and the relationship of the
outcomes to client and service provider characteristics (e.g., age of
onset of blindness or visual impairment relative to successful
employment outcomes);
(c) Investigate and document how State vocational rehabilitation
agencies, other public agencies, and private service providers overcome
environmental barriers (e.g., using assistive technology and jobsite
modifications) in order to improve employment outcomes for individuals
who are blind or have visual impairments; and
(d) Develop a national information and resource referral data base
for the training needs of State business enterprise program facilities;
develop and deliver training programs to meet the identified training
needs; and develop measures that can be used to evaluate the efficacy
of the training.
The RRTC must conduct at least three conferences to train
vocational rehabilitation staff on state-of-the-art information and
computer technology for individuals who are blind or have visual
impairments.
In addition, the RRTC must:
Involve individuals who are blind or have visual
impairments and, if appropriate, their representatives, in planning,
developing, and implementing the research, training,
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dissemination and evaluation activities of the RRTC;
Coordinate with appropriate Federally funded projects; and
Identify coordination responsibilities through
consultation with the assigned NIDRR Project Officer. These
responsibilities may include outreach to specific NIDRR Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects, Rehabilitation Engineering and
Research Centers, RRTCs, Disability Business and Technical Assistance
Centers, Assistive Technology projects, Office of Special Education
programs, and RSA projects.
Priority 2: Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who
Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Background
According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS),
approximately 8.6 percent of the national population experience hearing
loss (Ries, 1994, Vital and Health Statistics, 10(188)). Using
population projections for the year 2000 (U.S. Bureau of the Census,
1999, Statistical Abstract of the United States) and adjusting for the
increase in prevalence of hearing loss due to aging, NCHS estimates
that approximately 26.5 million persons experience hearing loss. Of
these persons, 80 percent experience permanent, irreversible hearing
damage (National Strategic Research Plan for Hearing and Hearing
Impairment and Voice and Voice Disorders, National Institute on
Deafness and Communicative Disorders, 1992). Furthermore, this
population is quite heterogeneous, varying with respect to degree and
type of hearing loss, age at onset, individual communication mode,
level of personal or employment functionality and race or ethnic
background. As a result, the population needs diverse vocational
rehabilitation (VR) services.
Degree of hearing loss functionally distinguishes persons who are
hard of hearing and persons who are deaf. Persons identified as hard of
hearing may understand conversational speech with or without
amplification and are not primarily dependent on visual communication
(Rehabilitation Services Administration, 1995). Estimates indicate
there are more than 10.5 million hard of hearing individuals of working
age. Persons who are deaf are primarily dependent upon visual
communication such as writing, text reading (also known as CART or
computer-aided real-time translation), speech reading, sign language,
and sign language interpreting. This population includes persons who
are born deaf as well as those who become deaf later in life.
The age at which one becomes deaf strongly influences their
language, academic and vocational development, and therefore figures
prominently in that person's VR needs. Persons born deaf or who become
deaf during early childhood are likely to need specialized services
such as access to service providers who can communicate using American
Sign Language or other visual-gesture languages and vocational
assistance to enhance their employment prospects (Easterbrooks & Baker-
Hawkins, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Educational Service
Guidelines, National Association of State Directors of Special
Education). Estimates indicate that there are approximately 479,000
deaf individuals of working age (18-64) who became deaf during early
childhood.
Yet another category of individuals is those persons who become
deaf after having experienced hearing as well as speech and language
development. Members of this group may include people who have already
completed substantial formal education, maintained a career, and
generally functioned as a hearing person before being deafened. While
these individuals already possess speech and language, they will be
dependent primarily on visual receptive communication. Estimates
indicate that there are approximately 2.8 million such individuals in
the United States.
The population of persons who are deaf also includes a subgroup
identified largely on the basis of functional needs in addition to
hearing loss. This group of deaf persons has been described as ``low
functioning.'' (Serving Individuals Who Are Low Functioning Deaf, 25th
Institute on Rehabilitation Issues, Rehabilitation Services
Administration, 1999). Persons who are deaf and low functioning vary
with respect to rehabilitation needs due to a diagnosed secondary
disability or related academic, language, or behavioral factors. Those
individuals may require rehabilitation assistance in areas such as
communication, education, independent living skills, and a full
continuum of employment preparation, entry, and ongoing supports.
Estimates of the population indicate that there are approximately
144,000 individuals of working age who are deaf and low functioning
(25th Institute on Rehabilitation Issues, 1999).
When provided appropriate and effective VR services, deaf
individuals whose level of social and vocational function is severely
limited can obtain and maintain employment (Conway, Work Place Issues,
Career Opportunities, Advancement and Deafness, Volta Review, 1995).
Often, however, a broad range of services are needed, and these
services must be provided in an accessible manner that recognizes
individual communication needs and preferences (Conway, 1995). Among
the cases closed by State VR agencies were 17,863, or 72.9 percent,
closed as rehabilitated and 6,627, or 27.1 percent, closed as non-
rehabilitated. Of the ``rehabilitated'' group closures, 77.4 percent
were in competitive employment, 1.9 percent in extended employment, 2.6
percent in self-employment, and the balance in other employment sectors
(RSA, Caseload Services data, 1996). Interestingly, close examination
of closure rates for specific target groups indicate that deaf persons
achieve employment at significantly lower percentages than their hard
of hearing counterparts. Research is needed to address different
services in order to obtain optimal outcomes. Despite this disparity in
outcome, these data clearly document the role and contributions of the
State and Federal VR system in providing services that lead to
employment outcomes for significant numbers of individuals who are
deaf.
Currently, the State and Federal VR system is undergoing
significant change in response to conditions occurring in the labor
market and the resulting need for workers. The labor force is
characterized by economic growth, a low rate of unemployment,
technological advances, and demand for jobs that require higher
education and training. Plans to meet the State and local workforce
needs of persons with disabilities, including persons who are deaf or
hard of hearing, must be responsive to current thrusts in service
delivery policy such as presumptive eligibility, continuing emphasis on
order of selection, informed choice, one-stop service delivery, and
increased demands for new approaches in training and personnel
preparation (25th Institute on Rehabilitation Issues, 1999). It is
clear that agencies will require significant technical assistance and
resources in developing service models and approaches for serving
special populations such as deaf and hard of hearing persons in
response to these changes (Hopkins & Walter, 1999; PEPNet Needs
Assessment: Summary of Findings, In Kolvitz, (Ed.), Empowerment through
partnerships: PEPNet 1998; Boone & Watson, Identifying the Technical
Assistance Needs of Community Based Rehabilitation Centers Serving
Persons
[[Page 35716]]
who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, 1999). Research is needed to identify
service delivery needs of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and
to develop interventions that result in satisfactory employment
outcomes.
There is a clear need for ongoing research to maintain and improve
successful employment and career outcomes resulting from VR, community
rehabilitation, postsecondary education, and independent living
services for persons who are deaf (NIDRR Long-Range Plan, 63 FR 57189-
57219). Research under this competition must clearly focus on the VR
needs of deaf individuals, including subgroups within this population
with prevocational and post-vocational hearing loss, and those
individuals identified as low functioning. There is need to examine
decisionmaking processes as they impact upon deaf individuals and
relevant others such as service providers, advocates, advisors, and
family members, in relation to issues of access and participation by
deaf and hard of hearing individuals in appropriate VR, postsecondary
training, and independent living services. When such research analysis
or mapping of decision processes and information sharing reveals
problems, then appropriate resource development activities must be
pursued, such as development of curriculum materials, training,
evaluation, and technical assistance. In particular, strategies will be
needed to involve new partners such as ``one-stops'' and centers for
independent living, and underserved subgroups within the deaf and hard
of hearing populations, such as those individuals described as low
functioning and others with special needs. Research must investigate
variables related to specific deafness and hard of hearing subgroups,
services settings, measures of program participation, and measures of
success within the changing policy, labor market, and service delivery
environments.
Priority
We will establish an RRTC on VR services for individuals who are
deaf or hard of hearing that will conduct research and training
activities and develop and evaluate model approaches to improve the
employment outcomes for such individuals. In carrying out this purpose,
the center must:
(a) Investigate and document the impact of changes in disability
and employment legislation (e.g., Workforce Investment Act of 1998,
Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998) and service delivery options and
policy (e.g., State and Federal VR, Community Rehabilitation Programs,
One-Stop Centers, presumptive eligibility, order of selection, informed
choice, CSPD) using formal research protocols on workforce
participation and employment outcomes achieved by persons who are deaf
or hard of hearing (including those identified as low functioning) and
considering such factors as age, gender, race or ethnic background,
education, severity of impairment, and secondary disability;
(b) Identify, evaluate, and document contemporary business policies
and practices that contribute to accessible work, workplace supports,
and environments to enhance the employment of persons who are deaf or
hard of hearing;
(c) Identify, develop, and measure the impact of innovative
rehabilitation practices, resource materials, post-secondary training,
and technology (for State and Federal VR, Independent Living, and
Community-based Rehabilitation Programs) that will enhance the
workforce participation, employment, and community living outcomes
achieved by persons who are deaf or hard of hearing; and
(d) Develop and disseminate resources through a national technical
assistance, information, and referral network for consumers who are
deaf or hard of hearing (including those referred to as low functioning
deaf), their employers, advocates, family members, and rehabilitation
service providers.
The RRTC must conduct at least three conferences to train
vocational rehabilitation staff on state-of-the-art information and
computer technology for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
In addition, the RRTC must:
Coordinate the activities of this Center with the efforts
of other grantees from NIDRR, the Office of Special Education (OSEP),
or RSA who are involved in postsecondary training, transition, job-
related or vocational and career studies, independent living needs, and
aspects of rehabilitation technology addressing the needs of persons
who are deaf, particularly those referred to as low functioning deaf.
Solicit and incorporate direct input from persons who are
deaf, their service providers, and their employers as part of the
ongoing planning, development, and implementation of the Center's
research activities.
Construct scientific and measurable techniques for each
research project.
Provide dissemination to rehabilitation professionals,
through training and technical assistance of new and effective
rehabilitation techniques and practices that may enhance service
delivery, quality employment, and community integration findings.
Develop sources for supplementary funding that will permit
the Center more latitude in exploring additional related studies, in
addition to the Federal monies available from this RRTC grant.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(2).
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index.html
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133B,
Rehabilitation Research Training Center)
Dated: July 2, 2001.
Francis V. Corrigan,
Deputy Director, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research.
[FR Doc. 01-16984 Filed 7-5-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4001-01-U