FR Doc 03-19018
[Federal Register: July 25, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 143)]
[Notices]
[Page 44059-44064]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25jy03-46]
Download: 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
[RIN 1820 ZA18]
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
(NIDRR)
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priorities.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) announces final priorities for a
Disability Demographics and Statistics Center, Community Integration
Outcomes Centers, and Health and Function Centers under the
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) Program under the
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)
for fiscal year (FY) 2003 and later years. We take these actions to
focus research attention on areas of national need. We intend these
priorities to improve the rehabilitation services and outcomes for
individuals with disabilities.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities are effective August 25, 2003.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3412, Switzer Building,
Washington, DC 20202-2645. Telephone: (202) 205-5880 or via the
Internet: donna.nangle@ed.gov. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may
call the TDD number at (202) 205-4475.
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 under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
We may make awards for up to 60 months through grants or
cooperative agreements to public and private agencies and
organizations, including institutions of higher education, Indian
tribes, and tribal organizations, to conduct research, demonstration,
and training activities regarding rehabilitation in order to enhance
opportunities for meeting the needs of, and addressing the barriers
confronted by, individuals with disabilities in all aspects of their
lives. Each RRTC must be operated by or in collaboration with an
institution of higher education or providers of rehabilitation or other
appropriate services. RRTCs conduct coordinated and integrated advanced
programs of research targeted toward the production of new knowledge to
improve rehabilitation methodology and service delivery systems,
alleviate or stabilize disability conditions, or promote maximum social
and economic independence for persons with disabilities. Additional
information on the RRTC program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/Programs/res_program.html#RRTC.
General Requirements of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
RRTCs must:
[sbull] Carry out coordinated advanced programs of rehabilitation
research;
[sbull] Provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training to help rehabilitation personnel more effectively
provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities;
[sbull] Provide technical assistance to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested
parties;
[sbull] Disseminate informational materials to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested
parties;
[sbull] Serve as centers for national excellence in rehabilitation
research for individuals with disabilities, their representatives,
providers, and other interested parties; and
[sbull] Involve individuals with disabilities and individuals from
minority backgrounds as participants in research as well as training.
The Department is particularly interested in ensuring that the
expenditure of public funds is justified by the execution of intended
activities and the advancement of knowledge and, thus, has built this
accountability into the selection criteria. 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.
Note: NIDRR supports the goals of President Bush's New Freedom
Initiative (NFI). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the
following site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/freedominitiative/freedominitiative.html.
The final priorities are in concert with NIDRR's Long-Range Plan
(the Plan). The Plan is comprehensive and integrates many issues
relating to disability and rehabilitation research topics. While
applicants will find many sections throughout the Plan that support
potential research to be conducted under these final priorities, a
specific reference is included for the topics presented in this notice.
The Plan can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/Products/.
Through the implementation of the Plan, NIDRR seeks to: (1) Improve
the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research; (2)
foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training to
facilitate the advancement of
[[Page 44060]]
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.
We published a separate notice of each proposed priority (NPPs) in
the Federal Register on May 9, 2003.
Priority 1--Disability Demographics and Statistics Center (84.133B-1)
(68 FR 25004).
Priority 2--Community Integration Outcomes Centers (84.133B-5) (68 FR
25019).
Priority 3--Health and Function Centers (84.133B-7) (68 FR 25011).
We have combined these three priorities in this notice of final
priorities (NFP).
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to our invitation in the NPPs, we received 269
comments.
We discuss these comments and changes in the Analysis of Comments
and Changes section published as an appendix to this notice.
There are no significant differences between the NPPs and this NFP.
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use one or more of these priorities, we will do
so through a notice in the Federal Register. A notice inviting
applications for FY 2003 awards was published in the Federal
Register on May 29, 2003 (68 FR 32023). When inviting applications
we designate these 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 priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or
(2) selecting an application that meets the priority over an
application of comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are
particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the
priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications
(34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
Background
The background statements for the following priorities were
published in the NPPs on May 9, 2003.
Priorities
Priority 1--Disability Demographics And Statistics Center
The Assistant Secretary will fund one RRTC on disability
demographics and statistics. The purpose of this RRTC is to support
rigorous collaborative research to generate new knowledge that advances
evidence-based decision making to improve the lives of persons with
disabilities. The references for this topic can be found in the Plan,
chapter 2, Dimensions of Disability: Age, Gender, Education, Income,
and Geography; chapter 7, Associated Disability Areas: Disabilty
Statistics. The RRTC must:
(1) Conduct analyses using a variety of data sources, including
those that assess facilitators and barriers to participation in
society, to address the status and understanding of the population of
individuals with disabilities;
(2) Identify, develop as necessary, and validate a series of best-
practice approaches that facilitate the selection of appropriate
measures, ensure a high degree of power and representativeness of the
sample, and apply techniques of interviewing and data collection that
lead to high levels of quality and relevance of information while
minimizing the burden on respondents;
(3) Identify, develop as necessary, and evaluate instruments, data
sources, administrative records, or other sources that allow Federal
policymakers to use the International Classification of Functioning,
Disability, and Health (ICF) classification system for evidence-based
decisionmaking;
(4) Serve as a resource on disability statistics and demographics
for Federal and other government agencies, policymakers, consumers,
advocates, researchers, and others; and
(5) Develop quality standards to guide the identification of
information for dissemination and conduct all activities to prepare,
produce, and disseminate findings in a variety of media, such as web-
based and print documents, meetings and conferences, and
teleconferences that are targeted to the wide range of audiences who
need such information.
In addition to the activities proposed by the applicant to carry
out these purposes, the RRTC must:
[sbull] Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its respective
area of research in the third year of the grant cycle and publish a
comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference in the
fourth year of the grant cycle. This conference must include materials
from experts internal and external to the center;
[sbull] Develop a systematic plan for widespread dissemination of
informational materials based on knowledge gained from the Center's
research activities, and disseminate the materials to persons with
disabilities, their representatives, service providers, and other
interested parties.
[sbull] Coordinate on research projects of mutual interest with
relevant NIDRR-funded projects as identified through consultation with
the NIDRR project officer;
[sbull] Involve individuals with disabilities in planning and
implementing its research, training, and dissemination activities, and
in evaluating the Center;
[sbull] Demonstrate in its application how it will address, in
whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds;
[sbull] Demonstrate how the RRTC project will yield measurable
results for people with disabilities;
[sbull] Identify specific performance targets and propose outcome
indicators, along with time lines to reach these targets; and
[sbull] Demonstrate how the RRTC project can transfer research
findings to practical applications in planning, policy-making, program
administration, and delivery of services to individuals with
disabilities.
Priority 2--Community Integration Outcomes Centers
The Assistant Secretary will fund up to four RRTCs that will focus
on improving the community integration outcomes of persons with
disabilities. Each RRTC must:
(1) Identify, develop, and evaluate rehabilitation techniques to
address its respective area of research and improve outcomes for its
designated population group;
(2) Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive plan for
training critical stakeholders, e.g., consumers and their family
members, practitioners, service providers, researchers, policymakers,
and the community;
(3) Provide technical assistance to critical stakeholders, as
appropriate, e.g., consumers and their family members, practitioners,
service providers, and the community, to facilitate utilization of
research findings in its respective area of research; and
(4) Develop a systematic plan for widespread dissemination of
[[Page 44061]]
informational materials based on knowledge gained from the Center's
research activities, and disseminate the materials to persons with
disabilities, their representatives, service providers, and other
interested parties.
In addition to the activities proposed by the applicant to carry
out these purposes, each RRTC must:
[sbull] Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its respective
area of research in the third year of the grant cycle and publish a
comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference in the
fourth year of the grant cycle;
[sbull] Coordinate on research projects of mutual interest with
relevant NIDRR-funded projects as identified through consultation with
the NIDRR project officer;
[sbull] Involve individuals with disabilities in planning and
implementing its research, training, and dissemination activities, and
in evaluating the Center;
[sbull] Demonstrate in its application how it will address, in
whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds.
[sbull] Demonstrate how the project will yield measurable results
for people with disabilities;
[sbull] Identify specific performance targets and propose outcome
indicators, along with time lines to reach these targets; and
[sbull] Demonstrate how the project can transfer research findings
to practical applications in planning, policy-making, program
administration, and delivery of services to individuals with
disabilities.
Each RRTC must focus on one of the following priorities.
(a) Community Integration for Individuals with Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities (I/DD): This Center must conduct qualitative
and quantitative research, including the development and implementation
of outcome measures, on factors that assist and hinder community
integration, self-determination, training, employment, and independent
living for persons with I/DD. The references for this topic can be
found in the Plan, chapter 6, Independent Living and Community
Integration: Independent Living and Community Integration Concepts;
Expanding the Theoretical Framework; and Directions of Future Research
on Independent Living and Community Integration.
(b) Promoting Healthy Aging and Community Inclusion Among Adults
with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD): This Center
must conduct epidemiological and community-based research, training,
and dissemination activities regarding factors, such as aging,
healthcare utilization, and caregiver characteristics, that assist and
hinder community integration for adults with I/DD. The references for
this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health and Function:
Research on Aging with a Disability; and chapter 6, Independent Living
and Community Integration: Independent Living and Community Integration
Concepts; Expanding the Theoretical Framework; and Directions of Future
Research on Independent Living and Community Integration.
(c) Positive Behavioral Support in Community Settings: This Center
must conduct research, training, and dissemination activities on
positive behavioral support interventions that assist and sustain
community integration efforts for a broad range of individuals with
disabilities, including people with mental illness, over time and
across systems. Dissemination and training efforts must target
community partners, e.g., employers, teachers and coaches, and
landlords, as well as individuals with disabilities and their families.
The reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 6,
Independent Living and Community Integration: Research on Increasing
Personal Development and Adaptation.
(d) Policies Affecting Families of Children with Disabilities: This
Center must research and disseminate information on the effects of
government, system, network, and agency policies on community
integration and quality of life for families who have children with
disabilities. The Center also must validate instruments to measure
these effects and provide technical assistance, with the goal of
improving community integration and quality of life, by: (1) enhancing
and coordinating policies among systems and (2) informing and
empowering family and peer-based networks and partnerships. The
references for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 2,
Dimensions of Disability: Employment and Independent Living; and
chapter 6, Research on Social Roles.
(e) Community Integration for People with Psychiatric Disabilities:
This Center must research, disseminate, and provide training on
factors, policies, and interventions, such as peer-support models and
other innovative treatment approaches, that assist community
integration for people with psychiatric disabilities. The target
population may include individuals from any age group. The references
for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 6, Independent Living
and Community Integration: Independent Living and Community Integration
Concepts; Expanding the Theoretical Framework; and Directions of Future
Research on Independent Living and Community Integration.
(f) Substance Abuse: This Center must conduct research, disseminate
information, and provide training on community-based interventions,
partnerships, and service delivery models that improve community
integration outcomes for people with disabilities who are recovering
from substance abuse problems. The target population may or may not
include individuals with co-occurring disorders such as mental illness.
The reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 2,
Dimensions of Disability: Emerging Universe of Disability.
Priority 3--Health and Function
The Assistant Secretary will fund up to seven RRTCs that will focus
on rehabilitation to improve the health and function of persons with
disabilities and thus to improve their ability to live in the
community. Each RRTC must:
(1) Identify, develop, and evaluate rehabilitation techniques to
address its respective area of research and improve outcomes for its
designated population group;
(2) Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive plan for
training critical stakeholders, e.g., consumers/family members,
practitioners, service providers, researchers, and policymakers;
(3) Provide technical assistance, as appropriate, to critical
stakeholders, (e.g., consumers/family members, practitioners, and
service providers) to facilitate utilization of research findings in
its respective area of research; and
(4) Develop a systematic plan for widespread dissemination of
informational materials based on knowledge gained from the Center's
research activities, and disseminate the materials to persons with
disabilities, their representatives, service providers, and other
interested parties.
In addition to the activities proposed by the applicant to carry
out these purposes, each RRTC must:
[sbull] Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its respective
area of research in the third year of the grant cycle and publish a
comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference in the
fourth year of the grant cycle. This conference must include materials
from experts internal and external to the center;
[sbull] Coordinate on research projects of mutual interest with
relevant NIDRR-
[[Page 44062]]
funded projects as identified through consultation with the NIDRR
project officer;
[sbull] Involve individuals with disabilities in planning and
implementing its research, training, and dissemination activities, and
in evaluating the Center;
[sbull] Demonstrate in its application how it will address, in
whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds; and
[sbull] Demonstrate how the RRTC project will yield measurable
results for people with disabilities;
[sbull] Identify specific performance targets and propose outcome
indicators, along with time lines to reach these targets; and
[sbull] Demonstrate how the RRTC project can transfer research
findings to practical applications in planning, policy-making, program
administration, and delivery of services to individuals with
disabilities.
Each RRTC must focus on one of the following priority topic areas:
(a) Psycho-social Factors Affecting Individuals Aging with
Disability: This Center must conduct research and training activities
that generate new knowledge regarding the psycho-social issues that
affect individuals aging with disabilities and the sources of
resilience used by this population to cope with or respond to these
issues. In an effort to improve long-term outcomes for these
individuals, the Center is encouraged to identify or develop and test
the effectiveness of interventions that will prevent or minimize the
impact of psycho-social issues on the health, activity, and community
participation of individuals with disabilities across the life span and
promote positive adjustment and improved quality of life. The reference
for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health and
Function: Research on Aging with a Disability.
(b) Secondary Conditions in Rehabilitation of Individuals with
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): In an effort to improve the general health,
well-being, and community integration of individuals with SCI, this
Center must conduct research and training activities to enhance
knowledge regarding either treatment or prevention strategies, or both,
that addresses the wide array of secondary conditions associated with
SCI, including, but not limited to, respiratory complications, urinary
tract infections, pressure ulcers, pain, obesity, and depression. The
reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health
and Function: Research on Secondary Conditions.
(c) Community Integration of Individuals With Traumatic Brain
Injury (TBI): This Center must identify, assess, and evaluate current
and emerging community integration needs of individuals with TBI,
including but not limited to mild TBI. The Center should consider the
impact of secondary conditions on community integration outcomes as
well as the role of assistive devices and other technology. In
addition, this Center must develop and evaluate a comprehensive plan to
facilitate the translation of new knowledge into rehabilitation
practice and the delivery of community-based services. The reference
for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health and
Function: Research on Trauma Rehabilitation.
(d) Rehabilitation of Individuals with Neuromuscular Diseases: This
Center must conduct research that addresses rehabilitation needs,
particularly related to exercise, nutrition, and pain, of individuals
with neuromuscular diseases. In doing this, the Center must identify or
develop and evaluate health promotion and wellness programs to enhance
recreational opportunities for individuals with neuromuscular diseases.
This Center must identify, develop as appropriate, and evaluate devices
and other technology that improve employment and community integration
outcomes for this population of individuals with disabilities. The
reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health
and Function: Research on Progressive and Degenerative Disease
Rehabilitation.
(e) Rehabilitation of Stroke Survivors: This Center must conduct
research to develop rehabilitation interventions that improve
rehabilitation, employment, and community integration outcomes of
stroke survivors, including young stroke survivors. Such interventions
may include robotics, complementary alternative therapies, and
universal design methodologies aimed at improving the utility of
workplace tools and devices. This Center must explore the cost-
effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation treatments, such as group model
approaches. The reference for this topic can be found in the Plan,
chapter 4, Health and Function: Research on Trauma Rehabilitation.
(f) Rehabilitation of Individuals with Arthritis: This Center must
address national goals to reduce pain and disability, improve physical
fitness and quality of life, and promote independent living and
community integration for persons with arthritis of all ages in the
United States. This Center must research the benefits of exercise and
physical fitness; home and community-based self-management programs;
and technologies available to the broad populations of persons with
arthritis in the environments where they live, learn, work, and play.
The reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4,
Health and Function: Research on Progressive and Degenerative Disease
Rehabilitation.
(g) Rehabilitation of Children with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):
This Center must identify, assess, and evaluate current and emerging
rehabilitation needs for children and adolescents with TBI. In doing
this, the Center must document patterns of recovery, determining the
effectiveness of current outcome measures for this population. Of
particular interest will be evaluation of interventions and
technologies, including specialized support services, to assist
families and caregivers with transition to the school and the
community. This RRTC must identify or develop effective rehabilitation
strategies to improve outcomes for children and adolescents with TBI at
all stages of rehabilitation. The reference for this topic can be found
in the Plan, chapter 4, Health and Function: Research on Trauma
Rehabilitation.
(h) Rehabilitation of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
This Center must conduct research to maximize the participation of
people with MS, including those with all levels of symptoms associated
with the disease, at home, in the community, and while working or
learning. In doing so, the Center must identify, develop as necessary,
and evaluate interventions to enhance the independence of people with
MS. Those interventions must include strategies and programs that
address interactions among cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, mobility,
and other manifestations of the disease across the lifespan. The Center
must consider the role of assistive and universally designed
technologies, strategic goals, and financial planning for persons with
MS, and the role of caregivers throughout the disease course. The
reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health
and Function: Research on Progressive and Degenerative Disease
Rehabilitation.
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
[[Page 44063]]
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 priorities justify the costs.
Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits
The potential cost associated with these final priorities is
minimal while the benefits are significant. Grantees may anticipate
costs associated with completing the application process in terms of
staff time, copying, and mailing or delivery. The use of e-Application
technology reduces mailing and copying costs significantly.
The benefits of the RRTC program have been well established over
the years given that similar projects have been successfully completed.
These final priorities will generate new knowledge through research,
dissemination, utilization, training, and technical assistance
projects.
The benefit of these final priorities and proposed applications and
project requirements will be the establishment of new RRTCs that
generate, disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will
improve the options for disabled individuals to perform regular
activities in the community.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
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 the following site:
http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/.
To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available
free at this site. If you have questions about using 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 this document is 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.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 84.133B,
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center Program)
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(2).
Dated: July 22, 2003.
Robert H. Pasternack,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Appendix
Analysis of Comments and Changes
General
Comment: Several commenters raised concerns about the failure of
the priorities to require a focus on the Native American population,
citing the high rates of disability within this population.
Discussion: Nothing in the priorities precludes an applicant
from focusing on the needs of Native Americans. The peer review
process will evaluate the merits of the proposal.
Changes: None.
Disability Demographics and Statistics Center
Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the Disability
Demographics and Statistics Center priority does not specifically
target analyses focused on the status of individuals who are
American Indian or Alaskan Native.
Discussion: Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from
including these populations in proposed research. However, NIDRR has
no basis for requiring that all applicants focus on these
populations in responding to these priorities. The peer review
process will evaluate the merits of the proposal.
Changes: None.
Community Integration
General
Comment: Several commenters suggested that NIDRR increase the
number of funded centers under these competitions.
Discussion: The proposed number of funded centers is not part of
the proposed priorities and is not subject to comment.
Changes: None.
Comment: Several commenters expressed concern about NIDRR's plan
to publish the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) prior to the end of
the comment period, effectively shortening the time from publication
of the proposed priority to the due date for the applications.
Discussion: NIDRR announced in the NIA that, if it received
comments that resulted in changes to the priorities, an extension
would be granted to allow for more time to respond in light of such
changes. NIDRR believes that a period of 60 days from the date of
the NIA to the due date of the proposal is adequate time to prepare
a proposal in response to the priorities.
Changes: None.
Comment: Many commenters expressed concern that NIDRR was
``forcing different disability groups'' to compete against each
other for funds.
Discussion: The proposed grouping of NIDRR competitions is not
part of the proposed priorities and is not subject to comment.
However, NIDRR offers the following observation. NIDRR has
previously conducted successful competitions in which it listed more
topics than it could fund. This approach will provide NIDRR with
peer review input to guide decisions about funding worthy topics.
This grouping is intended to foster competition to improve research
outcomes and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals with
disabilities.
Changes: None.
Comment: Many commenters expressed concern that NIDRR's
priorities do not provide sufficient opportunities for applicants
that are concerned with psychiatric disability.
Discussion: The announcement includes a proposed new priority
topic on the Community Integration of Individuals with Psychiatric
Disabilities. In addition to this opportunity, NIDRR's commitment to
the area of psychiatric disability is demonstrated by its current
funding of five RRTCs on issues of psychiatric disability and mental
health. In addition, NIDRR funds a number of field-initiated
projects that focus on this topic as well as an advanced research
training project and a Disability Rehabilitation Research Project
(DRRP) on mental health service delivery. NIDRR's commitment to this
critical area has not changed, and NIDRR is committed to supporting
future initiatives in this area.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the definition of
``critical stakeholders,'' in the list of requirements for each
RRTC, be revised to include the word ``community''--and noted that
the realization of true community integration must include the
community itself.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that community members are critical
components of community integration for individuals with
disabilities and that they should be included in training and
technical assistance efforts.
Changes: The priority has been changed to reflect this addition.
Comment: One commenter suggested that programs measuring
Presidential, Congressional, and Judicial objectives regarding
community inclusion be included in RRTC activities, by means of
national and state data collection activities.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that data collection to assist the
measurement of community inclusion-related national objectives would
be worthwhile, and applicants may submit applications in this area.
However, NIDRR has no basis for requiring applicants to focus on
this issue. The peer review process will evaluate the merits of the
proposal.
Changes: None.
Psychiatric Disability
Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the description of
the proposed RRTC on Community Integration for People with
Psychiatric Disabilities is not age-specific but instead indicates
that, ``the target population may include individuals from any age
group.'' The commenter noted that children and adults, while having
some overlapping areas, also have distinct age-specific needs.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that children and adults have many
distinct age-specific needs. The language in the proposed priority
was
[[Page 44064]]
not a suggestion (or requirement) that the applicant address issues
of both. Rather, it was intended to allow flexibility for applicants
in selecting their target populations. The peer review process will
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
Changes: None.
Substance Abuse
Comment: Several commenters urged NIDRR to co-fund research
activities with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SMHSA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism (NIAAA), and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in
the area of substance abuse and co-existing disabilities.
Discussion: While co-funding of research in the area of
substance abuse may have merit, this is not a subject for comment
relative to the priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Many commenters suggested that the unique needs of
persons with disabilities who have co-occurring substance abuse
disorders be addressed exclusively.
Discussion: The priority is clear that the target population is
people with disabilities who are recovering from substance abuse
problems. The priority also states that the applicants may or may
not focus on individuals with co-occuring disorders such as mental
illness. However, NIDDR has no basis to determine that all
applicants should be required to focus on the unique needs of
persons with disabilities who have co-occurring disorders such as
mental illness. The peer review process will evaluate the merits of
the proposal.
Changes: None.
Comment: Several commenters encouraged substance abuse research
that is policy oriented at Federal and State levels.
Discussion: Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from
focusing on policy issues at the Federal and State level. However,
NIDRR has no basis to determine that all applicants should be
required to focus on policy issues. The peer review process will
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the substance abuse
priority require research on approaches for modifying treatment
modalities to support the integration of patients with co-existing
disabilities into community-based treatment programs rather than
emphasize specialized programs. The commenter further suggested that
the priority focus on employment outcomes, including retention.
Discussion: The priority does not preclude research focusing on
either treatment modalities or employment outcomes for persons with
disabilities who have substance abuse disorders. However, NIDRR has
no basis to require that all applicants focus on these topics. The
peer review process will evaluate the merits of the proposal.
Changes: None.
Comment: Two commenters suggested the priority require research
in cross-training of program staff and community-based staff
involved in providing services to individuals with disabilities who
have substance abuse problems.
Discussion: The priority requires an applicant to provide
training that improves community-integration outcomes for person
with disabilities who are recovering from substance abuse problems.
The applicant has the discretion to identify the specific target
populations to be trained and the manner in which they will be
trained. However, NIDRR has no basis to require all applicants to
conduct cross-training of staff. The peer review process will
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
Changes: None.
Health and Function
General
Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the Health and
Function priorities do not specifically target the health needs of
individuals with disabilities who are American Indian or Alaskan
Native.
Discussion: NIDRR is aware of the critical health care issues
facing American Indians and Alaskan Natives with disabilities.
Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from including these
populations in proposed research. However, NIDRR has no basis for
requiring that all applicants focus on these populations in
responding to these priorities. The peer review process will
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested adding Parkinson's Disease to
the list of possible RRTC topics or expanding the neuromuscular
disease priority to include Parkinson's Disease.
Discussion: Parkinson's Disease is often categorized as a
neuromuscular disease. Nothing in the priority precludes an
applicant from proposing Parkinson's Disease as a topic under the
neuromuscular disease category. The peer review process will
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
Changes: None.
[FR Doc. 03-19018 Filed 7-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P