FR Doc E8-1901
[Federal Register: February 1, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 22)]
[Notices]
[Page 6132-6146]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01fe08-48]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research--
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program--
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs), Rehabilitation
Research and Training Centers (RRTCs), and Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers (RERCs)
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
(OSERS), Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of final priorities for DRRPs, RRTCs, and RERCs.
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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services announces certain funding priorities for the
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program
administered by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR). Specifically, this notice announces nine priorities
for DRRPs, five priorities for RRTCs, and six priorities for RERCs. The
Assistant Secretary may use these priorities for competitions in fiscal
year (FY) 2008 and later years. We take this action to focus research
attention on areas of national need. We intend these priorities to
improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with
disabilities.
DATES: Effective Date: These priorities are effective March 3, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6029, Potomac Center Plaza,
Washington, DC 20202-2700. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or via Internet:
donna.nangle@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may
call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
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: We published a notice of proposed priorities
(NPP) for NIDRR's Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program in the Federal Register on August 31, 2007 (72 FR
50516). The NPP included a background statement that described our
rationale for each priority proposed in that notice.
In this notice, we are announcing nine priorities for DRRPs, five
priorities for RRTCs, and six priorities for RERCs.
For DRRPs, the final priorities are:
Priority 1--Health Care Coordination for Individuals With
Physical Disabilities.
Priority 2--Health and Health Care Disparities Among
Individuals With Disabilities.
Priority 3--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS)
Centers Collaborative Research Projects.
Priority 4--Classification and Measurement of Medical
Rehabilitation Interventions.
Priority 5--Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for
Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Priority 6--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology
Transfer.
Priority 7--Asset Accumulation and Economic Self-
Sufficiency for Individuals With Disabilities.
Priority 8--Technology Access in Resource-Limited
Environments.
Priority 9--Research and Knowledge Translation Center for
Individuals With Disabilities and Their Families.
For RRTCs, the final priorities are:
Priority 10--General Rehabilitation Research and Training
Center (RRTC) Requirements.
Priority 11--Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the
21st Century.
Priority 12--Disability Statistics and Demographics.
Priority 13--Health and Function Across the Lifespan of
Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Priority 14--Community Living and Employment for
Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
For RERCs, the final priorities are:
Priority 15--RERC for Hearing Enhancement.
Priority 16--RERC for Accessible Public Transportation.
[[Page 6133]]
Priority 17--RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics.
Priority 18--RERC for Communication Enhancement.
Priority 19--RERC for Universal Interface and Information
Technology Access.
Priority 20--RERC for Wheeled Mobility.
The Department is not finalizing certain priorities that were
proposed in the NPP; we identify those priorities in the Analysis of
Comments and Changes section of this notice of final priorities (NFP).
The Department intends to revisit some of the priorities not being
finalized in this NFP and to publish revised versions of those
priorities in one or more separate notices of proposed priorities.
There are also other differences between the NPP and this NFP.
Specifically, we have made changes to the following priorities:
Priority 3--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Centers
Collaborative Research Projects (Proposed Priority 4 in the NPP);
Priority 6--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer
(Proposed Priority 7--Center on Knowledge Translation for Assistive
Technology Transfer in the NPP); Priority 8--Technology Access in
Resource-Limited Environments (Proposed Priority 9--Technology Transfer
in Resource-Limited Environments in the NPP); Priority 9--Research and
Knowledge Translation Center for Individuals With Disabilities and
Their Families (Proposed Priority 10 in the NPP); Priority 10--General
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Requirements
(Proposed Priority 11 in the NPP); Priority 11--Personal Assistance
Services (PAS) in the 21st Century (Proposed Priority 15 in the NPP);
Priority 14--Community Living and Employment for Individuals With
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Proposed Priority 21--
Participation and Community Living for Individuals With Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities in the NPP); and Priority 15--RERC for
Hearing Enhancement (Proposed Priority 22 in the NPP).
Analysis of Comments and Changes
In response to our invitation in the NPP, 90 parties submitted
comments on the proposed priorities that are announced in this NFP.
An analysis of the comments and the changes in the priorities since
the publication of the NPP follows. We discuss substantive issues under
the priorities to which they pertain.
Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes, or
suggested changes the law does not authorize us to make under the
applicable statutory authority. In addition, we do not address general
comments that raised concerns not directly related to the proposed
priorities.
Proposed Priority 2--Assistive Technology Reuse; Proposed Priority 12--
Enhancing the Health and Wellness of Individuals With Neuromuscular
Diseases; and Proposed Priority 13--Enhancing the Health and Wellness
of Individuals With Arthritis
Comments: None.
Discussion: In order to make NIDRR's resources available for work
that builds strategically on new initiatives and priorities in OSERS
and the Department, NIDRR has decided not to finalize Proposed Priority
2--Assistive Technology Reuse; Proposed Priority 12--Enhancing the
Health and Wellness of Individuals With Neuromuscular Diseases; and
Proposed Priority 13--Enhancing the Health and Wellness of Individuals
With Arthritis.
Changes: We are not including the following proposed priorities in
this notice: Proposed Priority 2--Assistive Technology Reuse, Proposed
Priority 12--Enhancing the Health and Wellness of Individuals With
Neuromuscular Diseases, and Proposed Priority 13--Enhancing the Health
and Wellness of Individuals With Arthritis.
Proposed Priority 14--Stroke Rehabilitation; Proposed Priority 16--
Participation and Community Living for Individuals With Psychiatric
Disabilities; Proposed Priority 17--Multiple Sclerosis: Interventions
to Maximize Health, Well Being, and Participation; and Proposed
Priority 18--Aging With Physical Disability: Reducing Secondary
Conditions and Enhancing Health and Participation
Comment: We received seven comments seeking clarification on terms
used in proposed priorities 14, 16, 17, and 18.
Discussion: NIDRR appreciates the feedback provided by commenters
regarding these priorities; however, we have decided not to finalize
these priorities at this time. Instead, we intend to revisit these five
priorities and to publish one or more new notices proposing revised
versions of them. The Department takes this action to better align the
priorities with other work being done by OSERS. Specifically, we intend
to revise these priorities to focus on outcomes related to employment
and vocational rehabilitation services. A focus on employment and
vocational rehabilitation services outcomes is consistent with the work
being done by other programs within OSERS.
Changes: We are not including the following proposed priorities in
this notice: Proposed Priority 14--Stroke Rehabilitation; Proposed
Priority 16--Participation and Community Living for Individuals With
Psychiatric Disabilities; Proposed Priority 17--Multiple Sclerosis:
Interventions to Maximize Health, Well Being, and Participation; and
Proposed Priority 18--Aging With Physical Disability: Reducing
Secondary Conditions and Enhancing Health and Participation.
DRRPs
Priority 3--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Centers
Collaborative Research Projects (Proposed Priority 4)
Comment: One commenter asked whether a study funded under this
priority could include individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) as
well as individuals with non-traumatic brain injury. The commenter
noted that, while some study topics are appropriately organized along
medical diagnostic boundaries, there are other topics where the
problems of individuals with traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries
substantially overlap and where the ``active ingredients'' of an
intervention would not be expected to vary with the etiology of the
damage.
Discussion: If the proposed study is conducted for the purpose of
improving the lives of persons with TBI, then the enrollment of a
sample of subjects with mixed etiologies (i.e., individuals with
traumatic brain injuries and individuals with non-traumatic brain
injuries) in that study is permissible. Nothing in this priority
prohibits an applicant from proposing a study that includes both
individuals with traumatic brain injuries and individuals with non-
traumatic brain injuries. The peer review process will evaluate the
merits of the proposals received under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: None.
Discussion: Upon further review of this priority, NIDRR determined
that it is appropriate to identify the types of service providers to
whom research results must be disseminated. NIDRR believes that it is
particularly important to disseminate the results of the research
conducted under this priority to vocational rehabilitation and
independent living service providers described in Titles I and VII of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. At least five million
individuals in the United States live with significant
[[Page 6134]]
disabilities due to TBI. A large percentage of these individuals do not
return to their pre-injury vocational or community roles. The results
of the research sponsored under this priority have the potential to be
of great utility to providers of vocational rehabilitation and
independent living services who serve individuals with TBI. Thus, NIDRR
decided to identify these types of service providers as examples of
audiences to whom the research results must be disseminated.
Changes: We have added vocational rehabilitation and independent
living service providers as specific audiences to receive dissemination
materials that result from the research carried out under this
priority.
Priority 4--Classification and Measurement of Medical Rehabilitation
Interventions (Proposed Priority 5)
Comment: One commenter suggested that paragraph (a) of this
priority be amended to list music therapists as a specific example of
``other allied health professionals.''
Discussion: The priority includes the primary allied health
professionals (physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech
language pathologists) involved in rehabilitation interventions. We
referred to ``other allied health professionals'' in this priority to
acknowledge that there are a number of other health professionals that
provide rehabilitation interventions and to allow applicants to propose
research that reflects the breadth of clinical expertise that is
involved in the practice of medical rehabilitation. Applicants may
propose research that includes development of methods for the
classification of music therapy interventions under this priority.
However, NIDRR does not find it necessary to include music therapists
as a specific example of ``other allied health professionals.''
Changes: None.
Priority 6--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer
(Proposed Priority 7)
Comment: None.
Discussion: NIDRR decided, upon review of the proposed priority,
that limiting the activities of this priority to assistive technology
was too restrictive because it would not allow applicants to focus on
the range of technology developed by NIDRR funding.
Changes: The priority title has been changed to ``Center on
Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer.''
Comment: None.
Discussion: Upon further review of this priority, NIDRR has
determined that the list of technology areas specified in the second
paragraph is not fully inclusive of all technology areas covered by
NIDRR's research portfolio, and that it, therefore, should not be a
basis for limiting the scope of original research carried out by the
Center.
Changes: We have revised the second paragraph of the priority by
deleting the brief list of technology areas. We have clarified the
language to indicate that the Center's original research and
development must concentrate on no more than three technology areas
that are the focus of current NIDRR technology grantees. Information on
technology research funded by NIDRR can be found at http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm.
Each applicant must define and
justify its focus. The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of
each proposal under this priority.
Comment: One commenter noted that requiring a grantee under this
priority to focus on no more than three technology areas limits the
usefulness of the Center. With this restriction, the commenter argued,
the grantee would not be able to provide training and technical
assistance to RERCs and other technology-related NIDRR grantees whose
research and development activities fall outside of the selected
technology areas.
Two other commenters expressed a concern that, by focusing only on
technology produced with NIDRR resources, this priority lacked a broad
approach to transferring technology for use by people with
disabilities.
Discussion: NIDRR believes that limiting the Center's original
research and development activities under this priority to specific
technology areas that are the focus of current NIDRR-technology
grantees is appropriate and that this limitation does not diminish the
usefulness of the Center. Information on technology research funded by
NIDRR can be found at http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm.
The purpose of this priority is three-fold: (1) Identifying and
compiling existing information on how the results of scientifically
based research can be used to develop and improve technology for
persons with disabilities (pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of
the priority), (2) conducting research and development in a limited
number of specific technology areas (pursuant to paragraphs (a)(2),
(b)(2), and (b)(3) of the priority), and (3) providing training and
technical assistance to NIDRR-funded technology grantees to help them
enhance their technology transfer activities.
The limitation on how many technology areas on which a Center may
focus only applies to its original research and development. We believe
this limitation helps ensure the feasibility and quality of the
proposed projects and increases the likelihood of achieving planned
outcomes by ensuring that funding is not spread across too many
projects. NIDRR understands that the findings from the Center's
original research may not be applicable to the work of all NIDRR-funded
technology grantees. However, we believe that the Center's compilation
of existing research on the knowledge translation for technology
transfer will enable it to provide all of NIDRR's research grantees
with technical assistance on knowledge translation for technology
transfer more generally.
In response to the two commenters' concerns about the priority's
limited approach to transferring technology for individuals with
disabilities, we acknowledge that the training and technical assistance
components of this priority are designed to assist current NIDRR
technology grantees with their technology transfer activities. NIDRR
believes that it is critical to ensure that the results of its
investment in technology are transferred to practitioners and
ultimately to the individuals with disabilities who can benefit from
these technological developments.
Changes: NIDRR has revised the second paragraph of the priority to
clarify that the limit on technology areas only applies to the original
research and development conducted by the Center. In addition, we have
revised this paragraph to clarify that NIDRR intends that the
information identified and collected by the Center in accordance with
paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of the priority will serve as a knowledge
base for the training and technical assistance to be provided to NIDRR
technology grantees.
Comment: Two commenters suggested that paragraph (c) of the
priority should be clarified to articulate the role of NIDRR-funded
technology grantees who are to receive the training and technical
assistance provided by the Center, including RERCs that will be funded
in FY 2008. These commenters expressed concern that the Center would
not be able to ensure the outcome of increased utilization of validated
best practices pursuant to paragraph (c) of the priority if NIDRR-
funded technology grantees are not required to receive and implement
the training and technical assistance offered by the Center.
Discussion: According to the priority, the Center must contribute
to--not
[[Page 6135]]
ensure--the outcome of increased utilization of validated best
practices for knowledge translation for technology transfer. Toward
that end, this priority describes the training and technical assistance
that must be provided by the Center. The priority cannot specify the
role or requirements of previously funded NIDRR technology grantees. To
promote the training and technical assistance provided by the Center,
NIDRR will facilitate and coordinate effective collaborative
relationships between the Center and NIDRR-funded technology grantees
through its project monitoring efforts.
Changes: None.
Priority 7--Asset Accumulation and Economic Self-Sufficiency for
Individuals With Disabilities (Proposed Priority 8)
Comment: One commenter recommended that projects funded under this
priority be required to use Federal demonstration authority to develop
and field test methods and procedures that produce sustainable
``transformational reforms'' within Federal and State policies and
program rules.
Discussion: We assume that by ``Federal demonstration authority''
the commenter is referring to the authority under the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended, for the DRRPs to conduct demonstration
projects. The DRRP mechanism under which this priority is authorized
(see section 204(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29
U.S.C. 764(a)) enables grantees to conduct demonstrations to maximize
the economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with
disabilities. Under this priority, an applicant could propose to
conduct demonstrations to develop and field-test methods for producing
sustainable changes to Federal and State policies and program rules
that impact the economic self-sufficiency of individuals with
disabilities. NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis for requiring that
all applicants propose such demonstrations or methods. The peer review
panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter recommended that the DRRP under this
priority be required to focus exclusively on increasing the
understanding of the differences of how disability-specific policies,
on the one hand, and general policies, on the other hand, differ in
addressing asset accumulation and economic self-sufficiency issues, and
changes in systems that are needed to overcome barriers to savings and
asset building for individuals with disabilities.
Discussion: Under this priority, an applicant could focus on
increasing the understanding of the differences between disability-
specific and generic policies and changes in systems that are needed to
overcome barriers to savings and asset building for individuals with
disabilities. Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from
proposing to focus on these types of systems-level analyses. However,
the DRRP funded under this priority also must generate new knowledge
about individual-level characteristics that may affect savings and
asset accumulation, as described in paragraph (a) of the priority.
Accordingly, if an applicant chooses to focus on the type of systems-
level analysis suggested by the commenter, it must also design its
project to generate new knowledge about individual-level
characteristics.
Changes: None.
Comment: Three commenters recommended that the DRRP funded under
this priority be required to provide to the disability community
continuously-updated information on relevant State and Federal policy
changes related to asset accumulation and economic self-sufficiency.
Discussion: Within the framework of this priority, an applicant
could propose to provide to the disability community continuously-
updated information on relevant State and Federal policy changes.
Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from proposing to
provide this type of service. The peer review panel will evaluate the
merits of the proposals received under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the DRRP funded under this
priority develop partnerships with the Social Security Administration
and the Department of Labor to promote cross-agency data collection
efforts.
Discussion: Under this priority, an applicant could propose that
the DRRP develop partnerships with the Social Security Administration
and the Department of Labor to promote cross-agency data collection
efforts. While nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from
proposing such partnerships, NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis to
require that each applicant do so. The peer review panel will evaluate
the merits of the proposals received under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Two commenters suggested that the DRRP funded under this
priority focus on the barriers to, and facilitators of, economic self-
sufficiency for individuals with disabilities with earnings over
$40,000 per year.
Discussion: As described in the priority, NIDRR is interested in
research that focuses on the barriers to, and facilitators of, economic
self-sufficiency among low- to moderate-income individuals with
disabilities. Each applicant is permitted to define the term ``low- to
moderate-income'' in a way that reflects the needs and circumstances of
the population of individuals with disabilities that the applicant is
targeting. Thus, the applicant could propose a project that focuses on
the barriers to, and facilitators of, economic self sufficiency for
individuals with disabilities who have earnings of over $40,000 per
year. However, NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis for requiring all
applicants to propose such a focus. The peer review panel will evaluate
the merits of each proposal under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the DRRP funded under this
priority examine the outcomes of individuals with disabilities who
participate in tax and financial service asset building programs and
that the priority be revised to decrease the emphasis on generating new
knowledge about individual-level characteristics associated with
savings and asset accumulation.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the DRRP under this priority should
focus on the effect of individual participation in asset accumulation
programs and has provided for such a focus under paragraph (b) of the
priority. That said, in order for these asset accumulation programs to
be targeted appropriately in the future, the DRRP also must generate
new knowledge about individual-level characteristics associated with
savings and asset accumulation, as described in paragraph (a) of the
priority. Accordingly, under the priority, applicants may propose to
examine the outcomes of individuals with disabilities who participate
in tax and financial service asset building programs, but, if they do
so, they must also design their projects to generate new knowledge
about individual-level characteristics associated with savings and
asset accumulation.
Changes: None.
Comment: Three commenters suggested that by limiting the number of
asset accumulation interventions to be developed and tested to two in
paragraph (b) of the priority, NIDRR would preclude the DRRP funded
under this priority from focusing on complex interventions that include
more than
[[Page 6136]]
two strategies to promote asset accumulation.
Discussion: NIDRR has limited the number of asset accumulation
interventions in this priority to help ensure the feasibility and
quality of the proposed projects and to increase the likelihood of
achieving planned outcomes. This pragmatic limitation does not preclude
developing and testing one or two complex, well-defined interventions
that include multiple asset accumulation strategies. The peer review
panel will evaluate the merits of the proposals received under this
priority.
Changes: None.
Priority 8--Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments
(Proposed Priority 9)
Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the term ``technology
transfer,'' as used in this priority, is not consistent with the
standard usage of that term. The commenter explained that ``technology
transfer'' typically refers to the process of translating research into
products and devices, or to the process of moving products from the
prototype stage to commercialization.
Discussion: As described in the Background statement of this
priority in the NPP, the purpose of this priority is to focus on the
need for research to determine effective methods of designing,
developing, and manufacturing low-cost, high-quality products and
distributing them and providing information regarding them to
individuals in resource-limited environments. In the proposed priority,
the term ``technology transfer'' appeared only in the title of the
priority. In order to avoid confusion among potential applicants and
more accurately convey the purpose of this priority, NIDRR is changing
the title of the priority.
Changes: NIDRR has changed the title of this priority to
``Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments.''
Comment: One commenter asked whether the term ``resource-limited
environments'' includes urban, inner city areas in the United States
(U.S.) or in developing countries.
Discussion: As used in this priority, NIDRR intends the term
``resource-limited environments'' to include resource-limited
environments in rural areas as well as urban, inner city areas in the
U.S. and in developing countries. While NIDRR is particularly
interested in research to promote the effective provision of technology
to individuals with disabilities engaged in agricultural occupations,
nothing in this priority precludes a grantee from focusing its research
on increasing access to and awareness of technology products in
resource-limited urban areas in the U.S., developing countries, or
both.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter requested clarification on whether the focus
of the priority is to improve conditions for people with disabilities
in the U.S. or in developing countries.
Discussion: Our intent is to permit grantees under this priority to
focus on resource-limited environments in the U.S., in developing
countries, or both. Paragraph (b) of the priority states that
applicants can focus their proposals on improving the availability of
technology for individuals with disabilities in resource-limited
environments in the U.S., in developing countries, or both. We
recognize that in the proposed priority, paragraph (a) stated that
applicants must focus their work either in the United States or abroad.
We will change this paragraph to clarify that an applicant's work may
be focused on the United States, developing countries, or both.
Changes: We have revised paragraph (a) of the priority to clarify
that the DRRP can focus on resource-limited environments in the U.S.,
in developing countries, or both.
Priority 9--Research and Knowledge Translation Center for Individuals
With Disabilities and Their Families (Proposed Priority 10)
Comment: Forty commenters suggested that the DRRP funded under this
priority be required to examine the needs of people with disabilities
and their families relative to education, employment, income support,
and cash transfer programs.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that employment and education are critical
in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, and
that income support and cash transfer programs are relevant to many of
these individuals. Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from
proposing research in these specific areas. However, NIDRR does not
have a sufficient basis for requiring all applicants to focus on these
areas. The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal
under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Forty commenters requested that the priority clarify
whether the term ``children,'' as used in the priority, includes
individuals who are 21 years old or younger. The commenters noted that
the term should include those children because many individuals with
disabilities are eligible for special education services through age
21.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the age range for the term ``child''
as used in this priority should be consistent with the age range in the
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Although the age
range for special education services under IDEA differs between States,
children with disabilities generally are eligible for services under
IDEA through age 21.
Changes: NIDRR has revised the priority to clarify that the DRRP
funded under the priority must focus on the knowledge needs of families
that include a child aged 21 or younger with a disability, or an adult
with a disability who is a parent of at least one child aged 21 or
younger.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the DRRP funded under this
priority be required to examine the needs of people with disabilities
and their families who require behavioral and mental health services.
Discussion: NIDRR recognizes that behavioral and mental health
programs are often important to individuals with disabilities and their
families. Paragraph (a) of the priority includes a short, but not
exhaustive, list of programs and service systems that may be important
to the community integration and participation of individuals with
disabilities and includes ``a wide variety of related social support
services.'' Applicants could propose research to identify the
experiences and needs of individuals with disabilities who need access
to behavioral and mental health programs. However, NIDRR does not have
a sufficient basis for requiring all applicants to do so. The peer
review panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal under this
priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Forty-two commenters requested that the outcome in
paragraph (b) of the priority be expanded to include work that promotes
improved participation and community integration of families of
individuals with disabilities--not just individuals with disabilities.
Discussion: NIDRR's mission is to generate new knowledge and
promote its effective use to improve levels of community participation
and integration by individuals with disabilities. Paragraph (b) of the
priority requires the DRRP funded under the priority to target its
training, technical assistance, and informational resources to the
specific knowledge needs of individuals with disabilities and their
families. The aim of providing these services to both individuals with
disabilities and their families is
[[Page 6137]]
ultimately to improve the participation and community integration of
the individuals with disabilities. Efforts that focus on participation
and integration of the families themselves, while a worthy undertaking,
are beyond the intended scope of this priority. Therefore, NIDRR
declines to expand the scope of the priority as requested by the
commenters.
Changes: None.
Comment: Forty-one commenters asked that this priority be revised
so that it generates research and new knowledge that are cross-
disability in nature.
Discussion: We do not believe that a change is necessary because
paragraph (a) of the priority specifically states that the experiences
and knowledge needs of individuals with disabilities must be analyzed
by condition type and severity of disability; we believe that this
requirement necessitates that grantees take a cross-disability
approach. To the extent that the knowledge needs determined under
paragraph (a) of the priority differ by condition or severity of
disability, training and technical assistance materials developed under
paragraph (b) of the priority may need to be structured to meet the
knowledge needs of specific subgroups of individuals with disabilities
and their families. NIDRR intends for the training, technical
assistance, and informational materials that are developed under this
priority to be applicable to the needs of individuals with a wide range
of conditions, as well as their families.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter noted that very little is known about the
knowledge needs of people with disabilities and their families across
the lifespan and across disability categories. This commenter suggested
that the DRRP funded under this priority be required to focus on
generating new knowledge about the information needed by individuals
with disabilities and their families across the lifespan and across
disability categories.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that little is currently known about the
needs of individuals with disabilities and their families across the
lifespan and across disability categories. We believe that paragraph
(a) of this priority addresses this knowledge gap.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter argued that the delivery of research-based
training, technical assistance, and informational resources under
paragraph (b) of the priority is not likely to be effective, given that
access to information about service systems is primarily determined at
the local level.
Discussion: For multiple funding cycles, NIDRR has sponsored
research on the experience of children with disabilities and their
families, as well as on adults with disabilities who are parents.
Knowledge generated by this research is directly relevant to many of
the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families as they
navigate a wide variety of programs and services at the local level.
While NIDRR understands that the availability of information about
these programs and services varies across locales, NIDRR believes that
the current knowledge base is sufficiently well developed to be
relevant to individuals with disabilities and their families,
regardless of their local context.
Changes: None.
Comment: Two commenters stated that the DRRP funded under this
priority should address specifically the needs of parents of
individuals with developmental disabilities. Another commenter
recommended that the DRRP address specifically the needs of parents who
have disabilities.
Discussion: Nothing in this priority precludes applicants from
proposing activities that address the needs of parents of individuals
with developmental disabilities. Similarly, nothing in this priority
precludes applicants from proposing activities that address the needs
of parents with disabilities. NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis
for requiring all applicants to focus on one of these specific areas.
The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal under
this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: Two commenters stated that one DRRP could not address
adequately the knowledge needs of children with disabilities and their
families, as well as parents with disabilities and their families.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees with these commenters' suggestion that the
DRRP funded under this priority may not be able to conduct research on,
and provide training and technical assistance to, both parents with
disabilities as well as children with disabilities and their families.
Changes: We have revised the priority to require a focus on either
families that include a child with a disability aged 21 or younger or
an adult with a disability who is a parent of at least one child aged
21 or younger, but not both.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the DRRP funded under this
priority be required to focus on State and Federal policies because,
according to the commenter, State and Federal policies and funding are
critical to assuring and supporting access to the service systems
available to individuals with disabilities and their families in the
U.S.
Discussion: NIDRR acknowledges that a wide variety of State and
Federal policies affect the lives of individuals with disabilities and
their families. Under the priority, applicants can propose research to
identify the experiences and knowledge needs of individuals with
disabilities relative to State and Federal policies. However, NIDRR
does not have a sufficient basis for requiring all applicants to do so.
The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each proposal under
this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested that the priority allow research
on the needs of families with children with developmental disabilities
who have aged into adulthood.
Discussion: While NIDRR recognizes the needs of adults with
developmental disabilities and their families, the DRRP funded under
this priority is designed to build on the base of knowledge generated
by the NIDRR-funded Center on Families of Children With Disabilities
and Center for Parents With Disabilities. These centers focus on
children with disabilities and their families, or on parents with
disabilities and their families, respectively. In order to capitalize
on the knowledge generated by these centers, NIDRR wants the work of
the DRRP funded under this priority to focus on one of these critical
populations. A focus on adults with disabilities who are not parents is
therefore beyond the intended scope of this priority.
Changes: None.
RRTCs
Priority 10--General Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC)
Requirements (Proposed Priority 11 in the NPP)
Comment: None.
Discussion: NIDRR believes that it is particularly important to
disseminate the results of the research conducted by RRTCs to
vocational rehabilitation and independent living service providers
described in Title I and Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended. Upon further review of the RRTC requirements, therefore,
NIDRR determined that it was appropriate to identify these types of
service providers as examples of audiences to whom the results of the
RRTC's research must be disseminated.
Changes: We have added vocational rehabilitation and independent
living
[[Page 6138]]
service providers as specific audiences to receive dissemination
materials that result from the research and related activities carried
out by the RRTCs.
Priority 11--Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the 21st Century
(Proposed Priority 15)
Comment: None.
Discussion: Upon further review of this priority, we have
determined that the priority did not sufficiently emphasize the
relationship between PAS and the employment of individuals with
disabilities. Accordingly, we have revised the priority to emphasize
research on the relationship between PAS and employment of individuals
with disabilities.
Changes: We have made minor changes throughout this priority to
clarify that the grantee under this priority must examine, among other
things, the use of PAS to support employment among individuals with
disabilities.
Priority 14--Community Living and Employment for Individuals With
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Proposed Priority 21)
Comment: Fourteen commenters suggested adding a component to the
priority that supports the development of personnel to provide direct
supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities so they can live
and work in the community.
Discussion: NIDRR recognizes the need to support research on
personal assistance services and professionals who provide direct
support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
(ID/DD). A well-prepared and skilled workforce of direct support
providers can provide much needed personalized services and support to
individuals with ID/DD who seek meaningful employment and wish to
participate more actively in the community. Further, research is needed
to identify methods for training direct service providers so that these
workers can facilitate positive educational and vocational outcomes for
individuals with ID/DD. Therefore, we are revising this priority to
include a component addressing the development of personnel providing
support services to individuals with ID/DD.
Changes: NIDRR has added a paragraph to this priority that requires
the development, evaluation, and dissemination of training materials to
prepare direct support providers for individuals with ID/DD.
Comment: Two commenters requested adding an ID/DD policy research
component to the priority.
Discussion: Applicants under this priority may propose research
that focuses on ID/DD policies. However, NIDRR does not have a
sufficient basis for requiring that all applicants focus on this
particular area. The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each
proposal under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter suggested adding an advocacy and empowerment
component to the priority.
Discussion: Applicants may propose to conduct research on advocacy
and empowerment interventions under paragraph (c) of this priority.
However, NIDRR does not have a sufficient basis for requiring that all
applicants focus on this particular area. The peer review panel will
evaluate the merits of each proposal under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: None.
Discussion: NIDRR wishes to highlight both access to employment and
community living for individuals with disabilities in this priority.
For this reason, NIDRR is changing the title and introductory
paragraphs of this priority to specify that employment is a key outcome
to be addressed by the interventions developed by the proposed Center.
Changes: NIDRR has changed the title of this priority to
``Community Living and Employment for Individuals With Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities.'' NIDRR also has added the word
``employment'' to the introductory paragraphs of the priority to
emphasize that the RRTC funded under the priority must focus on
interventions that support the employment of individuals with
disabilities.
RERCs
General
Comment: Two commenters asked whether the Department has a
mechanism for ensuring that RERCs comply with the NIDRR requirement
that all RERCs collaborate with the Center on Knowledge Translation for
Technology Transfer to develop a technology transfer plan (paragraph
(6) of the RERC priorities).
Discussion: All RERCs must propose methods for collaborating with
the Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer, as
specified in paragraph (6) of the RERC priorities. The peer review
panel will evaluate the merits of the proposals received under the RERC
priorities. Once RERC awards are made, NIDRR staff will facilitate and
promote collaborative relationships between the RERCs and the Center on
Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer to help ensure that this
collaboration occurs.
Changes: None.
Priority 15--RERC for Hearing Enhancement (Proposed Priority 22)
Comment: One commenter stated that research is needed to improve
and evaluate hearing enhancement technologies, particularly in the
areas of sound suppression, compatibility standards, standards for
measuring fidelity and distortion, user customization, built-in
wireless receivers, hearing in noise, high frequencies in hearing aids,
and designing for usability.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that research on hearing enhancement
technologies is necessary to improve outcomes for individuals with
hearing loss.
Changes: NIDRR has revised the priority to include a research focus
on improving the performance, usability, and accessibility of hearing
enhancement technologies.
Comment: One commenter stated that research into aural
rehabilitation and consumer education, including areas such as training
for professionals, developing aural rehabilitation tools, and
disseminating information to consumers, should be an important
component of this priority.
Discussion: Nothing in the priority precludes applicants from
proposing research on aural rehabilitation and consumer education. The
priority specifically calls for the development and testing of
innovative technologies, products, and tools, which could include aural
rehabilitation tools. Likewise, nothing in the priority precludes
applicants from proposing consumer education strategies, such as
training, technical assistance, and dissemination methods, to address
these areas. Under the priority, each RERC must target technical
assistance and dissemination to a wide variety of relevant stakeholder
groups, including consumers. The peer review panel will evaluate the
merits of each proposal under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: None.
Discussion: NIDRR has determined that the term ``assistive
technology,'' as used in the deaf and hard of hearing community,
typically refers to assistive listening and alerting devices such as FM
systems and flashing lights. In this priority, NIDRR intended to be
more inclusive of all hearing enhancement technologies, including
possible focus areas that include, but are not limited to, hearing aids
and implants, as well as assistive listening and alerting devices.
[[Page 6139]]
Changes: NIDRR has deleted the word ``assistive'' from the
priority, so that the phrase now reads ``hearing enhancement
technologies.''
Priority 17--RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics (Proposed Priority 24)
Comment: One commenter suggested that the Prosthetics and Orthotics
priority be revised to require grantees to conduct an independent
evaluation of commercially available prosthetic and orthotic
components.
Discussion: Nothing in the priority precludes applicants from
proposing to conduct an independent evaluation of commercially
available prosthetic and orthotic components. However, NIDRR does not
have a sufficient basis for requiring that all applicants propose such
evaluations. The peer review panel will evaluate the merits of each
proposal under this priority.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter noted that orthotic research and development
have historically received less attention than that of prosthetics.
This commenter suggested that the Prosthetics and Orthotics priority be
revised to require an appropriate focus on both prosthetics and
orthotics.
Discussion The Prosthetics and Orthotics priority requires research
and development in both disciplines. NIDRR has not prescribed a
particular amount of resources that this RERC must devote to either
discipline. The relative amount of focus on prosthetics and orthotics
will be determined by the applicants. The peer review process will
evaluate the merits of the proposals received under this priority.
Changes: None.
Priority 19--RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology
Access (Proposed Priority 26)
Comment: None.
Discussion: Upon further internal review of this priority, NIDRR
noticed that we mistakenly referred to a NIDRR-funded Information
Technology Technical Assistance Center. We intend for the RERC for
Universal Interface and Information Technology Access to work
collaboratively with the RERC on Telecommunication Access and the RERC
on Mobile Wireless Technologies.
Changes: We deleted the reference to the NIDRR-funded Information
Technology Technical Assistance Center from this priority.
Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in
which we choose to use one or more of these final priorities, we
invite applications through a notice in the Federal Register. When
inviting applications, we designate each priority as absolute,
competitive preference, or invitational.
The effect of each type of priority follows:
Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by either
(1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to
which the application meets the competitive preference priority (34 CFR
75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application that meets the
competitive preference priority over an application of comparable merit
that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are
particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over other
applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).
This NFP is in concert with President George W. Bush's New Freedom
Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY 2005-2009
(Plan). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the following site:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom.
The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February
15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the following
site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html.
Through the implementation of the NFI and the Plan, NIDRR seeks to:
(1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation
research; (2) foster an exchange of expertise, information, and
training to facilitate the advancement of knowledge and understanding
of the unique needs of traditionally underserved populations; (3)
identify 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.
Priorities:
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program
The purpose of the DRRP program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
by developing methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies that
advance a wide range of independent living and employment outcomes for
individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most
severe disabilities. DRRPs carry out one or more of the following types
of activities, as specified and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through
350.19: research, development, demonstration, training, dissemination,
utilization, and technical assistance. An applicant for assistance
under this program must demonstrate in its application how it will
address, in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with
disabilities from minority backgrounds (34 CFR 350.40(a)). The
approaches an applicant may take to meet this requirement are found in
34 CFR 350.40(b). In addition, NIDRR intends to require all DRRP
applicants to meet the General Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Projects (DRRP) Requirements priority that it published in a notice of
final priorities in the Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 FR
25472).
Additional information on the DRRP program can be found at:
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.
Priority 1--Health Care Coordination for Individuals With Physical
Disabilities
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP) on Health Care Coordination for Individuals
with Disabilities. The purpose of this priority is to conduct research
on the outcomes of Medicare-or Medicaid-managed health care
coordination programs for individuals with disabilities. Under this
priority, the DRRP must be designed to contribute to the following
outcomes:
(a) New knowledge about the extent to which enrollment in health
care coordination programs enhances access to health care for
individuals with disabilities. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome
by conducting research on, and evaluating, one or more existing
Medicaid- or Medicare-funded managed health care coordination programs
for individuals with disabilities.
(b) New knowledge about the health outcomes associated with
participation in health care coordination programs for individuals with
disabilities. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by conducting
research on, and evaluating, one or more existing Medicaid- or
Medicare-funded health care coordination programs for individuals with
disabilities.
(c) New knowledge about potential Medicaid or Medicare cost savings
that are associated with health care coordination efforts for
individuals with disabilities. The DRRP must contribute
[[Page 6140]]
to this outcome by conducting research on, and evaluating, one or more
existing Medicaid- or Medicare-funded health care coordination programs
for individuals with disabilities.
In addition, the DRRP must work with the NIDRR project officer to
coordinate its research efforts with the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services--Office of Research, Development, and Information.
Priority 2--Health and Health Care Disparities Among Individuals With
Disabilities
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP) on Health and Health Care Disparities Among
Individuals with Disabilities. The purpose of this priority is to build
a knowledge base about health care access and health outcomes among the
diverse population of individuals with disabilities. Under this
priority, the DRRP must be designed to contribute to the following
outcomes:
(a) A foundation of available knowledge about health disparities
among subpopulations of individuals with disabilities. The DRRP must
contribute to this outcome by conducting a review and synthesis of
existing research on health and health care access among individuals
with disabilities or subgroups of individuals with disabilities. The
DRRP must then use this review and synthesis to inform the subsequent
research and evaluation efforts of the DRRP.
(b) New knowledge about system-level factors that are associated
with the health of individuals with disabilities and their access to
health care. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by conducting
research on the extent to which the health of individuals with
disabilities and their access to health care are related to system-
level factors that may include, but are not limited to, rural or urban
status, as well as characteristics of their health care insurance or
health care providers.
(c) New knowledge about the individual-level characteristics of
individuals with disabilities that are associated with their health and
access to health care. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by
conducting research on the extent to which the health of individuals
with disabilities and their access to health care are related to their
disabling condition categories (mental illness, sensory, physical,
cognitive, or combinations thereof), disability severity, age, gender,
race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education level, or other
individual-level characteristics.
(d) Improved policies, programs, or interventions that promote the
health and health care access among subpopulations of individuals with
disabilities who are least likely to receive recommended health care
services. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by applying
knowledge derived from research conducted under paragraphs (a), (b),
and (c) of this priority.
In addition, the DRRP must collaborate with the Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center on Health and Wellness, and other projects
identified through consultation with the NIDRR project officer.
Priority 3--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (TBIMS) Centers
Collaborative Research Projects
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Projects (DRRPs) on Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems
(TBIMS) Collaborative Projects. Each DRRP under this priority must
conduct research that contributes to evidence-based rehabilitation
interventions, including, but not limited to, medical, psychological,
vocational, and social interventions for the purpose of improving the
lives of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
To be eligible under this priority, an applicant must be currently
funded under NIDRR's TBIMS program.
Under this priority, each DRRP must be designed to contribute to
the following outcomes:
(a) Increased use of the TBIMS program to conduct high-quality
collaborative research. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by
collaborating with three or more of the NIDRR-funded TBIMS centers (for
a minimum of four TBIMS sites).
Note: Applicants under this priority may propose to include
other TBI research sites that are not participating in a NIDRR-
funded TBIMS program in their collaborative research projects.
(b) Improved long-term outcomes for individuals with TBI. The DRRP
must contribute to this outcome by using clearly identified research
designs to conduct collaborative research on questions of significance
to TBI rehabilitation. The DRRP's research must focus on one or more
specific domains identified in NIDRR's Final Long-Range Plan for FY
2005-2009, including health and function, participation and community
living, technology, and employment, and must be designed to ensure that
the research study has appropriate research hypotheses and methods to
generate reliable and valid findings.
In addition, the DRRP must address the following requirements:
Demonstrate the capacity to carry out collaborative,
multi-site research projects, including the ability to coordinate
research among centers; maintain data quality; and adhere to research
protocols, confidentiality requirements, and data safety requirements.
Coordinate with the NIDRR-funded Model Systems Knowledge
Translation Center to provide scientific results and information for
dissemination to clinical and consumer audiences, including vocational
rehabilitation and independent living service providers. (Additional
information on this center can be found at http://uwctds.washington.edu/projects/msktc.asp
).
Priority 4--Classification and Measurement of Medical Rehabilitation
Interventions
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP) on Classification and Measurement of Medical
Rehabilitation Interventions. This DRRP must conduct research and
development toward the creation of a taxonomy of medical rehabilitation
interventions. Under this priority, the DRRP must be designed to
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Enhanced research capacity and improved clinical practice in
the field of medical rehabilitation. The DRRP must contribute to this
outcome by conducting research to develop validated methods for
systematically classifying the broad range of medical rehabilitation
interventions delivered by rehabilitation physicians, physical
therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists,
rehabilitation nurses, rehabilitation psychologists, and other allied
health professionals.
(b) Enhanced research capacity and improved clinical practice in
the field of medical rehabilitation through the application of one or
more treatment theories to guide the development of a rehabilitation
treatment taxonomy.
(c) Collaboration with relevant NIDRR-sponsored projects, such as
the Rehabilitation Research Training Center on Measuring Rehabilitation
Outcomes, and other projects as identified through
[[Page 6141]]
consultation with the NIDRR project officer.
Priority 5--Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for Individuals
With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP) on Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This DRRP must
conduct research on vocational rehabilitation (VR) service models for
individuals with ASDs that contributes to evidence-based rehabilitation
interventions to improve the lives of individuals with ASDs. Under this
priority, the DRRP must be designed to contribute to one or both of the
following outcomes:
(a) Improved vocational and postsecondary education outcomes for
individuals with ASDs. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by
developing or testing VR intervention strategies for individuals with
ASDs, the measures needed to assess the effectiveness of VR
intervention strategies for individuals with ASDs, or both.
(b) Improved long-term vocational and postsecondary education
services for individuals with ASDs. The DRRP must contribute to this
outcome by analyzing the factors affecting the organization and
delivery of these services to individuals with ASDs and by recommending
changes that could improve these service delivery mechanisms.
Priority 6--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project to serve as the Center on Knowledge Translation for
Technology Transfer (Center). The Center must conduct rigorous
research, development, technical assistance, dissemination, and
utilization activities to increase successful knowledge translation
(KT) for the transfer of assistive technology products developed by
NIDRR-funded technology grantees.
The Center must partner with key stakeholders such as trade and
professional associations, and relevant industry representatives and
focus its original research and development activities (i.e., those
activities conducted pursuant to paragraphs (a)(2), (b)(2), and (b)(3)
of the priority) on no more than three technology areas that are the
focus of current NIDRR technology grantees. Information on technology
research funded by NIDRR can be found at http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm.
Each applicant must define and justify its focus. The
Center's identification and compilation of existing research on
technology transfer pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of the
priority must be designed to serve as a knowledge base for the training
and technical assistance the Center must provide to NIDRR technology
grantees.
Under this priority, the Center must be designed to contribute to
the following outcomes:
(a) Improved understanding of barriers to, and facilitators of,
successful KT for technology transfer in different industries related
to NIDRR's technology portfolio. The Center must contribute to this
outcome by--
(1) Identifying and compiling existing research-based knowledge
about barriers to, and facilitators of, successful KT for technology
transfer; and
(2) Conducting research on barriers to, and facilitators of,
successful KT for technology transfer related to the technology areas
on which the Center focuses.
(b) Advanced knowledge of best practices in KT for technology
transfer. The Center must contribute to this outcome by--
(1) Identifying existing models, methods, or measures of KT for
technology transfer in different industries related to NIDRR's
technology portfolio;
(2) Further developing and testing models, methods, or measures in
the technology areas on which the Center focuses; and
(3) Establishing best technology transfer practices that can be
used to effectively implement and evaluate the success of technology
transfer activities in the technology areas on which the Center
focuses.
(c) Increased utilization of the validated best practices for KT
for technology transfer. The Center must contribute to this outcome by
providing training and technical assistance to NIDRR-funded technology
grantees to implement and evaluate the success of such practices.
Priority 7--Asset Accumulation and Economic Self-Sufficiency for
Individuals With Disabilities
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP) on Asset Accumulation and Economic Self-
Sufficiency for Individuals with Disabilities. This DRRP must create
new research-based knowledge to promote asset accumulation among
individuals with disabilities. Under this priority, the DRRP must be
designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) New knowledge of both the barriers to, and facilitators of,
asset accumulation and economic self-sufficiency for low-to moderate-
income individuals with disabilities and their families. This DRRP must
contribute to this outcome by focusing on individual-level
characteristics that may affect savings and asset accumulation, as well
as system-level factors that include policies or programs designed to
create system-level incentives or disincentives to the accumulation of
assets.
(b) Improved asset accumulation outcomes and economic self-
sufficiency among individuals with disabilities. The DRRP must
contribute to this outcome by developing and testing no more than two
interventions that capitalize on the facilitators of asset accumulation
and economic self-sufficiency and address the barriers to asset
accumulation described in paragraph (a) of this priority. These
interventions may include tailoring existing asset accumulation
interventions to the specific needs and circumstances of individuals
with disabilities.
Priority 8--Technology Access in Resource-Limited Environments
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP) on Technology Access in Resource-Limited
Environments. Under this priority, the DRRP must be designed to
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Increased access to, and acquisition of, high-quality, low-cost
technology products by individuals with disabilities who need them. The
DRRP must contribute to this outcome by conducting research to evaluate
the application of various models of transferring technology products
to individuals with disabilities in resource-limited environments in
the United States (U.S.), developing countries, or both. The DRRP's
research must examine the relationship of factors such as type of
technology, delivery system options, socioeconomic conditions, and
disability type, on the successful transfer of needed technologies to
individuals with disabilities. NIDRR is particularly concerned about
providing technology to support individuals engaged in agricultural
occupations because of the
[[Page 6142]]
significant need for assistive technologies by this population.
(b) Increased awareness by individuals with disabilities of high-
quality, low-cost technology products, already developed or in
development, for use in resource-limited environments. The DRRP must
contribute to this outcome by conducting research on methods of
providing information on available products to individuals with
disabilities and their caregivers in resource-limited environments in
the U.S., developing countries, or both. The DRRP's research must
examine the effect of factors, such as literacy rates and the
availability of print, Internet, or other communication resources, as
well as socioeconomic factors and disability type, on strategies to
increase awareness among individuals with disabilities in these areas.
Priority 9--Research and Knowledge Translation Center for Individuals
With Disabilities and Their Families
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Disability and Rehabilitation
Research Project (DRRP) to serve as the Research and Knowledge
Translation Center for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families
(Center). The Center must conduct research on the experiences and
knowledge needs of individuals with disabilities and their families,
and translate these findings into training, technical assistance, and
informational resources.
The Center must focus on the knowledge needs of families that
include a child aged 21 or younger with a disability, or an adult with
a disability who is a parent of at least one child aged 21 or younger.
Under this priority, the Center must be designed to contribute to
the following outcomes:
(a) Increased knowledge about the experiences and information needs
of individuals with disabilities and their families, and how those
experiences and needs differ by variables such as condition type,
severity, and age, as well as key characteristics of other family
members and the overall structure of the family. The Center must
contribute to this outcome by synthesizing existing research and
advancing the knowledge base through the collection and analysis of
data about the experiences and knowledge needs of families that include
one or more individuals with a disability. Through this research and
analysis, the Center must examine the extent to which the needs of
individuals with disabilities and their families are being met by the
programs and service systems that are critical to their community
integration and participation (e.g., legal systems related to custody,
adoption, and divorce; health care; long-term care; assistive
technology provision programs; child care; transportation; and a wide
variety of related social support services).
(b) Improved participation and community integration of individuals
with disabilities. The Center must contribute to this outcome by
developing, implementing, and evaluating research-based training,
technical assistance, and informational resources that are targeted to
the specific knowledge needs of individuals with disabilities and their
families, as those needs are identified through the research activities
described in paragraph (a) of this priority, or other research-based
knowledge.
In addition, the Center must coordinate with relevant NIDRR
Knowledge Translation grantees to develop and implement a method for
identifying high-quality, research-based information for dissemination
to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)
The purpose of the RRTC program is to improve the effectiveness of
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
through advanced research, training, technical assistance, and
dissemination activities in general problem areas, as specified by
NIDRR. Such activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service
providers, individuals with disabilities, and the family members or
other authorized representatives of individuals with disabilities.
Additional information on the RRTC program can be found at:
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#RRTC.
Statutory and Regulatory Requirements of RRTCs
RRTCs must--
Carry out coordinated advanced programs of rehabilitation
research;
Provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training, to help rehabilitation personnel more effectively
provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities;
Provide technical assistance to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested
parties;
Demonstrate in their applications how they will address,
in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from
minority backgrounds;
Disseminate informational materials to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested
parties; and
Serve as centers of national excellence in rehabilitation
research for individuals with disabilities, their representatives,
providers, and other interested parties.
Priority 10--General Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC)
Requirements
Priority:
To meet this priority, the RRTC must--
(a) Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its respective
area of research by the fourth year of the grant cycle and publish a
comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference by the end
of the fourth year of the grant cycle. This conference must include
materials from experts internal and external to the RRTC;
(b) Coordinate on research projects of mutual interest with
relevant NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with
the NIDRR project officer;
(c) Involve individuals with disabilities in planning and
implementing its research, training, and dissemination activities, and
in evaluating the RRTC; and
(d) Coordinate with the appropriate NIDRR-funded Knowledge
Translation Centers and professional and consumer organizations, to
disseminate scientific results and information to policymakers, service
providers, researchers, and others, including vocational rehabilitation
and independent living center providers.
Priority 11--Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the 21st Century
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and
Training Center (RRTC) on Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the
21st Century. This RRTC must conduct rigorous research, develop
interventions, and provide training that address future demands for PAS
and caregiving. Under this priority, the RRTC must be designed to
contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Improved access to PAS by individuals with disabilities. The
RRTC must contribute to this outcome by: (1) analyzing and describing
trends and needs of the population of PAS consumers, including
individuals with disabilities who require PAS in the
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workplace; (2) identifying gaps in programs and services; (3)
developing effective evidence-based interventions to address unmet
needs for PAS; and (4) proposing strategies to coordinate and secure
PAS services during national or regional emergencies.
(b) A larger and better prepared paid and unpaid PAS workforce to
support individuals with disabilities, including those who are employed
or seeking employment. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by: (1)
Developing tools and supports for unpaid caregivers that reflect the
changing needs of caregivers as they age; (2) developing strategies
that lead to a PAS workforce that is geographically diverse and that
maximizes workforce recruitment, retention, compensation and benefits,
professional training, development, and networking; and (3) identifying
and evaluating interventions and labor resources, such as job training
services, that help to improve workforce capacity of PAS providers.
(c) An understanding of the complexity of the economics of PAS. The
RRTC must contribute to this outcome by: (1) Analyzing the
interrelationships among employment, employment supports, the use of
technologies, and PAS; and (2) analyzing the role of tax laws that
affect reimbursement for PAS.
Priority 12--Disability Statistics and Demographics
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and
Training Center (RRTC) on Disability Statistics and Demographics. This
RRTC must conduct rigorous research, knowledge translation, training,
dissemination, and technical assistance that advance the use of
rigorous disability statistics and demographics to inform disability
policy and service provision. Under this priority, the RRTC must be
designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Rigorous and timely demographic research to inform the
development of disability policies and programs. The RRTC must
contribute to this outcome by: (1) Producing meta-analyses of national,
State, and administrative data that address critical program and
service needs; and (2) providing statistical consultation, including
specialized analyses, to facilitate the use of survey and
administrative data by policymakers and others.
(b) Improved disability data and statistics. The RRTC must conduct
research about methodologies that advance the practice for (1)
conducting surveys of individuals with disabilities, including
individuals with low-prevalence disabilities; (2) analyzing data about
low-incidence populations of individuals with disabilities; and (3)
other issues related to survey or administrative data.
(c) Effective use of disability statistics and demographic
information. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by: (1) Serving
as a resource on disability statistics and demographics for Federal and
other government agencies, policymakers, consumers, advocates,
researchers, and others; and (2) transferring research findings to
Federal and other government agencies, policymakers, consumers,
advocates, researchers, and others to enhance planning, policymaking,
program administration, and delivery of services to individuals with
disabilities.
Priority 13--Health and Function Across the Lifespan of Individuals
With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Priority:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and
Training Center (RRTC) on Health and Function Across the Lifespan of
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD).
This RRTC must focus on rigorous research, training, technical
assistance, and dissemination of strategies and interventions that
improve the health and function of individuals with ID/DD, and access
to community-based health and social services by individuals with ID/
DD. The research conducted by this RRTC also must focus on promoting
family and caregiver supports that enable individuals with ID/DD to
receive long-term care.
When applying for a grant under this priority, an applicant must
identify, in its application, the target population from the diverse
population of individuals with ID/DD to be served by the proposed
research and describe how the proposed research will benefit this
group.
Under this priority, the RRTC must be designed to contribute to the
following outcomes:
(a) Conceptually-sound theories and methodologies for research on
community-based rehabilitation and health and social service provision,
including research on long-term care or care provided by family members
to individuals with ID/DD. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by
investigating existing theories that may help organize or frame
research on ID/DD, including theories from fields such as long-term
care, or frameworks related to delivery of rehabilitation or health
services in the community.
(b) Improved instruments and measures that evaluate the suitability
and quality of personal assistance services, and the effectiveness and
efficiency of community-based health and social services for
individuals with ID/DD. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by
assessing current measures and instruments, reporting on their validity
and reliability, and then developing and testing improved measures.
(c) Improved rehabilitation or community-based interventions that
demonstrate measurable reductions in barriers to access to and
utilization of community-based services or community-based
interventions that otherwise contribute to improved health and function
of individuals with ID/DD. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by
identifying and testing potential interventions and providing a
thorough assessment of the basis on which these interventions were
selected, including any preliminary evidence of their usefulness and
relevance to individuals with ID/DD and their families.
Priority 14--Community Living and Employment for Individuals With
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Priorities:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and
Training Center (RRTC) for Community Living and Employment for
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD).
The RRTC must focus on rigorous research, training, technical
assistance, and dissemination to enhance inclusion and self-
determination of individuals with ID/DD. This RRTC also must focus on
developing interventions that support self-determination, informed
choice, consumer control, employment, family involvement, and
participation and community living of individuals with ID/DD.
When applying for a grant under this priority, an applicant must
identify, in its application, the target population of interest from
the diverse population of individuals with ID/DD to be served by the
proposed research and describe how the proposed research will benefit
this group.
Under this priority, the RRTC must be designed to contribute to the
following outcomes:
(a) Improved concepts and theories of societal participation and
community
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living, and self-determination to guide the study of the needs and
abilities of individuals with ID/DD. The RRTC must contribute to this
outcome by investigating existing theories of societal participation,
community living, and self-determination to frame research on these
topics for individuals with ID/DD.
(b) Improved instruments and measures of participation and
community living to assess the type, frequency, and quality of
activities that individuals with ID/DD wish to engage in, or are able
to engage in, outside the home or residential facility. The RRTC must
contribute to this outcome by assessing current measures and
instruments used to determine outcomes in the areas of access to
community facilities, social participation, self advocacy, employment
choice, and housing selection by individuals with ID/DD; reporting on
the validity and reliability of these measures; and then developing and
testing improved measures, as needed.
(c) Improved rehabilitation or community-based interventions that
demonstrate a measurable impact in areas such as access to communal
facilities and events, social participation and interaction with
members of the community, self-advocacy, employment, and housing
choices. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by identifying and
testing potential interventions for individuals with ID/DD, providing a
thorough assessment of the basis on which these interventions were
selected, and identifying any preliminary evidence of their usefulness
and relevance to individuals with ID/DD and their families.
(d) Improved personal assistance services and direct support for
individuals with ID/DD living in the community, including services and
supports in educational, vocational training, and employment settings.
The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by developing, evaluating, and
disseminating training modules or programs that are intended to prepare
direct support providers for individuals with ID/DD.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Program (RERCs)
Purpose of Program: The purpose of the RERC program is to improve
the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended, by conducting advanced engineering research and
development on innovative technologies that are designed to solve
particular rehabilitation problems, or remove environmental barriers.
RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate
service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and
distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector,
and provide training opportunities.
General Requirements of RERCs
RERCs carry out research or demonstration activities in support of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, by--
Developing and disseminating innovative methods of
applying advanced technology, scientific achievement, and psychological
and social knowledge to: (a) Solve rehabilitation problems and remove
environmental barriers; and (b) study and evaluate new or emerging
technologies, products, or environments and their effectiveness and
benefits; or
Demonstrating and disseminating: (a) innovative models for
the delivery of cost-effective rehabilitation technology services to
rural and urban areas; and (b) other scientific research to assist in
meeting the employment and independent living needs of individuals with
severe disabilities; and
Facilitating service delivery systems change through: (a)
The development, evaluation, and dissemination of innovative consumer-
responsive and individual- and family-centered models for the delivery
to both rural and urban areas of innovative cost-effective
rehabilitation technology services; and (b) other scientific research
to assist in meeting the employment and independence needs of
individuals with severe disabilities.
Each RERC must be operated by, or in collaboration with, one or
more institutions of higher education or one or more nonprofit
organizations.
Each RERC must provide training opportunities, in conjunction with
institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations, to assist
individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become
rehabilitation technology researchers and practitioners.
Additional information on the RERC program can be found at:
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.html.
Priorities 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20--Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Centers (RERCs) for Hearing Enhancement (Priority 15),
Accessible Public Transportation (Priority 16), Prosthetics and
Orthotics (Priority 17), Communication Enhancement (Priority 18),
Universal Interface and Information Technology Access (Priority 19),
and Wheeled Mobility (Priority 20)
Priorities:
The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services establishes the following priorities for (a) an RERC for
Hearing Enhancement (priority 15); (b) an RERC for Accessible Public
Transportation (priority 16); (c) an RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics
(priority 17); (d) an RERC for Communication Enhancement (priority 18);
(e) an RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology Access
(priority 19); and (f) an RERC for Wheeled Mobility (priority 20).
Within its designated priority research area, each RERC will focus on
innovative technologies, new knowledge, and concepts that will improve
the lives of individuals with disabilities.
(a) RERC for Hearing Enhancement (Priority 15). Under this
priority, the RERC must research and develop methods, systems, and
technologies that will: (1) Improve the performance, usability, and
accessibility of hearing enhancement technologies (e.g., hearing aids,
ear molds, assistive devices, implants); and (2) assist hearing
professionals with the process of matching hearing enhancement
technologies to individuals with hearing loss and associated conditions
such as tinnitus. This includes improving the compatibility of hearing
enhancement technologies with various environments such as school,
work, recreation, and social settings.
(b) RERC for Accessible Public Transportation (Priority 16). Under
this priority, the RERC must research and develop methods, systems, and
devices that will promote and enhance the ability of individuals with
disabilities to safely, comfortably, and efficiently identify
destination information, board and disembark, and use services and
facilities on various types of public transportation systems such as
buses, passenger trains, and airplanes. This RERC must emphasize the
principles of universal design in its product research and development.
(c) RERC for Prosthetics and Orthotics (Priority 17). Under this
priority, the RERC must increase the understanding of the scientific
and engineering principles pertaining to human locomotion, reaching,
grasping, and
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manipulation, and incorporate those principles into the design and
fitting of prosthetic and orthotic devices.
(d) RERC for Communication Enhancement (Priority 18). Under this
priority, the RERC must research and develop augmentative and
alternative communication technologies and strategies that will enhance
the communicative capacity of individuals of all ages with significant
communication disorders across environments (i.e., education,
employment, recreation, social environments).
(e) RERC for Universal Interface and Information Technology Access
(Priority 19). Under this priority, the RERC must research and develop
innovative technological solutions for, and promote universal access
to, current and emerging information technologies and technology
interfaces that promote a seamless integration of the multiple
technologies used by individuals with disabilities in the home,
community, and workplace. This RERC must work collaboratively with the
RERC on Telecommunication Access, and the RERC on Mobile Wireless
Technologies.
(f) RERC for Wheeled Mobility (Priority 20). Under this priority,
the RERC must research and develop innovative technologies and
strategies that will improve the current state of the science, design
standards, and usability of wheeled mobility devices and wheelchair
seating systems.
Under each priority, the RERC must be designed to contribute to the
following outcomes:
(1) Increased technical and scientific knowledge relevant to its
designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this
outcome by conducting high-quality, rigorous research and development
projects.
(2) Innovative technologies, products, environments, performance
guidelines, and monitoring and assessment tools as applicable to its
designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute to this
outcome through the development and testing of these innovations.
(3) Improved research capacity in its designated priority research
area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by collaborating with
the relevant industry and professional associations, and institutions
of higher education.
(4) Improved focus on cutting edge developments in technologies
within its designated priority research area. The RERC must contribute
to this outcome by identifying and communicating with NIDRR and the
field regarding trends and evolving product concepts related to its
designated priority research area.
(5) Increased impact of research in the designated priority
research area. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by providing
technical assistance to public and private organizations, individuals
with disabilities, and employers on policies, guidelines, and standards
related to its designated priority research area.
(6) Increased transfer of RERC-developed technologies to the
marketplace. The RERC must contribute to this outcome by developing and
implementing a plan for ensuring that all technologies developed by the
RERC are made available to the public. The technology transfer plan
must be developed in the first year of the project period in
consultation with the NIDRR-funded Disability Rehabilitation Research
Project, Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer.
In addition, under each priority, the RERC must--
Design, build, and test prototype devices and assist in
the transfer of successful solutions to relevant production and service
delivery settings;
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of its new products,
instrumentation, or assistive devices;
Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, a
plan that describes how it will include, as appropriate, individuals
with disabilities or their representatives in all phases of its
activities, including research, development, training, dissemination,
and evaluation;
Provide as part of its proposal, and then implement, in
consultation with the NIDRR-funded National Center for the
Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) (http://www.ncddr.org), a
plan to disseminate its research results to individuals with
disabilities, their representatives, disability organizations,
employers, service providers, professional journals, manufacturers, and
other interested parties;
Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its
designated priority research area in the fourth year of the project
period, and publish a comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the
conference in the fifth year of the project period; and
Coordinate research projects of mutual interest with
relevant NIDRR-funded projects, as identified through consultation with
the NIDRR project officer.
Executive Order 12866
This NFP has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order
12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential
costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
The potential costs associated with this NFP are those resulting
from statutory requirements and those we have determined as necessary
for administering this program effectively and efficiently.
In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative
and qualitative--of this NFP, we have determined that the benefits of
the final priorities justify the costs.
Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits
The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
and Centers Programs have been well established over the years in that
similar projects have been completed successfully. These final
priorities will generate new knowledge and technologies through
research, development, dissemination, utilization, and technical
assistance projects.
Another benefit of these final priorities is that the establishment
of new DRRPs, new RRTCs, and new RERCs will support the President's NFI
and will improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The new
DRRPs, RRTCs, and RERCs will generate, disseminate, and promote the use
of new information that will improve the options for individuals with
disabilities to perform regular activities in the community.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
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/news/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 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.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.133A Disability
Rehabilitation Research Projects, 84.133B Rehabilitation Research
and Training Centers and 84.133E Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers Program)
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Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g), 764(a), 764(b)(2), and
764(b)(3).
Dated: January 29, 2008.
Tracy Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8-1901 Filed 1-31-08; 8:45 am]
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