[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 34, Volume 2]
[Revised as of July 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 34CFR350.32]

[Page 247]
 
                           TITLE 34--EDUCATION
 
            REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
 
PART 350--DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH PROJECTS AND CENTERS PROGRAM--Table of Contents
 
  Subpart D--What Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers Does the 
                            Secretary Assist?
 
Sec.  350.32  What activities must a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center conduct?

    A Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center shall--
    (a) Conduct research or demonstration activities by using one or 
more of the following strategies:
    (1) Developing and disseminating innovative methods of applying 
advanced technology, scientific achievement, and psychological and 
social knowledge to solve rehabilitation problems and remove 
environmental barriers through--
    (i) Planning and conducting research, including cooperative research 
with public or private agencies and organizations, designed to produce 
new scientific knowledge and new or improved methods, equipment, or 
devices; and
    (ii) Studying and evaluating new or emerging technologies, products, 
or environments and their effectiveness and benefits.
    (2) Demonstrating and disseminating--
    (i) Innovative models for the delivery to rural and urban areas of 
cost-effective rehabilitation technology services that will promote the 
use of assistive technology services; and
    (ii) Other scientific research to assist in meeting the employment 
and independent living needs of individuals with severe disabilities.
    (3) Conducting research and demonstration activities that facilitate 
service delivery systems change by demonstrating, evaluating, 
documenting, and disseminating--
    (i) Consumer-responsive and individual and family-centered 
innovative models for the delivery, to both rural and urban areas, of 
innovative, cost-effective rehabilitation technology services that 
promote use of rehabilitation technology; and
    (ii) Other scientific research to assist in meeting the employment 
and independent living needs of, and addressing the barriers confronted 
by individuals with disabilities, including individuals with severe 
disabilities;
    (b) To the extent consistent with the nature and type of research or 
demonstration activities described in paragraph (a) of this section, 
carry out research, training, and information dissemination activities 
by--
    (1) Providing training opportunities to individuals, including 
individuals with disabilities, to enable them to become rehabilitation 
technology researchers and practitioners of rehabilitation technology in 
conjunction with institutions of higher education and nonprofit 
organizations; and
    (2) Responding, through research or demonstration activities, to the 
needs of individuals with all types of disabilities who may benefit from 
the application of technology within the subject area of focus of the 
Center.
    (c) Conduct orientation seminars for rehabilitation service 
personnel to improve the application of rehabilitation technology;
    (d) Conduct activities that specifically demonstrate means for 
utilizing rehabilitation technology; and
    (e) Provide technical assistance and consultation that are 
responsive to concerns of service providers and consumers.

(Authority: Sec. 204(b)(3); 29 U.S.C. 762(b)(3))