[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 93 (Monday, May 16, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-11758]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 16, 1994]


_______________________________________________________________________

Part II





Department of Education





_______________________________________________________________________



Notice of Proposed Funding Priority for FY 1994-1995 for the Knowledge 
Dissemination and Utilization Program
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

AGENCY: Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of a proposed funding priority for fiscal years 1994-
1995 for the Knowledge Dissemination and Utilization Program.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Secretary proposes a funding priority for the Knowledge 
Dissemination and Utilization (D&U) Program under the National 
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) for fiscal 
years 1994-1995. The Secretary takes this action to ensure that 
rehabilitation knowledge generated from projects and centers funded by 
NIDRR and others is utilized fully to improve the lives of individuals 
with disabilities and their families.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: All comments concerning this proposed priority should be 
addressed to David Esquith, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland 
Avenue SW., Switzer Building, room 3424, Washington, DC 20202-2601.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Esquith. Telephone: (202) 205-
8801. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf 
(TDD) may call the TDD number at (202) 205-5516.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice proposes a project to support 
the international exchange of information and experts.
    Authority for the D&U program is contained in sections 202(b)(2) 
and 204(a) and 204(b)(6) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended 
(29 U.S.C. 760-762). Under this program the Secretary makes awards to 
public and private organizations, including institutions of higher 
education and Indian tribes or tribal organizations. Under the 
regulations for this program (see 34 CFR 355.32), the Secretary may 
establish a priority by reserving funds to support particular 
activities.
    This proposed priority supports the National Education Goals. 
National Education Goal 5 calls for all Americans to possess the 
knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and 
exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
    The Secretary will announce the final funding priority in a notice 
in the Federal Register. The final priority will be determined by 
responses to this notice, available funds, and other considerations of 
the Department. Funding of particular projects depends on the final 
priority, the availability of funds, and the quality of the 
applications received. The publication of this proposed priority does 
not preclude the Secretary from proposing an additional priority, nor 
does it limit the Secretary to funding only this priority, subject to 
meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.

    Note: This notice of a proposed priority does not solicit 
applications. A notice inviting applications under this competition 
will be published in the Federal Register concurrent with or 
following publication of the notice of a final priority.

Priority

    Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) the Secretary proposes to give an 
absolute preference to applications that meet the following priority. 
The Secretary proposes to fund under this program only applications 
that meet this absolute priority:

Proposed Priority: International Exchange of Information and Experts

Background
    Since 1973, NIDRR has had statutory authority to conduct 
international research and development and to exchange rehabilitation 
and special education experts with other nations. International 
research and development activities significantly can change the 
perspectives of service providers and researchers, provide data for the 
evaluation of domestic programs, and offer new insights and new 
practices that can solve some of the old rehabilitation problems. 
Learning about the technical and cultural aspects of other countries' 
rehabilitation practices may assist U.S. rehabilitation practioners to 
improve the effectiveness of the the services they provide, especially 
for minority and immigrant populations.
    In the past, NIDRR approached international activities in two ways. 
NIDRR funded two projects to facilitate fellowships of non-governmental 
experts to other countries to gather data on practices, legislation, 
and policy. NIDRR also engaged in international activities on a 
government-to-government basis, participating in international policy 
and data generation through international organizations such as the 
U.N., Federal agencies such as the Department of State and the Peace 
Corps, direct grants to foreign research agencies, participation in 
foreign research consortia and conferences, and facilitation of site 
visits and study tours for foreign visitors.
    In order to enhance the impact of international activities on the 
rehabilitation field, NIDRR now seeks to fund a single project that 
will facilitate the exchange of both domestic and foreign experts in 
rehabilitation research and technical assistance; facilitate 
international conferences; disseminate useful information to 
rehabilitation personnel and researchers, independent living centers, 
and families; assist in relevant site visitations by foreign government 
officials; and develop training modules that increase participation in 
international activities by rehabilitation practitioners, policymakers, 
and individuals with disabilities.
Proposed Priority
    A project on the international exchange of information and experts 
shall--
     Gather information on international rehabilitation issues, 
legislation, and programs, and maintain a library of such information 
for use by NIDRR and other researchers;
     Facilitate small annual conferences to explore 
international issues or to share rehabilitation information and data 
with other governments;
     Assist both foreign and domestic professionals or 
consumers to plan trips of particular policy and programmatic value 
through the development and listing of potential sites;
     Establish an international exchange of research and 
technical assistance experts between foreign nations and the U.S.;
     Share information with other Federal government agencies 
in order to assist them in the development of their research priorities 
in the area of disability;
     Publish and disseminate data and information to relevant 
target audiencies on relevant policy issues and legislation, which are 
identified in conjunction with NIDRR;
     Develop training activities and materials to sensitize 
rehabilitation personnel, including special education personnel, to 
cultural differences that can affect rehabilitation needs and 
approaches; and
     Develop training activities and materials on comparative 
research techniques, bilateral consultation and technical assistance, 
utilizing the different international perspectives.

Invitation to Comment

    Interested persons are invited to submit comments and 
recommendations regarding this proposed priority.
    All comments submitted in response to this proposed priority will 
be available for public inspection, during and after the comment 
period, in room 3423, Switzer Building, 330 C Street SW., Washington, 
DC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday of 
each week except Federal holidays.

Applicable Program Regulations

    34 CFR parts 350 and 355.

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760-762.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133D, Knowledge 
Dissemination and Utilization Program)

    Dated: May 10, 1994.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 94-11758 Filed 5-13-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P