[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 232 (Monday, December 5, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-29859]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: December 5, 1994]


      
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Part V





Department of Education





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Rehabilitation Training Programs; Notices
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

RIN 1820-ZA01

 
Rehabilitation Training Programs

AGENCY: Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of final priorities.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary announces priorities for four programs 
administered by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services. The Secretary may use these priorities for competitions in 
fiscal year (FY) 1995 and subsequent years. The Secretary takes this 
action to focus Federal financial assistance on areas of identified 
national need. These priorities are intended to prepare individuals to 
enter rehabilitation professions and to maintain and upgrade the basic 
skills and knowledge of trained rehabilitation professionals.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities take effect on January 4, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The name, address, and telephone 
number of the person at the Department to contact for information on a 
specific priority is in the section describing the program under which 
the priority is being announced.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains one priority under the 
statutory authority for Rehabilitation Training, one priority under the 
Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs, four priorities under the 
Rehabilitation Short-Term Training program, and two priorities under 
the Interpreter Training for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Individuals 
Who Are Deaf-Blind program. A separate competition will be established 
for each priority. These programs are authorized by section 302 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The purpose of each 
program is stated separately under the title of that program. The 
announcement for each program also lists the name, address, and 
telephone number of the person who may be contacted for further 
information.
    These priorities support the National Education Goal that, by the 
year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the 
knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and 
exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The Department 
supports a variety of training activities in vocational rehabilitation 
and training that enhance the knowledge and skills of personnel.
    On September 6, 1994, the Secretary published a notice of proposed 
priorities for these programs in the Federal Register (59 FR 46118).

    Note: This notice of final priorities does not solicit 
applications. In any year in which the Secretary chooses to use a 
priority, the Secretary invites applications through a notice in the 
Federal Register and designates that priority as absolute or 
competitive preference or invitational. The effect of each type of 
priority is explained in the notice of proposed priorities and in 34 
CFR 75.105.

    Notices inviting applications under these competitions are 
published in separate notices in this issue of the Federal Register.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    In response to the Secretary's invitation in the notice of proposed 
priorities, 64 parties submitted comments. An analysis of the comments 
and of the changes in the priorities since publication of the notice of 
proposed priorities follows. Please note that this section addresses 
only those proposed priorities on which substantive comments were 
received or priorities that have been substantially changed as a result 
of the Secretary's review. Technical and other minor changes--and 
suggested changes the Secretary is not legally authorized to make under 
the applicable statutory authority--are also not addressed.

General Comments

    Comments: Three commenters expressed concern that vocational 
evaluation and work adjustment, an important component of the 
rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, is being eliminated by the 
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) as a training focus from 
its discretionary grant programs in general and from these priorities 
in particular. Therefore, it was recommended that an additional 
priority be included to provide training for community rehabilitation 
personnel in the field of vocational evaluation and work adjustment.
    Discussion: An announcement to fund projects that will provide 
vocational evaluation and work adjustment training for FY 1995 was 
published on June 16, 1994. In addition, vocational evaluation and work 
adjustment training is not precluded under these priorities.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter recommended that every priority included in 
the notice, and every future RSA priority, provide training in access 
to assistive technology and devices. In addition, one of the same 
commenters proposed that two technology-specific priorities be added to 
this notice.
    Discussion: Training in this area is allowed under any of the 
priorities in this notice. The Secretary believes that training 
rehabilitation personnel in assistive technology can lead to increased 
choices and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter suggested that a priority be added that 
would provide additional resources to State vocational rehabilitation 
agencies to facilitate ongoing career advancement opportunities on 
behalf of their clients.
    Discussion: The Secretary agrees that the facilitation of ongoing 
career advancement opportunities on behalf of clients of State 
vocational rehabilitation agencies is important. State vocational 
rehabilitation agencies are currently provided resources under the in-
service training program to carry out post-employment programs, such as 
the development of career advancement opportunities for their clients.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter recommended that the order in which the 
priorities are listed in this notice be changed to give preference for 
funding to one of the priorities that is not listed as number one.
    Discussion: The order in which the priorities appear in the notice 
is not related to importance or any preference.
    Changes: None.

Rehabilitation Training

Priority--National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials

    Comments: Four of the commenters suggested specific criteria that a 
National Clearinghouse should address during the grant competition: 
linkages with other clearinghouses, the provision of materials in 
alternative formats, adequate facilities for storage and dissemination, 
and a project director experienced in both rehabilitation and 
information systems.
    Discussion: The current selection criteria already include the 
concerns raised by the commenters and will provide the basis for the 
evaluation of the proposals under this program.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter suggested that the proposed National 
Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials be merged with the 
National Rehabilitation Information Center, which is funded by the 
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
    Discussion: While such a merger is not feasible at this time, the 
possibility of such a merger will be considered.
    Changes: None.

Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs

Priority--Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs for Providers of 
Community Rehabilitation Services

    Comments: Ten of the commenters indicated their desire to have a 
project under this priority in their geographical region.
    Discussion: The Secretary will consider the needs of all regions as 
well as the geographical distribution of projects in selecting 
grantees. Regions that are not announced for funding in FY 1995 will be 
considered for competitions in FY 1996 and FY 1997.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: Six commenters expressed concern regarding the 
availability of training under this priority to direct service 
personnel in rural areas, and several of these commenters recommended 
that projects under this priority be required to coordinate training 
through existing programs in rural areas or use distance education 
strategies.
    Discussion: Projects funded under this priority are required to 
provide training for direct service personnel throughout a multi-State 
geographical area. The use of distance education strategies and 
linkages with existing training programs serving rural areas is not 
precluded under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: Two commenters expressed concern that the priority will 
discourage academic and certificate training, and one commenter 
suggested that academic-type training be included under the priority.
    Discussion: The focus of this priority is on the provision of 
ongoing post-employment training in community rehabilitation programs. 
The Secretary believes that the training proposed is appropriate to 
meet these needs.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: Two commenters recommended that the priority emphasize 
human resource development principles.
    Discussion: The Secretary believes that the provision of quality 
post-employment training that will maintain or upgrade the skills of 
persons engaged in community rehabilitation programs is career 
enhancing and reflective of human resource development principles.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: Two commenters suggested that programs funded under this 
priority provide technical assistance and demonstrate institutional 
collaboration.
    Discussion: These activities may be carried out by projects funded 
under this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter expressed concern that the priority will 
not provide training opportunities for professional persons, such as 
vocational evaluators and work adjustment personnel, who are employed 
by community rehabilitation programs.
    Discussion: The Secretary notes that the priority addresses the 
need for ongoing post-employment training for all personnel employed by 
community rehabilitation programs.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter suggested that the priority be more 
responsive to individuals with disabilities by requiring the projects 
funded under this priority to promote cooperation with local 
partnerships funded by the School-to-Work Opportunities Act and with 
employment centers, and to include training in the evaluation of 
occupational and skill attainment.
    Discussion: The Secretary believes that these activities are 
encouraged under the priority as projects are required to coordinate 
their efforts with employment agencies and school-to-work projects, as 
well as to provide training to meet recurrent and common training 
needs, which could include the evaluation of occupational and skill 
attainment.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter expressed concern that the term ``community 
rehabilitation programs'' may be perceived in many parts of the country 
to include organizations serving mentally ill individuals, and in other 
parts of the country it may be more narrowly defined to include only 
facilities or sheltered workshops.
    Discussion: The Secretary believes that the term ``community 
rehabilitation programs'' is inclusive of organizations serving 
individuals with mental illness.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter suggested that the training under this 
priority be restricted to State vocational rehabilitation personnel.
    Discussion: State vocational rehabilitation personnel are but one 
resource for individuals with disabilities. Other significant resources 
include services and personnel provided by community rehabilitation 
programs. On-going post-employment training targeted to these programs 
is necessary to achieve improved employment outcomes for persons with 
disabilities. In addition, the Rehabilitation Act requires that a large 
portion of the training program allocation be used solely for State 
agency personnel training. The purpose of this priority is to target 
funds specifically toward a population of personnel that does not 
receive specific funding.
    Changes: None.

Rehabilitation Short-Term Training Program

Priority 1--Personnel Specifically Trained To Deliver Services in 
Client Assistance Programs

    Comments: One commenter indicated that the priority would be 
enhanced by inclusion of training in systemic advocacy.
    Discussion: The Secretary agrees that systemic advocacy is an 
important component of Client Assistance Programs and believes that the 
priority as written allows for this type of training under this 
priority.
    Changes: None.

Priority 2--Training Rehabilitation and Mental Health Personnel To 
Provide Improved Rehabilitation Services to Individuals With Mental 
Illness

    Comments: One commenter indicated that the use of a strong peer-
counseling role in the provision of support to consumers and their 
families has been beneficial and should be a component of the proposed 
priority.
    Discussion: Training on the use of demonstrated beneficial 
strategies such as peer-counseling is authorized under the priority.
    Changes: None.

Priority 3--Training Members of American Indian Tribes, State 
Vocational Rehabilitation Staff, and Rehabilitation Educators on 
Services for American Indians With Disabilities

    Comments: One commenter expressed concern that the priority 
restricts training to States having high American Indian populations 
when the needs of American Indians living in States with low 
populations are just as great. In addition, the commenter indicated 
that, since the needs of these two groups are different, it will be 
difficult for States with low American Indian populations to 
successfully replicate the training models developed. For these 
reasons, the commenter recommended that the priority be opened to all 
States.
    Discussion: The Secretary does not agree that the needs and issues 
of the individuals are different if the population of American Indians 
is low in the State. Services still must be culturally appropriate for 
the individuals. The purpose of the training is to develop the skills 
of rehabilitation counselors and other staff who work in State 
rehabilitation agencies on how to work effectively with American 
Indians. The priority mandates that the project address the use of 
appropriate rehabilitation methods, cultural differences, and 
development of mutual understanding and trust between the service 
provider and recipient of services through the development of 
culturally sensitive rehabilitation training materials. The Secretary 
does not agree that replication will be difficult since the size of the 
population within the State is not considered to be a factor in using 
appropriate rehabilitation methods that respect the cultural 
differences. The Secretary does agree, however, that the training 
should be made available to all States where there is a significant 
population of American Indians since the State is required to provide 
vocational rehabilitation services to American Indians who are 
individuals with disabilities residing in the State to the same extent 
as the State provides those services to other significant segments of 
the population of individuals with disabilities residing in the State 
(section 101(a)(20) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended).
    Changes: The priority has been changed to target States with 
significant rather than high American Indian populations.
    Comments: One commenter indicated opposition to the priority 
because of its focus on one specific population, stating that such a 
focus would encourage division among the underserved and unserved.
    Discussion: The Secretary does not agree that focusing this 
priority on a population that is one of the most underserved and 
unserved groups of individuals with disabilities would encourage 
division among unserved and underserved groups. The Secretary believes 
that the cultural differences of American Indians requires special 
emphasis to improve services.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter expressed concern over the train-the-
trainer approach required by this priority and recommended that the 
best approach to understanding the rehabilitation issues and ensuring 
sensitivity to cultural needs is to use American Indians to help State 
agency personnel improve skills necessary for the provision of 
services. The commenter believes that focusing on the development of 
local relationships and the use of available materials would serve 
State agencies better and that a collaborative training approach would 
be more appropriate.
    Discussion: The inclusion of American Indians in the development of 
all aspects of the training and in the development of training 
materials under this priority is mandatory. Additionally, nothing in 
this priority or in the train-the-trainer approach would preclude the 
use of already available materials. The Secretary further notes that 
training in the development of local relationships can be included in 
the training materials that address appropriate rehabilitation methods 
in providing vocational rehabilitation services to American Indians 
with disabilities.
    Changes: None.

Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Individuals 
Who Are Deaf-Blind

General Comments

    Comments: Two commenters recommended that a significant effort and 
commitment be made to the training of oral interpreters and that 
training become a funding priority. It was suggested that applicants 
for grants be asked to document how they will interest people in oral 
interpreting training and to include information on the contents of the 
curriculum.
    Discussion: The regulations in 34 CFR 396.1 describe the Training 
of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Individuals Who Are 
Deaf-Blind program as a program that trains a sufficient number of 
skilled interpreters to meet the communication needs of individuals who 
are deaf and individuals who are deaf-blind by training manual, 
tactile, oral, and cued speech interpreters. The curriculum developed 
by the National Technical Institute for the Deaf for the training of 
oral interpreters is included in the training program conducted by the 
two federally funded national interpreter training projects and is also 
being used by the 10 regional interpreter training projects. In 
addition, within the curriculum of each of the affiliate institutions, 
preservice training programs provide an introduction to oral 
interpreting and other interpreting methodologies.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter recommended that research be conducted, 
perhaps under the auspices of National Institute on Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), in the area of sign-to-voice 
interpreting to identify the factors involved in the development of 
competency in sign-to-voice interpreting. Concern was also expressed 
about the proliferation of the interpreter certification systems, and 
commenters urged that a stronger link be established between current 
projects involved in training of sign language interpreters and 
external practices for evaluation and certification of sign language 
interpreters.
    Discussion: The Secretary recognizes the importance of competency 
in the area of sign-to-voice interpreting and believes that it is the 
responsibility of the training projects to include this aspect of 
interpreting in their curricula. The comment concerning the need for 
research in this area will be shared with appropriate individuals in 
NIDRR. Concerning the need for stronger links between the training 
projects and the authorities responsible for evaluation and 
certification of interpreters, 34 CFR 396.20 of the regulations on 
application content requires that an application include an assurance 
that the project shall cooperate or coordinate its activities, as 
appropriate, with the activities of other projects funded under this 
program. In addition, the Secretary points out that certain projects 
that are currently funded are coordinating with external entities in 
the field for the certification of sign language interpreters.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter supported the priority to increase the 
focus on training of interpreters for individuals who are deaf-blind; 
however, it was requested that the Department consider the maximum 
possible project period of 60 months as a full funding cycle rather 
than assessing the project during its third year to determine whether 
there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.
    Discussion: The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project 
period of 60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months 
will be necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The 
Secretary believes that an assessment during the third year of the 
project period is necessary to ensure that the project is meeting the 
objectives established in its original application and to determine 
whether there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: Two commenters suggested that the project period be 
permitted to extend beyond 60 months.
    Discussion: The project period is limited by the Act to no more 
than 60 months. Furthermore, the Secretary believes that the 60-month 
project period will provide sufficient time to carry out the 
requirements of this priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comments: One commenter requested that additional requirements be 
included under this priority to require adherence to the Conference of 
Interpreter Trainers program standards, and that the project also 
include a program component that shows an effort to recruit and train 
individuals who are deaf to become interpreters/transliterators for 
individuals who are deaf-blind.
    Discussion: The regulations in Sec. 396.4 define ``qualified 
professional'' as an individual who has either met existing national or 
State certification or evaluation requirements; or successfully 
demonstrated equivalent interpreting skills through prior work 
experience. The Secretary believes that this definition gives the 
project the necessary flexibility to determine the most appropriate 
certification or evaluation requirements for its purpose and geographic 
area. The regulations in 34 CFR 385.44 require that any grantee who 
provides training must give due regard to the training of individuals 
with disabilities as part of its effort to increase the number of 
qualified personnel available to provide rehabilitation services. The 
Secretary believes that this requirement adequately responds to the 
recommendation that the project make an effort to recruit and train 
individuals who are deaf to become interpreters/transliterators for 
individuals who are deaf-blind.
    Changes: None.

Priority 1--National Project with Major Emphasis on Interpreting for 
Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind

    Comments: One commenter suggested that the training program be 
located in proximity to a substantial population of individuals who are 
deaf-blind.
    Discussion: The regulations in 34 CFR 396.20(b) require that the 
project's application include a description of the geographical area to 
be served. The instructions accompanying the request for applications 
will emphasize further this requirement to highlight the importance of 
the existence of an adequate target population to be served by the 
project in its geographical area.
    Changes: None.

Priority 2--National Project to Address the Interpreting Needs of 
Culturally Diverse Communities

    Comment: One commenter suggested that the purpose of the program as 
stated in the notice of proposed priorities be modified by inserting 
between the words ``skilled interpreters'' and ``throughout'' the 
following phrase: ``particularly those from culturally diverse 
backgrounds.''
    Discussion: The Secretary agrees that this suggestion has merit 
because it emphasizes the importance of recruiting potential 
interpreters from those culturally diverse communities; however, the 
purpose of the program is stated in the regulations and was simply 
repeated for informational purposes in the notice of proposed 
priorities. Consequently, it would be necessary to propose the 
requested change in a notice of proposed rulemaking.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters voiced support for this priority and one of 
these two commenters recommended that the training projects be housed 
in an Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The other 
commenter believed that the priority should establish appropriate 
liaisons with postsecondary education institutions with significant 
enrollment of students representing culturally diverse backgrounds, 
particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
    Discussion: The Secretary appreciates this support and notes that 
the regulations in 34 CFR 396.2 concerning eligibility for an award 
would include applications for training grants from Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities.
    Changes: None.

Rehabilitation Training

    Purpose of Program: The Rehabilitation Training program supports 
projects to ensure that skilled personnel are available to provide 
rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities through 
vocational, medical, social, and psychological rehabilitation programs, 
through supported employment programs, through independent living 
services programs, and through client assistance programs. The program 
supports projects to maintain and upgrade basic skills and knowledge of 
personnel employed to provide state-of-the-art service delivery systems 
and rehabilitation technology services.
    For Further Information Contact: Robert Werner, U.S. Department of 
Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 3322 Switzer Building, 
Washington, D.C. 20202-2649. Telephone: (202) 205-8291. Individuals who 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 
p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

Priority

Priority--National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials

Background

    The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) has funded a 
clearinghouse for rehabilitation training materials since 1961. Over 
the years, the clearinghouse has facilitated the development and 
dissemination of material for use in the training of rehabilitation 
personnel. Regulations for the Rehabilitation Training program in 34 
CFR 385.42 state that a set of any training materials developed under 
the Rehabilitation Training program must be submitted to any 
information clearinghouse designated by the Secretary. The project 
funded under this priority would be designated to receive training 
materials developed by other projects during the project's duration. 
Users of the clearinghouse cover the range of rehabilitation providers, 
but most frequently include State vocational rehabilitation agency 
personnel, rehabilitation counselors, rehabilitation educators, 
community rehabilitation program personnel, and advocates for 
individuals with disabilities.
    The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project period of 
60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months will be 
necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The Secretary will 
be assessing, during the third year of the project period, whether 
there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.

Priority

    The project must--
     Demonstrate experience and capacity to provide for a 
national clearinghouse of rehabilitation training materials;
     Identify and gather rehabilitation information and 
training materials for use in preparing pre-service and in-service 
education and training for rehabilitation personnel;
     Disseminate, in a cost-effective manner, rehabilitation 
information and state-of-the-art training materials and methods to 
rehabilitation personnel to assist them in achieving improved outcomes 
in vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and independent 
living; and
     Provide linkages and policies for the exchange of 
information and referral of inquiries with other existing 
clearinghouses and information centers supported by the U.S. Department 
of Education, including the Educational Resources Information Center 
and the National Rehabilitation Information Center.

Selection Criteria

    In evaluating applications for grants under this competition, the 
Secretary uses the Education Department General Administrative 
Regulations selection criteria in 34 CFR 75.210.
    The regulations in 34 CFR 75.210 provide that the Secretary may 
award up to 100 points for the selection criteria, including a reserved 
15 points. For this competition, the Secretary distributes the 
additional 15 points as follows:
    Plan of operation (34 CFR 75.210(b)(3)). Fifteen points are added 
to this criterion for a possible total of 30 points.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 385.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 774.

Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs

    Purpose of Program: The Rehabilitation Continuing Education 
Programs are designed to support training centers that serve either a 
Federal region or another geographical area and provide for a broad 
integrated sequence of training activities that focus on meeting 
recurrent and common training needs of employed rehabilitation 
personnel throughout a multi-State geographical area.
    For Further Information Contact: Beverly Steburg, U.S. Department 
of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 3328 Switzer 
Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-2649. Telephone: (202) 205-9817. 
Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may 
call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

Priority

Priority--Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs for Providers of 
Community Rehabilitation Services

Background

    In section 2(a) (2) and (5) of the Act, Congress reported findings 
that, as a group, individuals with disabilities constitute one of the 
most disadvantaged groups in society subject to discrimination in many 
critical areas, including employment. Furthermore, Congress found that 
individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most 
severe disabilities, have demonstrated their ability to achieve gainful 
employment in integrated settings if appropriate services and supports 
are provided.
    Community rehabilitation programs, working closely with individuals 
with disabilities, their advocates, representatives, families, labor 
unions, and employers, are a significant resource for addressing the 
national problem of unemployment and underemployment of individuals 
with severe disabilities. Those programs serve an estimated two million 
individuals with disabilities annually, many through referral 
arrangements with vocational rehabilitation State agencies.
    Ongoing post-employment training is needed for all who work in 
community rehabilitation programs to achieve improved employment 
outcomes for individuals with disabilities, especially volunteers, 
providers, and employers who fill key roles in staffing, directing, and 
using these programs.
    In the past, RSA funded many nonacademic training programs that 
maintain or upgrade the skills of currently employed individuals in 
community rehabilitation programs under the Rehabilitation Long-Term 
Training program. However, final regulations for the Rehabilitation 
Long-Term Training program (59 FR 31060) focus on the support of 
academic programs that award degrees or certificates. Therefore, 
support for nonacademic training programs will be carried out under the 
other applicable training program authorities, such as this 
Rehabilitation Continuing Education program, the Short-Term Training 
program, and the Experimental and Innovative Training program.
    The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project period of 
60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months will be 
necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The Secretary will 
be assessing, during the third year of the project period, whether 
there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.

Priority

    The project must--
     Provide post-employment training for job coaches and other 
direct service community rehabilitation personnel, including employers 
and co-workers of people with disabilities who provide support at work 
for persons with severe disabilities (often called natural support), 
administrators, volunteers and peer counselors, and other personnel of 
community rehabilitation programs;
     Coordinate with activities supported by business and 
industry, State vocational rehabilitation agencies, school-to-work 
transition projects, and job development centers funded by the National 
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research;
     Provide seminars, forums, train-the-trainer training, 
technical assistance, and similar methods to meet recurrent and common 
training needs of employed rehabilitation personnel throughout a multi-
State geographical area; and
     Demonstrate potential for replication of training methods 
based on project outcomes through the dissemination of training 
materials and protocols.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 389.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 774.

Rehabilitation Short-Term Training

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Rehabilitation Short-Term 
Training program is to provide Federal support for the development and 
conduct of special seminars, institutes, workshops, and technical 
instruction in areas of special significance to the delivery of 
vocational, medical, social, and psychological rehabilitation services.
    For Further Information Contact: For priority 1, contact Beverly 
Steburg, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., 
Room 3328, Switzer Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-2649. Telephone: 
(202) 205-9817. For priority 2, contact Ellen Chesley, U.S. Department 
of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 3318, Switzer 
Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-2649. Telephone (202) 205-9481. For 
priority 3, contact Barbara Sweeney, U.S. Department of Education, 600 
Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 3225, Switzer Building, Washington, 
D.C. 20202-2735. Telephone: (202) 205-9544. For priority 4, contact 
Parma Yarkin, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, 
S.W., Room 3220, Switzer Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-2647. 
Telephone: (202) 205-8733. Individuals who use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay 
Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern 
time, Monday through Friday.

Priorities

Priority 1--Personnel Specifically Trained to Deliver Services in 
Client Assistance Programs

Background
    The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-569) made 
significant changes in rehabilitation service provisions under Title I 
of the Act. Client Assistance Programs (CAPs) provide assistance in 
informing and advising all clients and applicants of available benefits 
under the Act. Section 302 of the Act includes personnel specifically 
trained to deliver services in CAPs to be among the personnel that the 
Rehabilitation Training program must consider in reviewing personnel 
shortages and training needs. Through the 1992 Survey of Personnel 
Shortages and Training Needs in Vocational Rehabilitation, CAP 
directors have reported critical training needs for both CAP 
administrative and service-delivery personnel.
    The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project period of 
60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months will be 
necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The Secretary will 
be assessing, during the third year of the project period, whether 
there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.

Priority

    The project must--
     Provide training to CAP personnel on an as-needed basis, 
including--(1) Management training on skills needed for strategic and 
operational planning and direction of CAP services; and (2) Consumer 
advocacy training on skills and knowledge needed by CAP staff to assist 
persons with disabilities to gain access to and to use the services and 
benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act, particularly new Title 
I requirements;
     Coordinate training efforts with training supported by the 
Center for Mental Health Services and the Administration on 
Developmental Disabilities for protection and advocacy on common areas, 
such as financial management; and
     Include both national and regional training seminars in 
each project year.

Priority 2--Training Rehabilitation and Mental Health Personnel to 
Provide Improved Rehabilitation Services to Individuals With Mental 
Illness

Background

    High turnover rates and inadequate academic preparation of service 
staff are continuing problems among programs providing rehabilitation 
services to individuals with severe mental illness (Pratt and Gill, 
``Developing Interagency In-Service Training,'' Psychosocial 
Rehabilitation Journal, Vol. 16, No. 1, July, 1992). Ongoing research 
has documented the need for competency-based training to promote the 
recruitment, career development, and retention of personnel who provide 
support and rehabilitation services to persons with mental illness (``A 
Comprehensive Study of Human Resource Development Issues--Present and 
Future--for Personnel Providing Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services,'' 
Project No. H133G10072, awarded July 1, 1991, by the National Institute 
on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to the International 
Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services).
    Provision of rehabilitation services to persons with severe mental 
illness is complicated by the need for staff to interact frequently 
with professionals in other agencies and disciplines. Cross-training of 
counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, evaluators, 
and other professionals is essential to effective interagency 
cooperation. Rehabilitation and related staff must be knowledgeable 
about key legislation such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the 
Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Social Security Act. 
Increasingly, rehabilitation services involve persons with severe 
mental illness making their own choices and family members having a 
role in rehabilitation programs. Staff require training to be effective 
in consumer-directed rehabilitation.
    The Secretary intends to make an award with a project period of up 
to 36 months.

Priority

    Projects must--
     Develop training to improve the skills and knowledge of 
existing personnel in providing mental health and vocational 
rehabilitation services to persons with severe mental illness;
     Disseminate training materials on organizational 
coordination, resources, and organizational linkages, including 
findings from RSA-supported demonstration projects, that will enhance 
employment outcomes of individuals with mental illness served by the 
programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and 
independent living;
     Improve the skills of rehabilitation counselors, 
administrators, and related professionals, such as psychologists, 
evaluators, and psychiatrists, in working with persons with mental 
illness disabilities in the development and implementation of 
Individualized Written Rehabilitation Programs and vocational 
placements;
     Develop instructional techniques for working with 
consumers and family members on problem-solving and decisionmaking 
skills that will enhance employment outcomes;
     Include information in curriculum materials on provisions 
of Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act that are related to 
work incentives for individuals with disabilities and on employment-
related provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
     Provide training through special seminars, institutes, 
workshops, and other short-term courses in technical matters relating 
to the delivery of rehabilitation services to individuals with severe 
mental illness;
     Provide training for three or more States; and
     Demonstrate potential for replication based on project 
outcomes through the dissemination of training materials and protocols.

Priority 3--Training Members of American Indian Tribes, State 
Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Staff, and Rehabilitation Educators on 
Services for American Indians With Disabilities

Background

    The Act has a number of provisions that relate to the needs of 
American Indians with disabilities. Under section 101(a)(20), States 
are required, as appropriate, to actively consult in the development of 
the State plan for vocational services with American Indian tribes and 
tribal organizations and Native Hawaiian organizations.
    Section 101(a)(15) requires that States conduct continuing 
statewide studies of the needs of individuals with disabilities and how 
these needs may be most effectively met, including outreach to 
minorities and those who have been unserved or underserved. Vocational 
rehabilitation services are provided under section 130 of the Act to 
American Indians residing on reservations. Under the Act, the term 
American Indians includes Eskimos and Aleuts.
    American Indians have one of the highest disability rates of all 
population groups. Yet, according to recent RSA statistical data on the 
vocational rehabilitation program, when American Indians with 
disabilities receive vocational rehabilitation services, they have a 
low rehabilitation success rate.
    Some of the major problems in providing services to American 
Indians include--(1) Lack of outreach efforts to rural and isolated 
areas where many American Indians live; (2) Cultural differences that 
make use of standard rehabilitation practices or methods less effective 
and may lead to lack of mutual understanding and trust between the 
provider and recipient of services; (3) Language and communication 
barriers; and (4) Limited employment opportunities in rural areas and 
on reservations.
    These problems are being addressed, in part, through the American 
Indian vocational rehabilitation services (section 130) discretionary 
grants. Increased cooperative efforts and sharing of information have 
occurred as a result of linkages between the discretionary projects and 
State rehabilitation agencies. There is a great need, however, for 
training methods and materials to improve the provision of services to 
American Indians with disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors and other 
staff who work in State rehabilitation agencies that serve significant 
populations of American Indians need training on how to work 
effectively with this population. In addition, institutions of higher 
education, which prepare individuals to provide vocational 
rehabilitation services to American Indians with disabilities, have a 
need for culturally appropriate materials.
    The Secretary intends to make an award with a project period of up 
to 36 months.

Priority

    The project must--
     Develop, with the active participation of American 
Indians, culturally sensitive rehabilitation training materials that 
address the use of appropriate rehabilitation methods, cultural 
differences, and development of mutual understanding and trust between 
service provider and recipient;
     Use a ``train-the-trainer'' approach to train State 
rehabilitation unit in-service training educators and rehabilitation 
educators on all materials developed in order to improve the skills and 
knowledge of personnel providing vocational rehabilitation services to 
American Indians with disabilities;
     Conduct seminars and workshops for rehabilitation 
counselors and upper management rehabilitation administrators in States 
with significant American Indian populations on how to reach out to 
American Indian populations with disabilities, including effective 
services planning in conjunction with section 130 American Indian 
vocational rehabilitation services grants;
     Provide training in State agencies with significant 
American Indian populations; and
     Demonstrate potential for replication based on project 
outcomes through the dissemination of training materials and protocols.

Priority 4--Training Impartial Hearing Officers on Provisions of the 
Act

Background

    The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 contain several new 
requirements for due process applicable to State rehabilitation 
agencies that provide services under Title I of the Act. For example, 
agency personnel shall presume that an applicant can benefit from 
vocational rehabilitation services unless they can demonstrate by clear 
and convincing evidence that the applicant is incapable of benefiting 
from vocational rehabilitation services in terms of an employment 
outcome. If an individual with a disability is dissatisfied with an 
eligibility determination or other decisions affecting the nature, 
scope, onset, duration, or other conditions of services, the applicant 
or recipient is entitled to a fair hearing before an impartial hearing 
officer under section 102(d) of the Act.
    An impartial hearing officer is defined in section 7(28) of the 
Act. Among the qualifications the impartial hearing officer must have 
is knowledge of the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services, the 
State plan for rehabilitation services, and the Federal and State 
regulations governing the provision of services. Hearing officers are 
required in section 102(d)(2)(C) of the Act to be qualified to perform 
their official duties.
    One problem in training hearing officers is that there is a lack of 
an organized and accessible information base of hearing decisions and 
appeals such as is commonly found in our judicial system. Those 
compilations relate hearing decisions to State administrative case law, 
encourage the use of precedent in hearing decisions, provide evaluative 
data to State agencies on policies and practices that require revision 
or remediation, and provide information for use by the Federal 
Government in its monitoring responsibilities. A digest of hearing 
decisions and appeals, if published nationally, would also be of great 
benefit to multiple agencies, constituent groups, and Client Assistance 
Programs.
    The Secretary intends to make an award with a project period of up 
to 36 months. The Secretary expects that the materials developed under 
this project would be used by projects funded under the State 
Vocational Rehabilitation Unit In-Service Training program, the 
Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program, and the Client Assistance 
Program training projects.

Priority

    The project must--
     Provide seminars and workshops for impartial hearing 
officers that address the many changes in due process requirements in 
the Act, including--(1) The rights and remedies for people with 
disabilities seeking services under Title I of the Act; and (2) The 
conduct of impartial hearings;
     Develop model materials and decision compilations 
(including, if appropriate, computer-accessed compilations) for in-
State and national dissemination of information on hearing decisions 
and appeals; and
     Provide training that is national in scope and training 
approaches and materials that, when replicated and adapted, are suited 
to train State rehabilitation agency staff and Client Assistance 
Program staff who have significant involvement with hearings and 
hearing officers.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 390.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 774.

Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Individuals 
Who Are Deaf-Blind

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of this program is to assist in 
providing a sufficient number of skilled interpreters throughout the 
country for employment in public and private agencies, schools, and 
other service-providing institutions to meet the communication needs of 
individuals who are deaf and individuals who are deaf-blind by--(1) 
Training manual, tactile, oral, and cued speech interpreters; (2) 
Ensuring the maintenance of the skills of interpreters; and (3) 
Providing opportunities for interpreters to raise their level of 
competence.
    For Further Information Contact: Victor Galloway, U.S. Department 
of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 3228, Switzer 
Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-2736. Telephone: (202) 205-9152. 
Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may 
call the TDD number at (202) 205-8352.

Priorities:

Priority 1--National Project With Major Emphasis on Interpreting for 
Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind

Background

    The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 expanded the purpose and 
scope of this program to include a requirement that each funded project 
train interpreters for ``individuals who are deaf-blind'' as well as 
interpreters for ``individuals who are deaf.'' Each project has the 
discretion to provide training for interpreters for these two 
disability populations to the extent, and in the specific communication 
modes, appropriate to the needs of these populations in the 
geographical area to be served by the project. To participate in major 
life activities, increased numbers of individuals who are deaf-blind 
require skilled interpreting services. Interpreting for individuals who 
are deaf-blind is an intensive, one-to-one exercise, requiring 
significant skill. Expertise in the training of interpreters for 
individuals who are deaf-blind needs to be developed and made available 
to the field. A national project is needed that will give primary focus 
to training interpreters for individuals who are deaf-blind to better 
enable regional projects supported under this program to meet the 
communication needs of individuals who are deaf-blind. A national 
project is also needed to assist in improving the training of 
interpreters for individuals who are deaf.
    There is also need for technical assistance to regional projects on 
curriculum development for interpreters to serve deaf-blind individuals 
and on model methods of instruction for use in the training of 
interpreters. The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project 
period of 60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months 
will be necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The 
Secretary will be assessing, during the third year of the project 
period, whether there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.

Priority

    This project must--
     Be of national scope;
     Concentrate on curriculum development for training 
interpreters for individuals who are deaf-blind in order to improve the 
capabilities of regional projects;
     Furnish technical assistance to the regional projects in 
training interpreters to meet the communication needs of individuals 
who are deaf;
     Establish cooperative relationships with the regional 
interpreter training projects to be funded by the Secretary in fiscal 
year 1995;
     Use collaborative training approaches, such as workshops 
and seminars, to address curriculum development, classroom training of 
interpreters, preparation of interpreter trainers (faculty 
development), and other activities that will increase the number of 
interpreters and the skills and knowledge of interpreters to meet the 
communication needs of individuals who are deaf and individuals who are 
deaf-blind.

Priority 2--National Project to Address the Interpreting Needs of 
Culturally Diverse Communities

Background

    A national project is needed that will provide technical assistance 
to interpreter training projects to improve the recruitment of 
interpreters who are minority group members and to improve the training 
of interpreters to better meet the special needs of minority 
individuals who are deaf or deaf-blind. This project would assist all 
other projects funded under this program in increasing their efforts in 
these areas and in better meeting the interpreting needs of different 
cultures.
    The interpreter service needs of minority group individuals who are 
deaf or hard of hearing is an issue that has been raised nationally. An 
RSA-funded evaluation study reported that approximately 90 percent of 
graduates from the interpreter training programs around the country are 
White, while 4 percent are African-American and 5 percent are Hispanic. 
The National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf reported that, in a 
given year, of 2,057 interpreters certified by their registry, only 20 
were non-White persons. A Health Interview Survey, conducted by the 
National Center for Health Statistics in 1990-91, reported that of the 
20 million individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, 1.2 million are 
Afro-American and 900,000 are Hispanic.
    A national project is needed to concentrate on curriculum that will 
improve the skills of interpreters working with minority group members. 
Strategies for the recruitment of minority interpreters also need to be 
developed and made available to the field.
    The Secretary has identified a maximum possible project period of 
60 months. The Secretary believes that at least 36 months will be 
necessary to meet the requirements of the priority. The Secretary will 
be assessing, during the third year of the project period, whether 
there is a need to provide funding beyond 36 months.

Priority

    This project must--
     Be of national scope;
     Provide technical assistance to the regional interpreter 
training projects supported under this program in recruiting and 
training interpreters to meet the communication needs of culturally 
diverse populations;
     Develop curriculum to improve the knowledge of 
interpreters with respect to social and cultural concepts of 
interpreting, such as body language, spatial considerations, and 
communication between individuals from different cultures;
     Establish cooperative relationships with the regional 
projects to be funded by the Secretary during fiscal year 1995 by 
conducting workshops and seminars to improve curriculum development, 
classroom training of interpreters, preparation of interpreter 
trainers, recruitment outreach to members of racial and ethnic minority 
groups, and other activities that will increase the number and skills 
of interpreters to help meet the communication needs of individuals 
from different cultures; and
     In carrying out project activities, address at a minimum 
the needs of the minority populations referred to in section 21 of the 
Rehabilitation Act, including African-Americans, Hispanics, American 
Indians, and Asian-Americans.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Part 396.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 771a(f).

Intergovernmental Review

    These programs are subject to the requirements of Executive Order 
12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79. The objective of the 
Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a 
strengthened federalism by relying on processes developed by State and 
local governments for coordination and review of proposed Federal 
financial assistance.
    In accordance with the order, this document is intended to provide 
early notification of the Department's specific plans and actions for 
these programs.

    (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.264 
Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program; 84.246 Rehabilitation 
Short-Term Training; 84.275 Rehabilitation Training--General; and 
84.160 Training of Interpreters for Individuals Who Are Deaf and 
Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind)

    Dated: November 30, 1994.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 94-29859 Filed 12-2-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P