[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 89 (Monday, May 8, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26588-26591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-11529]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice of proposed funding priority for fiscal years 2000-2001 
for one Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP).

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education 
and Rehabilitative Services proposes to establish a priority for one 
DRRP under the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research (NIDRR) for fiscal years 2000-2001. The Assistant Secretary 
takes this action to focus research attention on an area of national 
need. We intend the priority to improve rehabilitation services and 
outcomes for individuals with disabilities. This notice contains a 
proposed priority under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
Projects and Centers Program for a DRRP on information technology 
technical assistance and training.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 7, 2000.

ADDRESSES: All comments concerning this proposed priority should be 
addressed to Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland 
Avenue, SW, room 3418, Switzer Building, Washington, DC 20202-2645. 
Comments may also be sent through the Internet: [email protected].
    You must include the term ``Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
Projects and Centers'' in the subject line of your electronic message.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 205-
5880. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf 
(TDD) may call the TDD number at (202) 205-2742. Internet: 
[email protected]
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, or computer 
diskette) on request to

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the contact person listed in the preceding paragraph.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
      

Invitation to Comment

    We invite you to submit comments regarding this proposed priority.
    We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific 
requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of 
reducing regulatory burden that might result from this proposed 
priority. Please let us know of any further opportunities we should 
take to reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while 
preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program.
    During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public 
comments about this priority in Room 3424, Switzer Building, 330 C 
Street SW., Washington, DC, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 
Eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal 
holidays.

Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the 
Rulemaking Record

    On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or 
print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs 
assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public 
rulemaking record for this proposed priority. If you want to schedule 
an appointment for this type of aid, you may call (202) 205-8113 or 
(202) 260-9895. If you use a TDD, you may call the Federal Information 
Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.
    This proposed priority supports the National Education Goal that 
calls for every American to possess the skills necessary to compete in 
a global economy.
    The authority for the Assistant Secretary to establish research 
priorities by reserving funds to support particular research activities 
is contained in sections 202(g) and 204 of the Rehabilitation Act of 
1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 762 and 764). Regulations governing this 
program are found in 34 CFR Part 350.
    We will announce the final priority in a notice in the Federal 
Register. We will determine the final priority after considering 
responses to this notice and other information available to the 
Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing or funding 
additional priorities, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking 
requirements.

    Note:
    This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in which 
the Assistant Secretary chooses to use one or more proposed 
priorities, we invite applications through a notice published in the 
Federal Register. When inviting applications we designate each 
priority as absolute, competitive preference, or invitational.

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects

    Authority for DRRPs is contained in section 204 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 764). DRRPs carry out 
one or more of the following types of activities, as specified in 34 
CFR 350.13-350.19: Research, development, demonstration, training, 
dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance. Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects develop methods, procedures, and 
rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and 
integration into society, employment, independent living, family 
support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with 
disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities. 
In addition, DRRPs improve the effectiveness of services authorized 
under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Proposed Priority

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

Proposed Priority: Information Technology Technical Assistance and 
Training Center

Background

    The emerging digital economy is fundamentally altering the way 
Americans work. The advent of powerful computers, high speed modems, 
sophisticated telecommunications networks, fiber optics, broadband 
network capacity, intranets, the Internet, the World Wide Web (WWW), 
and satellites has enabled computer and information experts to build a 
global information network that is unparalleled. These technologies, 
and how we use them, are undergoing rapid changes that result in a new 
wave of information flow that touches all facets of society, including 
education, employment and daily living. In this period of rapid 
technical, economic, and social change, access to electronic and 
information technologies is essential for everyone. Unfortunately, 
while the availability of information technology holds tremendous 
promise to level the playing field, the proliferation of electronic and 
information technologies does not guarantee accessibility and usability 
for individuals with disabilities.
    The electronic and information technology industry has been growing 
at more than double the rate of the overall economy--a trend that is 
likely to continue (The Emerging Digital Economy II, a report by the 
U.S. Department of Commerce, June, 1999). Because of the increase in 
availability of the Internet, 20 million salaried workers telecommuted 
from their homes last year. That number is expected to reach 130 
million by 2003 (InfoTech Trends, Fourth Quarter, 1998). Electronic 
mail, once considered an elite mode of communication for university-
based researchers and scientists, is now routinely used by workers to 
instantly exchange visual and audible information in readable and 
reusable formats (e.g., computer files, charts, figures, tables, 
images, databases, and software packages) using one of the estimated 
14,000 Internet service providers worldwide (InfoTech Trends, Second 
Quarter, 1999).
    In today's market, electronic and information technology product 
cycles are measured in months, not years. The same can be said for 
product lifetimes. This rapid proliferation of technologies has 
emphasized the need for universal design--a process whereby 
environments and products are designed with built-in flexibility so 
they are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age and 
ability, at no additional cost to the user. Given the rapid evolution 
of each generation, new products often do not include universal design 
features, thus increasing the need for the expensive process of 
retrofitting.
    Unfortunately, there is a shortage of individuals knowledgeable 
about the principles of universal design and the benefits of 
incorporating universal design features into electronic and information 
technologies. There is also a shortage of individuals trained to 
educate consumers, customer service professionals, technical writers, 
web developers, marketers, and other information technology related 
professionals about accessible and usable electronic and information 
technologies.
    Congress has passed landmark legislation that increased access to 
electronic and information technology in a range of areas. These laws, 
and their provisions, include the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 
1988, the Television Decoder Circuitry Act of 1990, the Americans with 
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the

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Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) 
of 1998, and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which includes 
sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
    Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires 
telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers to 
make their services and equipment accessible by persons with the full 
range of disabilities, if readily achievable. If a manufacturer or 
service provider claims this is not readily achievable, the 
manufacturer or service provider must still ensure that the equipment 
or service is compatible with existing peripheral devices or 
specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by individuals 
with disabilities to achieve access. On July 19, 1999, the Federal 
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules and guidelines to 
implement section 255 of the Telecommunications Act.
    Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, requires 
access to the Federal government's electronic and information 
technology. Section 508 applies to all federal departments and agencies 
when they develop, procure, maintain or use electronic and information 
technology. Federal departments and agencies must ensure equal access 
to, and use of, electronic and information technology for Federal 
employees with disabilities and members of the public seeking 
information or services from their agency comparable to those who do 
not have disabilities, unless such a requirement would cause an undue 
burden. The Access Board published a notice of proposed rulemaking in 
the Federal Register (65 FR 17345) on section 508 standards on March 
31, 2000 and will publish final standards after analysis of comments 
received. Federal agencies will be responsible for complaints related 
to the procurement of accessible electronic and information 
technologies as of August 7, 2000. The Assistive Technology Act, 29 USC 
3001, also requires that States receiving assistance, including 
subrecipients, under the State Grants program comply with the 
requirements of section 508, including the standards developed by the 
Access Board.
    The regulations and standards for section 255 of the 
Telecommunications Act and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act will 
have a profound impact on dozens of stakeholders, including, but not 
limited to, information technology manufacturers, product designers and 
engineers, technical writers, marketers, distributors, purchasers of 
information technologies, web developers and others. Currently there is 
a dearth of information and technical assistance available for 
stakeholders and other constituencies on how to comply with these 
regulations and standards. There is also a limited supply of skilled 
professionals capable of providing training and support on how to 
implement the requisite guidelines and standards for electronic and 
information technology.
    A number of Federal agencies are collaborating to promote awareness 
about accessible electronic and information technologies, the benefits 
of incorporating universal design into these products, and the need for 
expanding capacity for training and technical assistance in this field. 
NIDRR, the General Services Administration, the Federal Communications 
Commission, and the Access Board are jointly supporting a multifaceted 
initiative that includes a demonstration center, multiple web pages, 
and technical assistance and training efforts, in partnership with 
industrial consortia and professional and trade associations. This 
priority relates to the need for expanding capacity for technical 
assistance and training for a broad array of constituents.

Priority: Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training 
Center

    The Assistant Secretary proposes to establish an Information 
Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center to promote the wide 
spread use of accessible and usable electronic and information 
technology and to promote the benefits of universal design. In carrying 
out these purposes, the Information Technology Technical Assistance and 
Training Center must:
    1. Design and implement a needs assessment that will determine the 
technical assistance and training needs relative to: a) implementing 
the final standards under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act; b) the 
guidelines for section 255 of the Telecommunications Act; and c) 
promoting the principles of universal design. The needs assessment 
should target audiences including, but not limited to, State 
procurement officers, product designers and engineers, marketers, 
technical writers, web developers, consumer and disability-related 
organizations, service providers, human resource professionals, and 
relevant industrial consortia and professional and trade associations;
    2. Based upon the findings of the needs assessment, develop, 
implement and evaluate relevant training materials and instructional 
modules that meet the requirements of section 255 of the 
Telecommunications Act and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and 
address the principles of universal design;
    3. Develop and disseminate training materials and instructional 
modules to States receiving AT Act funds on implementing the 
requirements of section 508 and its standards;
    4. Provide information, training and technical assistance about 
section 255 of the Telecommunications Act, section 508 of the 
Rehabilitation Act, and the principles of universal design to 
appropriate constituencies, including the information technology and 
telecommunications industry, relevant industrial consortia, 
professional and trade associations, and States receiving AT Act funds;
    5. Collaborate with the General Services Administration, the 
Federal Communications Commission, and the Access Board by contributing 
information and materials for the Government wide web site on Section 
508;
    6. Design and implement, in collaboration with the Federal 
Communications Commission, the Access Board, the Rehabilitation 
Engineering Research Center on Telecommunications Access and the 
telecommunications industry, a web site that contains information and 
instructional materials, including those developed under Activity 2, 
that can be used by telecommunications designers of equipment and 
services to develop and fabricate solutions that are in accordance with 
the guidelines for section 255 of the Telecommunications Act; and
    7. Identify, implement, and disseminate strategies, in 
collaboration with industrial consortia and professional and trade 
associations, that will expand training capacity of the field and 
increase the knowledge base about accessible and usable electronic and 
information technology.
    In addition to the activities proposed by the applicant to carry 
out these purposes, the Information Technology Technical Assistance and 
Training Center must:
     Collaborate with industry, industrial consortia, 
professional and trade associations, and States receiving AT Act funds 
on all relevant activities;
    Coordinate on activities of mutual interest with NIDRR-funded 
projects including the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers on

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Information Technology Access and Telecommunications Access and the 
Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers; and
     Collaborate with relevant Federal agencies responsible for 
the administration of public laws that address access to and usability 
of electronic and information technology for individuals with 
disabilities including, but not limited to, the General Services 
Administration, the Access Board, the Federal Communications 
Commission, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and other 
relevant Federal agencies identified by NIDRR.

Proposed Additional Selection Criterion

    The Assistant Secretary will use the selection criteria in 34 CFR 
350.54 to evaluate applications under this program. The maximum score 
for all the criteria is 100 points; however, the Assistant Secretary 
also proposes to use the following criterion so that up to an 
additional ten points may be earned by an applicant for a total 
possible score of 110 points:
    Within this absolute priority, we will give the following 
competitive preference to applications that are otherwise eligible for 
funding under this priority:
    Up to ten (10) points based on the extent to which an application 
includes effective strategies for employing and advancing in employment 
qualified individuals with disabilities in projects awarded under this 
absolute priority. In determining the effectiveness of those 
strategies, we will consider the applicant's success, as described in 
the application, in employing and advancing in employment qualified 
individuals with disabilities in the project.
    For purposes of this competitive preference, applicants can be 
awarded up to a total of 10 points in addition to those awarded under 
the published selection criteria for this priority. That is, an 
applicant meeting this competitive preference could earn a maximum 
total of 110 points.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Parts 350 and 353.

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 either of the 
following sites:

http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/news.html

    To use the PDF you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is 
available free at either of the preceding sites. If you have questions 
about using the 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 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.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html


    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 761a(g) and 762.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133A, Disability 
and Rehabilitation Research Projects)

    Dated: May 3, 2000.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 00-11529 Filed 5-5-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-U