[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 132 (Monday, July 10, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42588-42591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-17384]



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Part X





Department of Education





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Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; National 
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Inviting 
Applications and Pre-Applications for Fiscal Year 2000; Notices

  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 132 / Monday, July 10, 2000 / 
Notices  

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; 
Notice of a Final Funding Priority for Fiscal Year 2000 for one 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP)

AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 
Department of Education.
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education 
and Rehabilitative Services announces a final funding priority for one 
DRRP under the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research (NIDRR) for fiscal year 2000. The Assistant Secretary takes 
this action to focus research attention on an area of national need. 
The priority is intended to improve rehabilitation services and 
outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This priority takes effect on August 9, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 205-
5880. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may 
call the TDD number at (202) 205-4475. 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 the contact person listed in the preceding 
paragraph.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains a final priority under 
the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program 
for a DRRP on Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training 
(ITTA).
    The final priority refers to NIDRR's Long Range Plan (the Plan). 
The Plan can be accessed on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/1999-12/68576.html.
    This final 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.

    Note: This notice of a final priority does not solicit 
applications. A notice inviting applications is published in this 
issue of the Federal Register.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    On May 8, 2000 the Assistant Secretary published a notice of a 
proposed priority in the Federal Register (64 FR 26588). The Department 
of Education received 3 letters commenting on the notice of proposed 
priority by the deadline date. Technical and other minor changes--and 
suggested changes the Assistant Secretary is not legally authorized to 
make under statutory authority--are not addressed.
    Comment: The needs assessment developed under Activity 1 and the 
training materials developed under Activity 2 should reflect both 
current technology and technology that is immanent. In doing so, the 
grantee should be required to collaborate with the Federal 
Communications Commission, the National Institute of Standards, and 
other agencies that have advanced technology operations.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the needs assessment and the training 
materials should reflect both current technology and foreseeable 
technological developments. NIDRR also agrees that collaboration with 
relevant Federal agencies is important and is a required component of 
the priority. The applicant may propose to coordinate with other 
agencies and organizations as deemed necessary. The peer review process 
will evaluate the merit of each applicant's proposed activities.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Considering the rapid development of both the host 
technologies and the practice of universal design, it is important that 
training materials and instructional modules developed under activity 2 
be developed and provided in ways that are amenable to very rapid 
update and renewal.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that it is important for training 
materials to be reflective of rapid technological change. NIDRR 
anticipates that the successful applicant will propose activities that 
take into account rapid technological change as discussed in the 
background statement. The peer review process will evaluate the merits 
of each applicant's proposed activities.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that an activity be added that 
requires the grantee to develop and maintain a list of ``best 
practices'' and to make that list available to other organizations 
working in this field.
    Discussion: An applicant may propose to develop and maintain a list 
of best practices. NIDRR elects to allow the applicant the choice as to 
whether to include such an activity. The peer review process will 
evaluate the merits of each applicant's proposed activities.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the background statement, 
specifically the fourth paragraph of the background statement that 
talks about ``a shortage of individuals trained to educate consumers, 
consumer service professionals, technical writers, web developers, 
marketers, and other information technology related professionals about 
accessible and usable electronic and information technologies'' should 
be expanded to include telecommunications products.
    Discussion: Telecommunications products is included in the 
definition of electronic and information technology in the notice of 
proposed rule making published in the Federal Register (65 FR 17351) by 
the Access Board on March 31, 2000. Based on this definition NIDRR 
expects that telecommunications products will be considered in each 
application.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: The target audiences mentioned in Activity 1 should focus 
on those who are tasked with implementing Section 508 and Section 255 
and include state procurement officers, designers of telecommunications 
and information technology products, others within information 
technology and telecommunications companies who make decisions 
regarding product design (including product managers, marketers, sales 
and customer service staff, human factors professionals, regulatory 
compliance specialists, and executives), web developers of government 
sites, consumers and disability-related organizations, and relevant 
industry groups and professional associations.
    Discussion: NIDRR believes that the language in Activity 1, while 
specific, is not limiting. The applicant is free to include other 
audiences and/or elaborate upon identified audiences. The peer review 
process will evaluate the merits of each applicant's proposed 
activities.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that this center be required to 
coordinate efforts with other Federal grantees and contractors 
responsible for providing training and technical assistance related to 
Section 508 and Section 255 including those responsible for providing 
training and technical assistance to Federal procurement officers and 
those

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responsible for the Section 508 Web Site content.
    Discussion: The priority directs the applicant to collaborate with 
relevant Federal agencies and other agencies as identified by NIDRR. 
Therefore, the applicant is not limited in the nature, scope or number 
of agencies to be targeted in the application for coordination efforts. 
The peer review process will evaluate the merits of each applicant's 
proposed activities.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter stated that Activity 7 should be expanded to 
include the telecommunications field.
    Discussion: Telecommunications is included in the definition of 
electronic and information technology in the notice of proposed rule 
making published in the Federal Register (65 FR 17351) by the Access 
Board on March 31, 2000. Based on this definition NIDRR expects that 
telecommunications will be considered in each application.
    Changes: None.

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.

Priority

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

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 is intended to 
maximize the full inclusion and integration of individuals with 
disabilities in society, including increased access to electronic and 
information technology. 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 
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

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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 U.S.C. 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:
     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;
     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;
     Develop and disseminate training materials and 
instructional modules to States receiving AT Act funds on implementing 
the requirements of section 508 and its standards;
     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;
     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;
     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
     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 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.

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.

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    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 PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at either of the preceding sites. 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 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: July 3, 2000.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 00-17384 Filed 7-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-U