[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 130 (Friday, July 6, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35712-35716]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-16984]



[[Page 35711]]

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Part II





Department of Education





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National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research



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Final Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years (FY) 2001-2002 for Two 
Rehabilitation Research Training Centers; Grant Application Invitation 
and Pre-Application Meeting; Notices

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 130 / Friday, July 6, 2001 / 
Notices  

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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 Final Funding Priorities for Fiscal Years (FY) 2001-
2002 for two Rehabilitation Research Training Centers.

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SUMMARY: We announce final funding priorities for FY 2001-2002 for two 
Rehabilitation Research Training Centers (RRTC) under the National 
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR): Improving 
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services for Individuals Who Are Blind 
or Have Severe Visual Impairments and Improving Vocational 
Rehabilitation (VR) Services for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of 
Hearing. We take this action to focus research attention on areas of 
national need. We intend these priorities to improve the rehabilitation 
services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

DATES: These priorities take effect on August 6, 2001.

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) 205-4475. Internet: 
[email protected].
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding 
paragraph.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The final priorities refer to NIDRR's Long-
Range Plan (the Plan). The Plan can be accessed on the World Wide Web 
at: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/#LRP.

National Education Goals

    The eight National Education Goals focus the Nation's education 
reform efforts and provide a framework for improving teaching and 
learning.
    This notice addresses the National Education Goal that 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.

Authority

    The authority for the program 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(g) and 764(b)). Regulations governing this 
program are found in 34 CFR part 350.

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

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    On April 25, 2001, we published a notice of proposed priorities in 
the Federal Register (66 FR 20866). The Department of Education 
received nine letters commenting on the notice of proposed priorities 
by the deadline date. Technical and other minor changes--and suggested 
changes that we are not legally authorized to make under statutory 
authority--are not addressed.

RRTC on Improving Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals 
Who Are Blind or Have Severe Visual Impairments

    Comment: One commenter suggested that language in the priority 
requiring the development of a national information and resource 
referral base be expanded to include a comprehensive on-line 
information and resource referral data base with a special emphasis on 
the training needs of State Business Enterprise program facilities.
    Discussion: NIDRR believes that an applicant should be allowed 
discretion in its development of the required database. The current 
language allows for such discretion, and does not preclude an applicant 
from developing a national information and resource referral database 
whose scope of activities extends beyond but is not limited to the 
training needs of State Business Enterprise program facilities. An 
applicant could propose a more comprehensive information and resource 
referral database as part of its specified project plan. The merits of 
an expanded plan would be subject to evaluation through the application 
panel review process.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the title of the priority be 
changed from the ``RRTC on Rehabilitation of Persons Who Are Blind or 
Visually Impaired'' to ``Improving Vocational Rehabilitation Services 
for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Severe Visual Impairments'' to 
reflect better the stated emphasis of the RRTC on the conduct of 
vocational rehabilitation focused research and training activities.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees with the commenter that the priority 
emphasizes the conduct of activities that have a clear focus on 
improving vocational rehabilitation services for individuals who are 
blind or have severe visual impairments.
    Change: The title of the priority has been changed to ``Improving 
Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who Are Blind or 
Have Severe Visual Impairments''.
    Comment: A commenter recommended that an applicant be encouraged to 
work with the current NIDRR-funded RRTCs that have an employment focus 
in its conduct of the related research required in the priority.
    Discussion: The priority requires the RRTC, in consultation with 
the NIDRR project officer, to coordinate with appropriate Federally 
funded projects and to identify other relevant NIDRR-funded projects 
for collaborative activities.
    Change: None.

RRTC on Improving Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services for 
Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

    Comment: One commenter noted that there is a continuing need for 
research on tinnitus, which frequently accompanies hearing loss, and 
expressed an interest in seeing an RRTC program specific to the needs 
of this population.
    Discussion: NIDRR is sensitive to the research needs of this 
population and will consider the research needs of persons with 
tinnitus in future NIDRR planning.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter felt that the population parameters proposed 
for this RRTC are too broad and include, actually, two different 
populations. The commenter also suggested focusing the proposed RRTC on 
the substantial needs of persons who are prelingually or culturally 
deaf or both, including those who are referred to as low-functioning. 
The respondent further noted that the employment and personal 
adjustment issues of persons who are hard of hearing or late deafened 
has been and should continue to be the focus of a different NIDRR-RRTC 
with that specific focus. Finally, the commenter suggested that the 
overlap in the two distinctly different target populations is 
unnecessary, and helps to ``muddy the waters'' on the very different 
characteristics and needs of and services to the two different 
populations. Two other respondents also felt that the needs of the hard 
of hearing differ significantly from those of persons who are deaf and 
that the service needs of the two populations should not be mingled.

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    Discussion: NIDRR appreciates the range of different needs within 
the diverse population referred to as ``deaf or hard of hearing.'' It 
is noted, however, that this priority deals primarily with the 
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and employment aspects of rehabilitation 
for these populations and, while other aspects are expected to be 
weighted in determining the client's VR needs, the primary issue 
addressed is entry or reentry into the labor market.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Internal Department of Education review noted that the 
title of the other RRTC in this notice has been changed to read 
``Improving Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who Are 
Blind or Have Severe Visual Impairments'' and raised the question if 
this RRTC title should also be changed.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees with the commenter that the priority 
emphasizes the conduct of activities that have a clear focus on 
improving vocational rehabilitation services for individuals who are 
deaf or hard of hearing.
    Change: The title of the priority has been changed to ``Improving 
Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard 
of Hearing''.

Authority for Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

    The authority for the RRTC program is contained in section 
204(b)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 
764(b)(2)). Under this program the Secretary makes awards to public and 
private organizations, including institutions of higher education and 
Indian tribes or tribal organizations, for coordinated research and 
training activities. These entities must be of sufficient size, scope, 
and quality to effectively carry out the activities of the Center in an 
efficient manner consistent with appropriate State and Federal laws. 
They must demonstrate the ability to carry out the training activities 
either directly or through another entity that can provide that 
training. The Secretary may make awards for up to 60 months through 
grants or cooperative agreements. The purpose of the awards is to 
support planning and conducting research, training, demonstrations, and 
related activities leading to the development of methods, procedures, 
and devices that will benefit individuals with disabilities, especially 
those with the most severe disabilities.

Description of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

    RRTCs are operated in collaboration with institutions of higher 
education or providers of rehabilitation services or other appropriate 
services. RRTCs serve as centers of national excellence and as national 
or regional resources for providers and individuals with disabilities 
and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized 
representatives of the individuals.
    RRTCs conduct coordinated, integrated, and advanced programs of 
research in rehabilitation targeted toward the production of new 
knowledge to improve rehabilitation methodology and service delivery 
systems, to alleviate or stabilize disabling conditions, and to promote 
maximum social and economic independence of individuals with 
disabilities.
    RRTCs provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training, to assist individuals to more effectively provide 
rehabilitation services. They also provide training including graduate, 
pre-service, and in-service training, for rehabilitation research 
personnel and other rehabilitation personnel.
    RRTCs serve as informational and technical assistance resources to 
providers, individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family 
members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of these 
individuals through conferences, workshops, public education programs, 
in-service training programs and similar activities.
    RRTCs disseminate materials in alternative formats to ensure that 
they are accessible to individuals with a range of disabling 
conditions.
    NIDRR encourages all Centers to involve individuals with 
disabilities and individuals from minority backgrounds as recipients of 
research training, as well as clinical training.
    The Department is particularly interested in ensuring 
accountability for the expenditure of public funds, will monitor the 
execution of intended activities and the advancement of knowledge and, 
has built this accountability into the selection criteria. To assist in 
program compliance with the Government Performance Results Act (GPRA), 
not later than three years after the establishment of any RRTC, NIDRR 
will conduct one or more reviews of the activities and achievements of 
the Center. In accordance with the provisions of 34 CFR 75.253(a), 
continued funding depends at all times on satisfactory performance and 
accomplishment.

Priority 1: Improving Vocational Rehabilitation Services for 
Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Severe Visual Impairments

Background

    Based on 1996 worldwide population estimates, approximately 45 
million persons are blind and 135 million have low vision (World Health 
Organization Programs for the Prevention of Blindness and Deafness, 
1997). One in six Americans (17 percent) age 45 years or older, or 13.5 
million middle-aged and older adults, reports some form of vision 
impairment even when wearing glasses or contact lenses (The Lighthouse 
Inc., 1995). Nationally, only 43.7 percent of persons age 21 to 64 who 
are visually impaired, defined as difficulty or inability to see words 
and letters, are employed. Among individuals unable to see words and 
letters, the figure decreases to 30.6 percent. This proportion is 
significantly lower than the estimated 80 percent of persons without 
disabilities in this age group who are employed (based on 1994-1995 
estimates: McNeil, 1997; personal communication, November 16, 1996).
    NIDRR published a Long-Range Plan (The Plan) which is based on a 
paradigm for rehabilitation that identifies disability in terms of its 
relationship between the individual and the natural, built, cultural, 
and social environment (63 FR 57189-57219). The Plan focuses on both 
individual and systemic factors that have an impact on the ability of 
individuals with disabilities to function.
    In accord with this Plan, the Department will establish an RRTC 
whose mission is to conduct research and training activities designed 
to improve employment and career outcomes for individuals who are blind 
or have visual impairments through vocational rehabilitation, community 
rehabilitation, post-secondary education, and independent living 
services. Research and training activities under this RRTC must clearly 
focus on the vocational rehabilitation needs of adults, who, by 
definition, are the primary recipients of vocational rehabilitation 
services. Likewise, the RRTC should focus on individuals who are blind 
or have severe visual impairment, as opposed to those who have minimal 
vision loss.
    With the passage of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and 
the Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1998, vocational rehabilitation 
agencies were ensured a role in developing community partnerships and 
establishing vocational rehabilitation as

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a major part of the workforce development system and one-stop centers. 
As a result, vocational rehabilitation agencies are now collaborating 
with welfare to work programs, independent living centers, and colleges 
and technical schools. The influence of such collaboration upon 
vocational outcomes for individuals who are blind or have visual 
impairments remains unknown. Thus, there is a need to investigate and 
document the impact of changes in disability and employment legislation 
on the extent to which the vocational rehabilitation agencies address 
the unique employment needs of individuals who are blind and have 
visual impairments. Research should identify barriers that hinder the 
participation of individuals who are blind or have visual impairments 
in these evolving systems and develop and document effective strategies 
to eliminate such barriers.
    Understanding the ongoing employment problems of individuals who 
are blind or have visual impairments has been hampered by the virtual 
absence of salient data such as work history, use of assistive 
techniques, transportation, and other environmental features. A subtle 
constraint is the tendency to ``over attribute'' problems to 
individuals' vision status without seriously examining the dynamics of 
vision loss in relation to other characteristics of the work they do or 
seek to do, and characteristics of their work settings. Thus, there is 
a serious need to identify and document salient demographic and 
employment-related characteristics associated with working-age adults 
who are blind or have visual impairments, including but not limited to 
highlighting differences among this group, as well as general 
differences between working-age adults with disabilities and working-
age adults without disabilities. Research that results in contemporary 
and accurate data on employment status and an improved understanding of 
employment issues is critically important to the development of a 
national agenda and strategies to achieve full employment for 
individuals who are blind or have visual impairments.
    New computer technologies and the growing trend toward home-based 
work appear to enhance the employment outcomes and earning potential of 
individuals with disabilities. New computer and information 
technologies place a premium on intellectual and interpersonal skills 
and offer solid employment opportunities for individuals with 
disabilities who remain current with the changing work environment. 
Efforts to support individuals who are blind or have visual impairments 
can be enhanced by using emerging technologies to improve access to 
services (particularly for individuals in remote areas), reduce 
information dissemination barriers, improve employment training and job 
opportunities, and facilitate improved training options for service 
providers. Research should be focused on determining how computer 
technology can be effectively used to improve the independence of 
individuals who are blind or visually impaired, identifying barriers 
that prevent access and expanded use of technology, and, increasing 
service provider knowledge of and experience with using technology to 
support rehabilitation service efforts.
    Computer and information technology is changing rapidly. 
Rehabilitation professionals must have state-of-the-art knowledge of 
accessible computer and information technology for individuals who are 
blind or visually impaired. To address such a need, this RRTC will 
facilitate collaboration between the Rehabilitation Services 
Administration (RSA) and NIDRR to support the training of State 
vocational rehabilitation agency staff through use of a train the 
trainer model.
    Since 1936 the Randolph-Sheppard Act has been a source of 
employment for individuals who are blind. This program enables 
individuals who are blind to become licensed facility managers and 
operate vending facilities on Federal and State property. According to 
RSA, in fiscal year 1999, 2,809 blind vendors operated 3,352 vending 
facilities under the Randolph-Sheppard Act Program. The program 
generated $448.1 million in gross earnings, with individual vendors 
averaging an annual income of $32,544. The RRTC should undertake an 
assessment to identify areas of the program that may be improved by 
training Business Enterprise Program counselors and licensed managers. 
The training is intended to foster the acquisition of improved skills 
by counselors and licensed managers and increase the capacity of the 
Business Enterprise Program to be competitive with other vending 
facilities.

Priority

    We will establish a RRTC on improving vocational services for 
individuals who are blind or have visual impairments that will conduct 
research and training activities and develop and evaluate model 
approaches to improve the employment outcomes for such individuals. In 
carrying out this purpose, the center must:
    (a) Investigate and document the impact of changes in disability 
and employment legislation on the ability to address the unique 
employment-related needs of individuals who are blind or have visual 
impairments (e.g., Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Rehabilitation Act 
Amendments of 1998) and service delivery options and policy (e.g., 
State and Federal VR, Community Rehabilitation Programs, One-Stop 
Centers, presumptive eligibility, order of selection, informed choice, 
CSPD) using formal research protocols on workforce participation and 
employment outcomes achieved by persons who are blind or have visual 
impairments and considering such factors as age, gender, race or ethnic 
background, education, severity of impairment, and secondary 
disability;
    (b) Investigate, document, and analyze existent State and Federal 
data sets (e.g., RSA 911 data, NCHS data sets on population health 
conditions, the national Independent Living Center survey and the 
annual State-by-State VR agency data sets detailing performance 
outcomes), to determine different employment outcomes for persons who 
are blind or have visual impairments and the relationship of the 
outcomes to client and service provider characteristics (e.g., age of 
onset of blindness or visual impairment relative to successful 
employment outcomes);
    (c) Investigate and document how State vocational rehabilitation 
agencies, other public agencies, and private service providers overcome 
environmental barriers (e.g., using assistive technology and jobsite 
modifications) in order to improve employment outcomes for individuals 
who are blind or have visual impairments; and
    (d) Develop a national information and resource referral data base 
for the training needs of State business enterprise program facilities; 
develop and deliver training programs to meet the identified training 
needs; and develop measures that can be used to evaluate the efficacy 
of the training.
    The RRTC must conduct at least three conferences to train 
vocational rehabilitation staff on state-of-the-art information and 
computer technology for individuals who are blind or have visual 
impairments.
    In addition, the RRTC must:
     Involve individuals who are blind or have visual 
impairments and, if appropriate, their representatives, in planning, 
developing, and implementing the research, training,

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dissemination and evaluation activities of the RRTC;
     Coordinate with appropriate Federally funded projects; and
     Identify coordination responsibilities through 
consultation with the assigned NIDRR Project Officer. These 
responsibilities may include outreach to specific NIDRR Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects, Rehabilitation Engineering and 
Research Centers, RRTCs, Disability Business and Technical Assistance 
Centers, Assistive Technology projects, Office of Special Education 
programs, and RSA projects.

Priority 2: Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals Who 
Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Background

    According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), 
approximately 8.6 percent of the national population experience hearing 
loss (Ries, 1994, Vital and Health Statistics, 10(188)). Using 
population projections for the year 2000 (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 
1999, Statistical Abstract of the United States) and adjusting for the 
increase in prevalence of hearing loss due to aging, NCHS estimates 
that approximately 26.5 million persons experience hearing loss. Of 
these persons, 80 percent experience permanent, irreversible hearing 
damage (National Strategic Research Plan for Hearing and Hearing 
Impairment and Voice and Voice Disorders, National Institute on 
Deafness and Communicative Disorders, 1992). Furthermore, this 
population is quite heterogeneous, varying with respect to degree and 
type of hearing loss, age at onset, individual communication mode, 
level of personal or employment functionality and race or ethnic 
background. As a result, the population needs diverse vocational 
rehabilitation (VR) services.
    Degree of hearing loss functionally distinguishes persons who are 
hard of hearing and persons who are deaf. Persons identified as hard of 
hearing may understand conversational speech with or without 
amplification and are not primarily dependent on visual communication 
(Rehabilitation Services Administration, 1995). Estimates indicate 
there are more than 10.5 million hard of hearing individuals of working 
age. Persons who are deaf are primarily dependent upon visual 
communication such as writing, text reading (also known as CART or 
computer-aided real-time translation), speech reading, sign language, 
and sign language interpreting. This population includes persons who 
are born deaf as well as those who become deaf later in life.
    The age at which one becomes deaf strongly influences their 
language, academic and vocational development, and therefore figures 
prominently in that person's VR needs. Persons born deaf or who become 
deaf during early childhood are likely to need specialized services 
such as access to service providers who can communicate using American 
Sign Language or other visual-gesture languages and vocational 
assistance to enhance their employment prospects (Easterbrooks & Baker-
Hawkins, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Educational Service 
Guidelines, National Association of State Directors of Special 
Education). Estimates indicate that there are approximately 479,000 
deaf individuals of working age (18-64) who became deaf during early 
childhood.
    Yet another category of individuals is those persons who become 
deaf after having experienced hearing as well as speech and language 
development. Members of this group may include people who have already 
completed substantial formal education, maintained a career, and 
generally functioned as a hearing person before being deafened. While 
these individuals already possess speech and language, they will be 
dependent primarily on visual receptive communication. Estimates 
indicate that there are approximately 2.8 million such individuals in 
the United States.
    The population of persons who are deaf also includes a subgroup 
identified largely on the basis of functional needs in addition to 
hearing loss. This group of deaf persons has been described as ``low 
functioning.'' (Serving Individuals Who Are Low Functioning Deaf, 25th 
Institute on Rehabilitation Issues, Rehabilitation Services 
Administration, 1999). Persons who are deaf and low functioning vary 
with respect to rehabilitation needs due to a diagnosed secondary 
disability or related academic, language, or behavioral factors. Those 
individuals may require rehabilitation assistance in areas such as 
communication, education, independent living skills, and a full 
continuum of employment preparation, entry, and ongoing supports. 
Estimates of the population indicate that there are approximately 
144,000 individuals of working age who are deaf and low functioning 
(25th Institute on Rehabilitation Issues, 1999).
    When provided appropriate and effective VR services, deaf 
individuals whose level of social and vocational function is severely 
limited can obtain and maintain employment (Conway, Work Place Issues, 
Career Opportunities, Advancement and Deafness, Volta Review, 1995). 
Often, however, a broad range of services are needed, and these 
services must be provided in an accessible manner that recognizes 
individual communication needs and preferences (Conway, 1995). Among 
the cases closed by State VR agencies were 17,863, or 72.9 percent, 
closed as rehabilitated and 6,627, or 27.1 percent, closed as non-
rehabilitated. Of the ``rehabilitated'' group closures, 77.4 percent 
were in competitive employment, 1.9 percent in extended employment, 2.6 
percent in self-employment, and the balance in other employment sectors 
(RSA, Caseload Services data, 1996). Interestingly, close examination 
of closure rates for specific target groups indicate that deaf persons 
achieve employment at significantly lower percentages than their hard 
of hearing counterparts. Research is needed to address different 
services in order to obtain optimal outcomes. Despite this disparity in 
outcome, these data clearly document the role and contributions of the 
State and Federal VR system in providing services that lead to 
employment outcomes for significant numbers of individuals who are 
deaf.
    Currently, the State and Federal VR system is undergoing 
significant change in response to conditions occurring in the labor 
market and the resulting need for workers. The labor force is 
characterized by economic growth, a low rate of unemployment, 
technological advances, and demand for jobs that require higher 
education and training. Plans to meet the State and local workforce 
needs of persons with disabilities, including persons who are deaf or 
hard of hearing, must be responsive to current thrusts in service 
delivery policy such as presumptive eligibility, continuing emphasis on 
order of selection, informed choice, one-stop service delivery, and 
increased demands for new approaches in training and personnel 
preparation (25th Institute on Rehabilitation Issues, 1999). It is 
clear that agencies will require significant technical assistance and 
resources in developing service models and approaches for serving 
special populations such as deaf and hard of hearing persons in 
response to these changes (Hopkins & Walter, 1999; PEPNet Needs 
Assessment: Summary of Findings, In Kolvitz, (Ed.), Empowerment through 
partnerships: PEPNet 1998; Boone & Watson, Identifying the Technical 
Assistance Needs of Community Based Rehabilitation Centers Serving 
Persons

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who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, 1999). Research is needed to identify 
service delivery needs of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and 
to develop interventions that result in satisfactory employment 
outcomes.
    There is a clear need for ongoing research to maintain and improve 
successful employment and career outcomes resulting from VR, community 
rehabilitation, postsecondary education, and independent living 
services for persons who are deaf (NIDRR Long-Range Plan, 63 FR 57189-
57219). Research under this competition must clearly focus on the VR 
needs of deaf individuals, including subgroups within this population 
with prevocational and post-vocational hearing loss, and those 
individuals identified as low functioning. There is need to examine 
decisionmaking processes as they impact upon deaf individuals and 
relevant others such as service providers, advocates, advisors, and 
family members, in relation to issues of access and participation by 
deaf and hard of hearing individuals in appropriate VR, postsecondary 
training, and independent living services. When such research analysis 
or mapping of decision processes and information sharing reveals 
problems, then appropriate resource development activities must be 
pursued, such as development of curriculum materials, training, 
evaluation, and technical assistance. In particular, strategies will be 
needed to involve new partners such as ``one-stops'' and centers for 
independent living, and underserved subgroups within the deaf and hard 
of hearing populations, such as those individuals described as low 
functioning and others with special needs. Research must investigate 
variables related to specific deafness and hard of hearing subgroups, 
services settings, measures of program participation, and measures of 
success within the changing policy, labor market, and service delivery 
environments.

Priority

    We will establish an RRTC on VR services for individuals who are 
deaf or hard of hearing that will conduct research and training 
activities and develop and evaluate model approaches to improve the 
employment outcomes for such individuals. In carrying out this purpose, 
the center must:
    (a) Investigate and document the impact of changes in disability 
and employment legislation (e.g., Workforce Investment Act of 1998, 
Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998) and service delivery options and 
policy (e.g., State and Federal VR, Community Rehabilitation Programs, 
One-Stop Centers, presumptive eligibility, order of selection, informed 
choice, CSPD) using formal research protocols on workforce 
participation and employment outcomes achieved by persons who are deaf 
or hard of hearing (including those identified as low functioning) and 
considering such factors as age, gender, race or ethnic background, 
education, severity of impairment, and secondary disability;
    (b) Identify, evaluate, and document contemporary business policies 
and practices that contribute to accessible work, workplace supports, 
and environments to enhance the employment of persons who are deaf or 
hard of hearing;
    (c) Identify, develop, and measure the impact of innovative 
rehabilitation practices, resource materials, post-secondary training, 
and technology (for State and Federal VR, Independent Living, and 
Community-based Rehabilitation Programs) that will enhance the 
workforce participation, employment, and community living outcomes 
achieved by persons who are deaf or hard of hearing; and
    (d) Develop and disseminate resources through a national technical 
assistance, information, and referral network for consumers who are 
deaf or hard of hearing (including those referred to as low functioning 
deaf), their employers, advocates, family members, and rehabilitation 
service providers.
    The RRTC must conduct at least three conferences to train 
vocational rehabilitation staff on state-of-the-art information and 
computer technology for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
    In addition, the RRTC must:
     Coordinate the activities of this Center with the efforts 
of other grantees from NIDRR, the Office of Special Education (OSEP), 
or RSA who are involved in postsecondary training, transition, job-
related or vocational and career studies, independent living needs, and 
aspects of rehabilitation technology addressing the needs of persons 
who are deaf, particularly those referred to as low functioning deaf.
     Solicit and incorporate direct input from persons who are 
deaf, their service providers, and their employers as part of the 
ongoing planning, development, and implementation of the Center's 
research activities.
     Construct scientific and measurable techniques for each 
research project.
     Provide dissemination to rehabilitation professionals, 
through training and technical assistance of new and effective 
rehabilitation techniques and practices that may enhance service 
delivery, quality employment, and community integration findings.
     Develop sources for supplementary funding that will permit 
the Center more latitude in exploring additional related studies, in 
addition to the Federal monies available from this RRTC grant.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(2).

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(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133B, 
Rehabilitation Research Training Center)

    Dated: July 2, 2001.
Francis V. Corrigan,
Deputy Director, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research.
[FR Doc. 01-16984 Filed 7-5-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4001-01-U