[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 143 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44059-44064]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-19018]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

[RIN 1820 ZA18]


National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
(NIDRR)

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

ACTION: Notice of final priorities.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) announces final priorities for a 
Disability Demographics and Statistics Center, Community Integration 
Outcomes Centers, and Health and Function Centers under the 
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) Program under the 
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) 
for fiscal year (FY) 2003 and later years. We take these actions to 
focus research attention on areas of national need. We intend these 
priorities to improve the rehabilitation services and outcomes for 
individuals with disabilities.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities are effective August 25, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3412, Switzer Building, 
Washington, DC 20202-2645. Telephone: (202) 205-5880 or via the 
Internet: [email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call the TDD number at (202) 205-4475.
    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 under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

    We may make awards for up to 60 months through grants or 
cooperative agreements to public and private agencies and 
organizations, including institutions of higher education, Indian 
tribes, and tribal organizations, to conduct research, demonstration, 
and training activities regarding rehabilitation in order to enhance 
opportunities for meeting the needs of, and addressing the barriers 
confronted by, individuals with disabilities in all aspects of their 
lives. Each RRTC must be operated by or in collaboration with an 
institution of higher education or providers of rehabilitation or other 
appropriate services. RRTCs conduct coordinated and integrated advanced 
programs of research targeted toward the production of new knowledge to 
improve rehabilitation methodology and service delivery systems, 
alleviate or stabilize disability conditions, or promote maximum social 
and economic independence for persons with disabilities. Additional 
information on the RRTC program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/officers/OSERS/NIDRR/Programs/res_program.html#RRTC.

General Requirements of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

    RRTCs must:
    [sbull] Carry out coordinated advanced programs of rehabilitation 
research;
    [sbull] Provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training to help rehabilitation personnel more effectively 
provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities;
    [sbull] Provide technical assistance to individuals with 
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested 
parties;
    [sbull] Disseminate informational materials to individuals with 
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested 
parties;
    [sbull] Serve as centers for national excellence in rehabilitation 
research for individuals with disabilities, their representatives, 
providers, and other interested parties; and
    [sbull] Involve individuals with disabilities and individuals from 
minority backgrounds as participants in research as well as training.
    The Department is particularly interested in ensuring that the 
expenditure of public funds is justified by the execution of intended 
activities and the advancement of knowledge and, thus, has built this 
accountability into the selection criteria. 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.

    Note: NIDRR supports the goals of President Bush's New Freedom 
Initiative (NFI). The NFI can be accessed on the Internet at the 
following site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/freedominitiative/freedominitiative.html.

    The final priorities are in concert with NIDRR's Long-Range Plan 
(the Plan). The Plan is comprehensive and integrates many issues 
relating to disability and rehabilitation research topics. While 
applicants will find many sections throughout the Plan that support 
potential research to be conducted under these final priorities, a 
specific reference is included for the topics presented in this notice. 
The Plan can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR/Products.
    Through the implementation of the Plan, NIDRR seeks to: (1) Improve 
the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research; (2) 
foster an exchange of expertise, information, and training to 
facilitate the advancement of

[[Page 44060]]

knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of traditionally 
underserved populations; (3) determine best strategies and programs to 
improve rehabilitation outcomes for underserved populations; (4) 
identify research gaps; (5) identify mechanisms of integrating research 
and practice; and (6) disseminate findings.
    We published a separate notice of each proposed priority (NPPs) in 
the Federal Register on May 9, 2003.

Priority 1--Disability Demographics and Statistics Center (84.133B-1) 
(68 FR 25004).
Priority 2--Community Integration Outcomes Centers (84.133B-5) (68 FR 
25019).
Priority 3--Health and Function Centers (84.133B-7) (68 FR 25011).
    We have combined these three priorities in this notice of final 
priorities (NFP).

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    In response to our invitation in the NPPs, we received 269 
comments.
    We discuss these comments and changes in the Analysis of Comments 
and Changes section published as an appendix to this notice.
    There are no significant differences between the NPPs and this NFP.


    Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in 
which we choose to use one or more of these priorities, we will do 
so through a notice in the Federal Register. A notice inviting 
applications for FY 2003 awards was published in the Federal 
Register on May 29, 2003 (68 FR 32023). When inviting applications 
we designate these priorities as absolute, competitive preference, 
or invitational. The effect of each type of priority follows:


    Absolute priority: Under an absolute priority, we consider only 
applications that meet the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(3)).
    Competitive preference priority: Under a competitive preference 
priority, we give competitive preference to an application by either 
(1) awarding additional points, depending on how well or the extent to 
which the application meets the priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or 
(2) selecting an application that meets the priority over an 
application of comparable merit that does not meet the priority (34 CFR 
75.105(c)(2)(ii)).
    Invitational priority: Under an invitational priority, we are 
particularly interested in applications that meet the invitational 
priority. However, we do not give an application that meets the 
priority a competitive or absolute preference over other applications 
(34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).

Background

    The background statements for the following priorities were 
published in the NPPs on May 9, 2003.

Priorities

Priority 1--Disability Demographics And Statistics Center
    The Assistant Secretary will fund one RRTC on disability 
demographics and statistics. The purpose of this RRTC is to support 
rigorous collaborative research to generate new knowledge that advances 
evidence-based decision making to improve the lives of persons with 
disabilities. The references for this topic can be found in the Plan, 
chapter 2, Dimensions of Disability: Age, Gender, Education, Income, 
and Geography; chapter 7, Associated Disability Areas: Disabilty 
Statistics. The RRTC must:
    (1) Conduct analyses using a variety of data sources, including 
those that assess facilitators and barriers to participation in 
society, to address the status and understanding of the population of 
individuals with disabilities;
    (2) Identify, develop as necessary, and validate a series of best-
practice approaches that facilitate the selection of appropriate 
measures, ensure a high degree of power and representativeness of the 
sample, and apply techniques of interviewing and data collection that 
lead to high levels of quality and relevance of information while 
minimizing the burden on respondents;
    (3) Identify, develop as necessary, and evaluate instruments, data 
sources, administrative records, or other sources that allow Federal 
policymakers to use the International Classification of Functioning, 
Disability, and Health (ICF) classification system for evidence-based 
decisionmaking;
    (4) Serve as a resource on disability statistics and demographics 
for Federal and other government agencies, policymakers, consumers, 
advocates, researchers, and others; and
    (5) Develop quality standards to guide the identification of 
information for dissemination and conduct all activities to prepare, 
produce, and disseminate findings in a variety of media, such as web-
based and print documents, meetings and conferences, and 
teleconferences that are targeted to the wide range of audiences who 
need such information.
    In addition to the activities proposed by the applicant to carry 
out these purposes, the RRTC must:
    [sbull] Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its respective 
area of research in the third year of the grant cycle and publish a 
comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference in the 
fourth year of the grant cycle. This conference must include materials 
from experts internal and external to the center;
    [sbull] Develop a systematic plan for widespread dissemination of 
informational materials based on knowledge gained from the Center's 
research activities, and disseminate the materials to persons with 
disabilities, their representatives, service providers, and other 
interested parties.
    [sbull] Coordinate on research projects of mutual interest with 
relevant NIDRR-funded projects as identified through consultation with 
the NIDRR project officer;
    [sbull] Involve individuals with disabilities in planning and 
implementing its research, training, and dissemination activities, and 
in evaluating the Center;
    [sbull] Demonstrate in its application how it will address, in 
whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from 
minority backgrounds;
    [sbull] Demonstrate how the RRTC project will yield measurable 
results for people with disabilities;
    [sbull] Identify specific performance targets and propose outcome 
indicators, along with time lines to reach these targets; and
    [sbull] Demonstrate how the RRTC project can transfer research 
findings to practical applications in planning, policy-making, program 
administration, and delivery of services to individuals with 
disabilities.
Priority 2--Community Integration Outcomes Centers
    The Assistant Secretary will fund up to four RRTCs that will focus 
on improving the community integration outcomes of persons with 
disabilities. Each RRTC must:
    (1) Identify, develop, and evaluate rehabilitation techniques to 
address its respective area of research and improve outcomes for its 
designated population group;
    (2) Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive plan for 
training critical stakeholders, e.g., consumers and their family 
members, practitioners, service providers, researchers, policymakers, 
and the community;
    (3) Provide technical assistance to critical stakeholders, as 
appropriate, e.g., consumers and their family members, practitioners, 
service providers, and the community, to facilitate utilization of 
research findings in its respective area of research; and
    (4) Develop a systematic plan for widespread dissemination of

[[Page 44061]]

informational materials based on knowledge gained from the Center's 
research activities, and disseminate the materials to persons with 
disabilities, their representatives, service providers, and other 
interested parties.
    In addition to the activities proposed by the applicant to carry 
out these purposes, each RRTC must:
    [sbull] Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its respective 
area of research in the third year of the grant cycle and publish a 
comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference in the 
fourth year of the grant cycle;
    [sbull] Coordinate on research projects of mutual interest with 
relevant NIDRR-funded projects as identified through consultation with 
the NIDRR project officer;
    [sbull] Involve individuals with disabilities in planning and 
implementing its research, training, and dissemination activities, and 
in evaluating the Center;
    [sbull] Demonstrate in its application how it will address, in 
whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from 
minority backgrounds.
    [sbull] Demonstrate how the project will yield measurable results 
for people with disabilities;
    [sbull] Identify specific performance targets and propose outcome 
indicators, along with time lines to reach these targets; and
    [sbull] Demonstrate how the project can transfer research findings 
to practical applications in planning, policy-making, program 
administration, and delivery of services to individuals with 
disabilities.
    Each RRTC must focus on one of the following priorities.
    (a) Community Integration for Individuals with Intellectual and 
Developmental Disabilities (I/DD): This Center must conduct qualitative 
and quantitative research, including the development and implementation 
of outcome measures, on factors that assist and hinder community 
integration, self-determination, training, employment, and independent 
living for persons with I/DD. The references for this topic can be 
found in the Plan, chapter 6, Independent Living and Community 
Integration: Independent Living and Community Integration Concepts; 
Expanding the Theoretical Framework; and Directions of Future Research 
on Independent Living and Community Integration.
    (b) Promoting Healthy Aging and Community Inclusion Among Adults 
with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD): This Center 
must conduct epidemiological and community-based research, training, 
and dissemination activities regarding factors, such as aging, 
healthcare utilization, and caregiver characteristics, that assist and 
hinder community integration for adults with I/DD. The references for 
this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health and Function: 
Research on Aging with a Disability; and chapter 6, Independent Living 
and Community Integration: Independent Living and Community Integration 
Concepts; Expanding the Theoretical Framework; and Directions of Future 
Research on Independent Living and Community Integration.
    (c) Positive Behavioral Support in Community Settings: This Center 
must conduct research, training, and dissemination activities on 
positive behavioral support interventions that assist and sustain 
community integration efforts for a broad range of individuals with 
disabilities, including people with mental illness, over time and 
across systems. Dissemination and training efforts must target 
community partners, e.g., employers, teachers and coaches, and 
landlords, as well as individuals with disabilities and their families. 
The reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 6, 
Independent Living and Community Integration: Research on Increasing 
Personal Development and Adaptation.
    (d) Policies Affecting Families of Children with Disabilities: This 
Center must research and disseminate information on the effects of 
government, system, network, and agency policies on community 
integration and quality of life for families who have children with 
disabilities. The Center also must validate instruments to measure 
these effects and provide technical assistance, with the goal of 
improving community integration and quality of life, by: (1) enhancing 
and coordinating policies among systems and (2) informing and 
empowering family and peer-based networks and partnerships. The 
references for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 2, 
Dimensions of Disability: Employment and Independent Living; and 
chapter 6, Research on Social Roles.
    (e) Community Integration for People with Psychiatric Disabilities: 
This Center must research, disseminate, and provide training on 
factors, policies, and interventions, such as peer-support models and 
other innovative treatment approaches, that assist community 
integration for people with psychiatric disabilities. The target 
population may include individuals from any age group. The references 
for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 6, Independent Living 
and Community Integration: Independent Living and Community Integration 
Concepts; Expanding the Theoretical Framework; and Directions of Future 
Research on Independent Living and Community Integration.
    (f) Substance Abuse: This Center must conduct research, disseminate 
information, and provide training on community-based interventions, 
partnerships, and service delivery models that improve community 
integration outcomes for people with disabilities who are recovering 
from substance abuse problems. The target population may or may not 
include individuals with co-occurring disorders such as mental illness. 
The reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 2, 
Dimensions of Disability: Emerging Universe of Disability.
Priority 3--Health and Function
    The Assistant Secretary will fund up to seven RRTCs that will focus 
on rehabilitation to improve the health and function of persons with 
disabilities and thus to improve their ability to live in the 
community. Each RRTC must:
    (1) Identify, develop, and evaluate rehabilitation techniques to 
address its respective area of research and improve outcomes for its 
designated population group;
    (2) Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive plan for 
training critical stakeholders, e.g., consumers/family members, 
practitioners, service providers, researchers, and policymakers;
    (3) Provide technical assistance, as appropriate, to critical 
stakeholders, (e.g., consumers/family members, practitioners, and 
service providers) to facilitate utilization of research findings in 
its respective area of research; and
    (4) Develop a systematic plan for widespread dissemination of 
informational materials based on knowledge gained from the Center's 
research activities, and disseminate the materials to persons with 
disabilities, their representatives, service providers, and other 
interested parties.
    In addition to the activities proposed by the applicant to carry 
out these purposes, each RRTC must:
    [sbull] Conduct a state-of-the-science conference on its respective 
area of research in the third year of the grant cycle and publish a 
comprehensive report on the final outcomes of the conference in the 
fourth year of the grant cycle. This conference must include materials 
from experts internal and external to the center;
    [sbull] Coordinate on research projects of mutual interest with 
relevant NIDRR-

[[Page 44062]]

funded projects as identified through consultation with the NIDRR 
project officer;
    [sbull] Involve individuals with disabilities in planning and 
implementing its research, training, and dissemination activities, and 
in evaluating the Center;
    [sbull] Demonstrate in its application how it will address, in 
whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from 
minority backgrounds; and
    [sbull] Demonstrate how the RRTC project will yield measurable 
results for people with disabilities;
    [sbull] Identify specific performance targets and propose outcome 
indicators, along with time lines to reach these targets; and
    [sbull] Demonstrate how the RRTC project can transfer research 
findings to practical applications in planning, policy-making, program 
administration, and delivery of services to individuals with 
disabilities.
    Each RRTC must focus on one of the following priority topic areas:
    (a) Psycho-social Factors Affecting Individuals Aging with 
Disability: This Center must conduct research and training activities 
that generate new knowledge regarding the psycho-social issues that 
affect individuals aging with disabilities and the sources of 
resilience used by this population to cope with or respond to these 
issues. In an effort to improve long-term outcomes for these 
individuals, the Center is encouraged to identify or develop and test 
the effectiveness of interventions that will prevent or minimize the 
impact of psycho-social issues on the health, activity, and community 
participation of individuals with disabilities across the life span and 
promote positive adjustment and improved quality of life. The reference 
for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health and 
Function: Research on Aging with a Disability.
    (b) Secondary Conditions in Rehabilitation of Individuals with 
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): In an effort to improve the general health, 
well-being, and community integration of individuals with SCI, this 
Center must conduct research and training activities to enhance 
knowledge regarding either treatment or prevention strategies, or both, 
that addresses the wide array of secondary conditions associated with 
SCI, including, but not limited to, respiratory complications, urinary 
tract infections, pressure ulcers, pain, obesity, and depression. The 
reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health 
and Function: Research on Secondary Conditions.
    (c) Community Integration of Individuals With Traumatic Brain 
Injury (TBI): This Center must identify, assess, and evaluate current 
and emerging community integration needs of individuals with TBI, 
including but not limited to mild TBI. The Center should consider the 
impact of secondary conditions on community integration outcomes as 
well as the role of assistive devices and other technology. In 
addition, this Center must develop and evaluate a comprehensive plan to 
facilitate the translation of new knowledge into rehabilitation 
practice and the delivery of community-based services. The reference 
for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health and 
Function: Research on Trauma Rehabilitation.
    (d) Rehabilitation of Individuals with Neuromuscular Diseases: This 
Center must conduct research that addresses rehabilitation needs, 
particularly related to exercise, nutrition, and pain, of individuals 
with neuromuscular diseases. In doing this, the Center must identify or 
develop and evaluate health promotion and wellness programs to enhance 
recreational opportunities for individuals with neuromuscular diseases. 
This Center must identify, develop as appropriate, and evaluate devices 
and other technology that improve employment and community integration 
outcomes for this population of individuals with disabilities. The 
reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health 
and Function: Research on Progressive and Degenerative Disease 
Rehabilitation.
    (e) Rehabilitation of Stroke Survivors: This Center must conduct 
research to develop rehabilitation interventions that improve 
rehabilitation, employment, and community integration outcomes of 
stroke survivors, including young stroke survivors. Such interventions 
may include robotics, complementary alternative therapies, and 
universal design methodologies aimed at improving the utility of 
workplace tools and devices. This Center must explore the cost-
effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation treatments, such as group model 
approaches. The reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, 
chapter 4, Health and Function: Research on Trauma Rehabilitation.
    (f) Rehabilitation of Individuals with Arthritis: This Center must 
address national goals to reduce pain and disability, improve physical 
fitness and quality of life, and promote independent living and 
community integration for persons with arthritis of all ages in the 
United States. This Center must research the benefits of exercise and 
physical fitness; home and community-based self-management programs; 
and technologies available to the broad populations of persons with 
arthritis in the environments where they live, learn, work, and play. 
The reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, 
Health and Function: Research on Progressive and Degenerative Disease 
Rehabilitation.
    (g) Rehabilitation of Children with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): 
This Center must identify, assess, and evaluate current and emerging 
rehabilitation needs for children and adolescents with TBI. In doing 
this, the Center must document patterns of recovery, determining the 
effectiveness of current outcome measures for this population. Of 
particular interest will be evaluation of interventions and 
technologies, including specialized support services, to assist 
families and caregivers with transition to the school and the 
community. This RRTC must identify or develop effective rehabilitation 
strategies to improve outcomes for children and adolescents with TBI at 
all stages of rehabilitation. The reference for this topic can be found 
in the Plan, chapter 4, Health and Function: Research on Trauma 
Rehabilitation.
    (h) Rehabilitation of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS): 
This Center must conduct research to maximize the participation of 
people with MS, including those with all levels of symptoms associated 
with the disease, at home, in the community, and while working or 
learning. In doing so, the Center must identify, develop as necessary, 
and evaluate interventions to enhance the independence of people with 
MS. Those interventions must include strategies and programs that 
address interactions among cognitive, psychosocial, sensory, mobility, 
and other manifestations of the disease across the lifespan. The Center 
must consider the role of assistive and universally designed 
technologies, strategic goals, and financial planning for persons with 
MS, and the role of caregivers throughout the disease course. The 
reference for this topic can be found in the Plan, chapter 4, Health 
and Function: Research on Progressive and Degenerative Disease 
Rehabilitation.

Executive Order 12866

    This NFP has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 
12866. Under the terms of the order, we have assessed the potential 
costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
    The potential costs associated with this NFP are those resulting 
from statutory requirements and those we

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have determined as necessary for administering this program effectively 
and efficiently.
    In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative 
and qualitative--of this NFP, we have determined that the benefits of 
the final priorities justify the costs.

Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits

    The potential cost associated with these final priorities is 
minimal while the benefits are significant. Grantees may anticipate 
costs associated with completing the application process in terms of 
staff time, copying, and mailing or delivery. The use of e-Application 
technology reduces mailing and copying costs significantly.
    The benefits of the RRTC program have been well established over 
the years given that similar projects have been successfully completed. 
These final priorities will generate new knowledge through research, 
dissemination, utilization, training, and technical assistance 
projects.
    The benefit of these final priorities and proposed applications and 
project requirements will be the establishment of new RRTCs that 
generate, disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will 
improve the options for disabled individuals to perform regular 
activities in the community.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.

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 the following site: 
http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister.
    To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at this site. 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 this document is 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.


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

    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(2).

    Dated: July 22, 2003.
Robert H. Pasternack,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

Appendix

Analysis of Comments and Changes

General

    Comment: Several commenters raised concerns about the failure of 
the priorities to require a focus on the Native American population, 
citing the high rates of disability within this population.
    Discussion: Nothing in the priorities precludes an applicant 
from focusing on the needs of Native Americans. The peer review 
process will evaluate the merits of the proposal.
    Changes: None.

Disability Demographics and Statistics Center

    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the Disability 
Demographics and Statistics Center priority does not specifically 
target analyses focused on the status of individuals who are 
American Indian or Alaskan Native.
    Discussion: Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from 
including these populations in proposed research. However, NIDRR has 
no basis for requiring that all applicants focus on these 
populations in responding to these priorities. The peer review 
process will evaluate the merits of the proposal.
    Changes: None.

Community Integration

General

    Comment: Several commenters suggested that NIDRR increase the 
number of funded centers under these competitions.
    Discussion: The proposed number of funded centers is not part of 
the proposed priorities and is not subject to comment.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concern about NIDRR's plan 
to publish the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) prior to the end of 
the comment period, effectively shortening the time from publication 
of the proposed priority to the due date for the applications.
    Discussion: NIDRR announced in the NIA that, if it received 
comments that resulted in changes to the priorities, an extension 
would be granted to allow for more time to respond in light of such 
changes. NIDRR believes that a period of 60 days from the date of 
the NIA to the due date of the proposal is adequate time to prepare 
a proposal in response to the priorities.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Many commenters expressed concern that NIDRR was 
``forcing different disability groups'' to compete against each 
other for funds.
    Discussion: The proposed grouping of NIDRR competitions is not 
part of the proposed priorities and is not subject to comment. 
However, NIDRR offers the following observation. NIDRR has 
previously conducted successful competitions in which it listed more 
topics than it could fund. This approach will provide NIDRR with 
peer review input to guide decisions about funding worthy topics. 
This grouping is intended to foster competition to improve research 
outcomes and have a positive impact on the lives of individuals with 
disabilities.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Many commenters expressed concern that NIDRR's 
priorities do not provide sufficient opportunities for applicants 
that are concerned with psychiatric disability.
    Discussion: The announcement includes a proposed new priority 
topic on the Community Integration of Individuals with Psychiatric 
Disabilities. In addition to this opportunity, NIDRR's commitment to 
the area of psychiatric disability is demonstrated by its current 
funding of five RRTCs on issues of psychiatric disability and mental 
health. In addition, NIDRR funds a number of field-initiated 
projects that focus on this topic as well as an advanced research 
training project and a Disability Rehabilitation Research Project 
(DRRP) on mental health service delivery. NIDRR's commitment to this 
critical area has not changed, and NIDRR is committed to supporting 
future initiatives in this area.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the definition of 
``critical stakeholders,'' in the list of requirements for each 
RRTC, be revised to include the word ``community''--and noted that 
the realization of true community integration must include the 
community itself.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that community members are critical 
components of community integration for individuals with 
disabilities and that they should be included in training and 
technical assistance efforts.
    Changes: The priority has been changed to reflect this addition.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that programs measuring 
Presidential, Congressional, and Judicial objectives regarding 
community inclusion be included in RRTC activities, by means of 
national and state data collection activities.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that data collection to assist the 
measurement of community inclusion-related national objectives would 
be worthwhile, and applicants may submit applications in this area. 
However, NIDRR has no basis for requiring applicants to focus on 
this issue. The peer review process will evaluate the merits of the 
proposal.
    Changes: None.

Psychiatric Disability

    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the description of 
the proposed RRTC on Community Integration for People with 
Psychiatric Disabilities is not age-specific but instead indicates 
that, ``the target population may include individuals from any age 
group.'' The commenter noted that children and adults, while having 
some overlapping areas, also have distinct age-specific needs.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that children and adults have many 
distinct age-specific needs. The language in the proposed priority 
was

[[Page 44064]]

not a suggestion (or requirement) that the applicant address issues 
of both. Rather, it was intended to allow flexibility for applicants 
in selecting their target populations. The peer review process will 
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
    Changes: None.

Substance Abuse

    Comment: Several commenters urged NIDRR to co-fund research 
activities with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration (SMHSA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and 
Alcoholism (NIAAA), and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 
the area of substance abuse and co-existing disabilities.
    Discussion: While co-funding of research in the area of 
substance abuse may have merit, this is not a subject for comment 
relative to the priority.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Many commenters suggested that the unique needs of 
persons with disabilities who have co-occurring substance abuse 
disorders be addressed exclusively.
    Discussion: The priority is clear that the target population is 
people with disabilities who are recovering from substance abuse 
problems. The priority also states that the applicants may or may 
not focus on individuals with co-occuring disorders such as mental 
illness. However, NIDDR has no basis to determine that all 
applicants should be required to focus on the unique needs of 
persons with disabilities who have co-occurring disorders such as 
mental illness. The peer review process will evaluate the merits of 
the proposal.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Several commenters encouraged substance abuse research 
that is policy oriented at Federal and State levels.
    Discussion: Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from 
focusing on policy issues at the Federal and State level. However, 
NIDRR has no basis to determine that all applicants should be 
required to focus on policy issues. The peer review process will 
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the substance abuse 
priority require research on approaches for modifying treatment 
modalities to support the integration of patients with co-existing 
disabilities into community-based treatment programs rather than 
emphasize specialized programs. The commenter further suggested that 
the priority focus on employment outcomes, including retention.
    Discussion: The priority does not preclude research focusing on 
either treatment modalities or employment outcomes for persons with 
disabilities who have substance abuse disorders. However, NIDRR has 
no basis to require that all applicants focus on these topics. The 
peer review process will evaluate the merits of the proposal.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested the priority require research 
in cross-training of program staff and community-based staff 
involved in providing services to individuals with disabilities who 
have substance abuse problems.
    Discussion: The priority requires an applicant to provide 
training that improves community-integration outcomes for person 
with disabilities who are recovering from substance abuse problems. 
The applicant has the discretion to identify the specific target 
populations to be trained and the manner in which they will be 
trained. However, NIDRR has no basis to require all applicants to 
conduct cross-training of staff. The peer review process will 
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
    Changes: None.

Health and Function

General

    Comment: One commenter expressed concern that the Health and 
Function priorities do not specifically target the health needs of 
individuals with disabilities who are American Indian or Alaskan 
Native.
    Discussion: NIDRR is aware of the critical health care issues 
facing American Indians and Alaskan Natives with disabilities. 
Nothing in the priority precludes an applicant from including these 
populations in proposed research. However, NIDRR has no basis for 
requiring that all applicants focus on these populations in 
responding to these priorities. The peer review process will 
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter suggested adding Parkinson's Disease to 
the list of possible RRTC topics or expanding the neuromuscular 
disease priority to include Parkinson's Disease.
    Discussion: Parkinson's Disease is often categorized as a 
neuromuscular disease. Nothing in the priority precludes an 
applicant from proposing Parkinson's Disease as a topic under the 
neuromuscular disease category. The peer review process will 
evaluate the merits of the proposal.
    Changes: None.

[FR Doc. 03-19018 Filed 7-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P