[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 7, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32938-32941]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-8799]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program; 
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP)

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed priority.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services proposes a priority under the Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered by 
the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
(NIDRR) on Vocational Rehabilitation: Transition Services that Lead to 
Competitive Employment Outcomes for Transition-Age Individuals With 
Blindness or Other Visual Impairments. The Assistant Secretary may use 
this priority for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2006 and later 
years. We take this action to focus research attention on areas of 
national need. We intend this priority to improve rehabilitation 
services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before July 7, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Address all comments about this proposed priority to Donna 
Nangle, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 
6030, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20204-2700. If you prefer to 
send your comments through the Internet, use the

[[Page 32939]]

following address: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 245-
7462.
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
    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:

Invitation To Comment

    We invite you to submit comments regarding this proposed priority.
    We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific 
requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of 
reducing regulatory burden that might result from this proposed 
priority. Please let us know of any further opportunities we should 
take to reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while 
preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program.
    During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public 
comments on this notice of proposed priority in room 6030, 550 12th 
Street, SW., Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC, between the hours of 
8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday of each week 
except Federal holidays.

Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking 
Record

    On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or 
print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs 
assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public 
rulemaking record for this proposed priority. If you want to schedule 
an appointment for this type of aid, please contact the person listed 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    We will announce the final priority in a notice in the Federal 
Register. We will determine the final priority after considering 
responses to this notice and other information available to the 
Department. This notice does not preclude us from proposing or funding 
additional priorities, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking 
requirements.


    Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in 
which we choose to use this proposed priority, we invite 
applications through a notice in the Federal Register. When inviting 
applications we designate the priority 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 competitive preference 
priority (34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i)); or (2) selecting an application 
that meets the competitive preference 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 
invitational priority a competitive or absolute preference over 
other applications (34 CFR 75.105(c)(1)).


    This notice of proposed priority is in concert with President 
George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative (NFI) and NIDRR's Final Long-
Range Plan for FY 2005-2009 (Plan). The NFI can be accessed on the 
Internet at the following site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom.
    The Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on February 
15, 2006 (71 FR 8165), can be accessed on the Internet at the following 
site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html. 
Through the implementation of the NFI and 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 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.

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program

    The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, 
demonstration projects, training, and related activities to 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, and to improve the effectiveness of services 
authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. DRRPs 
carry out one or more of the following types of activities, as 
specified and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through 350.19: research, 
development, demonstration, training, dissemination, utilization, and 
technical assistance.
    An applicant for assistance under this program must demonstrate in 
its application how it will address, in whole or in part, the needs of 
individuals with disabilities from minority backgrounds (34 CFR 
350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant may take to meet this 
requirement are found in 34 CFR 350.40(b).
    Additional information on the DRRP program can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.

Priority

Background

    Each year, many youths and young adults with blindness or other 
visual impairments move from secondary education to post-school 
settings including postsecondary education and the workplace. 
Unfortunately, many of these individuals may not receive the services 
necessary to make this transition successful. While data from the 
National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) showed that the 
graduation rate for students with visual impairments was high (94 
percent) and about two-thirds attended post-secondary education, 
individuals with visual impairments continued to have high rates of 
unemployment. Only 28 percent of those with blindness or low vision had 
worked for pay since leaving high school as compared to 70 percent of 
other students with disabilities (Cameto & Levine, 2005). A prior 
longitudinal study revealed comparable findings (Blackorby & Wagner, 
1996). Among all working-age adults in the United States, between 1 to 
1.7 million people, or 55 to 60 percent of individuals with visual 
impairments were not employed in 1994-1995 (Kirchner, Schmeidler & 
Todorov, 1999).
    The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is the primary Federal 
vehicle for assisting individuals with disabilities to obtain 
employment, including individuals with blindness or visual impairments. 
State VR agencies provide a variety of services, such as vocational 
evaluation, career guidance and counseling, mental and physical 
restoration, education, vocational training, job placement, 
rehabilitation technology, supported employment, and

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transition services \1\ to eligible individuals. Priority is given to 
serving individuals with the most significant disabilities. An 
individual who has a disability or is blind as determined pursuant to 
title II or XVI of the Social Security Act is considered to be an 
individual with a significant disability under the VR program and 
presumed to be eligible.
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    \1\ The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, defines 
transition services in section 7(37) as ``a coordinated set of 
activities for a student, designed within an outcome-oriented 
process, that promotes movement from school to post school 
activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, 
integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing 
and adult education, adult services, independent living, or 
community participation. The coordinated set of activities shall be 
based upon the individual student's needs, taking into account the 
student's preferences and interests, and shall include instruction, 
community experiences, the development of employment and other post 
school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate, acquisition 
of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.''
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    State VR agencies are also required to enter into interagency 
agreements with State educational agencies to assist in planning for 
the transition of students with disabilities from school to post-school 
activities, including the provision of vocational rehabilitation 
services for those individuals who are eligible for such services. 
Nearly 10,000 consumers with blindness or other visual impairments who 
exited the VR program between fiscal years 2000 and 2004 were 
transition-age youth between the ages of 14 and 24 when they entered 
the VR program (RSA 911 Case Service Report). Approximately one-third 
of these individuals had received services under the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act, as amended (IDEA), while in school and, 
therefore, were eligible to receive transition services as part of 
their special education program. In 2004, about 45 percent of 
transition-age consumers with blindness or other visual impairments 
exited the VR program with an employment outcome.
    Early investment in VR services provided at the very beginning of a 
career or employment path and may result in sustained economic benefit, 
including reducing dependence on Social Security Administration (SSA) 
benefits. Approximately 22 percent of individuals with blindness or 
other visual impairments were receiving SSA disability benefits, 
including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security 
Disability Insurance (SSDI), at the time of their application to VR (FY 
2005 RSA 911 Case Service Report). Further, transition-age consumers 
with blindness or other visual impairments were more likely to receive 
SSA benefits than other consumers with disabilities at application. 
Specifically, 30 percent of transition-age consumers with blindness or 
other visual impairments who exited the VR program in FY 2004 received 
SSA disability benefits as compared to 16 percent of consumers with 
other disability types (FY 2004 RSA 911 Case Service Report). At age 
18, continued eligibility for SSA programs often hinges on the 
individual's inability to work. Although there have been significant 
efforts in recent years to reduce SSA beneficiary program related 
disincentives to work, we do not know the extent to which participation 
in these programs may continue to influence employment decisions for 
transition-age consumers with blindness or other visual impairments.
    A recent study by Capella-McDonnall (2005) examined variables 
associated with successful employment outcomes for VR consumers with 
blindness or visual impairments. Based on analyses of the Longitudinal 
Study of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program (LSVRSP), the 
author concluded that there were four variables that have a significant 
association with competitive employment outcomes for VR consumers who 
are individuals with blindness or visual impairments. These variables 
were: (1) The receipt of education as a rehabilitation service that 
resulted in an educational certificate or degree; (2) having worked 
since the onset of the disability; (3) the reason for applying to VR 
related to obtaining a job; and (4) the relationship between the 
counselor and the consumer being rated as high quality. It should be 
noted these findings were based on a sample of VR individuals with 
blindness or other visual impairments aged 65 or younger.
    A literature review by Nagle (2001) discussed factors that may 
influence poor post-school outcomes for youth with visual impairments 
and provided recommendations for improving transition practices. Nagle 
stated that it is necessary to know which services are the most useful 
in rehabilitation agencies for particular populations and then to 
tailor the services to the needs of the individual. The author argued 
that youths with visual impairments need increased opportunities for 
work experience through volunteer work, part-time work, paid summer 
employment, and increased exposure to a wider variety of employment 
opportunities. Students with visual impairments may be less aware of 
career options and often select goals that are associated with a narrow 
range of jobs. Nagle also suggested that youth with visual impairments 
need to gain transferable skills that will allow them to be competitive 
in a rapidly changing technological marketplace and to be encouraged to 
explore innovative job-seeking strategies.
    The purpose of this priority is to support projects that will 
develop, demonstrate, and evaluate transition services and strategies 
that may lead to improved outcomes for transition-age individuals with 
blindness or other visual impairments, including outcomes in workforce 
participation, competitive employment, or other areas of postsecondary 
success.

References

Blackorby, J. & Wagner, M. (1996). Longitudinal postschool outcomes 
of youth with disabilities: Findings from the National Longitudinal 
Transition Study. Exceptional Children, 62, p. 399-413.
Cameto, R., Garza, N., & Levine, P. (2005). Changes in the 
employment status and job characteristics of out-of-school youth 
with disabilities. A report from the National Longitudinal 
Transition Study-2 (NLTS2) [Online]. Menlo Park, CA: SRI 
International. Retrieved January 16, 2006, from Study-2 [Online]. 
(2002). Retrieved June 16, 2005, from http://www.nlts2.org/pdfs/str6_ch5_emp.pdf.
Capella-McDonnall, M.E. (May, 2005). Predictors of competitive 
employment for blind and visually impaired consumers of vocational 
rehabilitation services. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 
99, 303-315.
D'Amico, R. (1991). The working world awaits: Employment experiences 
during and shortly after secondary school. In Wagner, M., Newman, 
L., D'Amico, R., Jay, E.D., Butler-Nalin, P., Marder, C., and Cox, 
R., Youth with disabilities: How are they doing? The first 
comprehensive report from the National Longitudinal Study of Special 
Education Students. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International.
Kirchner, C., Schmeidler E., and Todorov, A. (1999). Looking at 
Employment Through a Lifespan Telescope: Age, Health and Employment 
Status of People with Serious Visual Impairment, Mississippi State, 
MS: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low 
Vision.
Moore, J.E., and Wolfe, K.E. (1996). Employment considerations for 
adults with low vision. In A.L. Corn & A.J. Koenig (Eds.), 
Foundations of low vision: Clinical and functional perspectives (pp. 
340-367). New York: AFB Press.
Nagle, K.M. (2001). Transition to employment and community life for 
youths with visual impairments: Current status and future 
directions. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 95, 725-738.
U.S. Department of Education (2005). RSA 911 Case Service Report.
Wolfe, K. (1997). The key to successful school-to-work programs for 
blind or visually impaired students. Journal of

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Visual Impairment & Blindness, 91 (Suppl.). 5-7.

Priority

    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services proposes a priority for a DRRP on VR: Transition Services that 
Lead to Competitive Employment Outcomes for Transition-Age Individuals 
With Blindness or Other Visual Impairments. Under this priority, the 
project must be designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) Increased knowledge about factors that influence vocational 
rehabilitation and/or transition outcomes and contribute to the 
acquisition of skills that correlate with sustained competitive 
employment and postsecondary success for transition-age individuals 
with blindness or other visual impairments. The grantee must: (1) 
Conduct a comprehensive literature review of research in the area of VR 
transition services that lead to successful employment outcomes for 
transition-age individuals with blindness or other visual impairments; 
(2) conduct a preliminary analysis of the RSA 911 Case Service Report 
data and other appropriate data sets to identify all pertinent 
information related to transition services for individuals with 
blindness or other visual impairments; and (3) examine factors that 
affect employment outcomes including the types of transition services 
provided by VR; the types of transition services provided by special 
education, if any; the age of the transitioning student at the time of 
first contact with VR; the amount of interaction the transitioning 
student has with VR prior to leaving school; the relationship the 
transition-age individual has with the VR counselor; the transition-age 
individual's early employment history; the transition-age individual's 
dependence on SSA benefits; and the transition-age individual's socio-
economic factors. In implementing item (3), the grantee must review VR 
case records from State VR agencies for the blind and State VR combined 
agencies, and interview consumers, rehabilitation professionals, 
teachers, postsecondary support service providers, SSA representatives, 
and other individuals involved in providing transition services.
    (b) Improved outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually 
impaired. Through development, demonstration, and evaluation of 
intervention methods, the grantee must identify practices that support 
and lead to improved outcomes for transition-age individuals with 
blindness or other visual impairments, including outcomes in workforce 
participation, competitive employment, or other areas of postsecondary 
success. The grantee should include activities that facilitate 
development of skills that lead to employment (critical thinking and 
problem-solving skills, and personal qualities). Grantees must utilize 
a rigorous (e.g., experimental or quasi-experimental) design.
    (c) Dissemination of research findings to State VR agencies, 
education agencies, consumers, researchers, and other stakeholders.
    (d) Coordination with projects sponsored by NIDRR, the 
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), and the Office of Special 
Education Programs-sponsored projects to ensure that research conducted 
under this priority builds on rather than duplicates related research 
and to ensure effective dissemination strategies. At a minimum, the 
grantee must coordinate with the NIDRR Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Center (RRTC) on Measuring Rehabilitation Outcomes and current 
RSA-sponsored research on related topics (including the post-VR 
experiences study and the national study of transition policies and 
practices in State VR agencies, and other relevant projects).

Executive Order 12866

    This notice of proposed priority 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 the notice of proposed priority 
are those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have 
determined as necessary for administering these programs effectively 
and efficiently.
    In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative 
and qualitative--of this notice of proposed priority, we have 
determined that the benefits of the proposed priority justify the 
costs.

Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits

    The potential costs associated with this proposed priority are 
minimal while the benefits are significant.
    The benefits of the DRRP have been well established over the years 
in that similar projects have been completed successfully. This 
proposed priority will generate new knowledge and technologies through 
research, development, dissemination, utilization, and technical 
assistance projects.
    Another benefit of this proposed priority is that the establishment 
of a new DRRP conducting research projects will support the President's 
NFI and will improve the lives of persons with disabilities. This DRRP 
will generate, disseminate, and promote the use of new information that 
will improve the options for individuals with disabilities to perform 
regular activities in the community.
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.

Electronic Access to This Document

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Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe 
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    Note: The official version of this 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.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.

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

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

    Dated: June 2, 2006.
John H. Hager,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
 [FR Doc. E6-8799 Filed 6-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P