[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 131 (Tuesday, July 8, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39000-39005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-15503]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
(NIDRR)--Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers 
Program--Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)

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

ACTION: Notice of final priorities for RRTCs.

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SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and 
Rehabilitative Services announces four priorities for RRTCs under the 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program 
administered by NIDRR. The Assistant Secretary may use one or more of 
these priorities for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2008 and later 
years. We take this action to focus research attention on areas of 
national need. We intend these priorities to improve rehabilitation 
services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

DATES: Effective Date: These priorities are effective August 7, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 6029, Potomac Center Plaza 
(PCP), Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 245-7462 or by e-mail: 
[email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the 
Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities can 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: We published a notice of proposed priorities 
(NPP) for NIDRR's RRTC program in the Federal Register on April 28, 
2008 (73 FR 22932). The NPP included background statements that 
described our rationale for the priorities proposed in that notice.
    There are differences between the NPP and this notice of final 
priorities (NFP) as discussed in the following section.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    In response to our invitation in the NPP, five parties submitted 
comments on the proposed priorities. An analysis of the comments and of 
any changes in the priorities since publication of the NPP follows.
    Generally, we do not address technical and other minor changes, or 
suggested changes the law does not authorize us to make under the 
applicable statutory authority. In addition, we do not address comments 
that raised concerns not directly related to the proposed priorities.

General Comments

    Comment: With regard to priorities 1 through 3, one commenter noted 
that ``scientifically based research'' is required only for research 
activities that require testing interventions. This commenter 
recommended that all research conducted under these priorities be 
``scientifically based.''
    Discussion: NIDRR only requires ``scientifically based research'' 
for research activities that involve testing interventions. The 
definition of ``scientifically based research'' used in

[[Page 39001]]

all of the priorities in this notice emphasizes the use of 
``experimental or quasi-experimental designs in which individuals, 
entities, programs, or activities are assigned to different conditions 
and with appropriate controls to evaluate the effects of the condition 
of interest, with a preference for random-assignment experiments'' (See 
section 9101(37) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 
as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 for the definition 
of the term ``scientifically based research.''). NIDRR believes that 
experimental research designs are appropriate for research that 
involves testing interventions, but not necessarily for the other 
research activities to be carried out under these priorities. For 
example, experimental designs are not generally appropriate or 
necessary in the initial stages of developing new measures and methods, 
identifying or developing interventions, or determining the experiences 
and outcomes of individuals with disabilities who seek to return to 
work.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter noted that each of the proposed priorities 
included an incorrect reference for the Department's definition of the 
term scientifically based research.
    Discussion: We agree and will make this change.
    Changes: In all four priorities, we have changed the reference for 
the Department's definition of scientifically based research to section 
9101(37) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as 
amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
    Comment: Two commenters recommended that NIDRR remove all 
references to employment from priorities 1 through 3. One of these 
commenters noted that NIDRR's Long Range Plan for fiscal years 2005-
2009 (Plan) acknowledges the continued need for research on medical 
rehabilitation interventions to improve function, as well as health 
research to improve outcomes such as health and wellness. This 
commenter suggested that including an employment-related outcome in the 
priorities that focus primarily on health and function topics will 
dilute the impact of research carried out under NIDRR's employment and 
health and function domains. This commenter also expressed concern that 
the focus on employment outcomes would preclude research on community 
participation outcomes and recommended that NIDRR include in each 
priority a statement from its Plan that acknowledges the importance of 
health and function among people with disabilities to achieve NIDRR's 
mission and the goals of employment and community participation.
    Discussion: NIDRR does not agree with these comments and the 
associated recommendations. In the Plan, we state: ``While the proposed 
plan is organized along domains of research [e.g., employment, health 
and function, participation and community living] for the sake of 
manageability, it also makes clear that disability is a holistic 
phenomenon that involves many overlapping and cross-domain issues.'' 
(See 71 FR 8166, 8166.) We also note, ``In addition, with respect to 
those programs for which NIDRR establishes annual priorities--
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs), Rehabilitation 
Engineering Research Centers (RERCs), and Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Projects (DRRPs)--NIDRR may require applicants to focus on one 
or more target populations or issues that cut across domains.'' We 
indicate clearly in the Plan that RRTCs are expected to be 
multidisciplinary--in other words, to combine the strengths and 
perspectives of researchers from multiple disciplines and areas of 
expertise. (See 71 FR 8166, 8177.) Therefore, we believe that a focus 
on employment in priorities 1 through 3 is consistent with the 
multidisciplinary approach in the Plan.
    Although a mandatory focus on employment outcomes in these 
priorities may limit research activities related to outcomes in other 
domains, NIDRR believes that research involving both the health and 
function and employment domains will generate knowledge that can be 
used to improve both medical rehabilitation and vocational 
rehabilitation (VR) services for individuals with disabilities. NIDRR 
recognizes that there are many factors likely to affect the 
relationship between health and functional abilities, on the one hand, 
and employment outcomes, on the other. Research under these priorities 
can help provide insight into this relationship so that medical and VR 
services can be optimized and targeted appropriately.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: Referring to priorities 1 through 3, one commenter 
recommended removing the requirement that the centers recruit research 
participants from VR populations. The commenter noted that such a 
requirement would unnecessarily limit study populations, create 
recruitment barriers, and result in unnecessarily expensive and lengthy 
studies to demonstrate empirical relationships between health and 
functional status and employment outcomes.
    Discussion: Proposed priorities 1 through 3 did not require 
recruitment of research participants from populations of individuals 
who are served by State VR programs. The priorities state that the 
center must conduct research on individuals who are served by the State 
VR Services program, or who receive rehabilitation services from other 
sources.
    Changes: None.

Priority 2--Enhancing the Functional and Employment Outcomes of 
Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

    Comment: In reference to language in paragraph (b) of this 
priority, one commenter noted that research and clinical information 
indicate that the vast majority of individuals with multiple sclerosis 
(MS) already live in community settings. The commenter stated that it 
is important to support research that improves the ability of 
individuals with MS to participate in the community and suggested that 
NIDRR revise the priority to reflect that focus.
    Discussion: We intended to emphasize the need for research to 
improve employment and community participation outcomes in this 
priority. We will change the priority to clarify our intent.
    Changes: In paragraph (b) of this priority, we have clarified that 
the grantee must examine, among other things, interventions to enhance 
community participation.
    Comment: One commenter stated that there is a need for research on 
strategies and assistive devices that enhance the functional and 
community participation outcomes among individuals with MS.
    Discussion: While NIDRR agrees with the commenter that there is a 
need for research about strategies and assistive devices to enhance the 
functional and community participation outcomes for individuals with 
MS, NIDRR does not believe that it is necessary to revise the priority 
to address this specific need. Applicants under this priority already 
have flexibility to choose the types of interventions they propose to 
identify, or to develop and evaluate. Assistive devices are one 
specific type of intervention that could be examined under this 
priority.
    Changes: None.

Priority 3--Aging With Physical Disability: Reducing Secondary 
Conditions and Enhancing Health and Participation, Including Employment

    Comment: One commenter asked whether applicants under this priority 
must choose from the list of impairment groups in the second paragraph 
of the

[[Page 39002]]

priority when selecting the groups that will be the focus of their 
research.
    Discussion: The short list of impairment groups in the priority 
provides examples; applicants are not restricted to this list. 
Applicants are free to select the group or groups that will be the 
focus of their research.
    Changes: None.
    Comment: One commenter asked whether the focus of this priority is 
exclusively on individuals with disabilities who are 65 years of age or 
older, or if the focus is also on adults with disabilities in middle 
age.
    Discussion: NIDRR does not intend for this center to focus only on 
individuals with disabilities who are 65 years of age or older. As we 
describe in the background statement for this priority, NIDRR is 
interested in the experience of individuals who acquired their 
disability at birth, childhood, or early adulthood and who are now 
aging. We will add language to the priority to make this clear.
    Changes: We have changed the language to clarify that the center 
funded under this priority must focus its research on individuals with 
a physical disability, including those who acquired their disability at 
birth, in childhood, or in early adulthood and who are now aging into 
middle or late adulthood.
    Comment: One commenter noted that the prevention of falls among 
individuals with physical disabilities should be a key research 
priority.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the prevention of falls is a topic 
that is relevant to individuals who are aging with physical 
disabilities. Applicants are free to propose research on this topic 
under this priority.
    Changes: None.

Priority 4--Participation and Community Living for Individuals With 
Psychiatric Disabilities

    Comment: One commenter requested that NIDRR provide references to 
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 
(SAMHSA's) Best Practices Planning and Implementation Grants program, 
to facilitate collaboration of the center funded under this priority 
with this program.
    Discussion: NIDRR agrees that SAMHSA's Best Practices Planning and 
Implementation Grants program may be a potential source of information 
for, or potential collaborator of, the center funded under this 
priority. NIDRR typically references in its priorities only those 
programs or entities with which the grantee is required to collaborate. 
In this case, NIDRR does not believe it is appropriate to require all 
applicants to propose to collaborate with this SAMHSA program. For this 
reason, NIDRR declines to reference the SAMHSA program in the text of 
this priority.
    Changes: None.

    Note: This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in 
which we choose to use these final priorities, we invite 
applications through a notice in the Federal Register. When inviting 
applications we designate each 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 final priorities (NFP) 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). Background information on 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.

Priorities

    In this notice, we are announcing four priorities for RRTCs.
     Priority 1--Enhancing the Functional and Employment 
Outcomes of Individuals Who Experience a Stroke.
     Priority 2--Enhancing the Functional and Employment 
Outcomes of Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis.
     Priority 3--Aging With Physical Disability: Reducing 
Secondary Conditions and Enhancing Health and Participation, Including 
Employment.
     Priority 4--Participation and Community Living for 
Individuals With Psychiatric Disabilities.

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)

    The purpose of the RRTC program is to improve the effectiveness of 
services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 
through advanced research, training, technical assistance, and 
dissemination activities in general problem areas, as specified by 
NIDRR. Such activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service 
providers, individuals with disabilities, and the family members or 
other authorized representatives of individuals with disabilities. In 
addition, NIDRR intends to require all RRTC applicants to meet the 
requirements of the General Rehabilitation Research and Training 
Centers (RRTC) Requirements priority, which was published in a notice 
of final priorities in the Federal Register on February 1, 2008 (73 FR 
6132). Additional information on the RRTC program can be found at: 
http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#RRTC.

Statutory and Regulatory Requirements of RRTCs

    RRTCs must--
     Carry out coordinated advanced programs of rehabilitation 
research;
     Provide training, including graduate, pre-service, and in-
service training, to help rehabilitation personnel more effectively 
provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities;
     Provide technical assistance to individuals with 
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested 
parties;
     Demonstrate in their applications how they will address, 
in whole or in part, the needs of individuals with disabilities from 
minority backgrounds;
     Disseminate informational materials to individuals with 
disabilities, their representatives, providers, and other interested 
parties; and
     Serve as centers of national excellence in rehabilitation 
research for individuals with disabilities, their representatives, 
providers, and other interested parties.

[[Page 39003]]

Priorities

Priority 1--Enhancing the Functional and Employment Outcomes of 
Individuals Who Experience a Stroke
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services announces a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Center (RRTC) on Enhancing the Functional and Employment 
Outcomes of Individuals Who Experience a Stroke. This RRTC must conduct 
rigorous research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination 
activities to enhance the functional and employment outcomes of 
individuals who experience a stroke.
    In doing so, the RRTC must focus on no more than two of the 
following dimensions: Improved mobility, secondary conditions (e.g., 
pain, fatigue), and emotional well-being. Under this priority, the RRTC 
must be designed to contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) Improved outcome measures for use with individuals who 
experience a stroke. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by 
identifying or developing and testing methods and measures to assess 
outcomes in the dimensions that the RRTC chooses to focus on (e.g., 
mobility, secondary conditions, emotional well-being).
    (b) Improved medical rehabilitation or community-based 
rehabilitation interventions for individuals who experience a stroke. 
The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by identifying or developing 
and testing new rehabilitation interventions that are designed to 
improve mobility, reduce the onset of secondary conditions, or improve 
emotional well-being among individuals who experience a stroke. Where 
possible, the RRTC must use scientifically based research (as this term 
is defined in section 9101(37) of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 
2001) methods to test these interventions.
    (c) Improved employment outcomes among individuals who experience a 
stroke. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by conducting research 
on the experiences and outcomes of individuals who experience a stroke 
and who seek to return to work. The RRTC's research must include 
research on individuals who are served by the State Vocational 
Rehabilitation (VR) Services program or who receive stroke/neuro-
rehabilitation services from other sources, and must identify neuro-
rehabilitation services that are associated with positive outcomes in 
the treatment of specific stroke-related impairments and functional 
limitations thereby allowing individuals to return to work.
Priority 2--Enhancing the Functional and Employment Outcomes of 
Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services announces a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Center (RRTC) on Enhancing the Functional and Employment 
Outcomes of Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis. This RRTC must conduct 
rigorous research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination 
activities to enhance the functional and employment outcomes of 
individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
    In doing so, the RRTC must focus on how one or both of the 
following dimensions affect the employment outcomes of individuals with 
MS: The prevention or reduction of secondary conditions (e.g., pain, 
fatigue, depression, cognitive impairment) and improved mobility. Under 
this priority, the RRTC must be designed to contribute to the following 
outcomes:
    (a) Improved outcome measures for use with individuals with MS. The 
RRTC must contribute to this outcome by identifying or developing and 
testing methods and measures to assess outcomes in the dimensions on 
which the RRTC chooses to focus.
    (b) Improved medical rehabilitation or community-based 
rehabilitation interventions. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome 
by improving the ability of individuals with MS to remain in the 
workforce and to participate in the community through identifying or 
developing and testing new rehabilitation interventions. Where 
possible, the Center must use scientifically based research (as this 
term is defined in section 9101(37) of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 
2001) methods to test these interventions.
    (c) Improved employment outcomes among individuals with MS. The 
RRTC must contribute to this outcome by conducting research on the 
experiences and outcomes of individuals with MS who are served by the 
State Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) program or who receive 
MS-rehabilitation services from other sources, and by identifying 
rehabilitation services that are associated with the reduction of 
specific MS-related symptoms and functional limitations. Research must 
include investigation of job modifications and accommodations 
associated with successful employment.
Priority 3--Aging With Physical Disability: Reducing Secondary 
Conditions and Enhancing Health and Participation, Including Employment
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services announces a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Center (RRTC) on Aging With Physical Disability: Reducing 
Secondary Conditions and Enhancing Health and Participation, Including 
Employment. This RRTC must conduct rigorous research, training, 
technical assistance, and dissemination activities to improve 
rehabilitation outcome measures and rehabilitation interventions that 
can be applied in clinical or community-based settings and used by 
other researchers. The intended outcome of the RRTC is to enhance 
community participation, including employment, of individuals aging 
with long-term physical disabilities by advancing knowledge about the 
identification, assessment, treatment, and improved management of the 
secondary conditions likely experienced by individuals aging with a 
physical disability. Individuals aging with a physical disability 
include those who acquired their disability at birth, in childhood, or 
in early adulthood and who are now aging into middle or late adulthood.
    In addressing this priority, the RRTC must propose a limited number 
of high-quality, cross-disability research projects to address the 
secondary conditions that are most relevant to the lives of individuals 
with physical disabilities. To ensure the feasibility of the RRTC's 
proposed activities and increase the likelihood of achieving the 
planned outcomes, the RRTC must focus on two to four discrete 
impairment groups (e.g., spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple 
sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, post-polio) and must limit 
intervention strategies to no more than two of the following 
modalities: exercise, health promotion, psychological adaptation, life 
planning or self-management skills, and environmental or technological 
supports. Under this priority, the RRTC must be designed to contribute 
to the following outcomes:
    (a) Enhanced understanding of the natural course of aging with a 
physical disability. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by 
documenting the life trajectories and average age of onset of the major 
types of secondary conditions experienced by individuals living with 
long-term physical disabilities in the selected impairment groups, and 
examining the interrelationships among different types of secondary 
conditions

[[Page 39004]]

and the consequences of variations in timing of onset for health and 
community participation.
    (b) Improved tools and measures for use with individuals aging with 
long-term physical disabilities. The RRTC must contribute to this 
outcome by identifying, developing or modifying, and testing 
measurement tools that improve the identification and assessment of the 
major types of secondary conditions affecting individuals in the 
selected impairment groups, as well as the outcomes of interventions 
designed to prevent or reduce these conditions.
    (c) Improved rehabilitation or community-based interventions that 
enhance the health and participation in work and the community of 
individuals aging with physical disabilities. The RRTC must contribute 
to this outcome by identifying, developing or modifying, and testing 
interventions that show promise in preventing the onset of or improving 
the management and reducing the impact of secondary conditions on 
individuals in the selected impairment groups. Where possible, the RRTC 
must use scientifically based research (as this term is defined in 
section 9101(37) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, 
as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) methods to test 
these interventions.
    (d) Improved employment outcomes among working-age individuals 
aging with long-term physical disabilities. The RRTC must contribute to 
this outcome by conducting research on the experiences, including 
employment outcomes, of individuals aging with long-term physical 
disabilities in the selected impairment groups who are served by the 
State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services program or who receive 
rehabilitation services from other sources, and by identifying specific 
secondary conditions that require improved and unique VR services and 
approaches.
Priority 4--Participation and Community Living for Individuals With 
Psychiatric Disabilities
    The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative 
Services announces a priority for a Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Center (RRTC) on Participation and Community Living for 
Individuals With Psychiatric Disabilities. The RRTC must conduct 
rigorous research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination 
activities that contribute to improved community participation and 
community living outcomes for individuals with psychiatric 
disabilities. Under this priority, the RRTC must be designed to 
contribute to the following outcomes:
    (a) Improved individual and system capacity to maximize the 
participation of individuals with psychiatric disabilities in community 
life. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by:
    (1) Generating new knowledge through research on effective 
strategies to meet the needs of individuals with psychiatric 
disabilities who are served by centers for independent living and 
identifying independent living services and service-delivery approaches 
that meet the unique needs of this population.
    (2) Increasing the knowledge base and advancing the application of 
theories, measures, methods, or interventions that facilitate 
participation and community living of individuals with psychiatric 
disabilities. In this regard, the RRTC must focus its efforts on at 
least three of the following areas: Employment, housing, education, 
health and mental health care, recreation, social relationships, or 
other public and private sector activities related to community living. 
If the RRTC engages in testing interventions, the RRTC must use 
scientifically based research (as this term is defined in section 
9101(37) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as 
amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) methods.
    (3) Reducing disparities in service delivery and program 
development by focusing its work on one or more of the following 
understudied areas: (i) Emergency preparedness for individuals with 
psychiatric disabilities; (ii) individuals with psychiatric 
disabilities from diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds; 
or (iii) individuals with psychiatric disabilities who have co-
occurring sensory or physical disabilities.
    (b) Increased incorporation of mental health research findings into 
practice or policy. The RRTC must contribute to this outcome by 
coordinating with appropriate NIDRR-funded knowledge translation 
grantees to advance or add to their work in the following areas:
    (1) Developing and implementing procedures to evaluate the 
readiness of mental health research findings for translation into 
practice.
    (2) Collaborating with stakeholder groups to develop, evaluate, or 
implement strategies to increase utilization of mental health research 
findings.
    (3) Conducting training, technical assistance, and dissemination 
activities to increase utilization of mental health research findings.
    Information on knowledge translation projects funded by NIDRR can 
be found at http://www.naric.com/research/pd/priority.cfm.

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 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 benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects 
and Centers Programs have been well established over the years in that 
similar projects have been completed successfully. These final 
priorities will generate new knowledge and technologies through 
research, development, dissemination, utilization, and technical 
assistance projects.
    Another benefit of these final priorities is that the establishment 
of new RRTCs will support the President's NFI and improve the lives of 
individuals with disabilities. The new RRTCs will generate, 
disseminate, and promote the use of new information that will improve 
employment and community living options for individuals with 
disabilities.
    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 
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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.



[[Page 39005]]


(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 84.133B 
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers Program)

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

    Dated: July 2, 2008.
Tracy R. Justesen,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. E8-15503 Filed 7-7-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P