[Federal Register: July 10, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 132)]
[Notices]
[Page 42587-42591]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10jy00-142]
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Part X
Department of Education
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Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Inviting
Applications and Pre-Applications for Fiscal Year 2000; Notices
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research;
Notice of a Final Funding Priority for Fiscal Year 2000 for one
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP)
AGENCY: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,
Department of Education.
SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitative Services announces a final funding priority for one
DRRP under the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR) for fiscal year 2000. The Assistant Secretary takes
this action to focus research attention on an area of national need.
The priority is intended to improve rehabilitation services and
outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This priority takes effect on August 9, 2000.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 205-
5880. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may
call the TDD number at (202) 205-4475. Internet: donna--nangle@ed.gov
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding
paragraph.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains a final priority under
the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program
for a DRRP on Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training
(ITTA).
The final priority refers to NIDRR's Long Range Plan (the Plan).
The Plan can be accessed on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ed.gov/
legislation/FedRegister/other/1999-12/68576.html.
This final priority supports the National Education Goal that calls
for every American to possess the skills necessary to compete in a
global economy.
The authority for the Assistant Secretary to establish research
priorities by reserving funds to support particular research activities
is contained in sections 202(g) and 204 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 762 and 764). Regulations governing this
program are found in 34 CFR Part 350.
Note: This notice of a final priority does not solicit
applications. A notice inviting applications is published in this
issue of the Federal Register.
Analysis of Comments and Changes
On May 8, 2000 the Assistant Secretary published a notice of a
proposed priority in the Federal Register (64 FR 26588). The Department
of Education received 3 letters commenting on the notice of proposed
priority by the deadline date. Technical and other minor changes--and
suggested changes the Assistant Secretary is not legally authorized to
make under statutory authority--are not addressed.
Comment: The needs assessment developed under Activity 1 and the
training materials developed under Activity 2 should reflect both
current technology and technology that is immanent. In doing so, the
grantee should be required to collaborate with the Federal
Communications Commission, the National Institute of Standards, and
other agencies that have advanced technology operations.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that the needs assessment and the training
materials should reflect both current technology and foreseeable
technological developments. NIDRR also agrees that collaboration with
relevant Federal agencies is important and is a required component of
the priority. The applicant may propose to coordinate with other
agencies and organizations as deemed necessary. The peer review process
will evaluate the merit of each applicant's proposed activities.
Changes: None.
Comment: Considering the rapid development of both the host
technologies and the practice of universal design, it is important that
training materials and instructional modules developed under activity 2
be developed and provided in ways that are amenable to very rapid
update and renewal.
Discussion: NIDRR agrees that it is important for training
materials to be reflective of rapid technological change. NIDRR
anticipates that the successful applicant will propose activities that
take into account rapid technological change as discussed in the
background statement. The peer review process will evaluate the merits
of each applicant's proposed activities.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter recommended that an activity be added that
requires the grantee to develop and maintain a list of ``best
practices'' and to make that list available to other organizations
working in this field.
Discussion: An applicant may propose to develop and maintain a list
of best practices. NIDRR elects to allow the applicant the choice as to
whether to include such an activity. The peer review process will
evaluate the merits of each applicant's proposed activities.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter stated that the background statement,
specifically the fourth paragraph of the background statement that
talks about ``a shortage of individuals trained to educate consumers,
consumer service professionals, technical writers, web developers,
marketers, and other information technology related professionals about
accessible and usable electronic and information technologies'' should
be expanded to include telecommunications products.
Discussion: Telecommunications products is included in the
definition of electronic and information technology in the notice of
proposed rule making published in the Federal Register (65 FR 17351) by
the Access Board on March 31, 2000. Based on this definition NIDRR
expects that telecommunications products will be considered in each
application.
Changes: None.
Comment: The target audiences mentioned in Activity 1 should focus
on those who are tasked with implementing Section 508 and Section 255
and include state procurement officers, designers of telecommunications
and information technology products, others within information
technology and telecommunications companies who make decisions
regarding product design (including product managers, marketers, sales
and customer service staff, human factors professionals, regulatory
compliance specialists, and executives), web developers of government
sites, consumers and disability-related organizations, and relevant
industry groups and professional associations.
Discussion: NIDRR believes that the language in Activity 1, while
specific, is not limiting. The applicant is free to include other
audiences and/or elaborate upon identified audiences. The peer review
process will evaluate the merits of each applicant's proposed
activities.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter recommended that this center be required to
coordinate efforts with other Federal grantees and contractors
responsible for providing training and technical assistance related to
Section 508 and Section 255 including those responsible for providing
training and technical assistance to Federal procurement officers and
those
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responsible for the Section 508 Web Site content.
Discussion: The priority directs the applicant to collaborate with
relevant Federal agencies and other agencies as identified by NIDRR.
Therefore, the applicant is not limited in the nature, scope or number
of agencies to be targeted in the application for coordination efforts.
The peer review process will evaluate the merits of each applicant's
proposed activities.
Changes: None.
Comment: One commenter stated that Activity 7 should be expanded to
include the telecommunications field.
Discussion: Telecommunications is included in the definition of
electronic and information technology in the notice of proposed rule
making published in the Federal Register (65 FR 17351) by the Access
Board on March 31, 2000. Based on this definition NIDRR expects that
telecommunications will be considered in each application.
Changes: None.
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects
Authority for DRRPs is contained in section 204 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 764). DRRPs carry out
one or more of the following types of activities, as specified in 34
CFR 350.13-350.19: research, development, demonstration, training,
dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance. Disability and
Rehabilitation Research Projects develop methods, procedures, and
rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and
integration into society, employment, independent living, family
support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with
disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities.
In addition, DRRPs improve the effectiveness of services authorized
under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Priority
Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) the Assistant Secretary will give an
absolute preference to applications that meet the following priority.
The Assistant Secretary will fund under this competition only an
application that meets this absolute priority.
Priority: Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training
Center
Background
The emerging digital economy is fundamentally altering the way
Americans work. The advent of powerful computers, high speed modems,
sophisticated telecommunications networks, fiber optics, broadband
network capacity, intranets, the Internet, the World Wide Web (WWW),
and satellites has enabled computer and information experts to build a
global information network that is unparalleled. These technologies,
and how we use them, are undergoing rapid changes that result in a new
wave of information flow that touches all facets of society, including
education, employment and daily living. In this period of rapid
technical, economic, and social change, access to electronic and
information technologies is essential for everyone. Unfortunately,
while the availability of information technology holds tremendous
promise to level the playing field, the proliferation of electronic and
information technologies does not guarantee accessibility and usability
for individuals with disabilities.
The electronic and information technology industry has been growing
at more than double the rate of the overall economy--a trend that is
likely to continue (The Emerging Digital Economy II, a report by the
U.S. Department of Commerce, June, 1999). Because of the increase in
availability of the Internet, 20 million salaried workers telecommuted
from their homes last year. That number is expected to reach 130
million by 2003 (InfoTech Trends, Fourth Quarter, 1998). Electronic
mail, once considered an elite mode of communication for university-
based researchers and scientists, is now routinely used by workers to
instantly exchange visual and audible information in readable and
reusable formats (e.g., computer files, charts, figures, tables,
images, databases, and software packages) using one of the estimated
14,000 Internet service providers worldwide (InfoTech Trends, Second
Quarter, 1999).
In today's market, electronic and information technology product
cycles are measured in months, not years. The same can be said for
product lifetimes. This rapid proliferation of technologies has
emphasized the need for universal design--a process whereby
environments and products are designed with built-in flexibility so
they are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age and
ability, at no additional cost to the user. Given the rapid evolution
of each generation, new products often do not include universal design
features, thus increasing the need for the expensive process of
retrofitting.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of individuals knowledgeable
about the principles of universal design and the benefits of
incorporating universal design features into electronic and information
technologies. There is also a shortage of individuals trained to
educate consumers, customer service professionals, technical writers,
web developers, marketers, and other information technology related
professionals about accessible and usable electronic and information
technologies.
Congress has passed landmark legislation that is intended to
maximize the full inclusion and integration of individuals with
disabilities in society, including increased access to electronic and
information technology. These laws, and their provisions, include the
Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988, the Television Decoder Circuitry
Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the
Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act)
of 1998, and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which includes
sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires
telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers to
make their services and equipment accessible by persons with the full
range of disabilities, if readily achievable. If a manufacturer or
service provider claims this is not readily achievable, the
manufacturer or service provider must still ensure that the equipment
or service is compatible with existing peripheral devices or
specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by individuals
with disabilities to achieve access. On July 19, 1999, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules and guidelines to
implement section 255 of the Telecommunications Act.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, requires
access to the Federal government's electronic and information
technology. Section 508 applies to all Federal departments and agencies
when they develop, procure, maintain or use electronic and information
technology. Federal departments and agencies must ensure equal access
to, and use of, electronic and information technology for Federal
employees with disabilities and members of the public seeking
information or services from their agency comparable to those who do
not have disabilities, unless such a requirement would cause an undue
burden. The Access Board published a notice of proposed rulemaking in
the Federal Register (65 FR 17345) on section 508 standards on March
31, 2000 and will publish final standards
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after analysis of comments received. Federal agencies will be
responsible for complaints related to the procurement of accessible
electronic and information technologies as of August 7, 2000. The
Assistive Technology Act, 29 U.S.C. 3001, also requires that States
receiving assistance, including subrecipients, under the State Grants
program comply with the requirements of section 508, including the
standards developed by the Access Board.
The regulations and standards for section 255 of the
Telecommunications Act and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act will
have a profound impact on dozens of stakeholders, including, but not
limited to, information technology manufacturers, product designers and
engineers, technical writers, marketers, distributors, purchasers of
information technologies, web developers and others. Currently there is
a dearth of information and technical assistance available for
stakeholders and other constituencies on how to comply with these
regulations and standards. There is also a limited supply of skilled
professionals capable of providing training and support on how to
implement the requisite guidelines and standards for electronic and
information technology.
A number of Federal agencies are collaborating to promote awareness
about accessible electronic and information technologies, the benefits
of incorporating universal design into these products, and the need for
expanding capacity for training and technical assistance in this field.
NIDRR, the General Services Administration, the Federal Communications
Commission, and the Access Board are jointly supporting a multifaceted
initiative that includes a demonstration center, multiple web pages,
and technical assistance and training efforts, in partnership with
industrial consortia and professional and trade associations. This
priority relates to the need for expanding capacity for technical
assistance and training for a broad array of constituents.
Priority: Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training
Center
The Assistant Secretary proposes to establish an Information
Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center to promote the wide
spread use of accessible and usable electronic and information
technology and to promote the benefits of universal design. In carrying
out these purposes, the Information Technology Technical Assistance and
Training Center must:
* Design and implement a needs assessment that will
determine the technical assistance and training needs relative to: (a)
Implementing the final standards under section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act; (b) the guidelines for section 255 of the
Telecommunications Act; and (c) promoting the principles of universal
design. The needs assessment should target audiences including, but not
limited to, State procurement officers, product designers and
engineers, marketers, technical writers, web developers, consumer and
disability-related organizations, service providers, human resource
professionals, and relevant industrial consortia and professional and
trade associations;
* Based upon the findings of the needs assessment, develop,
implement and evaluate relevant training materials and instructional
modules that meet the requirements of section 255 of the
Telecommunications Act and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and
address the principles of universal design;
* Develop and disseminate training materials and
instructional modules to States receiving AT Act funds on implementing
the requirements of section 508 and its standards;
* Provide information, training and technical assistance
about section 255 of the Telecommunications Act, section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act, and the principles of universal design to
appropriate constituencies, including the information technology and
telecommunications industry, relevant industrial consortia,
professional and trade associations, and States receiving AT Act funds;
* Collaborate with the General Services Administration, the
Federal Communications Commission, and the Access Board by contributing
information and materials for the Government wide web site on Section
508;
* Design and implement, in collaboration with the Federal
Communications Commission, the Access Board, the Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Center on Telecommunications Access and the
telecommunications industry, a web site that contains information and
instructional materials, including those developed under Activity 2,
that can be used by telecommunications designers of equipment and
services to develop and fabricate solutions that are in accordance with
the guidelines for section 255 of the Telecommunications Act; and
* Identify, implement, and disseminate strategies, in
collaboration with industrial consortia and professional and trade
associations, that will expand training capacity of the field and
increase the knowledge base about accessible and usable electronic and
information technology.
In addition to the activities proposed by the applicant to carry
out these purposes, the Information Technology Technical Assistance and
Training Center must:
* Collaborate with industry, industrial consortia,
professional and trade associations, and States receiving AT Act funds
on all relevant activities;
* Coordinate on activities of mutual interest with NIDRR-
funded projects including the Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Centers on Information Technology Access and Telecommunications Access
and the Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers; and
* Collaborate with relevant Federal agencies responsible for
the administration of public laws that address access to and usability
of electronic and information technology for individuals with
disabilities including, but not limited to, the General Services
Administration, the Access Board, the Federal Communications
Commission, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and other
relevant Federal agencies identified by NIDRR.
Additional Selection Criterion
The Assistant Secretary will use the selection criteria in 34 CFR
350.54 to evaluate applications under this program. The maximum score
for all the criteria is 100 points; however, the Assistant Secretary
also proposes to use the following criterion so that up to an
additional ten points may be earned by an applicant for a total
possible score of 110 points:
Within this absolute priority, we will give the following
competitive preference to applications that are otherwise eligible for
funding under this priority:
Up to ten (10) points based on the extent to which an application
includes effective strategies for employing and advancing in employment
qualified individuals with disabilities in projects awarded under this
absolute priority. In determining the effectiveness of those
strategies, we will consider the applicant's success, as described in
the application, in employing and advancing in employment qualified
individuals with disabilities in the project.
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For purposes of this competitive preference, applicants can be
awarded up to a total of 10 points in addition to those awarded under
the published selection criteria for this priority. That is, an
applicant meeting this competitive preference could earn a maximum
total of 110 points.
Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR Parts 350 and 353.
Electronic Access to This Document
You may view this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe
Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at either of the
following sites:
http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/news.html
To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available
free at either of the preceding sites. If you have questions about
using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free,
at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC., area at (202) 512-1530.
Note: The official version of document is the document published
in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official
edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations
is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/
index.html
Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 761a(g) and 762.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133A, Disability
and Rehabilitation Research Projects)
Dated: July 3, 2000.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
[FR Doc. 00-17384 Filed 7-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-U