80_FR_10140 80 FR 10103 - Proposed Priority-National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research-Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

80 FR 10103 - Proposed Priority-National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research-Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Community Living

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 37 (February 25, 2015)

Page Range10103-10106
FR Document2015-03885

The Administrator of the Administration for Community Living proposes a priority for the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Program administered by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). Specifically, this notice proposes a priority for an RRTC on Employment for Individuals with Blindness or other Visual Impairments. We take this action to focus research attention on an area of national need. We intend this priority to contribute to improved employment for individuals with blindness or other visual impairments.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10103-10106]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03885]



[[Page 10103]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Community Living

[CFDA Number: 84.133B-5]


Proposed Priority--National Institute on Disability, Independent 
Living, and Rehabilitation Research--Rehabilitation Research and 
Training Centers

AGENCY: Administration for Community Living, HHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed priority.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Administrator of the Administration for Community Living 
proposes a priority for the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center 
(RRTC) Program administered by the National Institute on Disability, 
Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). 
Specifically, this notice proposes a priority for an RRTC on Employment 
for Individuals with Blindness or other Visual Impairments. We take 
this action to focus research attention on an area of national need. We 
intend this priority to contribute to improved employment for 
individuals with blindness or other visual impairments.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before March 27, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal 
or via postal mail or commercial delivery. We will not accept comments 
submitted by fax or by email or those submitted after the comment 
period. To ensure that we do not receive duplicate copies, please 
submit your comments only once. In addition, please include the Docket 
ID at the top of your comments.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov to 
submit your comments electronically. Information on using 
Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing agency documents, 
submitting comments, and viewing the docket, is available on the site 
under ``Are you new to the site?''
     Postal Mail or Commercial Delivery: If you mail or deliver 
your comments about these proposed regulations, address them to 
Patricia Barrett, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 400 
Maryland Avenue SW., Room 5142, Potomac Center Plaza (PCP), Washington, 
DC 20202-2700.
    Privacy Note: The Department's policy is to make all comments 
received from members of the public available for public viewing in 
their entirety on the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 
www.regulations.gov. Therefore, commenters should be careful to include 
in their comments only information that they wish to make publicly 
available.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Barrett. Telephone: (202) 
245-6211 or by email: [email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice of proposed priority is in 
concert with NIDRR's currently approved Long-Range Plan (Plan). The 
Plan, which was published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2013 (78 
FR 20299), can be accessed on the Internet at the following site: 
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/nidrr/policy.html.
    The Plan identifies a need for research and training regarding 
employment of individuals with disabilities. To address this need, 
NIDILRR seeks to: (1) Improve the quality and utility of disability and 
rehabilitation research; (2) foster an exchange of research findings, 
expertise, and other information to advance knowledge and understanding 
of the needs of individuals with disabilities and their family members, 
including those from among traditionally underserved populations; (3) 
determine effective practices, programs, and policies to improve 
community living and participation, employment, and health and function 
outcomes for individuals with disabilities of all ages; (4) identify 
research gaps and areas for promising research investments; (5) 
identify and promote effective mechanisms for integrating research and 
practice; and (6) disseminate research findings to all major 
stakeholder groups, including individuals with disabilities and their 
family members in formats that are appropriate and meaningful to them.
    This notice proposes one priority that NIDILRR intends to use for 
one or more competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2015 and possibly later 
years. NIDILRR is under no obligation to make an award under this 
priority. The decision to make an award will be based on the quality of 
applications received and available funding. NIDILRR may publish 
additional priorities, as needed.
    Invitation to Comment: We invite you to submit comments regarding 
this proposed priority. To ensure that your comments have maximum 
effect in developing the final priority, we urge you to identify 
clearly the specific topic within the priority that each comment 
addresses.
    We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific 
requirements of Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 and their overall 
requirement of reducing regulatory burden that might result from this 
proposed priority. Please let us know of any further ways we could 
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 by following the instructions found under the ``Are you new to 
the site?'' portion of the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 
wwww.regulations.gov. Any comments sent to NIDILRR via postal mail or 
commercial deliver can be viewed in room 5142, 550 12th Street SW., 
PCP, Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., 
Washington, DC time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal 
holidays.
    Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the 
Rulemaking Record: On request we will provide an appropriate 
accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability who 
needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the 
public rulemaking record for this notice. If you want to schedule an 
appointment for this type of accommodation or auxiliary aid, please 
contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program is to plan and 
conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related 
activities, including international 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 (Rehabilitation Act).

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

    The purpose of the RRTCs, which are funded through the Disability 
and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is to achieve 
the goals of, and improve the effectiveness of, services authorized 
under the Rehabilitation Act through well-designed research, training, 
technical assistance, and dissemination activities in important topical 
areas as specified

[[Page 10104]]

by NIDILRR. These activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation 
service providers, individuals with disabilities, family members, 
policymakers and other research stakeholders. Additional information on 
the RRTC program can be found at: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/rrtc/index.html#types.
    Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764(b)(2).
    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
    Proposed Priority: This notice contains one proposed priority.

RRTC on Employment for Individuals With Blindness or Other Visual 
Impairments

    Background: Employment rates for individuals with blindness or 
other visual impairments are low compared to other persons with 
disabilities and the nondisabled population. Of 3.5 million working age 
adults who report vision loss, only 1.3 million or 37 percent are 
employed (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Key groups within the population 
of persons with blindness and visual impairments would benefit from 
research and development to promote better employment outcomes. These 
groups include:
    (a) Deaf blindness--Rough estimates suggest there are approximately 
45 to 50 thousand individuals with deaf-blindness in the United States 
(Gallaudet University, 2010). Among students who received services 
under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 36.1 
percent of students with multiple disabilities/deaf-blindness were 
employed after leaving high school as compared to 62.4 percent among 
students with visual impairments only (American Federation of the 
Blind, 2014). For the 2,020 persons with deaf-blindness who received 
services through the Federal/State Vocational Rehabilitation program 
from 2008 through 2013, 64.5 percent achieved employment outcomes 
(Rehabilitation Services Administration, 2014). Prevalence and 
employment data thus vary considerably and strategies for improving 
communication, social development, self-determination, and employment 
for this subpopulation have not kept pace with emerging technologies 
accessible to most citizens (Hartman, 2010). Development and testing of 
new technologies focused on improving the employment and quality of 
life outcomes of people with deaf-blindness is needed along with 
effective knowledge translation and dissemination.
    (b) Blindness or low vision related to traumatic brain injury 
(TBI)--In 2010, approximately 2.5 million people received a traumatic 
brain injury (Center for Disease Control (2010). TBI is also a 
signature cause of disability among veterans of the wars in Iraq and 
Afghanistan (U.S. Department of Defense, 2012). Closed head injuries 
often result in focal axonal swelling and disconnection, damage to 
optic nerves, impaired visual processing, and eye movement difficulties 
due to cranial nerve disruption. Research has estimated that among 
individuals with TBI in the United States, 42 percent were unemployed 
(Doctor, Castro, Temkin, Fraser, Machamer & Dikmen, 2005). For 
Vocational Rehabilitation consumers with TBI, 49.4 percent or 6,040 
achieved employment in 2013 (Rehabilitation Services Administration, 
2014). There are little data on the employment outcomes of individuals 
with TBI who experience low-vision and blindness, however. Research is 
needed to document the employment outcomes of individuals who 
experience low vision and blindness due to or in addition to TBI and to 
develop effective neuropsychological rehabilitation, psychotherapy, 
vocational rehabilitation, and other interventions for improving 
employment outcomes for these individuals.
    (c) Transition-age students--High school students with blindness or 
visual impairments demonstrate higher academic achievement and are more 
likely to continue with postsecondary education when compared to other 
students receiving special education services under the IDEA. However, 
these students are less likely to achieve employment outcomes despite 
demonstrated academic success (Wagner, Newman, Cameto, Levine & Garza 
2006; McDonnall, 2010). Qualitative research suggests that early 
intervention and planning, family involvement, interagency coordination 
and early work-based experiences may improve employment outcomes for 
transition-age students with blindness or visual impairments (Crudden, 
2012). Rigorous research evaluating the potential of these and other 
employment-focused strategies, including vocational rehabilitation, may 
thus yield results that inform effective policies and practice.
    References:

American Federation of the Blind (2014). NLTS2 Tables: Transition of 
Youth with Visual Impairments, Multiple Impairments, or Deaf-
Blindness. Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: http://www.afb.org/info/programs-and-services/public-policy-center/employment-and-rehabilitation/nlts2-tables/1235#table5.
Census Bureau (2012). American Community Survey, American 
FactFinder, Table B18120. Retrieved September 23, 2013, from: http://factfinder2.census.gov.
Center for Disease Control (2010). National Hospital Discharge 
Survey (NHDS). Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/data/index.html.
Crudden, A. (2012). Transition to Employment for Students with 
Visual Impairments: Components for Success. Journal of Visual 
Impairment & Blindness. January 9, 2015, from: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubjvib.asp?DocID=jvib060702.
Doctor J.N., Castro J., Temkin N.R., Fraser R.T., Machamer J.E., 
Dikmen S.S. (2005). Workers' risk of unemployment after traumatic 
brain injury: a normed comparison. Journal of International 
Neuropsychological Society 11(6):747-52.
Gallaudet University Library (2010). American Deaf-Blind Population. 
Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: http://libguides.gallaudet.edu/content.php?pid=119476&sid=1029203.
Hartman, E. (2011). National Consortium on Deafblindness: Universal 
Design for Learning. Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED531767.pdf.
McDonnall, M. (2010). Factors affecting employment outcomes for 
young adults with visual impairments. Rehabilitation Counseling 
Bulletin (54), 36-45.
Rehabilitation Services Administration (2014). RSA-911 Case Service 
Report. Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/rsa/pd-04-04.doc.
U.S. Department of Defense (2012). Traumatic Brain Injury Special 
Report. Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/0312_tbi/.
Wagner, M., Newman, L., Cameto, R., Levine, P., and Garza, N. 
(2006). An Overview of Findings From Wave 2 of the National 
Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2). Retrieved January 9, 2015, 
from: http://ies.ed.gov/ncser/pdf/20063004.pdf.

    Definitions: The research that is proposed under this priority must 
be focused on one or more stages of research. If the RRTC is to conduct 
research that can be categorized under more than one research stage, or 
research that progresses from one stage to another, those research 
stages must be clearly specified. For purposes of this priority, the 
stages of research are from the notice of final priorities and 
definitions published in the Federal Register on June 7, 2013 (78 FR 
34261).
    (a) Exploration and Discovery means the stage of research that 
generates hypotheses or theories by conducting new and refined analyses 
of data, producing observational findings, and creating other sources 
of research-based information. This research stage may

[[Page 10105]]

include identifying or describing the barriers to and facilitators of 
improved outcomes of individuals with disabilities, as well as 
identifying or describing existing practices, programs, or policies 
that are associated with important aspects of the lives of individuals 
with disabilities. Results achieved under this stage of research may 
inform the development of interventions or lead to evaluations of 
interventions or policies. The results of the exploration and discovery 
stage of research may also be used to inform decisions or priorities.
    (b) Intervention Development means the stage of research that 
focuses on generating and testing interventions that have the potential 
to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Intervention 
development involves determining the active components of possible 
interventions, developing measures that would be required to illustrate 
outcomes, specifying target populations, conducting field tests, and 
assessing the feasibility of conducting a well-designed interventions 
study. Results from this stage of research may be used to inform the 
design of a study to test the efficacy of an intervention.
    (c) Intervention Efficacy means the stage of research during which 
a project evaluates and tests whether an intervention is feasible, 
practical, and has the potential to yield positive outcomes for 
individuals with disabilities. Efficacy research may assess the 
strength of the relationships between an intervention and outcomes, and 
may identify factors or individual characteristics that affect the 
relationship between the intervention and outcomes. Efficacy research 
can inform decisions about whether there is sufficient evidence to 
support ``scaling-up'' an intervention to other sites and contexts. 
This stage of research can include assessing the training needed for 
wide-scale implementation of the intervention, and approaches to 
evaluation of the intervention in real world applications.
    (d) Scale-Up Evaluation means the stage of research during which a 
project analyzes whether an intervention is effective in producing 
improved outcomes for individuals with disabilities when implemented in 
a real-world setting. During this stage of research, a project tests 
the outcomes of an evidence-based intervention in different settings. 
It examines the challenges to successful replication of the 
intervention, and the circumstances and activities that contribute to 
successful adoption of the intervention in real-world settings. This 
stage of research may also include well-designed studies of an 
intervention that has been widely adopted in practice, but that lacks a 
sufficient evidence-base to demonstrate its effectiveness.
    Proposed Priority: The Administrator of the Administration for 
Community Living proposes a priority for an RRTC on Employment for 
Individuals with Blindness or other Visual Impairments. The purpose of 
the proposed RRTC is to conduct research that generates new knowledge 
about the efficacy of rehabilitative services and technology used to 
support improved employment outcomes of individuals with blindness or 
other visual impairments, including subpopulations that are the focus 
of this priority.
    The RRTC must contribute to improving the employment outcomes of 
individuals with blindness or other visual impairments by:
    (a) Conducting research on the efficacy of rehabilitation services 
and technology used to enhance employment outcomes of individuals with 
blindness or other visual impairments. Outcomes must include but are 
not limited to obtaining employment, retention, promotion, and quality 
of salary and benefits. The RRTC must focus its research on the target 
population of individuals with blindness or other visual impairments, 
including at least one of the following subpopulations of particular 
concern: (1) Individuals who are deaf-blind, (2) individuals with 
blindness or low vision related to traumatic brain injury, and (3) 
transition-age young people with blindness or other visual impairments;
    (b) Generating new knowledge about how the outcomes of the services 
and technologies investigated in paragraph (a) vary with relevant 
variables such as service type, consumer characteristics, and provider 
characteristics;
    (c) Focusing its research on one or more specific stages of 
research. If the RRTC is to conduct research that can be categorized 
under more than one of the research stages, or research that progresses 
from one stage to another, those stages should be clearly justified;
    (d) Serving as a national resource center related to employment for 
individuals with blindness or other visual impairments, their families, 
and other stakeholders by conducting knowledge translation, technical 
assistance, and training activities;
    (e) Disseminating research-based information and materials related 
to improving the quality of services to individuals with blindness or 
other visual impairments; and
    (f) Involving key stakeholder groups in the activities conducted 
under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this priority to promote the new 
knowledge generated by the RRTC.
    Final Priority: 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 
additional priorities, requirements, definitions, or selection 
criteria, subject to meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.

    Note:  This notice does not solicit applications. In any year in 
which we choose to use this priority, we invite applications through 
a notice in the Federal Register, Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 
or in a Funding Opportunity Announcement posted at www.grants.gov.

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

Regulatory Impact Analysis

    Under Executive Order 12866, the Secretary must determine whether 
this regulatory action is ``significant'' and, therefore, subject to 
the requirements of the Executive Order and subject to review by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive Order 
12866 defines a ``significant regulatory action'' as an action likely 
to result in a rule that may--
    (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, 
or adversely affect a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, 
jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or 
tribal governments or communities in a material way (also referred to 
as an ``economically significant'' rule);
    (2) Create serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    (3) Materially alter the budgetary impacts of entitlement grants, 
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or
    (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles stated in the 
Executive Order.
    This proposed regulatory action is not a significant regulatory 
action subject to review by OMB under section 3(f) of Executive Order 
12866.
    We have also reviewed this regulatory action under Executive Order 
13563, which supplements and explicitly reaffirms the principles, 
structures, and definitions governing regulatory review established in 
Executive Order 12866. To the extent permitted by law, Executive Order 
13563 requires that an agency--
    (1) Propose or adopt regulations only upon a reasoned determination 
that

[[Page 10106]]

their benefits justify their costs (recognizing that some benefits and 
costs are difficult to quantify);
    (2) Tailor its regulations to impose the least burden on society, 
consistent with obtaining regulatory objectives and taking into 
account--among other things and to the extent practicable--the costs of 
cumulative regulations;
    (3) In choosing among alternative regulatory approaches, select 
those approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential 
economic, environmental, public health and safety, and other 
advantages; distributive impacts; and equity);
    (4) To the extent feasible, specify performance objectives, rather 
than the behavior or manner of compliance a regulated entity must 
adopt; and
    (5) Identify and assess available alternatives to direct 
regulation, including economic incentives--such as user fees or 
marketable permits--to encourage the desired behavior, or provide 
information that enables the public to make choices.
    Executive Order 13563 also requires an agency ``to use the best 
available techniques to quantify anticipated present and future 
benefits and costs as accurately as possible.'' The Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB has emphasized that these 
techniques may include ``identifying changing future compliance costs 
that might result from technological innovation or anticipated 
behavioral changes.''
    We are issuing this proposed priority only upon a reasoned 
determination that its benefits would justify its costs. In choosing 
among alternative regulatory approaches, we selected those approaches 
that would maximize net benefits. Based on the analysis that follows, 
the Department believes that this proposed priority is consistent with 
the principles in Executive Order 13563.
    We also have determined that this regulatory action would not 
unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the 
exercise of their governmental functions.
    In accordance with both Executive Orders, the Department has 
assessed the potential costs and benefits, both quantitative and 
qualitative, of this regulatory action. The potential costs are those 
resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined as 
necessary for administering the Department's programs and activities.
    The benefits of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects 
and Centers Program have been well established over the years. Projects 
similar to one envisioned by the proposed priority have been completed 
successfully, and the proposed priority would generate new knowledge 
through research. The new RRTC would generate, disseminate, and promote 
the use of new information that would improve employment outcomes for 
individuals with blindness or other visual impairments.
    Intergovernmental Review: This program is not subject to Executive 
Order 12372.
    Electronic Access to This Document: 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 via the Federal Digital System 
at: www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well 
as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF 
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the 
site.
    You may also access documents of the Department published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at: 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

    Dated: February 19, 2015.
Kathy Greenlee,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-03885 Filed 2-24-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4154-01-P



                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices                                          10103

                                                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                                commenters should be careful to                          We invite you to assist us in
                                                    HUMAN SERVICES                                          include in their comments only                        complying with the specific
                                                                                                            information that they wish to make                    requirements of Executive Orders 12866
                                                    Administration for Community Living                     publicly available.                                   and 13563 and their overall requirement
                                                    [CFDA Number: 84.133B–5]                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      of reducing regulatory burden that
                                                                                                            Patricia Barrett. Telephone: (202) 245–               might result from this proposed priority.
                                                    Proposed Priority—National Institute                    6211 or by email: patricia.barrett@                   Please let us know of any further ways
                                                    on Disability, Independent Living, and                  ed.gov.                                               we could reduce potential costs or
                                                    Rehabilitation Research—                                   If you use a telecommunications                    increase potential benefits while
                                                    Rehabilitation Research and Training                    device for the deaf (TDD) or a text                   preserving the effective and efficient
                                                    Centers                                                 telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay               administration of the program.
                                                                                                            Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–                  During and after the comment period,
                                                    AGENCY:  Administration for Community                   8339.                                                 you may inspect all public comments by
                                                    Living, HHS.                                                                                                  following the instructions found under
                                                                                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
                                                    ACTION: Notice of proposed priority.                                                                          the ‘‘Are you new to the site?’’ portion
                                                                                                            notice of proposed priority is in concert             of the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
                                                    SUMMARY:   The Administrator of the                     with NIDRR’s currently approved Long-                 wwww.regulations.gov. Any comments
                                                    Administration for Community Living                     Range Plan (Plan). The Plan, which was                sent to NIDILRR via postal mail or
                                                    proposes a priority for the                             published in the Federal Register on                  commercial deliver can be viewed in
                                                    Rehabilitation Research and Training                    April 4, 2013 (78 FR 20299), can be                   room 5142, 550 12th Street SW., PCP,
                                                    Center (RRTC) Program administered by                   accessed on the Internet at the following             Washington, DC, between the hours of
                                                    the National Institute on Disability,                   site: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/                  8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Washington,
                                                    Independent Living, and Rehabilitation                  osers/nidrr/policy.html.                              DC time, Monday through Friday of
                                                    Research (NIDILRR). Specifically, this                     The Plan identifies a need for research            each week except Federal holidays.
                                                    notice proposes a priority for an RRTC                  and training regarding employment of                     Assistance to Individuals With
                                                    on Employment for Individuals with                      individuals with disabilities. To address             Disabilities in Reviewing the
                                                    Blindness or other Visual Impairments.                  this need, NIDILRR seeks to: (1) Improve              Rulemaking Record: On request we will
                                                    We take this action to focus research                   the quality and utility of disability and             provide an appropriate accommodation
                                                    attention on an area of national need.                  rehabilitation research; (2) foster an                or auxiliary aid to an individual with a
                                                    We intend this priority to contribute to                exchange of research findings, expertise,             disability who needs assistance to
                                                    improved employment for individuals                     and other information to advance                      review the comments or other
                                                    with blindness or other visual                          knowledge and understanding of the                    documents in the public rulemaking
                                                    impairments.                                            needs of individuals with disabilities                record for this notice. If you want to
                                                                                                            and their family members, including                   schedule an appointment for this type of
                                                    DATES:  We must receive your comments                   those from among traditionally                        accommodation or auxiliary aid, please
                                                    on or before March 27, 2015.                            underserved populations; (3) determine                contact the person listed under FOR
                                                    ADDRESSES: Submit your comments                         effective practices, programs, and                    FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
                                                    through the Federal eRulemaking Portal                  policies to improve community living                     Purpose of Program: The purpose of
                                                    or via postal mail or commercial                        and participation, employment, and                    the Disability and Rehabilitation
                                                    delivery. We will not accept comments                   health and function outcomes for                      Research Projects and Centers Program
                                                    submitted by fax or by email or those                   individuals with disabilities of all ages;            is to plan and conduct research,
                                                    submitted after the comment period. To                  (4) identify research gaps and areas for              demonstration projects, training, and
                                                    ensure that we do not receive duplicate                 promising research investments; (5)                   related activities, including
                                                    copies, please submit your comments                     identify and promote effective                        international activities, to develop
                                                    only once. In addition, please include                  mechanisms for integrating research and               methods, procedures, and rehabilitation
                                                    the Docket ID at the top of your                        practice; and (6) disseminate research                technology that maximize the full
                                                    comments.                                               findings to all major stakeholder groups,             inclusion and integration into society,
                                                       • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                  including individuals with disabilities               employment, independent living, family
                                                    www.regulations.gov to submit your                      and their family members in formats                   support, and economic and social self-
                                                    comments electronically. Information                    that are appropriate and meaningful to                sufficiency of individuals with
                                                    on using Regulations.gov, including                     them.                                                 disabilities, especially individuals with
                                                    instructions for accessing agency                          This notice proposes one priority that             the most severe disabilities, and to
                                                    documents, submitting comments, and                     NIDILRR intends to use for one or more                improve the effectiveness of services
                                                    viewing the docket, is available on the                 competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2015                 authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
                                                    site under ‘‘Are you new to the site?’’                 and possibly later years. NIDILRR is                  of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation
                                                       • Postal Mail or Commercial Delivery:                under no obligation to make an award                  Act).
                                                    If you mail or deliver your comments                    under this priority. The decision to
                                                    about these proposed regulations,                       make an award will be based on the                    Rehabilitation Research and Training
                                                    address them to Patricia Barrett, U.S.                  quality of applications received and                  Centers
                                                    Department of Health and Human                          available funding. NIDILRR may publish                  The purpose of the RRTCs, which are
                                                    Services, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,                      additional priorities, as needed.                     funded through the Disability and
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                                                    Room 5142, Potomac Center Plaza                            Invitation to Comment: We invite you               Rehabilitation Research Projects and
                                                    (PCP), Washington, DC 20202–2700.                       to submit comments regarding this                     Centers Program, is to achieve the goals
                                                       Privacy Note: The Department’s                       proposed priority. To ensure that your                of, and improve the effectiveness of,
                                                    policy is to make all comments received                 comments have maximum effect in                       services authorized under the
                                                    from members of the public available for                developing the final priority, we urge                Rehabilitation Act through well-
                                                    public viewing in their entirety on the                 you to identify clearly the specific topic            designed research, training, technical
                                                    Federal eRulemaking Portal at                           within the priority that each comment                 assistance, and dissemination activities
                                                    www.regulations.gov. Therefore,                         addresses.                                            in important topical areas as specified


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                                                    10104                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices

                                                    by NIDILRR. These activities are                        approximately 2.5 million people                      Census Bureau (2012). American Community
                                                    designed to benefit rehabilitation                      received a traumatic brain injury (Center                 Survey, American FactFinder, Table
                                                    service providers, individuals with                     for Disease Control (2010). TBI is also a                 B18120. Retrieved September 23, 2013,
                                                                                                                                                                      from: http://factfinder2.census.gov.
                                                    disabilities, family members,                           signature cause of disability among                   Center for Disease Control (2010). National
                                                    policymakers and other research                         veterans of the wars in Iraq and                          Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS).
                                                    stakeholders. Additional information on                 Afghanistan (U.S. Department of                           Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: http://
                                                    the RRTC program can be found at:                       Defense, 2012). Closed head injuries                      www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/data/
                                                    http://www2.ed.gov/programs/rrtc/                       often result in focal axonal swelling and                 index.html.
                                                    index.html#types.                                       disconnection, damage to optic nerves,                Crudden, A. (2012). Transition to
                                                      Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g)                   impaired visual processing, and eye                       Employment for Students with Visual
                                                    and 764(b)(2).                                                                                                    Impairments: Components for Success.
                                                                                                            movement difficulties due to cranial
                                                      Applicable Program Regulations: 34                                                                              Journal of Visual Impairment &
                                                                                                            nerve disruption. Research has                            Blindness. January 9, 2015, from: http://
                                                    CFR part 350.                                           estimated that among individuals with                     www.afb.org/afbpress/
                                                      Proposed Priority: This notice                        TBI in the United States, 42 percent                      pubjvib.asp?DocID=jvib060702.
                                                    contains one proposed priority.                         were unemployed (Doctor, Castro,                      Doctor J.N., Castro J., Temkin N.R., Fraser
                                                    RRTC on Employment for Individuals                      Temkin, Fraser, Machamer & Dikmen,                        R.T., Machamer J.E., Dikmen S.S. (2005).
                                                    With Blindness or Other Visual                          2005). For Vocational Rehabilitation                      Workers’ risk of unemployment after
                                                                                                            consumers with TBI, 49.4 percent or                       traumatic brain injury: a normed
                                                    Impairments
                                                                                                                                                                      comparison. Journal of International
                                                       Background: Employment rates for                     6,040 achieved employment in 2013
                                                                                                                                                                      Neuropsychological Society 11(6):747–
                                                    individuals with blindness or other                     (Rehabilitation Services Administration,                  52.
                                                    visual impairments are low compared to                  2014). There are little data on the                   Gallaudet University Library (2010).
                                                    other persons with disabilities and the                 employment outcomes of individuals                        American Deaf-Blind Population.
                                                    nondisabled population. Of 3.5 million                  with TBI who experience low-vision                        Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: http://
                                                    working age adults who report vision                    and blindness, however. Research is                       libguides.gallaudet.edu/
                                                                                                            needed to document the employment                         content.php?pid=119476&sid=1029203.
                                                    loss, only 1.3 million or 37 percent are                                                                      Hartman, E. (2011). National Consortium on
                                                    employed (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012).                    outcomes of individuals who experience
                                                                                                                                                                      Deafblindness: Universal Design for
                                                    Key groups within the population of                     low vision and blindness due to or in
                                                                                                                                                                      Learning. Retrieved January 9, 2015,
                                                    persons with blindness and visual                       addition to TBI and to develop effective                  from: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/
                                                    impairments would benefit from                          neuropsychological rehabilitation,                        ED531767.pdf.
                                                    research and development to promote                     psychotherapy, vocational                             McDonnall, M. (2010). Factors affecting
                                                    better employment outcomes. These                       rehabilitation, and other interventions                   employment outcomes for young adults
                                                    groups include:                                         for improving employment outcomes for                     with visual impairments. Rehabilitation
                                                                                                            these individuals.                                        Counseling Bulletin (54), 36–45.
                                                       (a) Deaf blindness—Rough estimates                                                                         Rehabilitation Services Administration
                                                    suggest there are approximately 45 to 50                   (c) Transition-age students—High
                                                                                                            school students with blindness or visual                  (2014). RSA–911 Case Service Report.
                                                    thousand individuals with deaf-                                                                                   Retrieved January 9, 2015, from:
                                                    blindness in the United States                          impairments demonstrate higher
                                                                                                                                                                      www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/rsa/pd-
                                                    (Gallaudet University, 2010). Among                     academic achievement and are more                         04–04.doc.
                                                    students who received services under                    likely to continue with postsecondary                 U.S. Department of Defense (2012).
                                                    the Individuals with Disabilities                       education when compared to other                          Traumatic Brain Injury Special Report.
                                                    Education Act (IDEA), 36.1 percent of                   students receiving special education                      Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: http://
                                                                                                            services under the IDEA. However,                         www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/
                                                    students with multiple disabilities/deaf-                                                                         0312_tbi/.
                                                    blindness were employed after leaving                   these students are less likely to achieve
                                                                                                            employment outcomes despite                           Wagner, M., Newman, L., Cameto, R., Levine,
                                                    high school as compared to 62.4 percent                                                                           P., and Garza, N. (2006). An Overview of
                                                    among students with visual                              demonstrated academic success
                                                                                                                                                                      Findings From Wave 2 of the National
                                                    impairments only (American Federation                   (Wagner, Newman, Cameto, Levine &                         Longitudinal Transition Study-2
                                                    of the Blind, 2014). For the 2,020                      Garza 2006; McDonnall, 2010).                             (NLTS2). Retrieved January 9, 2015,
                                                    persons with deaf-blindness who                         Qualitative research suggests that early                  from: http://ies.ed.gov/ncser/pdf/
                                                    received services through the Federal/                  intervention and planning, family                         20063004.pdf.
                                                    State Vocational Rehabilitation program                 involvement, interagency coordination                   Definitions: The research that is
                                                    from 2008 through 2013, 64.5 percent                    and early work-based experiences may                  proposed under this priority must be
                                                    achieved employment outcomes                            improve employment outcomes for                       focused on one or more stages of
                                                    (Rehabilitation Services Administration,                transition-age students with blindness                research. If the RRTC is to conduct
                                                    2014). Prevalence and employment data                   or visual impairments (Crudden, 2012).                research that can be categorized under
                                                    thus vary considerably and strategies for               Rigorous research evaluating the                      more than one research stage, or
                                                    improving communication, social                         potential of these and other                          research that progresses from one stage
                                                    development, self-determination, and                    employment-focused strategies,                        to another, those research stages must be
                                                    employment for this subpopulation                       including vocational rehabilitation, may              clearly specified. For purposes of this
                                                    have not kept pace with emerging                        thus yield results that inform effective              priority, the stages of research are from
                                                    technologies accessible to most citizens                policies and practice.                                the notice of final priorities and
                                                    (Hartman, 2010). Development and                           References:
                                                                                                                                                                  definitions published in the Federal
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                                                    testing of new technologies focused on                  American Federation of the Blind (2014).              Register on June 7, 2013 (78 FR 34261).
                                                    improving the employment and quality                       NLTS2 Tables: Transition of Youth with               (a) Exploration and Discovery means
                                                    of life outcomes of people with deaf-                      Visual Impairments, Multiple                       the stage of research that generates
                                                                                                               Impairments, or Deaf-Blindness.
                                                    blindness is needed along with effective                   Retrieved January 9, 2015, from: http://
                                                                                                                                                                  hypotheses or theories by conducting
                                                    knowledge translation and                                  www.afb.org/info/programs-and-                     new and refined analyses of data,
                                                    dissemination.                                             services/public-policy-center/                     producing observational findings, and
                                                       (b) Blindness or low vision related to                  employment-and-rehabilitation/nlts2-               creating other sources of research-based
                                                    traumatic brain injury (TBI)—In 2010,                      tables/1235#table5.                                information. This research stage may


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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices                                             10105

                                                    include identifying or describing the                   studies of an intervention that has been              promote the new knowledge generated
                                                    barriers to and facilitators of improved                widely adopted in practice, but that                  by the RRTC.
                                                    outcomes of individuals with                            lacks a sufficient evidence-base to                      Final Priority: We will announce the
                                                    disabilities, as well as identifying or                 demonstrate its effectiveness.                        final priority in a notice in the Federal
                                                    describing existing practices, programs,                   Proposed Priority: The Administrator               Register. We will determine the final
                                                    or policies that are associated with                    of the Administration for Community                   priority after considering responses to
                                                    important aspects of the lives of                       Living proposes a priority for an RRTC                this notice and other information
                                                    individuals with disabilities. Results                  on Employment for Individuals with                    available to the Department. This notice
                                                    achieved under this stage of research                   Blindness or other Visual Impairments.                does not preclude us from proposing
                                                    may inform the development of                           The purpose of the proposed RRTC is to                additional priorities, requirements,
                                                    interventions or lead to evaluations of                 conduct research that generates new                   definitions, or selection criteria, subject
                                                    interventions or policies. The results of               knowledge about the efficacy of                       to meeting applicable rulemaking
                                                    the exploration and discovery stage of                  rehabilitative services and technology                requirements.
                                                    research may also be used to inform                     used to support improved employment
                                                                                                                                                                     Note: This notice does not solicit
                                                    decisions or priorities.                                outcomes of individuals with blindness                applications. In any year in which we choose
                                                       (b) Intervention Development means                   or other visual impairments, including                to use this priority, we invite applications
                                                    the stage of research that focuses on                   subpopulations that are the focus of this             through a notice in the Federal Register,
                                                    generating and testing interventions that               priority.                                             Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 or in a
                                                    have the potential to improve outcomes                     The RRTC must contribute to                        Funding Opportunity Announcement posted
                                                    for individuals with disabilities.                      improving the employment outcomes of                  at www.grants.gov.
                                                    Intervention development involves                       individuals with blindness or other
                                                    determining the active components of                    visual impairments by:                                Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
                                                    possible interventions, developing                         (a) Conducting research on the
                                                                                                                                                                  Regulatory Impact Analysis
                                                    measures that would be required to                      efficacy of rehabilitation services and
                                                    illustrate outcomes, specifying target                  technology used to enhance                               Under Executive Order 12866, the
                                                    populations, conducting field tests, and                employment outcomes of individuals                    Secretary must determine whether this
                                                    assessing the feasibility of conducting a               with blindness or other visual                        regulatory action is ‘‘significant’’ and,
                                                    well-designed interventions study.                      impairments. Outcomes must include                    therefore, subject to the requirements of
                                                    Results from this stage of research may                 but are not limited to obtaining                      the Executive Order and subject to
                                                    be used to inform the design of a study                 employment, retention, promotion, and                 review by the Office of Management and
                                                    to test the efficacy of an intervention.                quality of salary and benefits. The RRTC              Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive
                                                       (c) Intervention Efficacy means the                  must focus its research on the target                 Order 12866 defines a ‘‘significant
                                                    stage of research during which a project                population of individuals with                        regulatory action’’ as an action likely to
                                                    evaluates and tests whether an                          blindness or other visual impairments,                result in a rule that may—
                                                    intervention is feasible, practical, and                including at least one of the following                  (1) Have an annual effect on the
                                                    has the potential to yield positive                     subpopulations of particular concern:                 economy of $100 million or more, or
                                                    outcomes for individuals with                           (1) Individuals who are deaf-blind, (2)               adversely affect a sector of the economy,
                                                    disabilities. Efficacy research may assess              individuals with blindness or low                     productivity, competition, jobs, the
                                                    the strength of the relationships                       vision related to traumatic brain injury,             environment, public health or safety, or
                                                    between an intervention and outcomes,                   and (3) transition-age young people with              State, local, or tribal governments or
                                                    and may identify factors or individual                  blindness or other visual impairments;                communities in a material way (also
                                                    characteristics that affect the                            (b) Generating new knowledge about                 referred to as an ‘‘economically
                                                    relationship between the intervention                   how the outcomes of the services and                  significant’’ rule);
                                                    and outcomes. Efficacy research can                     technologies investigated in paragraph                   (2) Create serious inconsistency or
                                                    inform decisions about whether there is                 (a) vary with relevant variables such as              otherwise interfere with an action taken
                                                    sufficient evidence to support ‘‘scaling-               service type, consumer characteristics,               or planned by another agency;
                                                    up’’ an intervention to other sites and                 and provider characteristics;                            (3) Materially alter the budgetary
                                                    contexts. This stage of research can                       (c) Focusing its research on one or                impacts of entitlement grants, user fees,
                                                    include assessing the training needed                   more specific stages of research. If the              or loan programs or the rights and
                                                    for wide-scale implementation of the                    RRTC is to conduct research that can be               obligations of recipients thereof; or
                                                    intervention, and approaches to                         categorized under more than one of the                   (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues
                                                    evaluation of the intervention in real                  research stages, or research that                     arising out of legal mandates, the
                                                    world applications.                                     progresses from one stage to another,                 President’s priorities, or the principles
                                                       (d) Scale-Up Evaluation means the                    those stages should be clearly justified;             stated in the Executive Order.
                                                    stage of research during which a project                   (d) Serving as a national resource                    This proposed regulatory action is not
                                                    analyzes whether an intervention is                     center related to employment for                      a significant regulatory action subject to
                                                    effective in producing improved                         individuals with blindness or other                   review by OMB under section 3(f) of
                                                    outcomes for individuals with                           visual impairments, their families, and               Executive Order 12866.
                                                    disabilities when implemented in a real-                other stakeholders by conducting                         We have also reviewed this regulatory
                                                    world setting. During this stage of                     knowledge translation, technical                      action under Executive Order 13563,
                                                    research, a project tests the outcomes of                                                                     which supplements and explicitly
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                                                                                                            assistance, and training activities;
                                                    an evidence-based intervention in                          (e) Disseminating research-based                   reaffirms the principles, structures, and
                                                    different settings. It examines the                     information and materials related to                  definitions governing regulatory review
                                                    challenges to successful replication of                 improving the quality of services to                  established in Executive Order 12866.
                                                    the intervention, and the circumstances                 individuals with blindness or other                   To the extent permitted by law,
                                                    and activities that contribute to                       visual impairments; and                               Executive Order 13563 requires that an
                                                    successful adoption of the intervention                    (f) Involving key stakeholder groups               agency—
                                                    in real-world settings. This stage of                   in the activities conducted under                        (1) Propose or adopt regulations only
                                                    research may also include well-designed                 paragraphs (a) and (b) of this priority to            upon a reasoned determination that


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                                                    10106                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices

                                                    their benefits justify their costs                      proposed priority have been completed                 Recovery, Health, and Wellness for
                                                    (recognizing that some benefits and                     successfully, and the proposed priority               Individuals with Serious Mental Illness.
                                                    costs are difficult to quantify);                       would generate new knowledge through                  We take this action to focus research
                                                       (2) Tailor its regulations to impose the             research. The new RRTC would                          attention on an area of national need.
                                                    least burden on society, consistent with                generate, disseminate, and promote the                We intend this priority to contribute to
                                                    obtaining regulatory objectives and                     use of new information that would                     improved employment for individuals
                                                    taking into account—among other things                  improve employment outcomes for                       with serious mental illness (SMI) and
                                                    and to the extent practicable—the costs                 individuals with blindness or other                   co-occurring conditions.
                                                    of cumulative regulations;                              visual impairments.                                   DATES: We must receive your comments
                                                       (3) In choosing among alternative                       Intergovernmental Review: This                     on or before March 27, 2015.
                                                    regulatory approaches, select those                     program is not subject to Executive                   ADDRESSES: Submit your comments
                                                    approaches that maximize net benefits                   Order 12372.                                          through the Federal eRulemaking Portal
                                                    (including potential economic,                             Electronic Access to This Document:                or via postal mail, commercial delivery,
                                                    environmental, public health and safety,                The official version of this document is              or hand delivery. We will not accept
                                                    and other advantages; distributive                      the document published in the Federal                 comments submitted by fax or by email
                                                    impacts; and equity);                                   Register. Free Internet access to the
                                                       (4) To the extent feasible, specify                                                                        or those submitted after the comment
                                                                                                            official edition of the Federal Register              period. To ensure that we do not receive
                                                    performance objectives, rather than the                 and the Code of Federal Regulations is
                                                    behavior or manner of compliance a                                                                            duplicate copies, please submit your
                                                                                                            available via the Federal Digital System              comments only once. In addition, please
                                                    regulated entity must adopt; and                        at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you
                                                       (5) Identify and assess available                                                                          include the Docket ID at the top of your
                                                                                                            can view this document, as well as all                comments.
                                                    alternatives to direct regulation,
                                                    including economic incentives—such as
                                                                                                            other documents of this Department                       • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                                                                                            published in the Federal Register, in                 www.regulations.gov to submit your
                                                    user fees or marketable permits—to                      text or Adobe Portable Document
                                                    encourage the desired behavior, or                                                                            comments electronically. Information
                                                                                                            Format (PDF). To use PDF you must                     on using Regulations.gov, including
                                                    provide information that enables the                    have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
                                                    public to make choices.                                                                                       instructions for accessing agency
                                                                                                            available free at the site.                           documents, submitting comments, and
                                                       Executive Order 13563 also requires
                                                                                                               You may also access documents of the               viewing the docket, is available on the
                                                    an agency ‘‘to use the best available
                                                                                                            Department published in the Federal                   site under ‘‘Are you new to the site?’’
                                                    techniques to quantify anticipated
                                                    present and future benefits and costs as
                                                                                                            Register by using the article search                     • Postal Mail, Commercial Delivery,
                                                                                                            feature at: www.federalregister.gov.                  or Hand Delivery: If you mail or deliver
                                                    accurately as possible.’’ The Office of
                                                                                                            Specifically, through the advanced                    your comments about these proposed
                                                    Information and Regulatory Affairs of
                                                                                                            search feature at this site, you can limit            regulations, address them to Patricia
                                                    OMB has emphasized that these
                                                                                                            your search to documents published by                 Barrett, U.S. Department of Health and
                                                    techniques may include ‘‘identifying
                                                                                                            the Department.                                       Human Services, 400 Maryland Avenue
                                                    changing future compliance costs that
                                                    might result from technological                           Dated: February 19, 2015.                           SW., Room 5142, Potomac Center Plaza
                                                    innovation or anticipated behavioral                    Kathy Greenlee,                                       (PCP), Washington, DC 20202–2700.
                                                    changes.’’                                              Administrator.                                          Privacy Note: The Department’s policy is
                                                       We are issuing this proposed priority                [FR Doc. 2015–03885 Filed 2–24–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                                  to make all comments received from
                                                    only upon a reasoned determination                                                                            members of the public available for public
                                                                                                            BILLING CODE 4154–01–P                                viewing in their entirety on the Federal
                                                    that its benefits would justify its costs.                                                                    eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov.
                                                    In choosing among alternative                                                                                 Therefore, commenters should be careful to
                                                    regulatory approaches, we selected                      DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                              include in their comments only information
                                                    those approaches that would maximize                    HUMAN SERVICES                                        that they wish to make publicly available.
                                                    net benefits. Based on the analysis that
                                                                                                            Administration for Community Living                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                    follows, the Department believes that
                                                    this proposed priority is consistent with                                                                     Patricia Barrett. Telephone: (202) 245–
                                                                                                            [CFDA Number: 84.133B–4]                              6211 or by email:
                                                    the principles in Executive Order 13563.
                                                       We also have determined that this                                                                          patricia.barrett@ed.gov.
                                                                                                            Proposed Priority—National Institute                     If you use a telecommunications
                                                    regulatory action would not unduly                      on Disability, Independent Living, and
                                                    interfere with State, local, and tribal                                                                       device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
                                                                                                            Rehabilitation Research—                              telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
                                                    governments in the exercise of their                    Rehabilitation Research and Training
                                                    governmental functions.                                                                                       Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
                                                                                                            Centers                                               8339.
                                                       In accordance with both Executive
                                                    Orders, the Department has assessed the                 AGENCY: Administration for Community                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
                                                    potential costs and benefits, both                      Living.                                               notice of proposed priority is in concert
                                                    quantitative and qualitative, of this                   ACTION: Notice of proposed priority.                  with NIDRR’s currently approved Long-
                                                    regulatory action. The potential costs                                                                        Range Plan (Plan). The Plan, which was
                                                    are those resulting from statutory                      SUMMARY:  The Administrator of the                    published in the Federal Register on
                                                    requirements and those we have                          Administration for Community Living                   April 4, 2013 (78 FR 20299), can be
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    determined as necessary for                             proposes a priority for the                           accessed on the Internet at the following
                                                    administering the Department’s                          Rehabilitation Research and Training                  site: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/
                                                    programs and activities.                                Center (RRTC) Program administered by                 osers/nidrr/policy.html.
                                                       The benefits of the Disability and                   the National Institute on Disability,                    The Plan identifies a need for research
                                                    Rehabilitation Research Projects and                    Independent Living, and Rehabilitation                and training regarding employment of
                                                    Centers Program have been well                          Research (NIDILRR). Specifically, this                individuals with disabilities. To address
                                                    established over the years. Projects                    notice proposes a priority for an RRTC                this need, NIDILRR seeks to: (1) Improve
                                                    similar to one envisioned by the                        on Self-Directed Care to Promote                      the quality and utility of disability and


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Document Created: 2015-12-18 13:09:14
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 13:09:14
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of proposed priority.
DatesWe must receive your comments on or before March 27, 2015.
ContactPatricia Barrett. Telephone: (202) 245-6211 or by email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 10103 

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