80_FR_10151 80 FR 10114 - Proposed Priority-National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects Program

80 FR 10114 - Proposed Priority-National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects Program

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Community Living

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

Page Range10114-10117
FR Document2015-03888

The Administrator of the Administration for Community Living proposes a priority for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) Program administered by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). Specifically, this notice proposes a priority for Promoting Universal Design in the Built Environment. We take this action to focus research attention on an area of national need. We intend this priority to contribute to improved access to the built environment by individuals with disabilities.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10114-10117]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03888]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Community Living

[CFDA Number: 84.133A-7]


Proposed Priority--National Institute on Disability, Independent 
Living, and Rehabilitation Research--Disability and Rehabilitation 
Research Projects Program

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 Disability and Rehabilitation Research 
Projects (DRRPs) Program administered by the National Institute on 
Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). 
Specifically, this notice proposes a priority for Promoting

[[Page 10115]]

Universal Design in the Built Environment. We take this action to focus 
research attention on an area of national need. We intend this priority 
to contribute to improved access to the built environment by 
individuals with disabilities.

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: patricia.barrett@ed.gov.
    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, community living and participation, and health and function 
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 
www.regulations.gov. Any comments sent to NIDILRR via postal mail or 
commercial delivery 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).

Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects

    The purpose of NIDILRR's DRRPs, which are funded through the 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is 
to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the 
Rehabilitation Act by developing methods, procedures, and 
rehabilitation technologies that advance a wide range of independent 
living and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, 
especially individuals with the most significant disabilities. DRRPs 
carry out one or more of the following types of activities, as 
specified and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through 350.19: research, 
training, demonstration, development, utilization, dissemination, and 
technical assistance.
    An applicant for assistance under this program must demonstrate in 
its application how it will address, in whole or in part, the needs of 
individuals with disabilities from minority backgrounds (34 CFR 
350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant may take to meet this 
requirement are found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). Additional information on 
the DRRP program can be found at: www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.

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


[[Page 10116]]


    Applicable Program Regulations: 34 CFR part 350.
    Proposed Priority: This notice contains one proposed priority.

Promoting Universal Design (UD) in the Built Environment

    Background: Universal Design is generally defined as the ``design 
of products and environments that are usable by all people, to the 
greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or 
specialized design'' (Mace, 1985; Ostroff, 2011). UD proponents seek to 
improve human performance, health and wellness, and social 
participation for the entire population including individuals with 
disabilities (Steinfeld & Maisel, 2012).
    NIDILRR grantees have substantially contributed to the development, 
refinement, and application of UD principles. In particular, the 
NIDILRR-funded Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State 
University (in collaboration with other researchers and practitioners) 
developed the seven ``Principles of Universal Design'' (The Principles 
of Universal Design, 1997). These principles (equitable use, 
flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, 
tolerance for error, low physical effort, and appropriate size and 
space for approach and use regardless of users' body size, posture, and 
mobility) have increasingly guided designers, builders, developers, and 
other stakeholders in the provision of accessible housing and built 
environments. Examples of UD found in the built environment include: 
curb cuts, building ramps, automatic door openers, fully accessible 
restrooms, moving walkways, and wayfinding systems that facilitate user 
access and orientation.
    All NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers 
(RERCs) must incorporate UD principles in their research and 
development activities. Funded for the past 15 years, the RERC on 
Universal Design and the Built Environment is specifically charged with 
advancing the implementation of UD principles in the built environment. 
Center outcomes include a tool set for UD research and practice, 
prototypes for built environments, and UD standards. NIDILRR funding 
has contributed to the development of 35 state and local visitability 
ordinances and initiatives across the U.S, which require or encourage 
affordable and sustainable integration of basic accessibility features 
into all newly-built homes. NIDILRR funding also supported the 
inclusion of UD principles in a building manual which the New York City 
Department of Design and Construction adopted as the official reference 
for all architects working in the city (Center for Inclusive Design and 
Universal Access, 2003).
    Despite these notable outcomes, application of UD principles to the 
built environment has not become a mainstream practice (Ostroff, 2011; 
Dong 2011). Practical demonstrations of UD applications for buildings, 
homes, and outdoor environments, as well as a strengthened evidence-
base for UD standards and strategies are yet needed. These needs will 
only increase as the baby boom generation ages while seeking to live 
and thrive in their own homes and communities (Federal Interagency 
Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 2012). Making research-based 
knowledge about UD accessible to designers, developers, architects, and 
builders will help to advance UD implementation and realize the goals 
of improving human performance, health and wellness, and social 
participation for the entire population, including individuals with 
disabilities. Accordingly, NIDILRR aims to sponsor a DRRP on Promoting 
UD in the Built Environment to conduct research, knowledge translation, 
technical assistance, and training activities aimed at continued 
implementation of UD principles in the built environment.

References

Center for Inclusive Design and Universal Access, 2003. Universal 
Design New York 2: The NYC Guidebook to Accessibility and Universal 
Design. Buffalo New York: Idea Publications.
Dong, H (2011). Global Perspectives and Reflections. In Trends in 
Universal Design. Tonsberg, Norway: The Delta Centre.
Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, (2012). Older 
Americans 2012: Key Indicators of Well-Being. (Washington, DC: U.S. 
Government Printing Office).
Mace, R. (1985). Universal design, barrier free environments for 
everyone. Los Angeles: Designers West.
Ostroff, E. (2011). Universal design: An evolving paradigm. In 
Preiser, W. & Smith K. (Eds.). Universal Design Handbook. New York, 
McGraw Hill.
The Principles of Universal Design (1997). Version 2.0--4/1/97. 
Compiled by advocates of universal design, listed in alphabetical 
order: Bettye Rose Connell, Mike Jones, Ron Mace, Jim Mueller, Abir 
Mullick, Elaine Ostroff, Jon Sanford, Ed Steinfeld, Molly Story, and 
Gregg Vanderheiden. NC State University, The Center for Universal 
Design.
Steinfeld, E. & Maisel, J.L. (2012). Universal Design: Creating 
Inclusive Environments. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons, Inc.

    Proposed Priority: The Administrator of the Administration for 
Community Living proposes a priority for a Disability and 
Rehabilitation Research Project on Promoting Universal Design in the 
Built Environment. The intended outcome of the DRRP on Universal Design 
is further adoption of universal design principles into mainstream 
architecture and the development and construction of built 
environments. The DRRP must contribute to this outcome by:
    (a) Conducting research activities toward developing evidence-based 
practices for UD implementation in commercial and private facilities, 
outdoor environments, and housing.
    (b) Creating measurable UD standards and guidelines to facilitate 
the implementation of UD principles in commercial and private 
facilities, outdoor environments, and housing.
    (c) Developing and promoting curricula on UD for university-level 
architecture, engineering, and design students.
    (d) Providing training and technical assistance to designers, 
architects, and builders to incorporate UD principles and features into 
their buildings, projects, and communities.
    (e) Providing training and technical assistance to NIDILRR's 
engineering and assistive technology grantees to incorporate UD 
strategies and standards into development projects serving the needs of 
individuals with disabilities and the broader population.
    (f) Partnering with relevant stakeholders in carrying out all DRRP 
activities. Stakeholders include but are not limited to: Individuals 
with disabilities, professional organizations that teach design 
principles, researchers, engineers, planners, designers, developers, 
architects, and builders.
    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 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

[[Page 10117]]

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 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 DRRP would generate, disseminate, and promote 
the use of new information that would improve accessibility of the 
built environment for individuals with disabilities.
    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. 2015-03888 Filed 2-24-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4154-01-P



                                                    10114                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices

                                                    NIDILRR-funded grantees, including                         (1) Propose or adopt regulations only              established over the years. Projects
                                                    knowledge translation grantees and                      upon a reasoned determination that                    similar to one envisioned by the
                                                    grantees involved with employment                       their benefits justify their costs                    proposed priority have been completed
                                                    research.                                               (recognizing that some benefits and                   successfully, and the proposed priority
                                                                                                            costs are difficult to quantify);                     would generate new knowledge through
                                                    Final Priority                                             (2) Tailor its regulations to impose the           research. The new RRTC would
                                                      We will announce the final priority in                least burden on society, consistent with              generate, disseminate, and promote the
                                                    a notice in the Federal Register. We will               obtaining regulatory objectives and                   use of new information that would
                                                    determine the final priority after                      taking into account—among other things                improve outcomes for individuals with
                                                    considering responses to this notice and                and to the extent practicable—the costs               disabilities in the area of employment.
                                                    other information available to the                      of cumulative regulations;                               Intergovernmental Review: This
                                                    Department. This notice does not                           (3) In choosing among alternative                  program is not subject to Executive
                                                    preclude us from proposing additional                   regulatory approaches, select those                   Order 12372.
                                                    priorities, requirements, definitions, or               approaches that maximize net benefits                    Electronic Access to This Document:
                                                    selection criteria, subject to meeting                  (including potential economic,                        The official version of this document is
                                                    applicable rulemaking requirements.                     environmental, public health and safety,              the document published in the Federal
                                                      Note: This notice does not solicit
                                                                                                            and other advantages; distributive                    Register. Free Internet access to the
                                                    applications. In any year in which we choose            impacts; and equity);                                 official edition of the Federal Register
                                                    to use this priority, we invite applications               (4) To the extent feasible, specify                and the Code of Federal Regulations is
                                                    through a notice in the Federal Register or             performance objectives, rather than the               available via the Federal Digital System
                                                    in a Funding Opportunity Announcement                   behavior or manner of compliance a                    at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you
                                                    posted at www.grants.gov.                               regulated entity must adopt; and                      can view this document, as well as all
                                                                                                               (5) Identify and assess available                  other documents of this Department
                                                    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563                        alternatives to direct regulation,                    published in the Federal Register, in
                                                                                                            including economic incentives—such as                 text or Adobe Portable Document
                                                    Regulatory Impact Analysis
                                                                                                            user fees or marketable permits—to                    Format (PDF). To use PDF you must
                                                       Under Executive Order 12866, the                     encourage the desired behavior, or
                                                    Secretary must determine whether this                                                                         have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
                                                                                                            provide information that enables the                  available free at the site.
                                                    regulatory action is ‘‘significant’’ and,               public to make choices.
                                                    therefore, subject to the requirements of                                                                        You may also access documents of the
                                                                                                               Executive Order 13563 also requires
                                                    the Executive Order and subject to                                                                            Department published in the Federal
                                                                                                            an agency ‘‘to use the best available
                                                    review by the Office of Management and                                                                        Register by using the article search
                                                                                                            techniques to quantify anticipated
                                                    Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive                                                                       feature at: www.federalregister.gov.
                                                                                                            present and future benefits and costs as
                                                    Order 12866 defines a ‘‘significant                                                                           Specifically, through the advanced
                                                                                                            accurately as possible.’’ The Office of
                                                    regulatory action’’ as an action likely to                                                                    search feature at this site, you can limit
                                                                                                            Information and Regulatory Affairs of
                                                    result in a rule that may—                                                                                    your search to documents published by
                                                                                                            OMB has emphasized that these
                                                       (1) Have an annual effect on the                                                                           the Department.
                                                                                                            techniques may include ‘‘identifying
                                                    economy of $100 million or more, or                     changing future compliance costs that                   Dated: February 19, 2015.
                                                    adversely affect a sector of the economy,               might result from technological                       Kathy Greenlee,
                                                    productivity, competition, jobs, the                    innovation or anticipated behavioral                  Administrator.
                                                    environment, public health or safety, or                changes.’’                                            [FR Doc. 2015–03882 Filed 2–24–15; 8:45 am]
                                                    State, local, or tribal governments or                     We are issuing this proposed priority              BILLING CODE 4154–01–P
                                                    communities in a material way (also                     only upon a reasoned determination
                                                    referred to as an ‘‘economically                        that its benefits would justify its costs.
                                                    significant’’ rule);                                    In choosing among alternative                         DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                       (2) Create serious inconsistency or                  regulatory approaches, we selected                    HUMAN SERVICES
                                                    otherwise interfere with an action taken                those approaches that would maximize
                                                    or planned by another agency;                           net benefits. Based on the analysis that              Administration for Community Living
                                                       (3) Materially alter the budgetary                   follows, the Department believes that                 [CFDA Number: 84.133A–7]
                                                    impacts of entitlement grants, user fees,               this proposed priority is consistent with
                                                    or loan programs or the rights and                      the principles in Executive Order 13563.              Proposed Priority—National Institute
                                                    obligations of recipients thereof; or                      We also have determined that this                  on Disability, Independent Living, and
                                                       (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues               regulatory action would not unduly                    Rehabilitation Research—Disability
                                                    arising out of legal mandates, the                      interfere with State, local, and tribal               and Rehabilitation Research Projects
                                                    President’s priorities, or the principles               governments in the exercise of their                  Program
                                                    stated in the Executive Order.                          governmental functions.
                                                       This proposed regulatory action is not                  In accordance with both Executive                  AGENCY:  Administration for Community
                                                    a significant regulatory action subject to              Orders, the Department has assessed the               Living, HHS.
                                                    review by OMB under section 3(f) of                     potential costs and benefits, both                    ACTION: Notice of proposed priority.
                                                    Executive Order 12866.                                  quantitative and qualitative, of this
                                                       We have also reviewed this regulatory                regulatory action. The potential costs                SUMMARY:  The Administrator of the
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                                                    action under Executive Order 13563,                     are those resulting from statutory                    Administration for Community Living
                                                    which supplements and explicitly                        requirements and those we have                        proposes a priority for the Disability and
                                                    reaffirms the principles, structures, and               determined as necessary for                           Rehabilitation Research Projects
                                                    definitions governing regulatory review                 administering the Department’s                        (DRRPs) Program administered by the
                                                    established in Executive Order 12866.                   programs and activities.                              National Institute on Disability,
                                                    To the extent permitted by law,                            The benefits of the Disability and                 Independent Living, and Rehabilitation
                                                    Executive Order 13563 requires that an                  Rehabilitation Research Projects and                  Research (NIDILRR). Specifically, this
                                                    agency—                                                 Centers Program have been well                        notice proposes a priority for Promoting


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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices                                            10115

                                                    Universal Design in the Built                           and health and function of individuals                   Assistance to Individuals With
                                                    Environment. We take this action to                     with disabilities. To address this need,              Disabilities in Reviewing the
                                                    focus research attention on an area of                  NIDILRR seeks to: (1) Improve the                     Rulemaking Record: On request we will
                                                    national need. We intend this priority to               quality and utility of disability and                 provide an appropriate accommodation
                                                    contribute to improved access to the                    rehabilitation research; (2) foster an                or auxiliary aid to an individual with a
                                                    built environment by individuals with                   exchange of research findings, expertise,             disability who needs assistance to
                                                    disabilities.                                           and other information to advance                      review the comments or other
                                                                                                            knowledge and understanding of the                    documents in the public rulemaking
                                                    DATES:  We must receive your comments
                                                                                                            needs of individuals with disabilities                record for this notice. If you want to
                                                    on or before March 27, 2015.
                                                                                                            and their family members, including                   schedule an appointment for this type of
                                                    ADDRESSES: Submit your comments                         those from among traditionally                        accommodation or auxiliary aid, please
                                                    through the Federal eRulemaking Portal                  underserved populations; (3) determine                contact the person listed under FOR
                                                    or via postal mail or commercial                        effective practices, programs, and                    FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
                                                    delivery. We will not accept comments                   policies to improve community living                     Purpose of Program: The purpose of
                                                    submitted by fax or by email or those                   and participation, employment, and                    the Disability and Rehabilitation
                                                    submitted after the comment period. To                  health and function outcomes for                      Research Projects and Centers Program
                                                    ensure that we do not receive duplicate                 individuals with disabilities of all ages;            is to plan and conduct research,
                                                    copies, please submit your comments                     (4) identify research gaps and areas for              demonstration projects, training, and
                                                    only once. In addition, please include                  promising research investments; (5)                   related activities, including
                                                    the Docket ID at the top of your                        identify and promote effective                        international activities, to develop
                                                    comments.                                               mechanisms for integrating research and               methods, procedures, and rehabilitation
                                                       • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                  practice; and (6) disseminate research                technology that maximize the full
                                                    www.regulations.gov to submit your                      findings to all major stakeholder groups,             inclusion and integration into society,
                                                    comments electronically. Information                    including individuals with disabilities               employment, independent living, family
                                                    on using Regulations.gov, including                     and their family members in formats                   support, and economic and social self-
                                                    instructions for accessing agency                       that are appropriate and meaningful to                sufficiency of individuals with
                                                    documents, submitting comments, and                     them.                                                 disabilities, especially individuals with
                                                    viewing the docket, is available on the                    This notice proposes one priority that             the most severe disabilities, and to
                                                    site under ‘‘Are you new to the site?’’                 NIDILRR intends to use for one or more                improve the effectiveness of services
                                                       • Postal Mail or Commercial Delivery:                competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2015                 authorized under the Rehabilitation Act
                                                    If you mail or deliver your comments                    and possibly later years. NIDILRR is                  of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation
                                                    about these proposed regulations,                       under no obligation to make an award                  Act).
                                                    address them to Patricia Barrett, U.S.                  under this priority. The decision to
                                                    Department of Health and Human                          make an award will be based on the                    Disability and Rehabilitation Research
                                                    Services, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,                      quality of applications received and                  Projects
                                                    Room 5142, Potomac Center Plaza                         available funding. NIDILRR may publish                   The purpose of NIDILRR’s DRRPs,
                                                    (PCP), Washington, DC 20202–2700.                       additional priorities, as needed.                     which are funded through the Disability
                                                       Privacy Note: The Department’s                          Invitation to Comment: We invite you
                                                                                                                                                                  and Rehabilitation Research Projects
                                                    policy is to make all comments received                 to submit comments regarding this
                                                                                                                                                                  and Centers Program, is to improve the
                                                    from members of the public available for                proposed priority. To ensure that your
                                                                                                                                                                  effectiveness of services authorized
                                                    public viewing in their entirety on the                 comments have maximum effect in
                                                                                                                                                                  under the Rehabilitation Act by
                                                    Federal eRulemaking Portal at                           developing the final priority, we urge
                                                                                                                                                                  developing methods, procedures, and
                                                    www.regulations.gov. Therefore,                         you to identify clearly the specific topic
                                                                                                                                                                  rehabilitation technologies that advance
                                                    commenters should be careful to                         within the priority that each comment
                                                                                                                                                                  a wide range of independent living and
                                                    include in their comments only                          addresses.
                                                                                                               We invite you to assist us in                      employment outcomes for individuals
                                                    information that they wish to make                                                                            with disabilities, especially individuals
                                                    publicly available.                                     complying with the specific
                                                                                                            requirements of Executive Orders 12866                with the most significant disabilities.
                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                                                              DRRPs carry out one or more of the
                                                                                                            and 13563 and their overall requirement
                                                    Patricia Barrett. Telephone: (202) 245–                                                                       following types of activities, as specified
                                                                                                            of reducing regulatory burden that
                                                    6211 or by email: patricia.barrett@                                                                           and defined in 34 CFR 350.13 through
                                                                                                            might result from this proposed priority.
                                                    ed.gov.                                                                                                       350.19: research, training,
                                                                                                            Please let us know of any further ways
                                                       If you use a telecommunications                                                                            demonstration, development,
                                                                                                            we could reduce potential costs or
                                                    device for the deaf (TDD) or a text                                                                           utilization, dissemination, and technical
                                                                                                            increase potential benefits while
                                                    telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay                                                                       assistance.
                                                                                                            preserving the effective and efficient
                                                    Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–                                                                          An applicant for assistance under this
                                                                                                            administration of the program.
                                                    8339.                                                      During and after the comment period,               program must demonstrate in its
                                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:     This                     you may inspect all public comments by                application how it will address, in
                                                    notice of proposed priority is in concert               following the instructions found under                whole or in part, the needs of
                                                    with NIDRR’s currently approved Long-                   the ‘‘Are you new to the site?’’ portion              individuals with disabilities from
                                                    Range Plan (Plan). The Plan, which was                  of the Federal eRulemaking Portal at                  minority backgrounds (34 CFR
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                                                    published in the Federal Register on                    www.regulations.gov. Any comments                     350.40(a)). The approaches an applicant
                                                    April 4, 2013 (78 FR 20299), can be                     sent to NIDILRR via postal mail or                    may take to meet this requirement are
                                                    accessed on the Internet at the following               commercial delivery can be viewed in                  found in 34 CFR 350.40(b). Additional
                                                    site: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/                    Room 5142, 550 12th Street SW., PCP,                  information on the DRRP program can
                                                    osers/nidrr/policy.html.                                Washington, DC, between the hours of                  be found at: www.ed.gov/rschstat/
                                                       The Plan identifies a need for research              8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Washington,                  research/pubs/res-program.html#DRRP.
                                                    and training regarding employment,                      DC time, Monday through Friday of                       Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 762(g) and
                                                    community living and participation,                     each week except Federal holidays.                    764(a).



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                                                    10116                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices

                                                      Applicable Program Regulations: 34                    official reference for all architects                 Project on Promoting Universal Design
                                                    CFR part 350.                                           working in the city (Center for Inclusive             in the Built Environment. The intended
                                                      Proposed Priority: This notice                        Design and Universal Access, 2003).                   outcome of the DRRP on Universal
                                                    contains one proposed priority.                            Despite these notable outcomes,                    Design is further adoption of universal
                                                                                                            application of UD principles to the built             design principles into mainstream
                                                    Promoting Universal Design (UD) in the
                                                                                                            environment has not become a                          architecture and the development and
                                                    Built Environment
                                                                                                            mainstream practice (Ostroff, 2011;                   construction of built environments. The
                                                       Background: Universal Design is                      Dong 2011). Practical demonstrations of               DRRP must contribute to this outcome
                                                    generally defined as the ‘‘design of                    UD applications for buildings, homes,                 by:
                                                    products and environments that are                      and outdoor environments, as well as a                   (a) Conducting research activities
                                                    usable by all people, to the greatest                   strengthened evidence-base for UD                     toward developing evidence-based
                                                    extent possible, without the need for                   standards and strategies are yet needed.              practices for UD implementation in
                                                    adaptation or specialized design’’                      These needs will only increase as the                 commercial and private facilities,
                                                    (Mace, 1985; Ostroff, 2011). UD                         baby boom generation ages while                       outdoor environments, and housing.
                                                    proponents seek to improve human                        seeking to live and thrive in their own                  (b) Creating measurable UD standards
                                                    performance, health and wellness, and                   homes and communities (Federal                        and guidelines to facilitate the
                                                    social participation for the entire                     Interagency Forum on Aging-Related                    implementation of UD principles in
                                                    population including individuals with                   Statistics, 2012). Making research-based              commercial and private facilities,
                                                    disabilities (Steinfeld & Maisel, 2012).                knowledge about UD accessible to                      outdoor environments, and housing.
                                                       NIDILRR grantees have substantially                  designers, developers, architects, and                   (c) Developing and promoting
                                                    contributed to the development,                         builders will help to advance UD                      curricula on UD for university-level
                                                    refinement, and application of UD                       implementation and realize the goals of               architecture, engineering, and design
                                                    principles. In particular, the NIDILRR-                 improving human performance, health                   students.
                                                    funded Center for Universal Design at                   and wellness, and social participation                   (d) Providing training and technical
                                                    North Carolina State University (in                     for the entire population, including                  assistance to designers, architects, and
                                                    collaboration with other researchers and                individuals with disabilities.                        builders to incorporate UD principles
                                                    practitioners) developed the seven                      Accordingly, NIDILRR aims to sponsor                  and features into their buildings,
                                                    ‘‘Principles of Universal Design’’ (The                 a DRRP on Promoting UD in the Built                   projects, and communities.
                                                    Principles of Universal Design, 1997).                  Environment to conduct research,                         (e) Providing training and technical
                                                    These principles (equitable use,                                                                              assistance to NIDILRR’s engineering and
                                                                                                            knowledge translation, technical
                                                    flexibility in use, simple and intuitive                                                                      assistive technology grantees to
                                                                                                            assistance, and training activities aimed
                                                    use, perceptible information, tolerance                                                                       incorporate UD strategies and standards
                                                                                                            at continued implementation of UD
                                                    for error, low physical effort, and                                                                           into development projects serving the
                                                                                                            principles in the built environment.
                                                    appropriate size and space for approach                                                                       needs of individuals with disabilities
                                                    and use regardless of users’ body size,                 References                                            and the broader population.
                                                    posture, and mobility) have increasingly                Center for Inclusive Design and Universal                (f) Partnering with relevant
                                                    guided designers, builders, developers,                     Access, 2003. Universal Design New                stakeholders in carrying out all DRRP
                                                    and other stakeholders in the provision                     York 2: The NYC Guidebook to                      activities. Stakeholders include but are
                                                    of accessible housing and built                             Accessibility and Universal Design.               not limited to: Individuals with
                                                    environments. Examples of UD found in                       Buffalo New York: Idea Publications.
                                                                                                                                                                  disabilities, professional organizations
                                                    the built environment include: curb                     Dong, H (2011). Global Perspectives and
                                                                                                                Reflections. In Trends in Universal               that teach design principles,
                                                    cuts, building ramps, automatic door                                                                          researchers, engineers, planners,
                                                    openers, fully accessible restrooms,                        Design. Tonsberg, Norway: The Delta
                                                                                                                Centre.                                           designers, developers, architects, and
                                                    moving walkways, and wayfinding                         Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related            builders.
                                                    systems that facilitate user access and                     Statistics, (2012). Older Americans 2012:            Final Priority: We will announce the
                                                    orientation.                                                Key Indicators of Well-Being.                     final priority in a notice in the Federal
                                                       All NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation                        (Washington, DC: U.S. Government                  Register. We will determine the final
                                                    Engineering Research Centers (RERCs)                        Printing Office).
                                                                                                                                                                  priority after considering responses to
                                                    must incorporate UD principles in their                 Mace, R. (1985). Universal design, barrier free
                                                                                                                environments for everyone. Los Angeles:           this notice and other information
                                                    research and development activities.                                                                          available to the Department. This notice
                                                    Funded for the past 15 years, the RERC                      Designers West.
                                                                                                            Ostroff, E. (2011). Universal design: An              does not preclude us from proposing
                                                    on Universal Design and the Built                           evolving paradigm. In Preiser, W. &               additional priorities, requirements,
                                                    Environment is specifically charged                         Smith K. (Eds.). Universal Design                 definitions, or selection criteria, subject
                                                    with advancing the implementation of                        Handbook. New York, McGraw Hill.                  to meeting applicable rulemaking
                                                    UD principles in the built environment.                 The Principles of Universal Design (1997).
                                                                                                                                                                  requirements.
                                                    Center outcomes include a tool set for                      Version 2.0—4/1/97. Compiled by
                                                    UD research and practice, prototypes for                    advocates of universal design, listed in            Note: This notice does not solicit
                                                    built environments, and UD standards.                       alphabetical order: Bettye Rose Connell,          applications. In any year in which we choose
                                                                                                                Mike Jones, Ron Mace, Jim Mueller, Abir           to use this priority, we invite applications
                                                    NIDILRR funding has contributed to the                      Mullick, Elaine Ostroff, Jon Sanford, Ed          through a notice in the Federal Register or
                                                    development of 35 state and local                           Steinfeld, Molly Story, and Gregg                 in a Funding Opportunity Announcement
                                                    visitability ordinances and initiatives
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                                Vanderheiden. NC State University, The            posted at www.grants.gov.
                                                    across the U.S, which require or                            Center for Universal Design.
                                                    encourage affordable and sustainable                    Steinfeld, E. & Maisel, J.L. (2012). Universal        Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
                                                    integration of basic accessibility features                 Design: Creating Inclusive Environments.
                                                    into all newly-built homes. NIDILRR                         Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons, Inc.                 Regulatory Impact Analysis
                                                    funding also supported the inclusion of                   Proposed Priority: The Administrator                  Under Executive Order 12866, the
                                                    UD principles in a building manual                      of the Administration for Community                   Secretary must determine whether this
                                                    which the New York City Department of                   Living proposes a priority for a                      regulatory action is ‘‘significant’’ and,
                                                    Design and Construction adopted as the                  Disability and Rehabilitation Research                therefore, subject to the requirements of


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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 37 / Wednesday, February 25, 2015 / Notices                                                 10117

                                                    the Executive Order and subject to                         Executive Order 13563 also requires                  You may also access documents of the
                                                    review by the Office of Management and                  an agency ‘‘to use the best available                 Department published in the Federal
                                                    Budget (OMB). Section 3(f) of Executive                 techniques to quantify anticipated                    Register by using the article search
                                                    Order 12866 defines a ‘‘significant                     present and future benefits and costs as              feature at: www.federalregister.gov.
                                                    regulatory action’’ as an action likely to              accurately as possible.’’ The Office of               Specifically, through the advanced
                                                    result in a rule that may—                              Information and Regulatory Affairs of                 search feature at this site, you can limit
                                                       (1) Have an annual effect on the                     OMB has emphasized that these                         your search to documents published by
                                                    economy of $100 million or more, or                     techniques may include ‘‘identifying                  the Department.
                                                    adversely affect a sector of the economy,               changing future compliance costs that                   Dated: February 19, 2015.
                                                    productivity, competition, jobs, the                    might result from technological
                                                                                                                                                                  Kathy Greenlee,
                                                    environment, public health or safety, or                innovation or anticipated behavioral
                                                                                                            changes.’’                                            Administrator.
                                                    State, local, or tribal governments or
                                                                                                               We are issuing this proposed priority              [FR Doc. 2015–03888 Filed 2–24–15; 8:45 am]
                                                    communities in a material way (also
                                                    referred to as an ‘‘economically                        only upon a reasoned determination                    BILLING CODE 4154–01–P

                                                    significant’’ rule);                                    that its benefits would justify its costs.
                                                       (2) Create serious inconsistency or                  In choosing among alternative
                                                                                                            regulatory approaches, we selected                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                    otherwise interfere with an action taken
                                                                                                            those approaches that would maximize                  HUMAN SERVICES
                                                    or planned by another agency;
                                                       (3) Materially alter the budgetary                   net benefits. Based on the analysis that
                                                                                                            follows, the Department believes that                 Food and Drug Administration
                                                    impacts of entitlement grants, user fees,
                                                    or loan programs or the rights and                      this proposed priority is consistent with
                                                                                                            the principles in Executive Order 13563.              [Docket No. FDA–2011–N–0362]
                                                    obligations of recipients thereof; or
                                                       (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues                  We also have determined that this
                                                                                                            regulatory action would not unduly                    Agency Information Collection
                                                    arising out of legal mandates, the                                                                            Activities; Submission for Office of
                                                                                                            interfere with State, local, and tribal
                                                    President’s priorities, or the principles                                                                     Management and Budget Review;
                                                                                                            governments in the exercise of their
                                                    stated in the Executive Order.                                                                                Comment Request; Current Good
                                                                                                            governmental functions.
                                                       This proposed regulatory action is not                  In accordance with both Executive                  Manufacturing Practice Regulations for
                                                    a significant regulatory action subject to              Orders, the Department has assessed the               Finished Pharmaceuticals
                                                    review by OMB under section 3(f) of                     potential costs and benefits, both
                                                    Executive Order 12866.                                                                                        AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,
                                                                                                            quantitative and qualitative, of this
                                                       We have also reviewed this regulatory                                                                      HHS.
                                                                                                            regulatory action. The potential costs
                                                    action under Executive Order 13563,                     are those resulting from statutory                    ACTION:   Notice.
                                                    which supplements and explicitly                        requirements and those we have
                                                    reaffirms the principles, structures, and                                                                     SUMMARY:   The Food and Drug
                                                                                                            determined as necessary for
                                                    definitions governing regulatory review                                                                       Administration (FDA) is announcing
                                                                                                            administering the Department’s
                                                    established in Executive Order 12866.                                                                         that a proposed collection of
                                                                                                            programs and activities.
                                                    To the extent permitted by law,                            The benefits of the Disability and                 information has been submitted to the
                                                    Executive Order 13563 requires that an                  Rehabilitation Research Projects and                  Office of Management and Budget
                                                    agency—                                                 Centers Program have been well                        (OMB) for review and clearance under
                                                       (1) Propose or adopt regulations only                established over the years. Projects                  the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
                                                    upon a reasoned determination that                      similar to one envisioned by the                      DATES: Fax written comments on the
                                                    their benefits justify their costs                      proposed priority have been completed                 collection of information by March 27,
                                                    (recognizing that some benefits and                     successfully, and the proposed priority               2015.
                                                    costs are difficult to quantify);                       would generate new knowledge through                  ADDRESSES: To ensure that comments on
                                                       (2) Tailor its regulations to impose the             research. The new DRRP would                          the information collection are received,
                                                    least burden on society, consistent with                generate, disseminate, and promote the                OMB recommends that written
                                                    obtaining regulatory objectives and                     use of new information that would                     comments be faxed to the Office of
                                                    taking into account—among other things                  improve accessibility of the built                    Information and Regulatory Affairs,
                                                    and to the extent practicable—the costs                 environment for individuals with                      OMB, Attn: FDA Desk Officer, FAX:
                                                    of cumulative regulations;                              disabilities.                                         202–395–7285, or emailed to oira_
                                                       (3) In choosing among alternative                       Intergovernmental Review: This                     submission@omb.eop.gov. All
                                                    regulatory approaches, select those                     program is not subject to Executive                   comments should be identified with the
                                                    approaches that maximize net benefits                   Order 12372.                                          OMB control number 0910–0139. Also
                                                    (including potential economic,                             Electronic Access to This Document:                include the FDA docket number found
                                                    environmental, public health and safety,                The official version of this document is              in brackets in the heading of this
                                                    and other advantages; distributive                      the document published in the Federal                 document.
                                                    impacts; and equity);                                   Register. Free Internet access to the
                                                       (4) To the extent feasible, specify                  official edition of the Federal Register              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:    FDA
                                                    performance objectives, rather than the                 and the Code of Federal Regulations is                PRA Staff, Office of Operations, Food
                                                    behavior or manner of compliance a                      available via the Federal Digital System              and Drug Administration, 8455
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    regulated entity must adopt; and                        at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you               Colesville Rd., COLE–14526, Silver
                                                       (5) Identify and assess available                    can view this document, as well as all                Spring, MD 20993–0002, PRAStaff@
                                                    alternatives to direct regulation,                      other documents of this Department                    fda.hhs.gov.
                                                    including economic incentives—such as                   published in the Federal Register, in                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:    In
                                                    user fees or marketable permits—to                      text or Adobe Portable Document                       compliance with 44 U.S.C. 3507, FDA
                                                    encourage the desired behavior, or                      Format (PDF). To use PDF you must                     has submitted the following proposed
                                                    provide information that enables the                    have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is                   collection of information to OMB for
                                                    public to make choices.                                 available free at the site.                           review and clearance.


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Document Created: 2015-12-18 13:08:34
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 13:08:34
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 10114 

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