National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

SUMMARY: The Secretary proposes a funding priority for the Knowledge

Dissemination and Utilization (D&U) Program under the National

Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) for fiscal

years 1994-1995. The Secretary takes this action to ensure that

rehabilitation knowledge generated from projects and centers funded by

NIDRR and others is utilized fully to improve the lives of individuals

with disabilities and their families.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: All comments concerning this proposed priority should be

addressed to David Esquith, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland

Avenue SW., Switzer Building, room 3424, Washington, DC 20202-2601.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Esquith. Telephone: (202) 205-

8801. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf

(TDD) may call the TDD number at (202) 205-5516.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice proposes a project to support

the international exchange of information and experts.

Authority for the D&U program is contained in sections 202(b)(2)

and 204(a) and 204(b)(6) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended

(29 U.S.C. 760-762). Under this program the Secretary makes awards to

public and private organizations, including institutions of higher

education and Indian tribes or tribal organizations. Under the

regulations for this program (see 34 CFR 355.32), the Secretary may

establish a priority by reserving funds to support particular

activities.

This proposed priority supports the National Education Goals.

National Education Goal 5 calls for all Americans to possess the

knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and

exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

The Secretary will announce the final funding priority in a notice

in the Federal Register. The final priority will be determined by

responses to this notice, available funds, and other considerations of

the Department. Funding of particular projects depends on the final

priority, the availability of funds, and the quality of the

applications received. The publication of this proposed priority does

not preclude the Secretary from proposing an additional priority, nor

does it limit the Secretary to funding only this priority, subject to

meeting applicable rulemaking requirements.

Note: This notice of a proposed priority does not solicit

applications. A notice inviting applications under this competition

will be published in the Federal Register concurrent with or

following publication of the notice of a final priority.

Priority

Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) the Secretary proposes to give an

absolute preference to applications that meet the following priority.

The Secretary proposes to fund under this program only applications

that meet this absolute priority:

Proposed Priority: International Exchange of Information and Experts

Background

Since 1973, NIDRR has had statutory authority to conduct

international research and development and to exchange rehabilitation

and special education experts with other nations. International

research and development activities significantly can change the

perspectives of service providers and researchers, provide data for the

evaluation of domestic programs, and offer new insights and new

practices that can solve some of the old rehabilitation problems.

Learning about the technical and cultural aspects of other countries'

rehabilitation practices may assist U.S. rehabilitation practioners to

improve the effectiveness of the the services they provide, especially

for minority and immigrant populations.

In the past, NIDRR approached international activities in two ways.

NIDRR funded two projects to facilitate fellowships of non-governmental

experts to other countries to gather data on practices, legislation,

and policy. NIDRR also engaged in international activities on a

government-to-government basis, participating in international policy

and data generation through international organizations such as the

U.N., Federal agencies such as the Department of State and the Peace

Corps, direct grants to foreign research agencies, participation in

foreign research consortia and conferences, and facilitation of site

visits and study tours for foreign visitors.

In order to enhance the impact of international activities on the

rehabilitation field, NIDRR now seeks to fund a single project that

will facilitate the exchange of both domestic and foreign experts in

rehabilitation research and technical assistance; facilitate

international conferences; disseminate useful information to

rehabilitation personnel and researchers, independent living centers,

and families; assist in relevant site visitations by foreign government

officials; and develop training modules that increase participation in

international activities by rehabilitation practitioners, policymakers,

and individuals with disabilities.

Proposed Priority

A project on the international exchange of information and experts

shall--

Gather information on international rehabilitation issues,

legislation, and programs, and maintain a library of such information

for use by NIDRR and other researchers;

Facilitate small annual conferences to explore

international issues or to share rehabilitation information and data

with other governments;

Assist both foreign and domestic professionals or

consumers to plan trips of particular policy and programmatic value

through the development and listing of potential sites;

Establish an international exchange of research and

technical assistance experts between foreign nations and the U.S.;

Share information with other Federal government agencies

in order to assist them in the development of their research priorities

in the area of disability;

Publish and disseminate data and information to relevant

target audiencies on relevant policy issues and legislation, which are

identified in conjunction with NIDRR;

Develop training activities and materials to sensitize

rehabilitation personnel, including special education personnel, to

cultural differences that can affect rehabilitation needs and

approaches; and

Develop training activities and materials on comparative

research techniques, bilateral consultation and technical assistance,

utilizing the different international perspectives.

Invitation to Comment

Interested persons are invited to submit comments and

recommendations regarding this proposed priority.

All comments submitted in response to this proposed priority will

be available for public inspection, during and after the comment

period, in room 3423, Switzer Building, 330 C Street SW., Washington,

DC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday of

each week except Federal holidays.

Applicable Program Regulations

34 CFR parts 350 and 355.

Program Authority: 29 U.S.C. 760-762.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.133D, Knowledge

Dissemination and Utilization Program)

Dated: May 10, 1994.

Judith E. Heumann,

Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

[FR Doc. 94-11758 Filed 5-13-94; 8:45 am]

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