[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 93 (Monday, May 16, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-11758]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: May 16, 1994]
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Part II
Department of Education
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Notice of Proposed Funding Priority for FY 1994-1995 for the Knowledge
Dissemination and Utilization Program
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
AGENCY: Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of a proposed funding priority for fiscal years 1994-
1995 for the Knowledge Dissemination and Utilization Program.
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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]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
