US Department of Education Announces Funding Priorities Concerning Children With Disabilities

[Notices]
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

SUMMARY: The Secretary announces final funding priorities for four
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs) and two Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) under the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) for fiscal years 1999-2000. The Secretary takes this action to focus research attention on areas of national need. These priorities are intended to improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice contains final priorities under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program for four RRTCs related to: rehabilitation for persons with long-term mental illness; rehabilitation for children with disabilities with special health care needs; policies affecting the provision of services to children with emotional disturbances and their families; and improving services and supports to children with emotional disturbances and their families. The notice also contains final priorities for two DRRPs related to: rehabilitation for women with disabilities; and analysis of service delivery and policies affecting emerging disability populations. The final priorities refer to NIDRR's proposed Long-Range Plan (LRP). The proposed LRP can be accessed on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/1998-4/102698a.html

These final priorities support the National Education Goal that calls for every adult American to possess the skills necessary to compete in a global economy. The authority for the Secretary to establish research priorities by reserving funds to support particular research activities is contained in sections 202(g) and 204 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 762(g) and 764).

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
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Priority 2: Rehabilitation for Children With Disabilities With Special Health Care Needs
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Comment: The RRTC should address the healthcare access problems of children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, or autoimmune diseases.
Discussion: The priority includes a definition of children with disabilities with special health care needs as having a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition that also requires health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally. The RRTC could address the healthcare access problems of children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, or autoimmune diseases if their condition also requires health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.

Priority 5: Improved Economic Outcomes for Women With Disabilities
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Comment: The DRRP should identify jobs that can accommodate the special problems of persons with relapsing-remitting illnesses and cognitive problems, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Discussion: The DRRP is not required to identify jobs for any disability group. However, as part of the research carried out under the second and third required activity, an applicant could propose to carry out the research suggested by the commenter. The peer review process will evaluate the merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no basis to require all applicants to identify jobs that can accommodate the special problems of persons with relapsing-remitting illnesses and cognitive problems, such as CFS, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Priority 6: Analysis of Service Delivery and Policies Affecting Emerging
Disability Populations
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Comment: How will the DRRP determine what disabilities qualify as 'emerging,' and specifically, does NIDRR consider CFS an emerging disability?
Discussion: As indicated in the Introduction, NIDRR's proposed LRP provides a description of characteristics of emerging disability populations. Applicants will use that description to propose those disabilities that will be addressed by the DRRP. An applicant could propose to include CFS as an emerging disability. The peer review process will evaluate the merits of the proposal. NIDRR has no basis to require all applicants to consider CFS an emerging disability.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These priorities take effect on June 3, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donna Nangle. Telephone: (202) 205-5880.
Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the TDD number at (202) 205-2742. Internet: Donna_Nangle@ed.gov

Dated: April 28, 1999.
Judith E. Heumann,
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

[FR Doc. 99-11155 Filed 5-3-99; 8:45 am]