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TESTIMONY AT PUBLIC MEETINGS AND WRITTEN COMMENTS REQUESTED ON FEDERAL DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH AGENDA

ICDR Seeks Input on Research Needs from the Disability Community

Washington, DC−July 1, 2004− Public meetings to receive testimony and request written comments from people with disabilities and their advocates regarding the federal disability and rehabilitation research agenda will be held in San Francisco on July 20, 2004 and in Washington, D.C. on July 22, 2004.  The meetings are sponsored by the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR), a statutory committee with representatives from more than 35 agencies and chaired by Steven James Tingus, Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

According to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, ?in order to promote coordination and cooperation among federal departments and agencies conducting rehabilitation research programs, including programs related to assistive technology research and research that incorporates principles of universal design, there is established within the federal government an Interagency Committee on Disability Research.?  Among the goals of the ICDR and its five subcommittees, is increasing public input and involvement in ICDR deliberations to ensure research efforts lead to solutions for identified needs. 

Individuals with disabilities, persons who represent service providers, service provider organizations, disability and rehabilitation research and policy groups, and representatives of advocacy organizations are encouraged to suggest specific ideas to improve future research for people with disabilities.  Testimony and comments can cover a wide range of topics including, but not limited to employment, community life, education, technology and health.  Individuals can also respond to how existing federal research programs are responding to the changing needs of people with disabilities.

Individuals who wish to present comments at either public meeting must reserve time on the agenda by contacting Robert Jaeger, Executive Secretary of the ICDR. He can be reached by email: robert.jaeger@ed.gov, or phone: (202) 245-7386.  Reservations must be made as soon as possible and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals must specify the location (San Francisco or Washington, DC) they plan to attend. Participants will be allowed approximately five minutes to present their comments.  The announcement can be found at the following URL: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-14860.htm
Federal Register: June 30, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 125)][Notices] [Page 39444-39445]. From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]