Steven J. Tingus, Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) at the U.S. Department of Education, and Chair of the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) is pleased to provide you with notice of an ICDR public meeting and request for written comments with respect to the federal disability and rehabilitation research agenda.

We are pleased to inform you that the ICDR, authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, is holding a meeting to seek comments from the public with respect to the federal disability and rehabilitation research agenda. This dialogue with the public is of critical importance, and we are encouraging individuals with disabilities, persons who represent service providers, service provider organizations, disability and rehabilitation research and policy groups and representatives of advocacy organizations with specialized knowledge and experience, to suggest specific ways to improve future research for individuals with disabilities. The ICDR is also interested in hearing from individuals concerning how well the existing federal research programs are responding to the changing needs of individuals with disabilities.

The meeting will take place May 23, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Capital Hilton Hotel, 1001 16th Street N.W., Washington DC, 20036. Telephone: (202) 393-1000.

The meeting will be open and accessible to the general public. Public comments will be analyzed, along with other sources of information, to make recommendations for future research directions and to coordinate the federal research effort in disability; however, the ICDR cannot respond individually to comments.

All individuals planning to attend the public meeting, including those presenting comments, must make reservations by May 9, 2006, by contacting Robert Jaeger, using the contact information below. Individuals who wish to present comments must request time on the agenda, which will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will be allowed approximately five minutes to present their comments.

Prior to the meeting, participants must submit written copies of their comments, along with any other written or electronic versions of supporting information, such as agency or organization policy statements, recommendations, research findings and research iterature. Walk-ins must bring two written copies of their comments. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call (202) 205-4475. Individuals who need accommodations for a disability in order to attend or participate at the meeting (i.e., interpreting services, assistive listening devices, material in alternative format) should notify ROBERT JAEGER by May 9, 2006.

Robert Jaeger, Executive Secretary
Interagency Committee on Disability Research
U.S. Department of Education
550 12th Street, S.W., Room 6050
Potomac Center Plaza
Washington, DC 20202-2700
Telephone: (202) 245-7386
Fax: (202) 245-7633
Robert.Jaeger@ed.gov

A copy of the Federal Register notice can be viewed at the link below.