The NY Times article calls this study a “turning point in the understanding and treatment of people with severe traumatic brain injuries.” We encourage you to read these articles and share them with your family, friends, and colleagues who have been affected by TBI. We also direct you to these excellent resources to understand more about TBI, disorders of consciousness, and rehabilitation and recovery.

• Facts about Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States After Severe Brain Injury.
• Consumer Factsheets on TBI from the Model Systems
• Brain Injury Association
  • BIA State Affiliates for local support and resources.

Dictionary.com defines dementia as a “severe impairment or loss of intellectual capacity and personality integration, due to the loss of or damage to neurons in the brain.” The Free Dictionary defines dementia as the “loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting more than six months, not present since birth, and not associated with a loss or definition of consciousness.”

Dementia is not a disease. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, dementia is a “descriptive term for a collection of symptoms that can be caused by a number of disorders that affect the brain.” There are many injuries and diseases that display the signs and symptoms of dementia. The most well-known is Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive, irreversible brain disease that destroys memory and thinking skills. Vascular dementia may occur when there is a decrease in blood flow to the brain due to a series of small strokes. Other cerebrovascular causes include traumatic brain injuries, Lyme disease, lupus erythematous, hydrocephalus, and subdural hematoma. Some immune and neuromuscular disorders can also cause dementia including AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Body disease, Huntington’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and some vitamin deficiencies (Thiamin, Niacin, or B12).

What are the symptoms of Dementia?

The U.S. National Library of Medicine states through PubMed Health that dementia may cause “difficulty in mental function, including language, memory, perception and cognitive skills.” The symptoms of dementia include memory loss (often the first noticed symptom), impairment of abstraction and planning, disturbances in language and comprehension, poor judgment, impaired ability for orientation (not being able to tell the date, time, place or own name), decrease in attention span, increased restlessness, and changes in behavior and psychosis.

Over the years, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) has funded several projects dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Past and present projects include:

• Systematic Study of the Effectiveness of ACC Intervention to Improve Conversation in Individuals with Degenerative Language Disorders. Oregon Health and Science University (H133G080162) led by Melanie Fried-Oken, PhD, Charity Rowland, PhD.
• Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Cognitive Rehabilitation. University of Colorado (H133E090003) led by Cathy Bodine, PhD.
• Personal Digital Memories for Individuals with Memory and Cognitive Disabilities. Photozig, Inc. (H133S020030) led by Bruno Kajiywama. (This project has completed its research activities and is now closed.)

Hay una variedad de proyectos financiados por el Instituto Nacional de Investigación sobre el Impedimento y la Rehabilitación (NIDRR) que tienen que ver con las desigualdades de salud, las personas con impedimentos y las minorías. Nos gustaría presentarles a algunos de esos proyectos. Nuestra base de datos del Programa de NIDRR incluye más de 1,500 proyectos en curso y completados. Hemos llevado a cabo varias búsquedas a través de la base de datos en línea para encontrar las últimas investigaciones de NIDRR. Estos tres proyectos actuales se centran en ”las disparidades de salud”:

• Disparidades de Salud en el Acceso y la Utilización ente los Individuos con Impedimentos, Universidad de Maryland en el Condado de Baltimore (H133G090133).

• El Programa UMHS/AACIL  de Formación en la Investigación de la Rehabilitación, Universidad de Michigan (H133P090008).

• Las Desigualdades de la Salud y de la Atención de Salud Entre las Personas con Impedimentos, el Sistema Universitario de New Hampshire (H133A100031).

Estos cuatro proyectos realizan investigaciones sobre problemas que enfrentan las minorías con impedimentos.

• La Formación Avanzada en Investigación Traslacional y de Transformación para Mejorar los Resultados para las Personas con Impedimentos, la Junta de Síndicos de la Universidad de Illinois (H133P110004).

• El Centro Regional de New England de las Lesiones de la Médula Espinal, Centro Médico de la Universidad de Boston (H133N060024 véa también H133N110019).

• Impedimentos entre las minorías raciales y étnicas, Universidad de California - SanFrancisco (H133F40010). Este proyecto ha finalizado sus actividades de investigación.

• Mejorando la detección de Cáncer de Cuello Uterino y de Mama para las Mujeres con Impedimento Intelectual, Universidad de Carolina del Norte (H133G090124).

También recomendamos visitar el Centro de Investigación de Rehabilitación y Capacitación sobre las Condiciones Secundarias en la Rehabilitación de las Personas con Lesión de la Médula Espinal para aprender más sobre su trabajo con personas con lesiones de médula espinal en las comunidades latinas y afroamericanas en la región de Washington, DC .

There are a variety of projects funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) that deal with health disparities, people with disabilities, and minorities. We would like to introduce you to a few of those projects. Our NIDRR Program Database includes more than 1,500 current and completed projects. We conducted several searches through the online database to find the latest research from NIDRR. These three current projects focus on “health disparities”:

• Health Care Disparities in Access and Utilization among Individuals with Disabilities, University of Maryland at Baltimore County (H133G090133).
• The UMHS/AACIL Rehabilitation Research Training Program, University of Michigan (H133P090008).
• Health and Health Care Disparities Among Individuals with Disabilities, University System of New Hampshire (H133A100031).

These four projects conduct research on issues facing minorities with disabilities.

• Advanced Training in Translational and Transformational Research to Improve Outcomes for People with Disabilities, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois (H133P110004).
• The New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center, Boston University Medical Center (H133N060024 see also H133N110019).
• Disability Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities, University of California – San Francisco (H133F40010). This project has completed its research activities.
• Improving Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening for Women with Intellectual Disabilities, University of North Carolina (H133G090124).

We also recommend visiting the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Secondary Conditions in the Rehabilitation of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury to learn more about their work with people with spinal cord injuries in the Latino and African American communities in the Washington, D.C. region.

After Director Shiu shared on the OFCCP and the proposed rule, Mr. Dale introduced Dr. Charlie Lakin, PhD, the new Director of the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). Director Lakin briefly shared his background with the callers and began to speak about the Mission of NIDRR, which includes the generation, dissemination, and promotion of knowledge so that the lives of people with disabilities are improved. As part of this mission, NIDRR conducts comprehensive programs of research so that people with disabilities are fully included, socially integrated, employed, and living indepdently. Director Lakin also touched on someo of the core areas of NIDRR research, which include employment outcomes, health and function, technology for access and function, and capacity of building. To learn more about NIDRR, please visit their webpage on Frequently Asqued Questions about NIDRR. Dr. Lakin also announced the completion of NIDRR’s Long Term Plan for 2012-2016. A period for public comments will be announced in the near future.

After Director Lakin spoke, Mr. Dale shared several announcements including that the White House Council on Disabilities does not archive these conference calls. Another announcement that Mr. Dale shared is the plan to host conferences in different cities around the country that will deal with disability issues in a local, regional, and national level. The plans for these conferences are still in the works and, as plans are confirmed, Mr. Dale will share where and when these conferences will be. Finally, Mr. Dale announced a townhall meeting will be held outside of the Washington, DC area after the President’s State of the Union Address. This townhall meeting will be held with the disability community and will be led by Mr. Kareem Dale. Details will be posted for the conferences and the townhall meeting as soon as they are made available.

Upon viewing the new homes and the attention to detail, it is easy to see the brilliance of lead designer Michael Graves, who not only lent his vision as a renowned architect to the project, but also his real-life experience as someone who is paralyzed from the chest down. Graves’ designs, created with design firm IDEO incorporate the functionality of an accessible care facility with the outward appearance of a modernized single-level, three-bedroom family home. Innovations such as automatic, keyless, and level entryways; easy access sliding doors; spacious hallways and kitchens; extra storage space and electrical outlets for assistive technologies; and even a dedicated therapy room are coupled with home design features such as luxury plank vinyl, vibrant coloring, wide and level windows, and extra spacious garages. These are only a few of the amenities encapsulated in each 3,000 square foot home—valued between $500,000-$600,000.

The Wounded Warriors Home Project incorporates the research and development work of the University of Buffalo’s Universal Design program, which is conducting data research on the schematics of these homes for use in more expansive and civilian settings. The NIDRR-sponsored Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) division at the University of Buffalo specializes in research and development in the field of universal design and partners with various industries to help put their discoveries into practice. The RERC’s mission is to create safer and more accessible environments and structures for people with disabilities while maintaining a comfortable balance with the general public.
The full Washington Post article, published in December 2011, is available at http://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/michael-graves-army-partner-to-design-homes-for-wounded-soldiers/2011/12/06/gIQAjI03vO_story.html

• Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training grants are five year capacity building grants. These projects train masters and doctoral candidates in conducting research in disability and rehabilitation. Application packages are available from ed.gov. There are currently 20 ARRTs around the US. Closing date for these applications is 2/28/12.
• Field Initiated Projects are three year research or development grants. NIDRR funds about 20 FIPs each year covering a wide range of topics. A description of the program and application process was just published in the Federal Register. For a look at the most recently funded FIPs, check out this list from the Program Database. The closing date for this is 3/5/12.
• Applications are also available for the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Switzer Fellowships. The Switzer Fellowships are the only NIDRR grants awarded to individual researchers as opposed to companies, universities, hospitals, or other institutions.

Please note: NARIC has no involvement in the grant decision process. We do not have access to successful applications.

Ms. Nangle began her Federal career in 1978 and spent many of those years in OSERS. She came to work at NIDRR in the 1990s.  It was through her that we met the grantees every year. We could always count on her to answer the questions and concerns of our patrons as they prepared their own grant applications. Donna leaves, to quote one grantee, “a great legacy for NIDRR to feel so good about—always so pleasant and professional, just a delightful ambassador to the thousands of people who called to NIDRR—and a staunch advocate for individuals with disabilities.”

Donna is survived by her husband, Paul, and her mother, Lois.  Funeral arrangements have yet finalized, but it is expected that there will be a service in Alexandria in the New Year.  Donna was a dear friend and colleague and she will be missed.

Memorial services and remembrance information is listed in Donna’s obituary.

This issue is available at http://www.naric.com/public/HighLights/v1n3.cfm

Dr. Lakin has a long history with NIDRR. As a professor at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, Dr. Lakin headed the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Integration for more than 20 years. He has more than 40 years experience as a teacher, researcher, consultant, and advocate in services for people with disabilities.

We at NARIC have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Lakin several times and are very excited to see him step into this new role. He starts at NIDRR on August 29th.

A quick search of REHABDATA for articles, books, and reports authored by Dr. Lakin: http://tinyurl.com/lakin-results

Dr. Ravesloot and Dr. Ipsen discussed the intersection of rural health and employment.  Specifically, they presented information on what is known about the relationship between health, disability, and employment.  Working on the understanding that an individual who does not have their basic life-care needs meet is unlikely to be ready to self-manage their health care and prevent secondary conditions that adversely affect employment outcomes, the RuralRTC developed the Living Well and Working Well with a Disability program to promote healthy independent living.  This includes developing and testing a new component, Health Plans for Employment (HPE) that is based on the traditional insurance company and employer health assistance plans.  The free web-based program guides users through a health plan survey that provides results based on the user’s responses and suggests how to address the issues presented (i.e. fatigue, anxiety, etc.).  The web-based program provides useful feedback to improve quality of life and offers motivational interviews to encourage users, give them hope, and move them toward positive outcomes.

Finally, Dr. Arnold and Dr. Seekins discussed translating research into practice and the future of disability in rural America. The RuralRTC’s use of theory as a tool, user centric approach, and designing for impact with a bias toward intervention is clearly creating useful evidence-based research, programs, and products that not only benefit people with disabilities in rural areas but also translates over to urban environments as well.

For more information on the RRTC on Center on Disability in Rural Communities please visit http://rtc.ruralinstitute.umt.edu.  For more information on the Living and Work Well with a Disability Programs please visit http://livingandworkingwell.org/draft/default.cfm.

Divided into five sections, the presentation by Dr. Tom Seekins, Dr. Nancy Arnold, Dr. Catherine Ipsen, and Dr. Craig Ravesloot began with an introduction to rural America and rural research, which included the importance of and effective approaches of conducting disability research in rural areas.  Dr. Seekins presented an overview of previous research by the RuralRTC and the impact of the products and evidence-based practices they implemented, as well as the economic benefits these programs achieved.

Dr. Arnold and Dr. Ipsen discussed rural employment and economic development in rural communities as it relates to people with disabilities.  They discussed the unique issues of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities (or lack thereof) in rural areas.  Additionally, they discussed the commonly used intervention in rural vocational rehabilitation of self-employment to produce positive employment outcomes/opportunities.  Information on components of the RRTC research activities—state VR data and use of telerehabilitation—was presented.  The qualitative and quantitative data from agencies, counselors, and consumers is helpful in understanding why some employment outcome practices may or may not be a good fit in rural areas.  Also presented is the use of telerehabilitation (rehab services provided by phone, videochat, and Internet) to provide better vocational rehabilitation services to consumers and address the underlying issues such as staffing, transportation, and case load management.  According to RuralRTC survey data, 64 percent of consumers were “o.k.” with services being implemented and applied differently compared to those provided in urban areas.

More to follow!

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the announcement or wish to apply, you must submit your application online through the OPM website which can be accessed through the location

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/search.aspx?brd=3876&vw=d&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&x=110&y=16&jbf574=EDEH&pg=1&re=10

OSERS-2011-0018 (Non-Status)
OSERS-2011-0019 (Federal employees/status candidates)

2010 grants by program type
• Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (H133A) 4
• Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (H133B) 7
• Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (H133E) 2
• Fellowships – Distinguished (H133F) 4
• Fellowships – Merit (H133F) 3
• Field Initiated Projects (H133G) 23
• Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Projects (H133P) 4
• Small Business Innovative Research Phase I (H133S) 15
• Small Business Innovative Research Phase II (H133S) 5
• Utilization Projects (ED) 1

2010 grants by NIDRR Priority.Note: Each project’s research and training activities may cross into several priorities.
• Employment Outcomes 11
• Health and Function 3
• Technology for Access and Function 31
• Participation and Community Living 7
• Disability Demographics 0
• Knowledge Translation 3
• Capacity Building for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Training 12

Take a moment to browse through the abstracts.

Interested in applying for next year? See the grant announcements for Field Initiated, Small Business Innovative Research, and Fellowships for 2011.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Overview Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)–Research Fellowships Program; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133F-1.
Dates:
Applications Available: December 27, 2010.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February 25, 2011.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Research Fellowships Program is to build research capacity by providing support to enable highly qualified individuals, including those who are individuals with disabilities, to conduct research on the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities.
Full text:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-32494.htm

NIDRR has funded a wide variety of fellowships. You can read abstracts of these projects at

http://www.naric.com/research/results.cfm?search=1&type=all&phrase=no&criteria=h133f*

For more information on how to apply for a Switzer Fellowship, see the GPO link above. Please note: NARIC does not have access to completed or successful Fellowship applications. We are not involved in the grant making process in any way.

A request for proposals was published in the December 4th edition of the Federal Register calling for applications and proposals for the 2011 NIDRR Field Initiated Projects:

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Overview
Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation
Research (NIDRR)–Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and
Centers Program–Field Initiated (FI) Projects; Notice Inviting
Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers: 84.133G-1
(Research) and 84.133G-2 (Development).

Dates:
Applications Available: December 6, 2010.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: February 4, 2011.

Full Text of Announcement:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-30515.htm

To see what NIDRR has funded in previous years, take a look at the Field Initiated Projects in the Program Directory: http://www.naric.com/research/results.cfm?search=1&type=all&phrase=no&criteria=h133f*

Please note: This is for information purposes only. NARIC does not have access to winning proposals or applications. We do not participate in the funding process. For more information on the funding process or the status of your application, please see the link to edocket above.

Don’t miss out on these opportunities! Sign up for the NIDRR Announcements List at http://www.naric.com!

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Overview Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)–Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program–Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)– Effective Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Service Delivery Practices;

Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133B-8.

Dates:

Applications Available: July 8, 2010.

Date of Pre-Application Meeting: July 19, 2010.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: August 23, 2010.

Full Text of Announcement:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-16683.htm

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Overview Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)–Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program–Disability Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP)– International Exchange of Knowledge and Experts in Disability and Rehabilitation Research; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133A-6.

Dates:

Applications Available: July 8, 2010.

Date of Pre-Application Meeting: July 19, 2010.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: August 23, 2010.

Full Text of Announcement:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-16690.htm

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Overview Information; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)–Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program–Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs)– Employment Policy and Measurement Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.133B-4.

Dates:

Applications Available: July 8, 2010.

Date of Pre-Application Meeting: July 19, 2010.

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: August 23, 2010.

Full Text of Announcement:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-16676.htm

Please follow the links for information on how to apply for one of these grants.

Note: NARIC is not involved in the grant making process in any way. We do not have access to successful applications/proposals, nor do we have information regarding the status of submitted applications.

What does Proposed Priority mean? NIDRR focuses its research in certain priority areas: Health and Function, Employment Outcomes, Technology for Access and Function, Participation and Community Living, and Capacity Building. Before finalizing its long range plan or making modifications to the one in place, NIDRR solicits comments from the public (including researchers, administrators, educators, rehabilitation professionals, and people with disabilities) about what direction the research should take.

How can I participate? Read through the announcement in the Federal Register (link below). It outlines the reasons for conducting this research, the form it should take, and hoped for outcomes. Comments may be mailed or emailed (contact information is in the FR announcement). You may post comments here but they will NOT be accepted as officially submitted comments for this proposed priority.

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-05-14/html/2010-11616.htm

Please note: This is not a grant announcement. This is only an opportunity to comment on proposed research. For grant announcements, visit www.grants.gov.

The full grant announcement as well as the application package is available at:

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=51083

The closing date for SBIR applications is March 15th.

To see what SBIR research NIDRR has funded in the past, look at http://www.naric.com/research/results.cfm?search=1&type=all&phrase=no&criteria=h133s*

Please note: NARIC does not have access to previously submitted proposals.

ARRT projects must (1) Recruit and select candidates for advanced research training; (2) provide a training program that includes didactic and classroom instruction, is multidisciplinary, emphasizes scientific research methodology, and may involve
collaboration among institutions; (3) provide research experience, laboratory
experience, or its equivalent, in a community-based research setting, and a practicum experience that involves each trainee in clinical research and in
activities with organizations representing individuals with disabilities; (4) provide academic mentorship or guidance, and opportunities for scientific collaboration
with qualified researchers at the host university and other appropriate institutions; and (5) provide opportunities for participation in the development of professional
presentations and publications, and for attendance at professional conferences and meetings, as appropriate for the individual’s field of study and level of experience. (Federal Register announcement in PDF: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-29586.pdf)

Note the budget and length requirements (no more than $150,000 yr and no more than 5 years).

The announcement and application package are available at http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=50636.  To see the currently funded ARRTs visit: http://www.naric.com/research/pd/results.cfm?type=type&display=brief&criteria=Advanced%20Rehabilitation%20Research%20Training%20Projects. Please note: NARIC does not have access to successful applications submitted to NIDRR.

Individual researchers should look at the Switzer Fellowship announced last week.

To find an exciting preview of what awaits you at the 23rd Annual Children’s Mental Health Research and Policy Conference, visit our website today. We have assembled an impressive list of plenary speakers and will have a full day of pre-conference intensive workshops. The conference agenda and proposal selections will be completed by mid-December. Presenters will be notified regarding the status of their submissions by the week of December 20th. Check the conference website regularly for updates.

Registration information and more is available at HTTP://RTCKIDS.FMHI.USF.EDU/CMHCONFERENCE