NIDRR is the principal Federal agency supporting applied research & development to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. Unlike the National Institutes for Health (NIH), which are focused primarily on basic research & on biomedical research issues, NIDRR's mission encompasses technology & the many factors that affect community & societal participation & employment for individuals with disabilities. In addition, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 authorized the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR), a Federal interagency committee which is chaired by the NIDRR Director. The ICDR is mandated to promote coordination & cooperation among Federal departments & agencies conducting rehabilitation research programs.
Evidence: ICDR activities (see www.icdr.us); results of program reviews; the Institute of Medicine 1997 report "Enabling America."
NIDRR's mission is clear and delineated in its authorizing statute: conduct research, demonstration projects and training, and related activities that improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The ED strategic plan, the NIDRR long-range plan (LRP), and (to some extent) the New Freedom Initiative (NFI) guide NIDRR activities. NIDRR's new LRP for 2005-2009 is supposed to establish a framework for future research and development activities. NIDRR will solicit comments on the new plan in 2005.
Evidence: Evidence: Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II, NIDRR Long-Range Plan, the New Freedom Initiative, and NIDRR priority notices for grant competitions. ##