Empowerment,advocacy and self-determination: initiatives of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

This paper presents an overview of the program offices within the US Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Specifically the areas of empowerment, advocacy and self-determination are addressed and activities funded within the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research that focus on these areas are presented. The abstracts of the projects on empowerment, advocacy and self-determination being carried out under the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers are presented. Major program areas of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Technology-related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988, State Technology Program, and The Independent Living Center program are also presented.