FY06 NIRS CHANGES:PROJECTS

NIRS PROJECTS Dataset

FY06 Data Entry Changes

Items that represent substantial changes are noted with a 
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  1. The “Core Functions” text labels have been re-written in response to guidance from ADD on core function definitions. The options have been left justified on the screen.
To make the data entry as intuitive as possible, we have changed the core function labels in both the Projects and Activities datasets. Additional definitions/instructions are provided ‘on screen’ in the Activities dataset.
Although FY06 NIRS will use intuitive core function labels on the data entry screens, the data entered in these fields will be displayed in standard reports for ADD that use the actual core function names. The actual names of the 4 UCEDD core functions are:
1. Interdisciplinary Pre-Service Preparation and Continuing Education
2. Community Services (this has 2 sub-categories):
  • Training and TA
  • Direct Services & Demonstration Projects
3. Research
4. Information Dissemination
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  1. For your future searches/reports, here are how the current categories will map to the FY06 categories for future searches/reports:

Existing Categories / Map to FY06 Categories
Training / Training Trainees
TA / Performing Technical Assistance and/or Other Training
Direct Services / Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services
Research & Evaluation / Performing Research or Evaluation
Information Development/Dissemination / Developing & Disseminating Information
  1. We have altered the display of the “Areas of Emphasis” options to better identify which areas are contained in the DD Act. ADD’s recent guidance indicates an interest in receivingUCEDD annual reports using the 8 areas of emphasis outlined in the DD Act.
The categories of “Quality of Life,” “Other-Assistive Technology,” “Other-Cultural Diversity,” “Other-Leadership,” and “Other-please specify” are provided at the request of the network.
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  1. The categories under “Target Audience” in the Projects Dataset have been made consistent with the categories available under “Participants” in the Activities Dataset. To this end, 2 new options have been added, text labels have been changed on 2 options, and clarification was provided on one option.
In response to substantial data creep problems, the “Other—please specify” category and text option was removed from “Target Audience.” While the category and text option will be eliminated beginning in FY06, the information gathered to date will be maintained, so that Centers may access their historical data.
Here is a comparison of the existing and FY06 categories:
Existing Categories / FY06 Categories
Students/Trainees / Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees)
- / Community Trainees/Short Term trainees
Professionals and Para-Professionals / Professionals and Para-Professionals
Persons with DD / Adults with Disabilities
Children with SHCN / Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
- / Legislators/Policy Makers
General Public / General Public
Not Applicable / Not Applicable
Other—Please Specify / -
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  1. The header text on the “Collaborating Agencies” section has been changed to clarify that the data collected here should reflect who is collaborating on the work of the project, not the funding of the project. Funding should be captured under “funding” What had read “Collaborating Agencies” now reads “Agencies Collaborating on the Work of the Project.”

  1. We have removed the “other—please specify” category and text option from “Consumer Participation” in response to substantial data creep problems. While the category and text option will be eliminated beginning in FY06, the information gathered to date will be maintained, so that Centers may access their historical data.

  1. We have removed the “other—please specify” category and text option from “Geographic Scope” in response to substantial data creep problems.While the category and text option will be eliminated beginning in FY06, the information gathered to date will be maintained, so that Centers may access their historical data.

  1. Under “Federal Funding Source” a number of new options are listed, particularly under “HRSA,” to better match with the MCHB electronic handbook and to give Centers the option to document their funding sourceswith greater specificity. Additionally, some of the labels were changed to reflect the correct federal agency abbreviations.

  1. Beginning in FY06, for your convenience, any linked activity title(s) will be displayed at the bottom of Project Records.

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