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NIRS Online Learning Modules

About the Modules

The Online Learning Modules introduce new Data Coordinators to the National Information Reporting System (NIRS). The goal is for new Data Coordinators to be able to learn to use NIRS and understand federal reporting requirements. The Modules can be used by all Programs that enter data in NIRS: UCEDD, LEND, LEAH, and DBP Programs.

The Online Learning Modules are designed to provide training and technical assistance to faculty, staff, and senior leadership to support the collection and reporting of complete, accurate, consistent, and high-quality data to federal agencies. They also promote network-wide standards for data collection and entry while building knowledge of NIRS processes, including managing new and existing records, navigating the NIRS application, and understanding federal reporting requirements.

There are several advantages to the Online Learning Modules:

  • The main and most important advantage is their year-round availability. New Data Coordinators join Centers on an ongoing basis and need to be oriented to NIRS upon arrival. The Modules are now available as soon as a new Data Coordinator joins a Center.

  • Another important aspect is the improved learning outcome. The Modules allow Data Coordinators to go through the orientation materials at a pace they prefer, for a comprehensive understanding of NIRS and reporting requirements.

  • Last, but not least, the Modules are available for refreshers and staff training at any time. The latter allow Data Coordinators to provide targeted training to other Center staff who may enter data in NIRS but do not need full system orientation.

NIRS Technical Assistance

Requests and Questions may be submitted to NIRS Help Desk at [email protected].

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NIRS Data Coordinators Listserv

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Using the Modules

The Modules are structured according to the NIRS Datasets and functionalities. They consist of videos and resources that explain how to use NIRS to meet reporting requirements. Before opening the Modules, you will need to obtain a password. You should email [email protected] to request a password so that you can access all Modules.

The Modules are listed below in the logical order that a new Data Coordinator should enroll in the Modules for a good understanding of all NIRS functionalities and reporting requirements. Data Coordinators may also choose to go through the Modules in a different order, especially if they start at a time of year when it is important to quickly become familiar with a certain topic. For instance, Data Coordinators who start close or during the reporting period (June-July) may choose to start with the Reporting Module(s), and then go through the rest of the Modules at a later time, as needed.

The table below lists all the Modules and what Programs they are useful for, as not all Modules are relevant to all Programs. For instance, Reporting to AIDD is not relevant to MCHB Programs (LENDs, LEAHs, and DBPs), while Reporting to MCHB is not relevant to UCEDD Programs.

Modules List

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The modules are password-protected. 

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Videos | Scripts

Number of Videos: 9
Estimated Time for Completion: 35 minutes
Relevant for Programs: UCEDDs, LENDs, LEAHs, and DBPs

By the end of these videos, users will be able to:

  • Describe what NIRS is, the benefits of the application, and why it is used.
  • Locate NIRS resources and navigate the AUCD website.
  • Use the Network Member Directory to find and connect with collaborators.
  • Use the NIRS public search engine and its functions.
  • Obtain initial access to the NIRS application (newly funded Programs only).
  • Log in to the NIRS application.
  • Navigate the NIRS Dashboard and describe the purpose and structure of each Dataset.
  • Distinguish between Program Year and Fiscal Year and apply general data entry rules across NIRS Datasets.

Videos | Scripts

Relevant for: UCEDD, LEND, LEAH, and DBP Centers/Programs
Number of Videos: 4
Estimated Time for Completion: 15 minutes

By the end of these videos, users will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose and differences between NIRS User Profiles and
  • Activity Staff records.
  • Manage NIRS User Profiles.
  • Manage Activity Staff records used in the Activities and Products Datasets.
  • Identify Activity Staff collaborating or associated with Center/Program initiatives or deliverables. 

Videos | Scripts

Number of Videos: 8
Estimated Time for Completion: 40 minutes
Relevant for: UCEDD, LEND, and DBP Centers/Programs

LEAH Programs do not have a public-facing network member directory.

LEAH Programs should:

  • Prioritize adding profiles to the Directory Dataset in NIRS.
  • Skip module sections detailing the dashboard and how to manage public-facing directory profiles, as these functions do not apply to LEAH Programs.

By the end of these videos, users will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose and structure of the Directory Dataset and how to access it.
  • Navigate the AUCD Network Member Directory and understand how faculty and staff profiles are structured.
  • Create and edit faculty and staff profiles through the AUCD website.
  • Manage, approve faculty and staff profiles, and review Directory profile submissions in NIRS.
  • Add faculty and staff profiles directly to the Directory Dataset in NIRS.
  • Manage connections between faculty and staff profiles, Projects, and Products.
  • Use Standard Reports to review and summarize data entered in Directory profiles.

Videos | Scripts

Number of Videos: 12
Estimated Time for Completion: 1 hour 35 minutes
Relevant for: UCEDD, LEND, LEAH, and DBP Centers/Programs

By the end of these videos, users will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose and structure of the Trainees Dataset, including the three types of trainees, and how to access it.
  • Create and manage long-, medium/intermediate-, and short-term trainee records.
  • Manage Trainee Main and Annual record pairs, including viewing, editing, and deleting records.
  • Use the Advanced Search to locate Trainee records.
  • Allocate trainee records appropriately when training periods span multiple data collection years or involve co-located UCEDD and LEND Programs.
  • Survey former trainees and manage annual contact updates.
  • Use Standard Reports to review and summarize data entered in the Trainees Dataset.
  • Create Custom Reports to select and display Trainees Dataset fields.

Videos | Scripts

Number of Videos: 10
Estimated Time for Completion: 1 hour
Relevant for: UCEDD Centers.

This section is optional for LEND, LEAH, and DBP Programs. The Projects Dataset contains helpful tools to assist with reporting requirements to MCHB.

By the end of these videos, users will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose and structure of the Projects Dataset and how to access it.
  • Create and manage Project records, including adding, editing, viewing, and deleting records.
  • Explain how cost share and grant funding are documented in NIRS.
  • Enter and apportion project funding across multiple years of data collection.
  • Use the Advanced Search to locate Project records.
  • Use the “Save as New” function to carry Project records forward from a prior year to the current year of data collection, or to create a copy of an existing record in the current year of data collection.
  • Use Standard Reports to review and summarize data entered in the Projects Dataset.
  • Create Custom Reports to select and display Projects Dataset fields.

Videos | Scripts

Number of Videos: 15
Estimated Time for Completion: 3 hours 20 minutes
Relevant for: UCEDD Centers.

This section is optional for LEND, LEAH, and DBP Programs. The Activities Dataset includes helpful tools to support reporting requirements for MCHB.

By the end of these videos, users will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose and structure of the Activities Dataset and how to access it.
  • Create and edit Activity records for each core function.
  • Manage existing Activity records, including viewing, editing, and deleting records. Use the Advanced Search to locate Activity records.
  • Use the “Save as New” function to change an activity’s core function or carry a multi-year activity forward to the current data collection year.
  • Use Standard Reports to review and summarize data entered in the Activities Dataset.
  • Create Custom Reports to select and display Activities Dataset fields.

Videos | Scripts

Number of Videos: 23
Estimated Time for Completion: 3 hours 50 minutes
Relevant for: UCEDD, LEND, LEAH, and DBP Centers/Programs

By the end of these videos, users will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose and structure of the Products Dataset.
  • Create and edit Product records for each material type.
  • Manage existing Product records, including viewing, editing, and deleting records.
  • Use the Advanced Search to locate Product records.
  • Use the “Save as New” function to change a product material type or carry a record forward to the current data collection year.
  • Use the Product Dissemination Tool to document products disseminated by the Center/Program.
  • Use Standard Reports to review and summarize data entered in the Products Dataset.
  • Create Custom Reports to select and display Products Dataset fields.

Videos | Scripts

Number of Videos: 7
Estimated Time for Completion: 50 minutes
Relevant for: LEND, LEAH, and DBP Programs

By the end of these videos, users will be able to:

  • Identify NIRS Learning Modules and videos for reviewing previously covered topics.
  • Prepare accurate Trainees and Products data for Standard Reports, the Autism CARES module and export tools that support reporting to MCHB
  • Use NIRS export files to support data transfer to MCHB’s DGIS reporting platform.
  • Describe how NIRS supports LEND, LEAH, and DBP reporting requirements.
    Obtain administrative access to NIRS.
  • Use the NIRS “DGIS Export 2025+” tool to review and export reportable data in the Trainees and Products Datasets.
  • Complete the Autism CARES Module in the NIRS Admin section.

This module section is coming soon.

Number of Videos: TBD
Estimated Time for Completion: TBD
Relevant for: UCEDD Centers only.


Videos | Scripts

Number of Videos: 5
Estimated Time for Completion: 50 minutes
Relevant for: UCEDD, LEND, LEAH, and DBP Centers/Programs

By the end of these videos, users will be able to:

  • Identify NIRS Learning Modules videos to review previously covered topics.
  • Describe the purpose and uses of the NIRS Export Tool.
  • Export NIRS data from specific Datasets and manage export files.
  • Explain how exported data can be used for data transfer and bulk data entry.
  • Describe the purpose and limitations of the NIRS Import Tool.
  • Prepare NIRS data for import, including applying best practices for successful imports.
  • Import records into the Products Dataset.
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