[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2432 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
S.2432
One Hundred Fifth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the twenty-seventh day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-
eight
An Act
To support programs of grants to States to address the assistive
technology needs of individuals with disabilities, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,

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(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Assistive
Technology Act of 1998''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

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limited period for technology-related assistance.

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TITLE I

-STATE GRANT PROGRAMS

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TITLE II

-NATIONAL ACTIVITIES

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(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in
no way diminishes the right of individuals to--
(A) live independently;
(B) enjoy self-determination and make choices;
(C) benefit from an education;
(D) pursue meaningful careers; and
(E) enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic,
political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of
society in the United States.
(2) Technology has become one of the primary engines for
economic activity, education, and innovation in the Nation, and
throughout the world. The commitment of the United States to the
development and utilization of technology is one of the main
factors underlying the strength and vibrancy of the economy of the
United States.
(3) As technology has come to play an increasingly important
role in the lives of all persons in the United States, in the
conduct of business, in the functioning of government, in the
fostering of communication, in the conduct of commerce, and in the
provision of education, its impact upon the lives of the more than
50,000,000 individuals with disabilities in the United States has
been comparable to its impact upon the remainder of the citizens of
the United States. Any development in mainstream technology would
have profound implications for individuals with disabilities in the
United States.
(4) Substantial progress has been made in the development of
assistive technology devices, including adaptations to existing
devices that facilitate activities of daily living, that
significantly benefit individuals with disabilities of all ages.
Such devices and adaptations increase the involvement of such
individuals in, and reduce expenditures associated with, programs
and activities such as early intervention, education,
rehabilitation and training, employment, residential living,
independent living, and recreation programs and activities, and
other aspects of daily living.
(5) All States have comprehensive statewide programs of
technology-related assistance. Federal support for such programs
should continue, strengthening the capacity of each State to assist
individuals with disabilities of all ages with their assistive
technology needs.
(6) Notwithstanding the efforts of such State programs, there
is still a lack of--
(A) resources to pay for assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services;
(B) trained personnel to assist individuals with
disabilities to use such devices and services;
(C) information among targeted individuals about the
availability and potential benefit of technology for
individuals with disabilities;
(D) outreach to underrepresented populations and rural
populations;
(E) systems that ensure timely acquisition and delivery of
assistive technology devices and assistive technology services;
(F) coordination among State human services programs, and
between such programs and private entities, particularly with
respect to transitions between such programs and entities; and
(G) capacity in such programs to provide the necessary
technology-related assistance.
(7) In the current technological environment, the line of
demarcation between assistive technology and mainstream technology
is becoming ever more difficult to draw.
(8) Many individuals with disabilities cannot access existing
telecommunications and information technologies and are at risk of
not being able to access developing technologies. The failure of
Federal and State governments, hardware manufacturers, software
designers, information systems managers, and telecommunications
service providers to account for the specific needs of individuals
with disabilities in the design, manufacture, and procurement of
telecommunications and information technologies results in the
exclusion of such individuals from the use of telecommunications
and information technologies and results in unnecessary costs
associated with the retrofitting of devices and product systems.
(9) There are insufficient incentives for Federal contractors
and other manufacturers of technology to address the application of
technology advances to meet the needs of individuals with
disabilities of all ages for assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services.
(10) The use of universal design principles reduces the need
for many specific kinds of assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services by building in accommodations for
individuals with disabilities before rather than after production.
The use of universal design principles also increases the
likelihood that products (including services) will be compatible
with existing assistive technologies. These principles are
increasingly important to enhance access to information technology,
telecommunications, transportation, physical structures, and
consumer products. There are insufficient incentives for commercial
manufacturers to incorporate universal design principles into the
design and manufacturing of technology products, including devices
of daily living, that could expand their immediate use by
individuals with disabilities of all ages.
(11) There are insufficient incentives for commercial pursuit
of the application of technology devices to meet the needs of
individuals with disabilities, because of the perception that such
individuals constitute a limited market.
(12) At the Federal level, the Federal Laboratories, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other similar
entities do not recognize the value of, or commit resources on an
ongoing basis to, technology transfer initiatives that would
benefit, and especially increase the independence of, individuals
with disabilities.
(13) At the Federal level, there is a lack of coordination
among agencies that provide or pay for the provision of assistive
technology devices and assistive technology services. In addition,
the Federal Government does not provide adequate assistance and
information with respect to the quality and use of assistive
technology devices and assistive technology services to targeted
individuals.
(14) There are changes in the delivery of assistive technology
devices and assistive technology services, including--
(A) the impact of the increased prevalence of managed care
entities as payors for assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services;
(B) an increased focus on universal design;
(C) the increased importance of assistive technology in
employment, as more individuals with disabilities move from
public assistance to work through training and on-the-job
accommodations;
(D) the role and impact that new technologies have on how
individuals with disabilities will learn about, access, and
participate in programs or services that will affect their
lives; and
(E) the increased role that telecommunications play in
education, employment, health care, and social activities.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to provide financial assistance to States to undertake
activities that assist each State in maintaining and strengthening
a permanent comprehensive statewide program of technology-related
assistance, for individuals with disabilities of all ages, that is
designed to--
(A) increase the availability of, funding for, access to,
and provision of, assistive technology devices and assistive
technology services;
(B) increase the active involvement of individuals with
disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates,
and authorized representatives, in the maintenance,
improvement, and evaluation of such a program;
(C) increase the involvement of individuals with
disabilities and, if appropriate, their family members,
guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives, in
decisions related to the provision of assistive technology
devices and assistive technology services;
(D) increase the provision of outreach to underrepresented
populations and rural populations, to enable the two
populations to enjoy the benefits of activities carried out
under this Act to the same extent as other populations;
(E) increase and promote coordination among State agencies,
between State and local agencies, among local agencies, and
between State and local agencies and private entities (such as
managed care providers), that are involved or are eligible to
be involved in carrying out activities under this Act;
(F)(i) increase the awareness of laws, regulations,
policies, practices, procedures, and organizational structures,
that facilitate the availability or provision of assistive
technology devices and assistive technology services; and
(ii) facilitate the change of laws, regulations, policies,
practices, procedures, and organizational structures, to obtain
increased availability or provision of assistive technology
devices and assistive technology services;
(G) increase the probability that individuals with
disabilities of all ages will, to the extent appropriate, be
able to secure and maintain possession of assistive technology
devices as such individuals make the transition between
services offered by human service agencies or between settings
of daily living (for example, between home and work);
(H) enhance the skills and competencies of individuals
involved in providing assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services;
(I) increase awareness and knowledge of the benefits of
assistive technology devices and assistive technology services
among targeted individuals;
(J) increase the awareness of the needs of individuals with
disabilities of all ages for assistive technology devices and
for assistive technology services; and
(K) increase the capacity of public agencies and private
entities to provide and pay for assistive technology devices
and assistive technology services on a statewide basis for
individuals with disabilities of all ages;
(2) to identify Federal policies that facilitate payment for
assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, to
identify those Federal policies that impede such payment, and to
eliminate inappropriate barriers to such payment; and
(3) to enhance the ability of the Federal Government to--
(A) provide States with financial assistance that
supports--
(i) information and public awareness programs relating
to the provision of assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services;
(ii) improved interagency and public-private
coordination, especially through new and improved policies,
that result in increased availability of assistive
technology devices and assistive technology services; and
(iii) technical assistance and training in the
provision or use of assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services; and
(B) fund national, regional, State, and local targeted
initiatives that promote understanding of and access to
assistive technology devices and assistive technology services
for targeted individuals.

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TITLE IV

-REPEAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS

(a) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Advocacy services.--The term ``advocacy services'', except
as used as part of the term ``protection and advocacy services'',
means services provided to assist individuals with disabilities and
their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized
representatives in accessing assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services.
(2) Assistive technology.--The term ``assistive technology''
means technology designed to be utilized in an assistive technology
device or assistive technology service.
(3) Assistive technology device.--The term ``assistive
technology device'' means any item, piece of equipment, or product
system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized,
that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional
capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
(4) Assistive technology service.--The term ``assistive
technology service'' means any service that directly assists an
individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use
of an assistive technology device. Such term includes--
(A) the evaluation of the assistive technology needs of an
individual with a disability, including a functional evaluation
of the impact of the provision of appropriate assistive
technology and appropriate services to the individual in the
customary environment of the individual;
(B) services consisting of purchasing, leasing, or
otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology
devices by individuals with disabilities;
(C) services consisting of selecting, designing, fitting,
customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or
replacing assistive technology devices;
(D) coordination and use of necessary therapies,
interventions, or services with assistive technology devices,
such as therapies, interventions, or services associated with
education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
(E) training or technical assistance for an individual with
disabilities, or, where appropriate, the family members,
guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of such an
individual; and
(F) training or technical assistance for professionals
(including individuals providing education and rehabilitation
services), employers, or other individuals who provide services
to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the
major life functions of individuals with disabilities.
(5) Capacity building and advocacy activities.--The term
``capacity building and advocacy activities'' means efforts that--
(A) result in laws, regulations, policies, practices,
procedures, or organizational structures that promote consumer-
responsive programs or entities; and
(B) facilitate and increase access to, provision of, and
funding for, assistive technology devices and assistive
technology services,
in order to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve
greater independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion
within the community and the workforce.
(6) Comprehensive statewide program of technology-related
assistance.--The term ``comprehensive statewide program of
technology-related assistance'' means a consumer-responsive program
of technology-related assistance for individuals with disabilities,
implemented by a State, and equally available to all individuals
with disabilities residing in the State, regardless of their type
of disability, age, income level, or location of residence in the
State, or the type of assistive technology device or assistive
technology service required.
(7) Consumer-responsive.--The term ``consumer-responsive''--
(A) with regard to policies, means that the policies are
consistent with the principles of--
(i) respect for individual dignity, personal
responsibility, self-determination, and pursuit of
meaningful careers, based on informed choice, of
individuals with disabilities;
(ii) respect for the privacy, rights, and equal access
(including the use of accessible formats) of such
individuals;
(iii) inclusion, integration, and full participation of
such individuals in society;
(iv) support for the involvement in decisions of a
family member, a guardian, an advocate, or an authorized
representative, if an individual with a disability
requests, desires, or needs such involvement; and
(v) support for individual and systems advocacy and
community involvement; and
(B) with respect to an entity, program, or activity, means
that the entity, program, or activity--
(i) is easily accessible to, and usable by, individuals
with disabilities and, when appropriate, their family
members, guardians, advocates, or authorized
representatives;
(ii) responds to the needs of individuals with
disabilities in a timely and appropriate manner; and
(iii) facilitates the full and meaningful participation
of individuals with disabilities (including individuals
from underrepresented populations and rural populations)
and their family members, guardians, advocates, and
authorized representatives, in--
(I) decisions relating to the provision of
assistive technology devices and assistive technology
services to such individuals; and
(II) decisions related to the maintenance,
improvement, and evaluation of the comprehensive
statewide program of technology-related assistance,
including decisions that affect advocacy, capacity
building, and capacity building and advocacy
activities.
(8) Disability.--The term ``disability'' means a condition of
an individual that is considered to be a disability or handicap for
the purposes of any Federal law other than this Act or for the
purposes of the law of the State in which the individual resides.
(9) Individual with a disability; individuals with
disabilities.--
(A) Individual with a disability.--The term ``individual
with a disability'' means any individual of any age, race, or
ethnicity--
(i) who has a disability; and
(ii) who is or would be enabled by an assistive
technology device or an assistive technology service to
minimize deterioration in functioning, to maintain a level
of functioning, or to achieve a greater level of
functioning in any major life activity.
(B) Individuals with disabilities.--The term ``individuals
with disabilities'' means more than one individual with a
disability.
(10) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution
of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section
1201(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1141(a)),
and includes a community college receiving funding under the
Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 (25
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
(11) Protection and advocacy services.--The term ``protection
and advocacy services'' means services that--
(A) are described in part C of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6041
et seq.), the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill
Individuals Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 10801 et seq.), or section
509 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and
(B) assist individuals with disabilities with respect to
assistive technology devices and assistive technology services.
(12) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Education.
(13) State.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B) and
section 302, the term ``State'' means each of the several
States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands,
Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands.
(B) Outlying areas.--In sections 101(c) and 102(b):
(i) Outlying area.--The term ``outlying area'' means
the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(ii) State.--The term ``State'' does not include the
United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(14) Targeted individuals.--The term ``targeted individuals''
means--
(A) individuals with disabilities of all ages and their
family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized
representatives;
(B) individuals who work for public or private entities
(including insurers or managed care providers), that have
contact with individuals with disabilities;
(C) educators and related services personnel;
(D) technology experts (including engineers);
(E) health and allied health professionals;
(F) employers; and
(G) other appropriate individuals and entities.
(15) Technology-related assistance.--The term ``technology-
related assistance'' means assistance provided through capacity
building and advocacy activities that accomplish the purposes
described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (K) of section
2(b)(1).
(16) Underrepresented population.--The term ``underrepresented
population'' means a population that is typically underrepresented
in service provision, and includes populations such as persons who
have low-incidence disabilities, persons who are minorities, poor
persons, persons with limited-English proficiency, older
individuals, or persons from rural areas.
(17) Universal design.--The term ``universal design'' means a
concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products and
services that are usable by people with the widest possible range
of functional capabilities, which include products and services
that are directly usable (without requiring assistive technologies)
and products and services that are made usable with assistive
technologies.
(b) References.--References in this Act to a provision of the
Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of
1988 shall be considered to be references to such provision as in
effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.

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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.
(a) Grants to States.--
(1) In general.--On the appropriation of funds under section
105, the Secretary shall make a grant to an entity in each State to
support protection and advocacy services through the systems
established to provide protection and advocacy services under the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42
U.S.C. 6000 et seq.) for the purposes of assisting in the
acquisition, utilization, or maintenance of assistive technology or
assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities.
(2) Certain states.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), for a State
that, on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, was
described in section 102(f)(1) of the Technology-Related Assistance
for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988, the Secretary shall
make the grant to the lead agency designated under section 101(d).
The lead agency shall determine how the funds made available under
this section shall be divided among the entities that were
providing protection and advocacy services in that State on that
day, and distribute the funds to the entities. In distributing the
funds, the lead agency shall not establish any further eligibility
or procedural requirements for an entity in that State that
supports protection and advocacy services through the systems
established to provide protection and advocacy services under the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42
U.S.C. 6000 et seq.). Such an entity shall comply with the same
requirements (including reporting and enforcement requirements) as
any other entity that receives funding under paragraph (1).
(3) Periods.--The Secretary shall provide assistance through
such a grant to a State for 6 years.
(b) Amount of Financial Assistance.--
(1) Grants to outlying areas.--From the funds appropriated
under section 105(a) and reserved under section 105(b)(1)(A) for
any fiscal year, the Secretary shall make a grant in an amount of
not more than $30,000 to each eligible system within an outlying
area.
(2) Grants to states.--For any fiscal year, after reserving
funds to make grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make
allotments from the remainder of the funds described in paragraph
(1) in accordance with paragraph (3) to eligible systems within
States to support protection and advocacy services as described in
subsection (a). The Secretary shall make grants to the eligible
systems from the allotments.
(3) Systems within states.--
(A) Population basis.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), from such remainder for each fiscal year, the Secretary
shall make an allotment to the eligible system within a State
of an amount bearing the same ratio to such remainder as the
population of the State bears to the population of all States.
(B) Minimums.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations to carry out this section, the allotment to any
system under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than $50,000,
and the allotment to any system under this paragraph for any
fiscal year that is less than $50,000 shall be increased to
$50,000.
(4) Reallotment.--Whenever the Secretary determines that any
amount of an allotment under paragraph (3) to a system within a
State for any fiscal year will not be expended by such system in
carrying out the provisions of this section, the Secretary shall
make such amount available for carrying out the provisions of this
section to one or more of the systems that the Secretary determines
will be able to use additional amounts during such year for
carrying out such provisions. Any amount made available to a system
for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for
the purposes of this section, be regarded as an increase in the
allotment of the system (as determined under the preceding
provisions of this section) for such year.
(c) Report to Secretary.--An entity that receives a grant under
this section shall annually prepare and submit to the Secretary a
report that contains such information as the Secretary may require,
including documentation of the progress of the entity in--
(1) conducting consumer-responsive activities, including
activities that will lead to increased access, for individuals with
disabilities, to funding for assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services;
(2) engaging in informal advocacy to assist in securing
assistive technology and assistive technology services for
individuals with disabilities;
(3) engaging in formal representation for individuals with
disabilities to secure systems change, and in advocacy activities
to secure assistive technology and assistive technology services
for individuals with disabilities;
(4) developing and implementing strategies to enhance the long-
term abilities of individuals with disabilities and their family
members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to
advocate the provision of assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services to which the individuals with
disabilities are entitled under law other than this Act; and
(5) coordinating activities with protection and advocacy
services funded through sources other than this title, and
coordinating activities with the capacity building and advocacy
activities carried out by the lead agency.
(d) Reports and Updates to State Agencies.--An entity that receives
a grant under this section shall prepare and submit to the lead agency
the report described in subsection (c) and quarterly updates concerning
the activities described in subsection (c).
(e) Coordination.--On making a grant under this section to an
entity in a State, the Secretary shall solicit and consider the
opinions of the lead agency of the State designated under section
101(d) with respect to efforts at coordination, collaboration, and
promoting outcomes between the lead agency and the entity that receives
the grant under this section.

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(a) Review of Participating Entities.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall assess the extent to which
entities that receive grants pursuant to this title are complying
with the applicable requirements of this title and achieving the
goals that are consistent with the requirements of the grant
programs under which the entities applied for the grants.
(2) Onsite visits of states receiving certain grants.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct an onsite
visit for each State that receives a grant under section 101
and that would have been in the third or fourth year of a
second extension grant under the Technology-Related Assistance
for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 if that Act had
been reauthorized for that fiscal year, prior to the end of
that year.
(B) Unnecessary visits.--The Secretary shall not be
required to conduct a visit of a State described in
subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines that the visit is
not necessary to assess whether the State is making significant
progress toward development and implementation of a
comprehensive statewide program of technology-related
assistance.
(3) Advance public notice.--The Secretary shall provide advance
public notice of an onsite visit conducted under paragraph (2) and
solicit public comment through such notice from targeted
individuals, regarding State goals and related activities to
achieve such goals funded through a grant made under section 101.
(4) Minimum requirements.--At a minimum, the visit shall allow
the Secretary to determine the extent to which the State is making
progress in meeting State goals and maintaining a comprehensive
statewide program of technology-related assistance consistent with
the purposes described in section 2(b)(1).
(5) Provision of information.--To assist the Secretary in
carrying out the responsibilities of the Secretary under this
section, the Secretary may require States to provide relevant
information.
(b) Corrective Action and Sanctions.--
(1) Corrective action.--If the Secretary determines that an
entity fails to substantially comply with the requirements of this
title with respect to a grant program, the Secretary shall assist
the entity through technical assistance funded under section 104 or
other means, within 90 days after such determination, to develop a
corrective action plan.
(2) Sanctions.--An entity that fails to develop and comply with
a corrective action plan as described in paragraph (1) during a
fiscal year shall be subject to one of the following corrective
actions selected by the Secretary:
(A) Partial or complete fund termination under the grant
program.
(B) Ineligibility to participate in the grant program in
the following year.
(C) Reduction in funding for the following year under the
grant program.
(D) Required redesignation of the lead agency designated
under section 101(d) or an entity responsible for administering
the grant program.
(3) Appeals procedures.--The Secretary shall establish appeals
procedures for entities that are found to be in noncompliance with
the requirements of this title.
(c) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than December 31 of each year, the
Secretary shall prepare, and submit to the President and to
Congress, a report on the activities funded under this Act, to
improve the access of individuals with disabilities to assistive
technology devices and assistive technology services.
(2) Contents.--Such report shall include information on--
(A) the demonstrated successes of the funded activities in
improving interagency coordination relating to assistive
technology, streamlining access to funding for assistive
technology, and producing beneficial outcomes for users of
assistive technology;
(B) the demonstration activities carried out through the
funded activities to--
(i) promote access to such funding in public programs
that were in existence on the date of the initiation of the
demonstration activities; and
(ii) establish additional options for obtaining such
funding;
(C) the education and training activities carried out
through the funded activities to educate and train targeted
individuals about assistive technology, including increasing
awareness of funding through public programs for assistive
technology;
(D) the research activities carried out through the funded
activities to improve understanding of the costs and benefits
of access to assistive technology for individuals with
disabilities who represent a variety of ages and types of
disabilities;
(E) the program outreach activities to rural and inner-city
areas that are carried out through the funded activities;
(F) the activities carried out through the funded
activities that are targeted to reach underrepresented
populations and rural populations; and
(G) the consumer involvement activities carried out through
the funded activities.
(3) Availability of assistive technology devices and assistive
technology services.--As soon as practicable, the Secretary shall
include in the annual report required by this subsection
information on the availability of assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services.
(d) Effect on Other Assistance.--This title may not be construed as
authorizing a Federal or a State agency to reduce medical or other
assistance available, or to alter eligibility for a benefit or service,
under any other Federal law.

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(a) In General.--Through grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements, awarded on a competitive basis, the Secretary is authorized
to fund a technical assistance program to provide technical assistance
to entities, principally entities funded under section 101 or 102.
(b) Input.--In designing the program to be funded under this
section, and in deciding the differences in function between national
and regionally based technical assistance efforts carried out through
the program, the Secretary shall consider the input of the directors of
comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance and
other individuals the Secretary determines to be appropriate,
especially--
(1) individuals with disabilities who use assistive technology
and understand the barriers to the acquisition of such technology
and assistive technology services;
(2) family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized
representatives of such individuals; and
(3) individuals employed by protection and advocacy systems
funded under section 102.
(c) Scope of Technical Assistance.--
(1) National public internet site.--
(A) Establishment of internet site.--The Secretary shall
fund the establishment and maintenance of a National Public
Internet Site for the purposes of providing to individuals with
disabilities and the general public technical assistance and
information on increased access to assistive technology
devices, assistive technology services, and other disability-
related resources.
(B) Eligible entity.--To be eligible to receive a grant or
enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under subsection
(a) to establish and maintain the Internet site, an entity
shall be an institution of higher education that emphasizes
research and engineering, has a multidisciplinary research
center, and has demonstrated expertise in--
(i) working with assistive technology and intelligent
agent interactive information dissemination systems;
(ii) managing libraries of assistive technology and
disability-related resources;
(iii) delivering education, information, and referral
services to individuals with disabilities, including
technology-based curriculum development services for adults
with low-level reading skills;
(iv) developing cooperative partnerships with the
private sector, particularly with private sector computer
software, hardware, and Internet services entities; and
(v) developing and designing advanced Internet sites.
(C) Features of internet site.--The National Public
Internet Site described in subparagraph (A) shall contain the
following features:
(i) Availability of information at any time.--The site
shall be designed so that any member of the public may
obtain information posted on the site at any time.
(ii) Innovative automated intelligent agent.--The site
shall be constructed with an innovative automated
intelligent agent that is a diagnostic tool for assisting
users in problem definition and the selection of
appropriate assistive technology devices and assistive
technology services resources.
(iii) Resources.--
(I) Library on assistive technology.--The site
shall include access to a comprehensive working library
on assistive technology for all environments, including
home, workplace, transportation, and other
environments.
(II) Resources for a number of disabilities.--The
site shall include resources relating to the largest
possible number of disabilities, including resources
relating to low-level reading skills.
(iv) Links to private sector resources and
information.--To the extent feasible, the site shall be
linked to relevant private sector resources and
information, under agreements developed between the
institution of higher education and cooperating private
sector entities.
(D) Minimum library components.--At a minimum, the Internet
site shall maintain updated information on--
(i) how to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate
activities to further extend comprehensive statewide
programs of technology-related assistance, including the
development and replication of effective approaches to--
(I) providing information and referral services;
(II) promoting interagency coordination of training
and service delivery among public and private entities;
(III) conducting outreach to underrepresented
populations and rural populations;
(IV) mounting successful public awareness
activities;
(V) improving capacity building in service
delivery;
(VI) training personnel from a variety of
disciplines; and
(VII) improving evaluation strategies, research,
and data collection;
(ii) effective approaches to the development of
consumer-controlled systems that increase access to,
funding for, and awareness of, assistive technology devices
and assistive technology services;
(iii) successful approaches to increasing the
availability of public and private funding for and access
to the provision of assistive technology devices and
assistive technology services by appropriate State
agencies; and
(iv) demonstration sites where individuals may try out
assistive technology.
(2) Technical assistance efforts.--In carrying out the
technical assistance program, taking into account the input
required under subsection (b), the Secretary shall ensure that
entities--
(A) address State-specific information requests concerning
assistive technology from other entities funded under this
title and public entities not funded under this title,
including--
(i) requests for state-of-the-art, or model, Federal,
State, and local laws, regulations, policies, practices,
procedures, and organizational structures, that facilitate,
and overcome barriers to, funding for, and access to,
assistive technology devices and assistive technology
services;
(ii) requests for examples of policies, practices,
procedures, regulations, administrative hearing decisions,
or legal actions, that have enhanced or may enhance access
to funding for assistive technology devices and assistive
technology services for individuals with disabilities;
(iii) requests for information on effective approaches
to Federal-State coordination of programs for individuals
with disabilities, related to improving funding for or
access to assistive technology devices and assistive
technology services for individuals with disabilities of
all ages;
(iv) requests for information on effective approaches
to the development of consumer-controlled systems that
increase access to, funding for, and awareness of,
assistive technology devices and assistive technology
services;
(v) other requests for technical assistance from other
entities funded under this title and public entities not
funded under this title; and
(vi) other assignments specified by the Secretary,
including assisting entities described in section 103(b) to
develop corrective action plans; and
(B) assist targeted individuals by disseminating
information about--
(i) Federal, State, and local laws, regulations,
policies, practices, procedures, and organizational
structures, that facilitate, and overcome barriers to,
funding for, and access to, assistive technology devices
and assistive technology services, to promote fuller
independence, productivity, and inclusion in society for
individuals with disabilities of all ages; and
(ii) technical assistance activities undertaken under
subparagraph (A).
(d) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to compete for grants,
contracts, and cooperative agreements under this section, entities
shall have documented experience with and expertise in assistive
technology service delivery or systems, interagency coordination, and
capacity building and advocacy activities.
(e) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement under this section, an entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require.

953578aa47f51af68b59e96db112acccaac3e4b08e7aca507fbd52ea4db4d000

(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this title $36,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be
necessary for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2004.
(b) Reservations of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3),
of the amount appropriated under subsection (a) for a fiscal year--
(A) 87.5 percent of the amount shall be reserved to fund
grants under section 101;
(B) 7.9 percent shall be reserved to fund grants under
section 102; and
(C) 4.6 percent shall be reserved for activities funded
under section 104.
(2) Reservation for continuation of technical assistance
initiatives.--For fiscal year 1999, the Secretary may use funds
reserved under subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) to continue
funding technical assistance initiatives that were funded in fiscal
year 1998 under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals
With Disabilities Act of 1988.
(3) Reservation for onsite visits.--The Secretary may reserve,
from the amount appropriated under subsection (a) for any fiscal
year, such sums as the Secretary considers to be necessary for the
purposes of conducting onsite visits as required by section
103(a)(2).
Subtitle A--Rehabilitation Act of 1973

6bb0879b9229c758c808de68b8cd09f35ba633f3f318ca41d99543fae35495a2

Section 203 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended by
section 405 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1988) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting after ``programs,''
insert ``including programs relating to assistive technology
research and research that incorporates the principles of universal
design,'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``After receiving'';
(B) by striking ``from individuals with disabilities and
the individuals' representatives'' and inserting ``from
targeted individuals'';
(C) by inserting after ``research'' the following:
``(including assistive technology research and research that
incorporates the principles of universal design)''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) In carrying out its duties with respect to the conduct of
Federal research (including assistive technology research and research
that incorporates the principles of universal design) related to
rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, the Committee shall--
``(A) share information regarding the range of assistive
technology research, and research that incorporates the principles
of universal design, that is being carried out by members of the
Committee and other Federal departments and organizations;
``(B) identify, and make efforts to address, gaps in assistive
technology research and research that incorporates the principles
of universal design that are not being adequately addressed;
``(C) identify, and establish, clear research priorities
related to assistive technology research and research that
incorporates the principles of universal design for the Federal
Government;
``(D) promote interagency collaboration and joint research
activities relating to assistive technology research and research
that incorporates the principles of universal design at the Federal
level, and reduce unnecessary duplication of effort regarding these
types of research within the Federal Government; and
``(E) optimize the productivity of Committee members through
resource sharing and other cost-saving activities, related to
assistive technology research and research that incorporates the
principles of universal design.'';
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Not later than December 31 of each year, the Committee shall
prepare and submit, to the President and to the Committee on Education
and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Labor and Human Resources of the Senate, a report that--
``(1) describes the progress of the Committee in fulfilling the
duties described in subsection (b);
``(2) makes such recommendations as the Committee determines to
be appropriate with respect to coordination of policy and
development of objectives and priorities for all Federal programs
relating to the conduct of research (including assistive technology
research and research that incorporates the principles of universal
design) related to rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities;
and
``(3) describes the activities that the Committee recommended
to be funded through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and
other mechanisms, for assistive technology research and development
and research and development that incorporates the principles of
universal design.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(d)(1) In order to promote coordination and cooperation among
Federal departments and agencies conducting assistive technology
research programs, to reduce duplication of effort among the programs,
and to increase the availability of assistive technology for
individuals with disabilities, the Committee may recommend activities
to be funded through grants, contracts or cooperative agreements, or
other mechanisms--
``(A) in joint research projects for assistive technology
research and research that incorporates the principles of universal
design; and
``(B) in other programs designed to promote a cohesive,
strategic Federal program of research described in subparagraph
(A).
``(2) The projects and programs described in paragraph (1) shall be
jointly administered by at least 2 agencies or departments with
representatives on the Committee.
``(3) In recommending activities to be funded in the projects and
programs, the Committee shall obtain input from targeted individuals,
and other organizations and individuals the Committee determines to be
appropriate, concerning the availability and potential of technology
for individuals with disabilities.
``(e) In this section, the terms `assistive technology', `targeted
individuals', and `universal design' have the meanings given the terms
in section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.''.

82c50e631cf9a36a1cbea0d86c5f8ffc320d741b3949faad61a00500a98e73e5

Section 401 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended by
section 407 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(c)(1) Not later than December 31, 1999, the Council shall
prepare a report describing the barriers in Federal assistive
technology policy to increasing the availability of and access to
assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for
individuals with disabilities.
``(2) In preparing the report, the Council shall obtain input from
the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and
the Association of Tech Act Projects, and from targeted individuals, as
defined in section 3 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.
``(3) The Council shall submit the report, along with such
recommendations as the Council determines to be appropriate, to the
Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee
on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.''.

4c43d1f69092a87b026bb99460d8734b1e38dd67a82a089f343f5957ab52d967

BOARD.
(a) In General.--Section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 792) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (i) as subsections
(e) through (j), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Beginning in fiscal year 2000, the Access Board, after
consultation with the Secretary, representatives of such public and
private entities as the Access Board determines to be appropriate
(including the electronic and information technology industry),
targeted individuals (as defined in section 3 of the Assistive
Technology Act of 1998), and State information technology officers,
shall provide training for Federal and State employees on any
obligations related to section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973.''; and
(3) in the second sentence of paragraph (1) of subsection (e)
(as redesignated in paragraph (1)), by striking ``subsection (e)''
and inserting ``subsection (f)''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 506(c) of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794(c)) is amended by striking ``section 502(h)(1)''
and inserting ``section 502(i)(1)''.
Subtitle B--Other National Activities

1c4634ecbf174c6f82ac5c726e819db109121875d99d3fed7934d2707c80e166

(a) Definition.--In this section, the term ``small business'' means
a small-business concern, as described in section 3(a) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)).
(b) Contracts for Design, Development, and Marketing.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into contracts with
small businesses, to assist such businesses to design, develop, and
market assistive technology devices or assistive technology
services. In entering into the contracts, the Secretary may give
preference to businesses owned or operated by individuals with
disabilities.
(2) Small business innovative research program.--Contracts
entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be administered in
accordance with the contract administration requirements applicable
to the Department of Education under the Small Business Innovative
Research Program, as described in section 9(g) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(g)). Contracts entered into pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall not be included in the calculation of the
required expenditures of the Department under section 9(f) of such
Act (15 U.S.C. 638(f)).
(c) Grants for Evaluation and Dissemination of Information on
Effects of Technology Transfer.--The Secretary may make grants to small
businesses to enable such businesses--
(1) to work with any entity funded by the Secretary to evaluate
and disseminate information on the effects of technology transfer
on the lives of individuals with disabilities;
(2) to benefit from the experience and expertise of such
entities, in conducting such evaluation and dissemination; and
(3) to utilize any technology transfer and market research
services such entities provide, to bring new assistive technology
devices and assistive technology services into commerce.

ac306bae9808e324a0196c207a2783ba0a33bbdf9af72139e9eff4642ade20e8

(a) In General.--The Director of the National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research may collaborate with the Federal
Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer established under section
11(e) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3710(e)), to promote technology transfer that will further
development of assistive technology and products that incorporate the
principles of universal design.
(b) Collaboration.--In promoting the technology transfer, the
Director and the Consortium described in subsection (a) may
collaborate--
(1) to enable the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research to work more effectively with the
Consortium, and to enable the Consortium to fulfill the
responsibilities of the Consortium to assist Federal agencies with
technology transfer under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq);
(2) to increase the awareness of staff members of the Federal
Laboratories regarding assistive technology issues and the
principles of universal design;
(3) to compile a compendium of current and projected Federal
Laboratory technologies and projects that have or will have an
intended or recognized impact on the available range of assistive
technology for individuals with disabilities, including
technologies and projects that incorporate the principles of
universal design, as appropriate;
(4) to develop strategies for applying developments in
assistive technology and universal design to mainstream technology,
to improve economies of scale and commercial incentives for
assistive technology; and
(5) to cultivate developments in assistive technology and
universal design through demonstration projects and evaluations,
conducted with assistive technology professionals and potential
users of assistive technology.
(c) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary
may make grants to or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements
with commercial, nonprofit, or other organizations, including
institutions of higher education, to facilitate interaction with the
Consortium to achieve the objectives of this section.
(d) Responsibilities of Consortium.--Section 11(e)(1) of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3710(e)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (J), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) work with the Director of the National Institute on
Disability and Rehabilitation Research to compile a compendium of
current and projected Federal Laboratory technologies and projects
that have or will have an intended or recognized impact on the
available range of assistive technology for individuals with
disabilities (as defined in section 3 of the Assistive Technology
Act of 1998), including technologies and projects that incorporate
the principles of universal design (as defined in section 3 of such
Act), as appropriate.''.

f1c870821ebabcc0776d7c563cb2ec06defaf7bf7d7ef1055cc0bc007dc8ba22

The Secretary may make grants to commercial or other enterprises
and institutions of higher education for the research and development
of universal design concepts for products (including information
technology) and the built environment. In making such grants, the
Secretary shall give consideration to enterprises and institutions that
are owned or operated by individuals with disabilities. The Secretary
shall define the term ``built environment'' for purposes of this
section.

6d53ed8be8f0bc7d4187bd774aa73ba821cc592b7e0ac442eff470e03a3feacd

(a) Assistive Technology in Rural or Impoverished Urban Areas.--The
Secretary may make grants, enter into cooperative agreements, or
provide financial assistance through other mechanisms, for projects
designed to increase the availability of assistive technology for rural
and impoverished urban populations, by determining the unmet assistive
technology needs of such populations, and designing and implementing
programs to meet such needs.
(b) Assistive Technology for Children and Older Individuals.--The
Secretary may make grants, enter into cooperative agreements, or
provide financial assistance through other mechanisms, for projects
designed to increase the availability of assistive technology for
populations of children and older individuals, by determining the unmet
assistive technology needs of such populations, and designing and
implementing programs to meet such needs.

08c5a041fdf53a6cec00a5e9492421c2ab5bb6d0845c683bce6aec7cf65d2e81

TECHNICIANS.
(a) Grants and Contracts.--The Secretary shall make grants, or
enter into contracts with, public and private agencies and
organizations, including institutions of higher education, to help
prepare students, including students preparing to be rehabilitation
technicians, and faculty working in the field of rehabilitation
engineering, for careers related to the provision of assistive
technology devices and assistive technology services.
(b) Activities.--An agency or organization that receives a grant or
contract under subsection (a) may use the funds made available through
the grant or contract--
(1) to provide training programs for individuals employed or
seeking employment in the field of rehabilitation engineering,
including postsecondary education programs;
(2) to provide workshops, seminars, and conferences concerning
rehabilitation engineering that relate to the use of assistive
technology devices and assistive technology services to improve the
lives of individuals with disabilities; and
(3) to design, develop, and disseminate curricular materials to
be used in the training programs, workshops, seminars, and
conferences described in paragraphs (1) and (2).

f279ee227a36f4264926e1d2d3f4eb185722b2061a6e815750181d33318220af

DISABILITIES.
(a) Programs.--The President's Committee on Employment of People
With Disabilities (referred to in this section as ``the Committee'')
may design, develop, and implement programs to increase the voluntary
participation of the private sector in making information technology
accessible to individuals with disabilities, including increasing the
involvement of individuals with disabilities in the design,
development, and manufacturing of information technology.
(b) Activities.--The Committee may carry out activities through the
programs that may include--
(1) the development and coordination of a task force, which--
(A) shall develop and disseminate information on voluntary
best practices for universal accessibility in information
technology; and
(B) shall consist of members of the public and private
sectors, including--
(i) representatives of organizations representing
individuals with disabilities; and
(ii) individuals with disabilities; and
(2) the design, development, and implementation of outreach
programs to promote the adoption of best practices referred to in
paragraph (1)(B).
(c) Coordination.--The Committee shall coordinate the activities of
the Committee under this section, as appropriate, with the activities
of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and
the activities of the Department of Labor.
(d) Technical Assistance.--The Committee may provide technical
assistance concerning the programs carried out under this section and
may reserve such portion of the funds appropriated to carry out this
section as the Committee determines to be necessary to provide the
technical assistance.
(e) Definition.--In this section, the term ``information
technology'' means any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem
of equipment, that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage,
manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching,
interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information,
including a computer, ancillary equipment, software, firmware and
similar procedures, services (including support services), and related
resources.

a5fc2d53f73577a099b6319ff5d872ec4d8c49eae045bd68934efa8ca020aa95

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title,
and the provisions of section 203 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
that relate to research described in section 203(b)(2)(A) of such Act,
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for
fiscal year 2000.

500933edea8f57658346aa2753ce081b98a4b110668b6de0f05b5f665da305ce

(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to States to pay
for the Federal share of the cost of the establishment and
administration of, or the expansion and administration of, an
alternative financing program featuring one or more alternative
financing mechanisms to allow individuals with disabilities and their
family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to
purchase assistive technology devices and assistive technology services
(referred to individually in this title as an ``alternative financing
mechanism'').
(b) Mechanisms.--The alternative financing mechanisms may include--
(1) a low-interest loan fund;
(2) an interest buy-down program;
(3) a revolving loan fund;
(4) a loan guarantee or insurance program;
(5) a program operated by a partnership among private entities
for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of assistive
technology devices or assistive technology services; or
(6) another mechanism that meets the requirements of this title
and is approved by the Secretary.
(c) Requirements.--
(1) Period.--The Secretary may award grants under this title
for periods of 1 year.
(2) Limitation.--No State may receive more than one grant under
this title.
(d) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the
alternative financing program shall not be more than 50 percent.
(e) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as
affecting the authority of a State to establish an alternative
financing program under title I.

eac4cba544a69a650635e58866da396b7263d3c2ca92fe23841ce57624259336

TITLE III

-ALTERNATIVE FINANCING MECHANISMS

(a) In General.--
(1) Grants to outlying areas.--From the funds appropriated
under section 308 for any fiscal year that are not reserved under
section 308(b), the Secretary shall make a grant in an amount of
not more than $105,000 to each eligible outlying area.
(2) Grants to states.--From the funds described in paragraph
(1) that are not used to make grants under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall make grants to States from allotments made in
accordance with the requirements described in paragraph (3).
(3) Allotments.--From the funds described in paragraph (1) that
are not used to make grants under paragraph (1)--
(A) the Secretary shall allot $500,000 to each State; and
(B) from the remainder of the funds--
(i) the Secretary shall allot to each State an amount
that bears the same ratio to 80 percent of the remainder as
the population of the State bears to the population of all
States; and
(ii) the Secretary shall allot to each State with a
population density that is not more than 10 percent greater
than the population density of the United States (according
to the most recently available census data) an equal share
from 20 percent of the remainder.
(b) Insufficient Funds.--If the funds appropriated under this title
for a fiscal year are insufficient to fund the activities described in
the acceptable applications submitted under this title for such year, a
State whose application was approved for such year but that did not
receive a grant under this title may update the application for the
succeeding fiscal year. Priority shall be given in such succeeding
fiscal year to such updated applications, if acceptable.
(c) Definitions.--In subsection (a):
(1) Outlying area.--The term ``outlying area'' means the United
States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' does not include the United
States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands.

9d1bb2e5ba8340938e1f53dfd08d4e9390a09317676fb0164870c2695f5b255f

(a) Eligibility.--States that receive or have received grants under
section 101 and comply with subsection (b) shall be eligible to compete
for grants under this title.
(b) Application.--To be eligible to compete for a grant under this
title, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require, including--
(1) an assurance that the State will provide the non-Federal
share of the cost of the alternative financing program in cash,
from State, local, or private sources;
(2) an assurance that the alternative financing program will
continue on a permanent basis;
(3) an assurance that, and information describing the manner in
which, the alternative financing program will expand and emphasize
consumer choice and control;
(4) an assurance that the funds made available through the
grant to support the alternative financing program will be used to
supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, and local public
funds expended to provide alternative financing mechanisms;
(5) an assurance that the State will ensure that--
(A) all funds that support the alternative financing
program, including funds repaid during the life of the program,
will be placed in a permanent separate account and identified
and accounted for separately from any other fund;
(B) if the organization administering the program invests
funds within this account, the organization will invest the
funds in low-risk securities in which a regulated insurance
company may invest under the law of the State; and
(C) the organization will administer the funds with the
same judgment and care that a person of prudence, discretion,
and intelligence would exercise in the management of the
financial affairs of such person;
(6) an assurance that--
(A) funds comprised of the principal and interest from the
account described in paragraph (5) will be available to support
the alternative financing program; and
(B) any interest or investment income that accrues on or
derives from such funds after such funds have been placed under
the control of the organization administering the alternative
financing program, but before such funds are distributed for
purposes of supporting the program, will be the property of the
organization administering the program; and
(7) an assurance that the percentage of the funds made
available through the grant that is used for indirect costs shall
not exceed 10 percent.
(c) Limit.--The interest and income described in subsection
(b)(6)(B) shall not be taken into account by any officer or employee of
the Federal Government for purposes of determining eligibility for any
Federal program.

3e582780b6181fc9181ef4bab68f89d7ffc05c81cbd64bf4570608e4fee6e7a8

(a) In General.--A State that receives a grant under this title
shall enter into a contract with a community-based organization
(including a group of such organizations) that has individuals with
disabilities involved in organizational decisionmaking at all
organizational levels, to administer the alternative financing program.
(b) Provisions.--The contract shall--
(1) include a provision requiring that the program funds,
including the Federal and non-Federal shares of the cost of the
program, be administered in a manner consistent with the provisions
of this title;
(2) include any provision the Secretary requires concerning
oversight and evaluation necessary to protect Federal financial
interests; and
(3) require the community-based organization to enter into a
contract, to expand opportunities under this title and facilitate
administration of the alternative financing program, with--
(A) commercial lending institutions or organizations; or
(B) State financing agencies.

1a7c2a55ea32391bb3913a29ded18d301d1ed858c8c8b9786336fa1b7a16be62

A State that receives a grant under this title and any community-
based organization that enters into a contract with the State under
this title, shall submit to the Secretary, pursuant to a schedule
established by the Secretary (or if the Secretary does not establish a
schedule, within 12 months after the date that the State receives the
grant), each of the following policies or procedures for administration
of the alternative financing program:
(1) A procedure to review and process in a timely manner
requests for financial assistance for immediate and potential
technology needs, including consideration of methods to reduce
paperwork and duplication of effort, particularly relating to need,
eligibility, and determination of the specific assistive technology
device or service to be financed through the program.
(2) A policy and procedure to assure that access to the
alternative financing program shall be given to consumers
regardless of type of disability, age, income level, location of
residence in the State, or type of assistive technology device or
assistive technology service for which financing is requested
through the program.
(3) A procedure to assure consumer-controlled oversight of the
program.

09fd653348a1f869558a947d801adb8d01a7d24605118d5a7045c204b33e3862

(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide information and
technical assistance to States under this title, which shall include--
(1) providing assistance in preparing applications for grants
under this title;
(2) assisting grant recipients under this title to develop and
implement alternative financing programs; and
(3) providing any other information and technical assistance
the Secretary determines to be appropriate to assist States to
achieve the objectives of this title.
(b) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary
shall provide the information and technical assistance described in
subsection (a) through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements
with public or private agencies and organizations, including
institutions of higher education, with sufficient documented
experience, expertise, and capacity to assist States in the development
and implementation of the alternative financing programs carried out
under this title.

f157d689128741912c94091c14e53b1e25b9807369ba15ef76a9a6982de4a7a4

Not later than December 31 of each year, the Secretary shall submit
a report to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of
the Senate describing the progress of each alternative financing
program funded under this title toward achieving the objectives of this
title. The report shall include information on--
(1) the number of grant applications received and approved by
the Secretary under this title, and the amount of each grant
awarded under this title;
(2) the ratio of funds provided by each State for the
alternative financing program of the State to funds provided by the
Federal Government for the program;
(3) the type of alternative financing mechanisms used by each
State and the community-based organization with which each State
entered into a contract, under the program; and
(4) the amount of assistance given to consumers through the
program (who shall be classified by age, type of disability, type
of assistive technology device or assistive technology service
financed through the program, geographic distribution within the
State, gender, and whether the consumers are part of an
underrepresented population or rural population).

af310b0ff0813378ab4cd735635f35be4b0b593511d19b78795cbfda4b9f87b4

(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this title $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be
necessary for fiscal year 2000.
(b) Reservation.--Of the amounts appropriated under subsection (a)
for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve 2 percent for the
purpose of providing information and technical assistance to States
under section 306.

366bf2fbb5d2e10181623970fbaca1b1bd1d7e085f2fb8a9a89638b231ddb456

The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities
Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.) is repealed.

c1a58693a26d69667221d94382efbd3e55fc12e4e871cc78963523bb6559c59a

(a) Definitions.--Section 6 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as
amended by section 403 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``section 3(2) of the
Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act
of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2202(2))'' and inserting ``section 3 of the
Assistive Technology Act of 1998''; and
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``section 3(3) of the
Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act
of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2202(3))'' and inserting ``section 3 of the
Assistive Technology Act of 1998''.
(b) Research and Other Covered Activities.--Section 204(b)(3) of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended by section 405 of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``the Technology-
Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988
(29 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.)'' and inserting ``the Assistive Technology
Act of 1998''; and
(2) in subparagraph (G)(i), by striking ``the Technology-
Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988
(29 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.)'' and inserting ``the Assistive Technology
Act of 1998''.
(c) Protection and Advocacy.--Section 509(a)(2) of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended by section 408 of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998) is amended by striking ``the Technology-Related
Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C.
2201 et seq.)'' and inserting ``the Assistive Technology Act of 1998''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.

c33d9f307c08e9a7e71f6b34b94ea0f47dd7da599f07389f48a026aa1de33c13

Assistive Technology Act of 1998 — S. 2432

Other Sections

TITLE I

TITLE II

TITLE IV

TITLE III

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