I 108th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4278 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 5, 2004 Mr. McKeon (for himself and Mr. Boehner) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce A BILL To amend the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 to support programs of grants to States to address the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004.
2.
Amendment to the Assistive Technology Act of 1998
The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
1.
Short title; table of contents
(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: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents Sec. 2. Findings and purposes Sec. 3. Definitions Sec. 4. Grants to States for purchase of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services Sec. 5. Grants to States for protection and advocacy related to assistive technology Sec. 6. Administrative provisions Sec. 7. National activities Sec. 8. Authorization of appropriations
2.
Findings and purposes
(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 is 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 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)Over the last 15 years, the Federal Government has invested in the development of statewide comprehensive systems to help individuals with disabilities gain access to assistive technology devices and services. This partnership with States provided an important service to individuals with disabilities by strengthening the capacity of each State to assist individuals with disabilities of all ages with their assistive technology needs. (5)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. These devices and adaptations increase the involvement, and reduce expenditures associated with, programs and activities that facilitate communication, ensure independent living and functioning, enable early childhood development, support educational achievement, provide and enhance employment options, and enable full participation in community living for individuals with disabilities. (6)Despite the success of the Federal-State partnership in providing access to assistive technology and services, there is a continued need to provide information about the availability of assistive technology, advances in improving accessibility and functionality of assistive technology, and appropriate methods to secure and utilize assistive technology in order to maximize their independence and participation of individuals with disabilities in society. (b)
Purposes
The purposes of this Act are— (1)to ensure that States provide assistive technology to individuals with disabilities through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance, for individuals with disabilities of all ages, that are designed to— (A)increase the availability of, funding for, access to, provision of, and training about assistive technology devices and assistive technology services; (B)increase the ability of individuals with disabilities of all ages 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); (C)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; (D)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; (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)increase the awareness and facilitate the change of laws, regulations, policies, practices, procedures, and organizational structures, that facilitate the availability or provision of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services; and (G)increase awareness and knowledge of the benefits of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services among targeted individuals; and (2)to provide States with financial assistance that supports programs designed to maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to obtain assistive technology devices and assistive technology services.
3.
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 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 101 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), 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 4(c) and 5(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 (G) 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.
4.
Grants to States for purchase of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services
(a)
Grants to States
The Secretary shall award grants, in accordance with this section, to States to support programs that are designed to maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to obtain assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. (b)
Use of funds
(1)
In general
(A)
Required activity
Any State that receives a grant under this section shall use the funds made available through the grant to carry out the activities described in paragraph (2)(A). (B)
Discretionary activities
Any State that receives a grant under this section may use the funds made available through the grant to carry out the activities described in subparagraphs (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (2). (2)
State-level activities
(A)
State finance systems
The State shall support activities to increase access to, and funding for, assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, including the development of systems to provide assistive technology devices and assistive technology services to individuals with disabilities of all ages, and that pay for such devices and services, such as— (i)the development of systems for the purchase, lease, other acquisition, or payment for the provision of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services; or (ii)the establishment of alternative State or privately funded systems of subsidies for the provision of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services, such as— (I)a low-interest loan fund; (II)an interest buy-down program; (III)a revolving loan fund; (IV)a loan guarantee or insurance program; (V)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 (VI)another mechanism approved by the Secretary. (B)
Device loan programs
The State shall directly, or in collaboration with public or private entities, carry out device loan programs that support the short-term loan of assistive technology devices to individuals, employers, public agencies, public accommodations, or others seeking to meet the needs of targeted individuals, in order to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. (C)
Device reutilization programs
The State shall directly, or in collaboration with public or private entities, carry out assistive technology device reutilization programs that provide for the exchange, recycling, or other reutilization of assistive technology devices, which may include redistribution through device and equipment loans, rentals, or gifts. (D)
Device demonstration program
The State shall directly, or in collaboration with public or private entities, carry out assistive technology device demonstration programs that provide for the ability of targeted individuals to learn about the use and operation of assistive technology devices. (3)
State leadership activities
(A)
In general
Any State that receives a grant under this section may use up to 25 percent of the funds made available through the grant to carry out the activities described in subparagraph (B). (B)
Required activities
The State shall support, including— (i)public awareness activities designed to provide information to targeted individuals relating to the availability and benefits of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, including— (I)the development and dissemination of information relating to— (aa)the nature of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services; (bb)the appropriateness of, cost of, availability of, evaluation of, and access to, assistive technology devices and assistive technology services; and (cc)the benefits of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services with respect to enhancing the capacity of individuals with disabilities of all ages to perform activities of daily living; (II)the development of procedures for providing direct communication between providers of assistive technology and targeted individuals, which may include partnerships with the State and local workforce investment system established under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, State vocational rehabilitation centers, public and private employers, or elementary and secondary public schools; and (III)the development and dissemination, to targeted individuals, of information about State efforts related to assistive technology; and (IV)the distribution of materials to appropriate public and private agencies that provide social, medical, educational, employment, and transportation services to individuals with disabilities. (ii)technical assistance and training on— (I)the development of training materials and the conduct of training in the use of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services; (II)providing technical assistance, including technical assistance concerning how— (aa)to consider the needs of an individual with a disability for assistive technology devices and assistive technology services in developing any individualized plan or program authorized under Federal or State law; and (bb)to increase consumer participation regarding assistive technology devices and assistive technology services; and (III)the enhancement of the assistive technology skills and competencies of— (aa)individuals who work for public or private entities (including insurers and managed care providers), who have contact with individuals with disabilities; (bb)educators and related services personnel; (cc)technology experts (including engineers); (dd)health and allied health professionals; (ee)employers; and (ff)other appropriate personnel; and (iii)outreach and support to statewide and community-based organizations that provide assistive technology devices and assistive technology services to individuals with disabilities or that assist individuals with disabilities in using assistive technology devices and assistive technology services, including a focus on organizations assisting individuals from underrepresented populations and rural populations, and further including support such as outreach to consumer organizations and groups in the State to coordinate efforts to assist individuals with disabilities of all ages and their family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, to obtain funding for, access to, and information on evaluation of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services. (C)
Authorized activities
The State may support the operation and administration of the activities in paragraph (2), through interagency coordination to develop and promote the adoption of policies that improve access to assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities of all ages in the State and that result in improved coordination among public and private entities that are responsible or have the authority to be responsible, for policies, procedures, or funding for, or the provision of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services to, such individuals. (c)
Amount of financial assistance
(1)
Grants to outlying areas
From the funds appropriated under section 8(a) and available under section 8(b)(3) for any fiscal year for grants under this section, 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 in accordance with the requirements described in paragraph (3). (3)
Calculation of State grants
(A)
In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall allocate funds to each State for a fiscal year in an amount that bears the same ratio as the population of the State bears to the population of all States. (B)
Minimum allotment
A State shall receive an amount under a grant for a fiscal year that is not less than the amount the State received under the grant provided under title I of this Act (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004) for fiscal year 2004. (d)
Lead agency
(1)
Designation
To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, the Governor of the State shall designate in accordance with paragraph (2) a lead agency to administer the grant under this section. (2)
Eligible entities
For purposes of paragraph (1), the Governor of the State may designate one of the following: (A)the State agency responsible for the administration of vocational rehabilitation in the State; (B)a commission, council, or other official body appointed by the Governor; (C)a public-private partnership or consortium; (D)a public agency (including the office of the Governor, a State oversight office, a State agency, a public institution of higher education, or other public entity); (E)a council established under Federal or State law; (F)an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of that Act; or (G)another appropriate office, agency, entity, or organization. (3)
Duties of the lead agency
The duties of the lead agency shall include— (A)submitting the application described in subsection (e) on behalf of the State; (B)administering and supervising the use of amounts made available under the grant received by the State under this section; (C) (i)coordinating efforts related to, and supervising the preparation of, the application described in subsection (e); (ii)coordinating, maintaining, and evaluating the comprehensive statewide program of technology-related assistance among public agencies and between public agencies and private entities, including coordinating efforts related to entering into interagency agreements; and (iii)coordinating efforts, especially efforts carried out with entities that provide protection and advocacy services described in section 5, related to the active, timely, and meaningful participation by individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, and other appropriate individuals, with respect to activities carried out under the grant; (D)delegating, in whole or in part, any responsibilities described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) to one or more appropriate offices, agencies, entities, or individuals; and (E)establishing a partnership or partnerships with private providers of social, medical, educational, employment, and transportation services to individuals with disabilities. (e)
State application
(1)
Submission
Any State that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may specify. (2)
Content
Each application shall contain, at a minimum, the following information: (A)
Planned activities
A description of those activities described in subsection (b)(2) that the State will carry out under the grant. (B)
Measurable goals
A description of— (i)the measurable goals the State has set for addressing the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities in the State, including any measurable goals related to— (I)education, including goals involving the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities that receive services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (II)employment, including goals involving the State vocational rehabilitation program carried out under title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (III)telecommunication and information technology; and (IV)community living; and (ii)how the State will quantifiably measure the goals to determine whether the goals have been achieved. (C)
Involvement of individuals with disabilities of all ages and their families
A description of how individuals with disabilities of all ages and their families— (i)were involved in selecting— (I)the goals; (II)the activities to be undertaken in achieving the goals; and (III)the measures to be used in judging if the goals have been achieved; and (ii)will be involved in measuring whether the goals have been achieved. (D)
State support
A description of those activities described in subsection (b)(2) that the State will support under the grant, including at a minimum the State’s plans to provide sufficient administrative support for such activities. (E)
Assurance
An assurance that the physical location of the entity responsible for conducting the State activities under this Act meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities. (F)
Other information
Such other information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
5.
Grants to States for Protection and Advocacy related to assistive technology
(a)
Grants to States
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. (b)
Amount of financial assistance
(1)
Grants to outlying areas
From the funds appropriated under section 8(a) and reserved under section 8(b)(1) 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 subparagraphs (B) and (C), 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 Act, 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 4(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.
6.
Administrative provisions
(a)
Review of participating entities
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall assess the extent to which entities that receive grants pursuant to this Act are complying with the applicable requirements of this Act and achieving the measurable goals that are consistent with the requirements of the grant programs under which the entities applied for the grants. (2)
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, including the information required under subsection (c). (b)
Corrective action and sanctions
(1)
Corrective action
If the Secretary determines that an entity fails to substantially comply with the requirements of this Act with respect to a grant program, the Secretary shall assist the entity through technical assistance funded under section 7 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 withholding of funds under the grant program until such plan is developed and implemented. (B)Reduction in funding for the following year under the grant program. (C)Required redesignation of the lead agency designated under section 4(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 Act. (4)
Secretarial actions
The Secretary shall notify the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives of each action taken by the Secretary under paragraph (1) or (2). As part of the annual report required under subsection (c), the Secretary shall describe each such action taken under paragraph (1) or (2) and the outcomes of each such action. (5)
Public notification
The Secretary shall notify the public, through publication in the Federal Register and by posting on the Internet website of the Department of Education, of each action taken by the Secretary under paragraph (1) or (2). As a part of such notification, the Secretary shall describe each such action taken under paragraph (1) or (2) and the outcomes of each such action. (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 the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, 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 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; (B)the amount and type of assistance given to consumers (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), including— (i)the number of applications for assistance received; (ii)the number of applications approved and rejected; (iii)the default rate; (iv)the range and average interest rate; (v)the range and average income of approved loan applicants; and (vi)the types and dollar amounts of assistive technology financed; (C)the number, type, and length of time of loans of assistive technology devices provided to individuals with disabilities, employers, public agencies, or public accomodations, including an analysis of the individuals with disabilities who have benefited from the device loan program; (D)the number, type, estimated value, and scope of device reutilization programs, including an analysis of the individuals with disabilities that have benefited from the device loan program; (E)the number and type of equipment demonstrations provided, including an analysis of individuals with disabilities who have benefited from the program; (F)a summary of the State plans and annual reports submitted by the States, including an analysis of the progress of the States in meeting their goals established in the State application; (G)the number of individuals who received training and the topics of such training; and (H)the frequency and nature of technical assistance provided to State and local governmental agencies and other entities. (d)
Effect on other assistance
This Act 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.
7.
National activities
(a)
In general
Through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, awarded on a competitive basis, the Secretary is authorized to provide technical assistance to entities, principally entities funded under section 4 or 5. (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 5. (c)
Authorized activities
The Secretary shall support activities designed to maximize the impact and benefit of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities, including the following activities: (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
The Secretary shall, on a competitive basis, make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, eligible entities— (A)to address State-specific information requests concerning assistive technology from other entities funded under this Act and public entities not funded under this Act, 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, or judidical decisions 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 Act and public entities not funded under this Act; and (vi)other assignments specified by the Secretary, including assisting entities described in section 6(b) to develop corrective action plans; and (B)to 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.
8.
Authorization of appropriations
(a)
In general
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2010. (b)
Allocation of Funds
Of the amount appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (a) for a fiscal year— (1)up to $4,419,000 shall be reserved to provide grants under section 5; (2)up to $1,235,000 shall be reserved to provide grants under section 7; and (3)the remainder shall be used to provide grants under section (4).
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