[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2595 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 2595

 To establish State grant programs related to assistive technology and 
       protection and advocacy services, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 24, 2004

Mr. Gregg (for himself, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Reed, 
   Mrs. Murray, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Enzi, and Mr. Dodd) introduced the 
 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on 
                 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To establish State grant programs related to assistive technology and 
       protection and advocacy services, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Access to Assistive 
Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Over 54,000,000 individuals in the United States have 
        disabilities, with almost half experiencing severe disabilities 
        that affect their ability to see, hear, communicate, reason, 
        walk, or perform other basic life functions.
            (2) 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.
            (3) Too many individuals with disabilities are outside the 
        economic and social mainstream of society in the United States. 
        For example, individuals with disabilities are less likely than 
        their non-disabled peers to graduate from high school, 
        participate in postsecondary education, work, own a home, 
        participate fully in their community, vote, or use the computer 
        and the internet.
            (4) As President Bush's New Freedom Initiative states, 
        ``Assistive and universally designed technologies can be a 
        powerful tool for millions of Americans with disabilities, 
        dramatically improving one's quality of life and ability to 
        engage in productive work. New technologies are opening 
        opportunities for even those with the most severe disabilities. 
        For example, some individuals with quadriplegia can now operate 
        computers by the glance of an eye.''.
            (5) According to the National Council on Disability, ``For 
        Americans without disabilities, technology makes things easier. 
        For Americans with disabilities, technology makes things 
        possible.''.
            (6) Substantial progress has been made in the development 
        of assistive technology devices, universally designed products, 
        and accessible information technology and telecommunications 
        systems. Those devices, products, and systems can facilitate 
        communication, ensure independent functioning, enable early 
        childhood development, support educational achievement, provide 
        and enhance employment options, and enable full participation 
        in community living. Access to such devices, products, and 
        systems can also reduce expenditures associated with early 
        childhood intervention, education, rehabilitation and training, 
        health care, employment, residential living, independent 
        living, recreation opportunities, and other aspects of daily 
        living.
            (7) Over the last 15 years, the Federal Government has 
        invested in the development of statewide comprehensive systems 
        of assistive technology, which have proven effective in 
        assisting individuals with disabilities in accessing assistive 
        technology devices and assistive technology services. Federal 
        dollars fund statewide infrastructures that support equipment 
        demonstration programs, short-term device loan programs, 
        financial loan programs, equipment exchange and recycling 
        programs, training programs, advocacy services, and information 
        and referral services.
            (8) Despite the success of the programs and services 
        described in paragraph (7), individuals with disabilities who 
        need assistive technology and accessible information technology 
        continue to have a great need to know what technology is 
        available, to determine what technology is most appropriate, 
        and to obtain and utilize that technology to ensure their 
        maximum independence and participation in society.
            (9) The 2000 decennial Census indicates that over 
        21,000,000 individuals in the United States, more than 8 
percent of the United States population, have a disability that limits 
their basic physical abilities such as walking, climbing stairs, 
reaching, lifting, or carrying. Nearly 12 percent of working-age 
individuals in the United States, or 21,300,000 of those individuals, 
have a disability that affects their ability to work.
            (10) The combination of significant recent changes in 
        Federal policy (including changes to section 508 of the 
        Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), accessibility 
        provisions of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 
        15301 et seq.), Executive Order 13217 (42 U.S.C. 12131 note; 
        relating to community-based alternatives for individuals with 
        disabilities), and the amendments made by the No Child Left 
        Behind Act of 2001) and the rapid and unending evolution of 
        technology require a Federal investment in State assistive 
        technology systems to ensure that individuals with disabilities 
        reap the benefits of the technological revolution and 
        participate fully in life in their communities.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
            (1) to enhance the ability of the Federal Government to 
        provide States with financial assistance that supports 
        statewide--
                    (A) activities to increase access to, and funding 
                for, assistive technology devices and assistive 
                technology services, including financing systems and 
                financing programs;
                    (B) device demonstration, device loan, and device 
                re-utilization programs;
                    (C) training and technical assistance in the 
                provision or use of assistive technology devices and 
                assistive technology services;
                    (D) information systems relating to the provision 
                of assistive technology devices and assistive 
                technology services; and
                    (E) improved interagency and public-private 
                coordination that results in increased availability of 
                assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
                services; and
            (2) to provide States with financial assistance to 
        undertake activities that assist each State in maintaining and 
        strengthening cross-disability, full-lifespan State assistive 
        technology programs, consistent with the Federal commitment to 
        full participation and independent living of individuals with 
        disabilities.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

     In this Act:
            (1) Accessible information technology and 
        telecommunications.--The term ``accessible information 
        technology and telecommunications'' means information 
        technology or electronic and information technology as defined 
        by section 1194.4 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or 
        any corresponding similar regulation or ruling) that conforms 
        to the applicable technical standards set forth in sections 
        1194.21 through 1194.26 of such title (or any corresponding 
        similar regulation or ruling).
            (2) Adult service provider.--The term ``adult service 
        provider'' means a public or private entity that provides 
        services to, or is otherwise substantially involved with the 
        major life functions of, individuals with disabilities. Such 
        term includes--
                    (A) entities and organizations providing 
                residential, supportive, employment services, or 
                employment-related services to individuals with 
                disabilities;
                    (B) centers for independent living, such as the 
                centers described in part C of title VII of the 
                Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.);
                    (C) employment support agencies connected to adult 
                vocational rehabilitation, including one-stop partners, 
                as defined in section 101 of the Workforce Investment 
                Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801); and
                    (D) other organizations or vendors licensed or 
                registered by the designated State agency, as defined 
                in section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
                U.S.C. 705).
            (3) American indian consortium.--The term ``American Indian 
        consortium'' means a consortium established under subtitle C of 
        title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill 
        of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.).
            (4) Assistive technology.--The term ``assistive 
        technology'' means technology designed to be utilized in an 
        assistive technology device or assistive technology service.
            (5) 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.
            (6) 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) a service consisting of purchasing, leasing, or 
                otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive 
                technology devices by individuals with disabilities;
                    (C) a service consisting of selecting, designing, 
                fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, 
                repairing, replacing, or donating 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 a disability 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 and entities that 
                manufacture or sell assistive technology devices), 
                employers, providers of employment and training 
                services, or other individuals who provide services to, 
                employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the 
                major life functions of individuals with disabilities.
            (7) 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.
            (8) 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.
            (9) 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.
            (10) 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.
            (11) 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 1 
                individual with a disability.
            (12) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such 
        term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001(a)), and includes a community college receiving 
        funding under the Tribally Controlled College or University 
        Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
            (13) Protection and advocacy services.--The term 
        ``protection and advocacy services'' means services that--
                    (A) are described in subtitle C of title I of the 
                Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 
                Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.), the 
                Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental 
                Illness Act (42 U.S.C. 10801 et seq.), or section 509 
                of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794e); and
                    (B) assist individuals with disabilities with 
                respect to assistive technology devices and assistive 
                technology services.
            (14) Protection and advocacy system.--The term ``protection 
        and advocacy system'' means a protection and advocacy system 
        established under subtitle C of title I of the Developmental 
        Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 
        U.S.C. 15041 et seq.).
            (15) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Education.
            (16) 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 section 4(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.
            (17) State assistive technology program.--The term ``State 
        assistive technology program'', except as used in section 
        4(c)(2)(E), means a program authorized under section 4 or 6(a).
            (18) Targeted individuals and entities.--The term 
        ``targeted individuals and entities'' means--
                    (A) individuals with disabilities of all ages and 
                their family members, guardians, advocates, and 
                authorized representatives;
                    (B) underrepresented populations, including the 
                aging workforce;
                    (C) individuals who work for public or private 
                entities (including centers for independent living 
                described in part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation 
                Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.), insurers, or 
                managed care providers) that have contact with 
                individuals with disabilities;
                    (D) educators at all levels (including providers of 
                early intervention services, elementary schools, 
                secondary schools, community colleges, and vocational 
                and other institutions of higher education) and related 
                services personnel;
                    (E) technology experts (including web designers and 
                procurement officials);
                    (F) health, allied health, and rehabilitation 
                professionals and hospital employees (including 
                discharge planners);
                    (G) employers, especially small business employers, 
                and providers of employment and training services;
                    (H) entities that manufacture or sell assistive 
                technology devices;
                    (I) policymakers and service providers;
                    (J) entities that carry out community programs 
                designed to develop essential community services in 
                rural and urban areas, including AgrAbility projects, 
                Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs, Community 
                Development Financial Institution Fund programs, and 
                other rural and urban programs; and
                    (K) other appropriate individuals and entities, as 
                determined for a State by the State advisory council.
            (19) Technology-related assistance.--The term ``technology-
        related assistance'' means assistance provided through capacity 
        building and advocacy activities that accomplish the purposes 
        described in section 2(b)(2).
            (20) 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.
            (21) 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 accessible (without requiring 
        assistive technologies) and products and services that are 
        interoperable with assistive technologies.

SEC. 4. STATE GRANTS FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) Grants to States.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants under 
        subsection (b) to States to support activities that increase 
        access to assistive technology and accessible information 
        technology and telecommunications, for individuals with 
        disabilities across the human lifespan and across the wide 
        array of disabilities, on a statewide basis.
            (2) Period of grant.--The Secretary shall provide 
        assistance through such a grant to a State for not more than 5 
        years.
    (b) Amount of Financial Assistance.--
            (1) In general.--From funds appropriated under section 
        10(a) for a fiscal year and available to carry out this 
        section, the Secretary shall award a grant to each eligible 
        State and eligible outlying area based on the corresponding 
        allotment determined under paragraph (2).
            (2) Allotments.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraphs (B) and (C), from the funds described in 
                paragraph (1), the Secretary shall allot not less than 
                $500,000 to each State and not less than $150,000 to 
                each outlying area for each fiscal year.
                    (B) Lower appropriation year.--For a fiscal year 
                for which the amount of the funds described in 
                paragraph (1) is less than $29,000,000, from those 
                funds, the Secretary--
                            (i) shall allot to each State or outlying 
                        area the amount the State or outlying area 
                        received for fiscal year 2004 to carry out 
                        section 101 of the Assistive Technology Act of 
                        1998, as in effect on the day before the date 
                        of enactment of this Act; and
                            (ii) from any funds remaining after the 
                        Secretary makes the allotments described in 
                        clause (i), shall allot to each State an equal 
                        amount.
                    (C) Higher appropriation year.--For a fiscal year 
                for which the amount of the funds described in 
                paragraph (1) is not less than $29,000,000, from those 
                funds, the Secretary--
                            (i) from a portion of the funds equal to 
                        $29,000,000, shall make the 
allotments described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B);
                            (ii) from any funds remaining after the 
                        Secretary makes the allotments described in 
                        clause (i), shall allot to each outlying area 
                        an additional amount, so that each outlying 
                        area receives a total allotment of not less 
                        than $150,000 under this paragraph; and
                            (iii) from any funds remaining after the 
                        Secretary makes the allotments described in 
                        clauses (i) and (ii)--
                                    (I) shall allot to each State an 
                                amount that bears the same relationship 
                                to 80 percent of the remainder as the 
                                population of the State bears to the 
                                population of all States; and
                                    (II) from 20 percent of the 
                                remainder, shall allot to each State an 
                                equal amount.
            (3) Carryover.--Any amount paid to a State program for a 
        fiscal year under this section shall remain available to such 
        program for obligation until the end of the next fiscal year 
        for the purposes for which such amount was originally provided, 
        except that program income generated from such amount shall 
        remain available to such program until expended.
    (c) Lead Agency, Implementing Entity, and Advisory Council.--
            (1) Lead agency and implementing entity.--
                    (A) Lead agency.--The Governor shall designate a 
                lead agency to control and administer the funds made 
                available through the grant awarded to the State under 
                this section.
                    (B) Implementing entity.--
                            (i) In general.--The Governor shall 
                        designate an agency, office, or other entity to 
                        carry out State activities under this section 
                        (referred to in this section as the 
                        ``implementing entity''), if such implementing 
                        entity is different from the lead agency.
                            (ii) Type of entity.--In designating the 
                        implementing entity, the Governor may 
                        designate--
                                    (I) a commission, council, or other 
                                official body appointed by the 
                                Governor;
                                    (II) a public-private partnership 
                                or consortium;
                                    (III) a public agency, including 
                                the immediate office of the Governor, a 
                                State oversight office, a State agency, 
                                a public institution of higher 
                                education, a University Center for 
                                Excellence in Developmental 
                                Disabilities Education, Research, and 
                                Service established under subtitle D of 
                                title I of the Developmental 
                                Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 
                                Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15061 et 
                                seq.), or another public entity;
                                    (IV) a council established under 
                                Federal or State law;
                                    (V) an incorporated private 
                                nonprofit organization described in 
                                section 501(c)(3) of the Internal 
                                Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from 
                                tax under section 501(a) of that Code; 
                                or
                                    (VI) another appropriate agency, 
                                office, or entity.
                            (iii) Expertise, experience, and ability.--
                        In designating the implementing entity, the 
                        Governor shall designate an entity with 
                        expertise, experience, and ability with respect 
                        to--
                                    (I) providing leadership in 
                                developing State initiatives related to 
                                assistive technology and accessible 
                                information technology and 
                                telecommunications;
                                    (II) responding to assistive 
                                technology and accessible information 
                                technology and telecommunications needs 
                                of individuals with disabilities with 
                                the full range of disabilities and of 
                                all ages; and
                                    (III) promoting availability 
                                throughout the State of assistive 
                                technology devices, assistive 
                                technology services, and accessible 
                                information technology and 
                                telecommunications.
                    (C) Change in agency or entity.--On obtaining the 
                approval of the Secretary, the Governor may redesignate 
                the lead agency, or the implementing entity, if the 
                Governor shows to the Secretary good cause why the 
                entity designated as the lead agency, or the 
                implementing entity, respectively, should not serve as 
that agency or entity, respectively. The Governor shall make the 
showing in the application described in subsection (d) or other 
documentation requested by the Secretary.
            (2) Advisory council.--
                    (A) In general.--There shall be established an 
                advisory council to provide consumer-responsive, 
                consumer-driven decisionmaking for, planning of, 
                implementation of, and evaluation of the activities 
                carried out through the grant.
                    (B) Composition and representation.--
                            (i) Individuals with disabilities.--A 
                        majority, not less than 51 percent, of the 
                        members of the advisory council shall be 
                        individuals with disabilities that use 
                        assistive technology, or family members or 
                        guardians of such individuals.
                            (ii) Composition.--The advisory council 
                        shall be composed of--
                                    (I) a representative of the 
                                designated State agency, as defined in 
                                section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 
                                1973 (29 U.S.C. 705) and the State 
                                agency for individuals who are blind 
                                (within the meaning of section 101 of 
                                that Act (29 U.S.C. 721)), if such 
                                agency is separate;
                                    (II) a representative of a State 
                                center for independent living described 
                                in part C of title VII of the 
                                Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
                                796f et seq.);
                                    (III) a representative of the State 
                                workforce investment board established 
                                under section 111 of the Workforce 
                                Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
                                2821);
                                    (IV) a representative of the State 
                                educational agency, as defined in 
                                section 9101 of the Elementary and 
                                Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 
                                U.S.C. 7801);
                                    (V) a representative of the State 
                                agency for the medicaid program 
                                established under title XIX of the 
                                Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et 
                                seq.);
                                    (VI) the Director of the State 
                                assistive technology program;
                                    (VII) representatives of other 
                                State agencies, public agencies, and 
                                private organizations, as determined by 
                                the State; and
                                    (VIII) individuals with 
                                disabilities, or parents, family 
                                members, or guardians of individuals 
                                with disabilities, who represent 
                                recipients of services from the 
                                entities identified in subclauses (I) 
                                through (VII).
                            (iii) Representation.--The advisory council 
                        shall be geographically representative of the 
                        State and reflect the diversity of the State 
                        with respect to race, ethnicity, types of 
                        disabilities across the age span, and users of 
                        types of services that an individual with a 
                        disability may receive.
                    (C) Expenses.--The members of the advisory council 
                shall receive no compensation for their service on the 
                advisory council, but shall be reimbursed for 
                reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in 
                the performance of official duties for the advisory 
                council.
                    (D) Period.--The members of the State advisory 
                council shall be appointed not later than 90 days after 
                the approval of the State application described in 
                subsection (d).
                    (E) Impact on existing statutes, rules, or 
                policies.--Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed 
                to affect State statutes, rules, or official policies 
                relating to advisory bodies for State assistive 
                technology programs or require changes to governing 
                bodies of incorporated agencies who carry out State 
                assistive technology programs.
    (d) Application.--
            (1) In general.--Any State that desires to receive a grant 
        under this section shall submit an application to the 
        Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
        information as the Secretary may require.
            (2) Lead agency and implementing entity.--The application 
        shall contain information identifying and describing the lead 
        agency referred to in subsection (c)(1)(A). The application 
        shall contain information identifying and describing the 
        implementing entity referred to in subsection (c)(1)(B), 
        including information describing the expertise, experience, and 
        ability of the entity.
            (3) Advisory council.--The application shall contain an 
        assurance that an advisory council will be established in 
        accordance with subsection (c)(2).
            (4) Involvement of public and private entities.--The 
        application shall describe how various public and private 
        entities were involved in the development of the application 
        and will be involved in the implementation of the activities to 
        be carried out through the grant, including--
                    (A) in cases determined to be appropriate by the 
                State or the State advisory council, a description of 
                the nature and extent of resources that will be 
                committed by public and private collaborators to assist 
                in accomplishing identified goals; and
                    (B) a description of the mechanisms established to 
                ensure coordination of activities and collaboration 
                between the implementing entity and a State or entity 
                that receives a grant under section 6(a).
            (5) Implementation.--The application shall include a 
        description of--
                    (A) how the State will implement each of the 
                required activities described in subsection (e), except 
                as provided in subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection 
                (e)(1); and
                    (B) how the State will allocate and utilize grant 
                funds to implement the activities.
            (6) Assurances.--The application shall include assurances 
        that--
                    (A) the State will annually collect data related to 
                the required activities in order to prepare the 
                progress reports required under subsection (f);
                    (B) funds received through the grant--
                            (i) will be expended in accordance with 
                        this section, on initiatives identified by the 
                        advisory council described in subsection 
                        (c)(2);
                            (ii) will be used to supplement, and not 
                        supplant, funds available from other sources 
                        for technology-related assistance, including 
                        the provision of assistive technology devices 
                        and assistive technology services;
                            (iii) will not be used to pay a financial 
                        obligation for technology-related assistance 
                        (including the provision of assistive 
                        technology devices or assistive technology 
                        services) that would have been paid with funds 
                        from other sources if funds had not been 
                        available through the grant; and
                            (iv) will not be commingled with State or 
                        other funds, except that the State may, subject 
                        to such documentation requirements as the 
                        Secretary may establish, pool funds received 
                        through the grant with other public or private 
                        funds to achieve a goal specified in an 
                        application approved under this section;
                    (C) the lead agency will control and administer the 
                funds received through the grant;
                    (D) the State will adopt such fiscal control and 
                accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure 
                proper disbursement of and accounting for the funds 
                received through the grant; and
                    (E) the State (including the State lead agency) 
                will not use more than 10 percent of the funds received 
                through the grant for indirect costs.
    (e) Use of Funds.--
            (1) In general.--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), except 
        that the State shall not be required to carry out an activity 
        if--
                    (A) another entity in the State is providing the 
                same or a similar activity; or
                    (B) the advisory council described in subsection 
                (c)(2) determines through a needs assessment that the 
                residents of the State consider the activity to be 
                unwarranted.
            (2) Required activities.--
                    (A) State financing systems.--The State shall 
                support activities to increase access to, and funding 
                for, assistive technology devices and assistive 
                technology services (which shall not include direct 
                payment for such a device or service for an individual 
                with a disability but may include support and 
                administration of a program to provide such payment), 
                including development of systems to provide and pay for 
                such devices and services, for targeted individuals 
                described in section 3(18)(A), such as--
                            (i) support for the development of systems 
                        for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition 
                        of, or payment for, assistive technology 
devices and assistive technology services; or
                            (ii) support for the development of State-
                        financed or privately financed alternative 
                        financing systems of subsidies (which may 
                        include studying the feasibility of, improving, 
                        administering, operating, providing capital 
                        for, or collaborating with an entity with 
                        respect to, such a system) for the provision of 
                        assistive technology devices (including related 
                        accessible information technology and 
                        telecommunications) and 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 providing for the 
                                purchase, lease, or other acquisition 
                                of assistive technology devices or 
                                assistive technology services; or
                                    (VI) another mechanism that is 
                                approved by the Secretary.
                    (B) Device demonstrations.--
                            (i) In general.--The State shall directly, 
                        or in collaboration with public and private 
                        entities, such as one-stop partners, as defined 
                        in section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act 
                        of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801), demonstrate, assist 
                        individuals in making informed choices 
                        regarding, and provide experiences with, a 
                        variety of assistive technology devices and 
                        assistive technology services, using personnel 
                        who are familiar with such devices and services 
                        and their applications.
                            (ii) Comprehensive information.--The State 
                        shall directly, or through referrals, provide 
                        to individuals, to the extent practicable, 
                        comprehensive information about State and local 
                        assistive technology venders, providers, and 
                        repair services.
                    (C) Device loan programs.--The State shall 
                directly, or in collaboration with public or private 
                entities, carry out device loan programs that provide 
                short-term loans of assistive technology devices to 
                individuals, employers, public agencies, or others 
                seeking to meet the needs of individuals with 
                disabilities.
                    (D) Device re-utilization programs.--The State 
                shall directly, or in collaboration with public or 
                private entities, carry out assistive technology device 
                re-utilization programs that provide for the exchange, 
                repair, recycling, or other re-utilization of assistive 
                technology devices, which may include redistribution 
                through device sales, loans, rentals, or donations.
                    (E) Training and technical assistance.--
                            (i) In general.--The State shall directly, 
                        or provide support to public or private 
                        entities with demonstrated expertise in 
                        collaborating with public or private agencies 
                        that serve individuals with disabilities to 
                        develop and disseminate training materials, 
                        conduct training, and provide technical 
                        assistance, for individuals from local settings 
                        statewide, including representatives of State 
                        and local educational agencies, other State and 
                        local agencies, early intervention programs, 
                        adult service programs, hospitals and other 
                        health care facilities, institutions of higher 
                        education, and businesses.
                            (ii) Authorized activities.--In carrying 
                        out activities under clause (i), the State 
                        shall carry out activities that enhance the 
                        knowledge, skills, and competencies of 
                        individuals from local settings described in 
                        clause (i), which may include--
                                    (I) general awareness training on 
                                the benefits of assistive technology 
                                and the Federal, State, and private 
                                funding sources available to assist 
                                targeted individuals and entities in 
                                acquiring assistive technology;
                                    (II) skills-development training in 
                                assessing the need for assistive 
                                technology devices and assistive 
                                technology services;
                                    (III) training to ensure the 
                                appropriate application and use of 
                                assistive technology devices, assistive 
                                technology services, accessible 
                                information technology 
and telecommunications, and accessible technology for e-government 
functions;
                                    (IV) training in the importance of 
                                culturally competent and linguistically 
                                appropriate approaches to assessment 
                                and implementation; and
                                    (V) technical training on 
                                integrating assistive technology into 
                                the development and implementation of 
                                service plans, including any education, 
                                health, discharge, Olmstead, 
                                employment, or other plan required 
                                under Federal or State law.
                    (F) Public awareness.--
                            (i) In general.--The State shall conduct 
                        public-awareness activities designed to provide 
                        information to targeted individuals and 
                        entities relating to the availability and 
                        benefits of assistive technology devices and 
                        assistive technology services.
                            (ii) Collaboration.--The State shall 
                        collaborate with a training and technical 
                        assistance provider described in section 
                        7(b)(1) to carry out public awareness 
                        activities focusing on infants, toddlers, 
                        children, transition-age youth, employment-age 
                        adults, seniors, and employers.
                            (iii) Statewide information and referral 
                        system.--
                                    (I) In general.--The State shall 
                                directly, or in collaboration with 
                                public or private (such as nonprofit) 
                                entities, provide for the continuation 
                                and enhancement of a statewide 
                                information and referral system 
                                designed to meet the needs of targeted 
                                individuals and entities.
                                    (II) Content.--The system shall 
                                deliver information on--
                                            (aa) assistive technology 
                                        devices and accessible 
                                        information technology and 
                                        telecommunications products;
                                            (bb) assistive technology 
                                        services, with specific data 
                                        regarding provider availability 
                                        within the State; and
                                            (cc) the availability of 
                                        resources, including funding 
                                        through public and private 
                                        sources, to obtain assistive 
                                        technology devices, accessible 
                                        information technology and 
                                        telecommunications products, 
                                        and assistive technology 
                                        services.
                    (G) Interagency coordination and collaboration.--
                The State shall promote improved coordination of 
                activities and collaboration among public and private 
                entities that are responsible for policies, procedures, 
                or funding for the provision of assistive technology 
                devices and assistive technology services to 
                individuals with disabilities, service providers, and 
                others.
                    (H) Targeted population activity.--
                            (i) In general.--The State shall directly, 
                        or in collaboration with public or private 
                        entities, carry out coordinated activities to 
                        improve access to assistive technology devices 
                        and assistive technology services for 1 State-
                        chosen targeted population, consisting of--
                                    (I) elementary and secondary school 
                                students, elementary and secondary 
                                education providers, and related 
                                personnel;
                                    (II) adult service provider 
                                clients, adult service providers, and 
                                related personnel; or
                                    (III) employees, employment 
                                providers, and related personnel.
                            (ii) Required activities.--In carrying out 
                        activities under clause (i), the State shall 
                        carry out targeted initiatives consisting of 2 
                        or more of the required activities described in 
                        subparagraphs (A) through (F), including--
                                    (I) public-awareness activities 
                                described in subparagraph (F); and
                                    (II) training and technical 
                                assistance described in subparagraph 
                                (E) which shall include technical 
                                training described in subparagraph 
                                (E)(v).
                            (iii) Optional activities.--In carrying out 
                        activities under clause (i), the State may 
                        carry out State-identified improvement 
                        projects, which may include activities to--
                                    (I) improve the timely acquisition 
                                or retention and utilization of 
                                appropriate assistive technology for 
                                students in transition;
                                    (II) increase utilization of 
                                technology solutions to enhance 
                                community integration and aging in 
                                place; and
                                    (III) increase integration of 
                                assistive technology and accessible 
                                information technology and 
                                telecommunications into the services 
                                provided at one-stop centers 
                                established under subtitle B of title I 
                                of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 
                                (29 U.S.C. 2831 et seq.).
            (3) Conditions.--
                    (A) Covered state.--In this paragraph, a ``covered 
                State'' means a State that received funds for an 
                alternative financing mechanism under--
                            (i) title III of the Assistive Technology 
                        Act of 1998, as in effect on the day before the 
                        date of enactment of this Act; and
                            (ii) a grant awarded under this section, to 
                        carry out activities described in paragraph 
                        (2)(A).
                    (B) Requirements.--Each covered State shall meet 
                the requirements of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of 
                section 6(a)(5), except that references in those 
                subparagraphs to a grant shall be considered to be 
                references to the grant described in subparagraph 
                (A)(ii).
            (4) State funds.--A State may use State funds to carry out 
        activities described in paragraph (2)(A) for additional 
        targeted individuals and entities (other than individuals and 
        entities described in section 3(18)(A)) if the State advisory 
        council described in subsection (c)(2) approves the additional 
        targeted individuals and entities.
    (f) Progress Reports.--
            (1) Data collection.--States shall participate in data 
        collection as required by law, including data collection 
        required for preparation of the report described in paragraph 
        (2).
            (2) Reports.--
                    (A) 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.
                    (B) Contents.--The report shall include data 
                collected pursuant to this section and section 6(a)(7). 
                The report shall document, with respect to activities 
                carried out under this section and section 6(a)--
                            (i) the number and dollar amount of 
                        financial loans made;
                            (ii) the number and type of assistive 
                        technology device demonstrations provided;
                            (iii) the number and type of assistive 
                        technology devices loaned through device loan 
                        programs;
                            (iv) the number and estimated value of 
                        assistive technology devices exchanged, 
                        repaired, recycled, or re-utilized (including 
                        redistributed through device sales, loans, 
                        rentals, or donations) through device re-
                        utilization programs;
                            (v)(I) the number and general 
                        characteristics of individuals who participated 
                        in training (such as individuals with 
                        disabilities, parents, educators, employers, 
                        providers of employment services, health care 
                        workers, counselors, other service providers, 
                        or vendors) and the topics of such training; 
                        and
                            (II) to the extent practicable, the 
                        geographic distribution of individuals who 
                        participate in training or technical assistance 
                        activities;
                            (vi) the amount and nature of technical 
                        assistance provided to State and local agencies 
                        and other entities;
                            (vii) the number of individuals assisted 
                        through the public-awareness activities and 
                        statewide information and reference system;
                            (viii) the outcomes of any improvement 
                        initiatives carried out by the State as a 
                        result of activities funded under this section, 
                        including a description of any written 
                        policies, practices, and procedures that the 
                        State has developed and implemented regarding 
                        access to, provision of, and funding for, 
                        assistive technology devices, accessible 
                        information technology and telecommunications, 
                        and assistive technology services, in the 
                        contexts of education, health care, employment, 
community living, and information technology and telecommunications, 
including e-government;
                            (ix) the outcomes of interagency 
                        coordination and collaboration activities 
                        carried out by the State that support access to 
                        assistive technology, including documenting--
                                    (I) the type of, purpose for, and 
                                source of leveraged funding or other 
                                contributed resources from public and 
                                private entities, and the number of 
                                individuals served with those resources 
                                for which information is not reported 
                                under clauses (i) through (viii) or 
                                clause (x), and other outcomes 
                                accomplished as a result of such 
                                activities carried out with those 
                                resources; and
                                    (II) the type of, purpose for, and 
                                amount of funding provided through 
                                subcontracts or other collaborative 
                                resource-sharing agreements with public 
                                and private entities, including 
                                community-based nonprofit 
                                organizations, and the number of 
                                individuals served through those 
                                agreements for which information is not 
                                reported under clauses (i) through 
                                (viii) or clause (x), and other 
                                outcomes accomplished as a result of 
                                such activities carried out through 
                                those agreements;
                            (x) measured outcomes of activities 
                        undertaken to improve access to assistive 
                        technology devices and assistive technology 
                        services for targeted populations; and
                            (xi) the level of customer satisfaction 
                        with, or the outcomes of, the services 
                        provided.

SEC. 5. STATE GRANTS FOR PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY SERVICES RELATED TO 
              ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.

    (a) Grants.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants under 
        subsection (b) to protection and advocacy systems in each State 
        for the purpose of enabling such systems to assist in the 
        acquisition, utilization, or maintenance of assistive 
        technology devices or assistive technology services for 
        individuals with disabilities.
            (2) General authorities.--In providing such services, 
        protection and advocacy systems shall have the same general 
        authorities as the systems are afforded under subtitle C of 
        title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill 
        of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.), as determined 
        by the Secretary.
    (b) Grants.--
            (1) Reservation.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
        reserve such sums as may be necessary to carry out paragraph 
        (4).
            (2) Population basis.--On October 1 of each year, from the 
        funds appropriated under section 10(b) and remaining after the 
        reservations required by paragraph (1) have been made, the 
        Secretary shall make a grant to a protection and advocacy 
        system within each State in an amount bearing the same ratio to 
        the remaining funds as the population of the State bears to the 
        population of all States.
            (3) Minimums.--Subject to the availability of 
        appropriations, the amount of a grant to a protection and 
        advocacy system under paragraph (2) for a fiscal year shall--
                    (A) in the case of a protection and advocacy system 
                located in American Samoa, Guam, the United States 
                Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern 
                Mariana Islands, not be less than $30,000; and
                    (B) in the case of a protection and advocacy system 
                located in a State not described in subparagraph (A), 
                not be less than $50,000.
            (4) Payment to the system serving the american indian 
        consortium.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants to 
                the protection and advocacy system serving the American 
                Indian Consortium to provide services in accordance 
                with this section.
                    (B) Amount of grants.--The amount of such grants 
                shall be the same as provided under paragraph (3)(A), 
                as increased under paragraph (5).
            (5) Minimum grant increase.--For each fiscal year for which 
        the total amount appropriated under section 10(b) is $4,419,000 
        or more, and such appropriated amount exceeds the total amount 
        appropriated under such section (or a predecessor authority) 
        for the preceding fiscal year, the Secretary shall increase 
        each of the minimum grant amounts described in subparagraphs 
        (A) and (B) of paragraph (3) by a percentage equal to the 
percentage increase (if any) in the total amount appropriated under 
section 10(b) (or a predecessor authority) to carry out this section 
between the preceding fiscal year and the fiscal year involved.
    (c) Direct Payment.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
the Secretary shall pay directly to any protection and advocacy system 
that complies with this section, the total amount of the grant made for 
such system under this section, unless the system provides otherwise 
for payment of the grant amount.
    (d) Certain States.--
            (1) Grant to lead agency.--Notwithstanding any other 
        provision of this section, with respect to a State that, on 
        November 12, 1998, was described in section 102(f)(1) of the 
        Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities 
        Act of 1988, the Secretary shall pay the amount of the grant 
        described in subsection (a), and made under subsection (b), to 
        the lead agency designated under section 4(c)(1) for the State.
            (2) Distribution of funds.--A lead agency to which a grant 
        is awarded under paragraph (1) shall determine the manner in 
        which funds made available through the grant will be allocated 
        among the entities that were providing protection and advocacy 
        services in that State on the date described in such paragraph, 
        and shall distribute funds to such entities. In distributing 
        such funds, the lead agency shall not establish any additional 
        eligibility or procedural requirements for an entity in the 
        State that supports protection and advocacy services through a 
        protection and advocacy system. Such an entity shall comply 
        with the same requirements (including reporting and enforcement 
        requirements) as any other entity that receives funding under 
        this section.
            (3) Application of provisions.--Except as provided in this 
        subsection, the provisions of this section shall apply to the 
        grant in the same manner, and to the same extent, as the 
        provisions apply to a grant to a system.
    (e) Carryover.--Any amount paid to a protection and advocacy system 
for a fiscal year under this section shall remain available to such 
system for obligation until the end of the next fiscal year for the 
purposes for which such amount was originally provided, except that 
program income generated from such amount shall remain available to 
such system until expended.
    (f) Annual Report.--Each protection and advocacy system that 
receives a payment under this section shall submit an annual report to 
the Secretary concerning the services provided and outcomes of services 
provided under this section to individuals with disabilities for the 
purposes of assisting in the acquisition, utilization, or maintenance 
of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services.

SEC. 6. SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS AND PROJECTS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.

    (a) Supplementary Grants.--
            (1)  grants.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall award 
                supplementary grants, on a competitive basis, to States 
                or other entities to carry out 1 or more of the 
                activities described in paragraph (6), either directly 
                or through subgrants to or other collaborative 
                mechanisms with public or private entities, to allow 
                individuals with disabilities and their family members, 
                guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to 
                purchase or have increased access to assistive 
                technology devices and assistive technology services. 
                The Secretary shall award such a grant to not more than 
                1 entity in each State.
                    (B) Period of grants.--The Secretary shall award 
                grants under this subsection for periods of 12 months.
            (2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        this subsection, a State shall have received a grant under 
        section 4 or under section 101 of the Assistive Technology Act 
        of 1998, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment 
        of this Act.
            (3) Applications.--A State or entity that desires to 
        receive a grant under this subsection shall submit an 
        application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and 
        containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
        including the following:
                    (A)(i) A description of--
                            (I) the goals the State or entity has 
                        identified for the supplementary grant; and
                            (II) the activities the State or entity 
                        will carry out to achieve such goals, in 
                        accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 
                        (5) and (6).
                    (ii) A description of how the State or entity will 
                measure whether the goals identified by the State or 
                entity have been achieved by the end of the grant 
                period.
                    (B) A description of the proposed use of funds to 
                meet the identified goals.
                    (C) If the application is submitted by an entity 
                other than the implementing entity for the State 
                assistive technology program, a description of the 
                mechanisms established to ensure coordination of 
                activities and collaboration with the implementing 
                entity.
                    (D) In the case of an application for a grant for 
                an alternative financing loan program described in 
                paragraph (6)(A), information identifying and 
                describing--
                            (i) a consumer-based organization that has 
                        individuals with disabilities involved in 
                        organizational decisionmaking at all 
                        organizational levels, that will administer the 
                        alternative financing loan program; and
                            (ii) a commercial lending institution, 
                        State financing agency, or other qualified 
                        entity who will facilitate implementation of 
                        the program.
                    (E) A description of resources that have been 
                committed for the activities to be carried out under 
                the grant and assurances that--
                            (i) the State or entity will provide any 
                        required non-Federal contributions toward the 
                        cost of the activities;
                            (ii) the State or entity will make every 
                        effort to continue the activities on a 
                        permanent basis;
                            (iii) the funds made available through the 
                        grant to support the activities will supplement 
                        and not supplant other funds available to 
                        provide such activities;
                            (iv) in the case of a grant for an 
                        alternative financing loan program described in 
                        paragraph (6)(A)--
                                    (I) all funds that support the 
                                alternative financing loan program, 
                                including the grant funds, funds 
                                provided for the non-Federal 
                                contributions described in clause (i), 
                                funds repaid during the life of the 
                                program, and any interest or investment 
                                income resulting from the program, will 
                                be placed in a permanent separate 
                                account and identified and accounted 
                                for separately from any other funds;
                                    (II) such account will be--
                                            (aa) used only to support 
                                        the alternative financing 
                                        program;
                                            (bb) administered by an 
                                        organization that has 
                                        individuals with disabilities 
                                        involved in organizational 
                                        decisionmaking at all 
                                        organizational levels; and
                                            (cc) administered 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; and
                                    (III) if the funds in the account 
                                are invested, the funds will be 
                                invested in low-risk securities in 
                                which a regulated insurance company may 
                                invest under the law of the State.
            (4) Preferences.--
                    (A) Experience.--In awarding grants under this 
                subsection for activities described in subparagraph (A) 
                or (B) of paragraph (6), the Secretary shall give 
                preference to a State entity or other entity that--
                            (i) has experience carrying out similar 
                        activities; or
                            (ii) received a grant under title III of 
                        the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as in 
                        effect on the day before the date of enactment 
                        of this Act, or a predecessor authority.
                    (B) No prior grant or low grant total.--In awarding 
                grants under this subsection for activities described 
                in paragraph (6)(A), the Secretary may give preference 
                to a State, or an entity in a State, where the State 
                has not received a grant, or has received less than a 
                total of $1,000,000 in grant awards, under title III of 
                the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as in effect on 
                the day before the date of enactment of this Act. In 
                awarding grants under this subsection for activities 
                described in paragraph (6)(B), the Secretary may give 
                preference to a State, or an entity in a State, where 
                the State has not operated a device loan program for 
                assistive technology or assistive technology devices.
                    (C) Limitations.--A State, or an entity in a State, 
                where the State has not received an alternative 
financing grant described in subparagraph (B) may not receive an 
initial grant under this subsection for activities described in 
paragraph (6)(A) in an amount greater than $1,000,000. A State, or an 
entity in a State, where the State has not operated a device loan 
program described in subparagraph (B) may not receive an initial grant 
under this subsection for activities described in paragraph (6)(B) in 
an amount greater than $1,000,000.
            (5) Conditions on supplementary grants.--
                    (A) Payments to states or other entities.--Subject 
                to the conditions specified in this subsection, the 
                Secretary shall make payments to the States or entities 
                that are selected to receive supplementary grants 
                awarded under this subsection.
                    (B) Obligation and expenditure.--A State or entity 
                that receives a grant under this subsection shall 
                obligate and expend the funds made available through 
                the grant during the period of the grant.
                    (C) Matching requirement.--With respect to the cost 
                to be incurred by a State or entity that receives a 
                grant under this subsection to carry out activities 
                described in paragraph (6), a State or entity that 
                receives such a grant in an amount of more than 
                $500,000 shall make available non-Federal contributions 
                in an amount not less than $1 for every $5 of Federal 
                funds provided under the grant.
                    (D) Indirect costs.--No State or entity shall use 
                more than 10 percent of the funds made available 
                through a grant awarded under this subsection for 
                indirect costs.
            (6) Activities.--The State or entity may use funds made 
        available through a grant awarded under this subsection to 
        carry out 1 or more of the following activities:
                    (A) Alternative financing loan programs capital 
                infusion grants.--The establishment or expansion, and 
                administration, of an alternative financing loan 
                program to allow targeted individuals and entities 
                described in section 3(18)(A) to purchase assistive 
                technology devices and assistive technology services, 
                accessible information technology and 
                telecommunications, and related goods and services 
                required for the independence and productivity of an 
                individual with a disability. The program may include--
                            (i) a low-interest loan fund program;
                            (ii) an interest buy-down program;
                            (iii) a revolving loan fund program;
                            (iv) a loan guarantee or insurance program; 
                        or
                            (v) a program based on another financing 
                        mechanism that is approved by the Secretary.
                    (B) Device loan programs capital infusion grants.--
                The expansion and administration of device loan 
                programs to meet unique or comprehensive State needs, 
                such as the expansion and administration of the 
                programs through--
                            (i) joint funding agreements between the 
                        implementing entity for the State assistive 
                        technology program and educational agencies, 
                        vocational rehabilitation agencies, entities 
                        providing medical assistance, or other public 
                        or private entities who pay for assistive 
                        technology devices; or
                            (ii) a specialized State-specific funding 
                        stream or pool for the purchase of assistive 
                        technology to be loaned.
                    (C) State funds.--A State may use State funds to 
                carry out activities described in subparagraph (A) for 
                additional targeted individuals and entities (other 
                than individuals and entities described in section 
                3(18)(A)) if the State advisory council described in 
                section 4(c)(2) and the consumer-based organization 
                described in paragraph (3)(D) approve the additional 
                targeted individuals and entities.
            (7) Progress reports.--
                    (A)  in general.--Each State or entity that 
                receives a grant under this subsection shall prepare 
                and submit to the Secretary a status report not later 
                than 7 months after the date on which the State or 
                entity receives the grant and a final report not later 
                than 18 months after the date on which the State or 
                entity receives the grant. Each report shall document 
                the progress of the State or entity in meeting the 
                goals described in paragraph (3)(A)(i)(I).
                    (B) Alternative financing loan program data 
                required.--A State or entity that receives a grant for 
an alternative financing loan program described in paragraph (6)(A) 
shall include in each report loan data with respect to the program for 
the period of the grant award, including--
                            (i) the number and dollar amount of loans 
                        made under that paragraph for--
                                    (I) loan applications received;
                                    (II) loan applications approved; 
                                and
                                    (III) loan applications not 
                                approved;
                            (ii) the default rate of the loans;
                            (iii) the range of interest rates and 
                        average interest rate for the loans;
                            (iv) the range of income and average income 
                        of approved loan applicants for the loans;
                            (v) the types and dollar amounts of 
                        assistive technology financed through the 
                        loans; and
                            (vi) the outcomes of the loan program, 
                        including information relevant to the benefits 
                        to individuals utilizing the program.
                    (C) Device loan programs data required.--A State 
                that receives a grant for a device loan program 
                described in paragraph (6)(B) shall include in each 
                report loan data with respect to the program for the 
                period of the grant award, including--
                            (i) the number and type of assistive 
                        technology devices loaned under that paragraph;
                            (ii) the general characteristics of 
                        borrowers (such as individuals with 
                        disabilities, parents, educators, employers, 
                        providers of employment services, health care 
                        workers, counselors, other service providers, 
                        or venders);
                            (iii) the purposes for which the loans were 
                        made; and
                            (iv) the outcomes of the loans, including 
                        information relevant to the benefits to 
                        individuals utilizing the program.
            (8) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be 
        construed as affecting the authority of a State to establish an 
        alternative financing system under section 4.
    (b) Projects of National Significance.--
            (1) Competitive grant for development of a national public-
        awareness toolkit.--
                    (A) Purpose.--The purpose of this paragraph is to 
                support the development of a national public-awareness 
                toolkit for dissemination to State assistive technology 
                programs, in order to expand public-awareness efforts 
                to reach targeted individuals and entities, as defined 
                in subparagraphs (A), (B), (D), (F), (G), and (I) of 
                section 3(18).
                    (B) Competitive technical assistance grant 
                authorized.--The Secretary may award a grant on a 
                competitive basis to an eligible partnership, to enable 
                the partnership to carry out the activities described 
                in subparagraph (A).
                    (C) Eligible partnership.--To be eligible to 
                receive the grant, the partnership--
                            (i) shall consist of--
                                    (I) an implementing entity for a 
                                State assistive technology program or 
                                an organization or association that 
                                represents implementing entities for 
                                State assistive technology programs;
                                    (II) a private or public entity 
                                from the media industry;
                                    (III) a private entity from the 
                                assistive technology industry; and
                                    (IV) a private employer or an 
                                organization or association that 
                                represents private employers; and
                            (ii) may include another entity determined 
                        by the Secretary to be appropriate.
                    (D) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a 
                grant under this paragraph, a partnership shall submit 
                an application to the Secretary at such time, in such 
                manner, and containing such information as the 
                Secretary may require.
                    (E) Use of funds.--A partnership that receives a 
                grant under this paragraph shall use the funds made 
                available through the grant to develop a national 
                public-awareness toolkit, which shall contain 
                appropriate multimedia materials to reach targeted 
                individuals and entities, as defined in subparagraphs 
                (A), (B), (D), (F), (G), and (I) of section 3(18), for 
                dissemination to State assistive technology programs.
            (2) Research, development, and evaluation.--
                    (A) Competitive research, development, and 
                evaluation grants authorized.--The Secretary may award 
                grants to eligible entities to carry out research, 
                development, and evaluation of assistive technology.
                    (B) Eligible entities.--Entities eligible to 
                receive a grant under this paragraph shall include--
                            (i) providers of assistive technology 
                        services and assistive technology devices;
                            (ii) public and private educational 
                        agencies serving students in kindergarten, 
                        elementary school, or secondary school;
                            (iii) institutions of higher education, 
                        including University Centers for Excellence in 
                        Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, 
                        and Service authorized under subtitle D of 
                        title I of the Developmental Disabilities 
                        Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 
                        U.S.C. 15061 et seq.), or such institutions 
                        offering rehabilitation engineering programs, 
                        computer science programs, or information 
                        technology programs;
                            (iv) manufacturers of assistive technology 
                        and accessible information technology and 
                        telecommunications;
                            (v) consumer organizations concerned with 
                        assistive technology;
                            (vi) professionals, organizations, and 
                        agencies, providing services to individuals 
                        with disabilities; and
                            (vii) professionals, individuals, and 
                        organizations, providing employment services to 
                        individuals with disabilities.
                    (C) Priority activities.--In awarding such grants, 
                the Secretary shall give priority to funding projects 
                that address 1 or more of the following:
                            (i) Developing standards for reliability 
                        and accessibility of assistive technology, and 
                        standards for interoperability (including open 
                        standards) of assistive technology with 
                        information technology, telecommunications 
                        products, and other assistive technology.
                            (ii) Developing and implementing 
                        measurements and tools that evaluate assistive 
                        technology for--
                                    (I) conformity with reliability, 
                                accessibility and interoperability 
                                standards developed under clause (i);
                                    (II) usability by individuals with 
                                disabilities to meet functional needs; 
                                or
                                    (III) other characteristics that 
                                support increased functional 
                                performance of assistive technology.
                            (iii) Developing assistive technology that 
                        benefits individuals with disabilities or 
                        developing technologies or practices that 
                        result in the adaptation, maintenance, 
                        servicing, or improvement of assistive 
                        technology devices.
                    (D) Input.--An entity that receives a grant under 
                this paragraph shall, in developing and implementing 
                the project carried out through the grant, coordinate 
                activities with the implementing entity for the State 
                assistive technology program (or a national 
                organization that represents such programs) and the 
                State advisory council described in section 4(c)(2) (or 
                a national organization that represents such councils).
                    (E) Report.--The entity shall prepare and submit a 
                report to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
                and containing such information as the Secretary may 
                require.
            (3) Personnel preparation centers.--
                    (A) Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants, on a 
                competitive basis, to public and private entities and 
                institutions of higher education, including University 
                Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
                Education, Research, and Service established under 
                subtitle D of title I of the Developmental Disabilities 
                Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 
                15061 et seq.), to fund the establishment or expansion 
                of personnel preparation centers.
                    (B) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a 
                grant under this paragraph, an entity shall have--
                            (i) knowledge and skills to assess and 
                        evaluate the need for assistive technology 
                        devices and assistive technology services;
                            (ii) knowledge and skills to assist 
                        consumers in the selection and acquisition of 
                        the devices and services; and
                            (iii) experience training professionals in 
                        school districts, at early intervention service 
                        sites, and in adult service provider settings, 
                        in geographically diverse areas within the 
                        State.
                    (C) Application.--
                            (i) In general.--To be eligible to receive 
                        a grant under this paragraph, an entity shall 
                        submit an application to the Secretary at such 
                        time, in such manner, and containing such 
                        information as the Secretary may require.
                            (ii) Contents.--At a minimum, the 
                        application shall include--
                                    (I) a description of the entity's 
                                knowledge and skills regarding 
                                assistive technology assessment and 
                                evaluation;
                                    (II) a description of how the 
                                entity will collect training outcome 
                                data;
                                    (III) a description of the manner 
                                in which the entity will carry out 
                                financial and programmatic 
                                responsibilities, including any shared 
                                responsibilities, in implementing the 
                                activities carried out under the grant;
                                    (IV) a description of the 
                                relationship between the entity and 
                                school personnel, early intervention 
                                service personnel, and adult service 
                                provider personnel in the State; and
                                    (V) a description of an advisory 
                                committee designated or established 
                                under subparagraph (E).
                    (D) Use of funds.--An entity that receives a grant 
                under this paragraph shall use the funds made available 
                through the grant to carry out the activities described 
                in subparagraph (B).
                    (E) Advisory committee.--
                            (i) In general.--A council (which may be 
                        the advisory council described in section 
                        4(c)(2)) shall be designated to serve as an 
                        advisory committee, or an advisory committee 
                        shall be established, to make recommendations 
                        for the training to be offered through the 
                        grant, the specific populations to receive the 
                        training, and the reporting requirements 
                        applicable to the entity under subparagraph 
                        (F).
                            (ii) Composition.--At a minimum, such 
                        advisory committee shall be composed of--
                                    (I) consumers of assistive 
                                technology services and assistive 
                                technology devices;
                                    (II) providers of assistive 
                                technology services and assistive 
                                technology devices;
                                    (III) the implementing entity for 
                                the State assistive technology program; 
                                and
                                    (IV) entities (other than the 
                                entity described in clause (i)) that 
                                receive grants under this paragraph.
                    (F) Reporting requirements.--
                            (i) In general.--An entity that receives a 
                        grant under this paragraph shall submit to the 
                        Secretary an annual report detailing outcomes 
                        achieved through activities carried out under 
                        the grant at such time, in such manner, and 
                        containing such information as the Secretary 
                        may require, after receiving the 
                        recommendations of the advisory committee 
                        described in subparagraph (E) for the entity.
                            (ii) Contents.--At a minimum, the report 
                        shall include information on--
                                    (I) the number and geographical 
                                distribution of teachers (broken down 
                                into general education and special 
                                education categories) and other school 
                                personnel who received training under 
                                this paragraph in the school year 
                                covered by the report;
                                    (II) the number and geographical 
                                distribution of early intervention 
                                service personnel who received training 
                                under this paragraph in the year 
                                covered by the report; and
                                    (III) the number and geographical 
                                distribution of adult service provider 
                                personnel who received training under 
                                this paragraph in the year covered by 
                                the report.
            (4) Period of grants.--The Secretary shall make grants 
        under this subsection for periods of 12 months.
            (5) Conditions on projects of national significance.--
                    (A) Payments to partnerships and entities.--Subject 
                to the conditions specified in this paragraph, the 
                Secretary shall make payments to the partnerships and 
                entities that are selected to receive grants awarded 
                under this subsection.
                    (B) Obligation and expenditure.--A partnership or 
                entity that receives a grant under this subsection 
                shall obligate and expend the funds made available 
                through the grant during the period of the grant.
                    (C) Matching requirement.--
                            (i) In general.--With respect to the cost 
                        to be incurred by a partnership or entity that 
                        receives a grant under this subsection in 
                        carrying out the activities for which the grant 
                        was awarded, a partnership or entity that 
                        receives a grant under this subsection in an 
                        amount of more than $50,000 shall make 
                        available non-Federal contributions in an 
                        amount not less than $1 for every $3 of the 
                        portion of the grant amount that exceeds 
                        $50,000.
                            (ii) Non-federal contributions.--The 
                        partnership or entity may make the non-Federal 
                        contributions available in cash or in kind, 
                        fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, 
                        or services.

SEC. 7. TRAINING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, DATA-COLLECTION, REPORTING, AND 
              INTERNET PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--In order to strengthen and support State assistive 
technology programs, and protection and advocacy systems authorized 
under section 5, the Secretary may award 1 or more grants, contracts, 
or cooperative agreements on a competitive basis under subsections (b) 
and (c) to provide training and technical assistance, and conduct data 
collection and reporting, about and for the State assistive technology 
programs and protection and advocacy systems.
    (b) Training and Technical Assistance; Data Collection and 
Reporting.--
            (1) State projects training and technical assistance 
        efforts.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants, 
                contracts, and cooperative agreements to provide 
                training and technical assistance concerning State 
                assistive technology programs.
                    (B) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a 
                grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this 
                paragraph, an entity shall have personnel with--
                            (i) documented experience and expertise in 
                        administering State assistive technology 
                        programs, including developing, implementing, 
                        and administering the required and 
                        discretionary activities described in sections 
                        4 and 6(a); and
                            (ii) documented experience in and knowledge 
                        about banking, finance, and microlending.
                    (C) Application.--To be eligible to receive a 
                grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this 
                paragraph, an entity shall submit an application to the 
                Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing 
                such information as the Secretary may require.
                    (D) Training and technical assistance efforts.--In 
                awarding the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, 
                the Secretary shall ensure that the recipient conducts 
                a training and technical assistance program, taking 
                into account the required input and collaborations 
                described in subparagraph (E), through which the 
                recipient--
                            (i) addresses State-specific information 
                        requests concerning assistive technology and 
                        accessible information technology and 
                        telecommunications from implementing entities 
                        for State assistive technology programs funded 
                        under this Act and public and private entities 
                        not funded under this Act, including--
                                    (I) requests for information on 
                                effective approaches to developing, 
                                implementing, evaluating, and 
                                sustaining required and discretionary 
                                activities identified in sections 4 and 
                                6(a), and requests for assistance in 
                                developing corrective action plans;
                                    (II) requests for examples of 
                                Federal, State, and local 
policies, practices, procedures, regulations, interagency agreements, 
administrative hearing decisions, or legal actions that facilitate, and 
overcome barriers to, the provision of funding for, and access to, 
assistive technology devices, accessible information technology and 
telecommunications, and assistive technology services for individuals 
with disabilities; and
                                    (III) other requests for training 
                                and technical assistance from State 
                                assistive technology programs funded 
                                under this Act and public and private 
                                entities not funded under this Act, and 
                                other assignments specified by the 
                                Secretary; and
                            (ii) provides State-specific and national 
                        training and technical assistance concerning 
                        assistive technology and accessible information 
                        technology and telecommunications to 
                        implementing entities for State assistive 
                        technology programs, including financing 
                        systems, funded under section 4, other entities 
                        funded under this Act (with respect to the 
                        required or discretionary activities that the 
                        entities carry out under this Act and 
                        especially with respect to the establishment or 
                        expansion, and administration (including 
                        evaluation and sustenance), of alternative 
                        financing loan programs under section 6(a)), 
                        and public and private entities not funded 
                        under this Act, including--
                                    (I) annually providing a forum for 
                                exchanging information and promoting 
                                program and policy improvements in 
                                required activities of the State 
                                assistive technology programs;
                                    (II) facilitating on-site and 
                                electronic information sharing using 
                                state-of-the-art Internet technologies 
                                such as real-time online discussions, 
                                multipoint video conferencing, and web-
                                based audio/video broadcasts, on 
                                emerging topics that affect State 
                                assistive technology programs and 
                                individuals with assistive technology 
                                and accessible information technology 
                                and telecommunications needs;
                                    (III) convening experts from State 
                                assistive technology programs to 
                                discuss and make recommendations with 
                                regard to national emerging issues of 
                                importance to individuals with 
                                assistive technology and accessible 
                                information technology and 
                                telecommunications needs;
                                    (IV) sharing best practice and 
                                evidence-based practices among State 
                                assistive technology programs;
                                    (V) maintaining an accessible 
                                website that includes a link to State 
                                assistive technology programs, Federal 
                                departments and agencies, and 
                                associations and developing a national 
                                toll-free number that links callers 
                                from a State with the State assistive 
                                technology program in their State;
                                    (VI) developing or utilizing 
                                existing (as of the date of the award 
                                involved) model cooperative volume-
                                purchasing mechanisms designed to 
                                reduce the financial costs of 
                                purchasing assistive technology for 
                                required and discretionary activities 
                                identified in sections 4 and 6(a), and 
                                reducing duplication of activities 
                                among State assistive technology 
                                programs; and
                                    (VII) providing access to experts 
                                in the areas of banking, microlending, 
                                and finance, for implementing entities 
                                for State assistive technology programs 
                                and other entities funded under this 
                                Act to administer alternative financing 
                                loan programs, through site visits, 
                                teleconferences, and other means, to 
                                ensure access to information for 
                                entities that are carrying out new 
                                programs or programs that are not 
                                making progress in achieving the 
                                objectives of the programs.
                    (E) Required input and collaboration.--In providing 
                training and technical assistance under this paragraph, 
                a recipient of a grant, contract, or cooperative 
                agreement under this paragraph shall meet the following 
                requirements:
                            (i) Input.--The recipient shall involve, in 
                        the planning and identification of priority 
issues and needs, the directors of State assistive technology programs 
and other individuals the Secretary determines to be appropriate, 
especially--
                                    (I) individuals with disabilities 
                                who use, and understand the barriers to 
                                the acquisition of, assistive 
                                technology and accessible information 
                                technology and telecommunications;
                                    (II) family members, guardians, 
                                advocates, and authorized 
                                representatives of such individuals;
                                    (III) relevant employees from other 
                                Federal departments and agencies;
                                    (IV) businesses; and
                                    (V) venders and public and private 
                                researchers and developers.
                            (ii) Collaboration.--The recipient shall 
                        collaborate, in developing and implementing 
                        training and technical assistance activities 
                        identified as priorities, with other 
                        organizations, in particular--
                                    (I) national organizations 
                                representing State assistive technology 
                                programs;
                                    (II) organizations representing 
                                State officials and agencies engaged in 
                                the delivery of assistive technology 
                                and accessible information technology 
                                and telecommunications;
                                    (III) the data-collection and 
                                reporting providers described in 
                                paragraph (2); and
                                    (IV) other providers of national 
                                programs or programs of national 
                                significance funded under this Act.
            (2) State projects data-collection and reporting program.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants, 
                contracts, and cooperative agreements to conduct data 
                collection and reporting concerning State assistive 
                technology programs.
                    (B) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a 
                grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this 
                paragraph, an entity shall have personnel with--
                            (i) documented experience and expertise in 
                        administering State assistive technology 
                        programs;
                            (ii) experience in collecting and analyzing 
                        data associated with implementing required and 
                        discretionary activities;
                            (iii) expertise necessary to identify 
                        additional data elements needed to provide 
                        comprehensive reporting of State activities and 
                        outcomes; and
                            (iv) experience in utilizing data to 
                        provide annual reports to State policymakers.
                    (C) Application.--To be eligible to receive a 
                grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this 
                paragraph, an eligible applicant shall submit an 
                application to the Secretary at such time, in such 
                manner, and containing such information as the 
                Secretary may require.
                    (D) Data-collection and reporting program.--In 
                awarding the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, 
                the Secretary shall ensure that the recipient conducts 
                a data-collection and reporting program that enhances 
                and improves the operations and conduct of a State 
                assistive technology program. The Secretary shall 
                ensure that the recipient achieves that enhancement and 
                improvement by using quantitative and qualitative data 
                elements, measuring the outcomes of the required 
                activities described in section 4(e), and measuring the 
                accrued benefits of the activities to individuals who 
                need assistive technology and accessible information 
                technology and telecommunications.
                    (E) Required data elements.--The core set of the 
                data elements shall, at a minimum, include data 
                elements for--
                            (i) the number and dollar amount of 
                        financial loans made;
                            (ii) the number and type of assistive 
                        technology device demonstrations provided;
                            (iii) the number and type of assistive 
                        technology devices loaned through device loan 
                        programs;
                            (iv) the number and estimated value of 
                        assistive technology devices exchanged, 
                        repaired, recycled, or re-utilized (including 
                        redistributed through device sales, 
loans, rentals, or donations) through device re-utilization programs;
                            (v)(I) the number and general 
                        characteristics of individuals who participated 
                        in training (such as individuals with 
                        disabilities, parents, educators, employers, 
                        providers of employment services, health care 
                        workers, counselors, other service providers, 
                        or vendors) and the topics of such training; 
                        and
                            (II) to the extent practicable, the 
                        geographic distribution of individuals who 
                        participated in training or technical 
                        assistance activities;
                            (vi) the amount and nature of technical 
                        assistance provided to State and local agencies 
                        and other entities;
                            (vii) the number of individuals assisted 
                        through the public-awareness activities and 
                        statewide information and reference system;
                            (viii) the outcomes of any improvement 
                        initiatives carried out by the State as a 
                        result of activities funded under section 4;
                            (ix) the outcomes of interagency 
                        coordination and collaboration activities 
                        carried out by the State that support access to 
                        assistive technology;
                            (x) measured outcomes of activities 
                        undertaken to improve access to assistive 
                        technology devices and assistive technology 
                        services for targeted populations;
                            (xi) the outcomes of the services provided; 
                        and
                            (xii) the level of customer satisfaction 
                        with, or the outcomes of, the services 
                        provided.
                    (F) Required input and collaboration.--In 
                conducting data-collection and reporting activities 
                under this paragraph, a recipient of a grant, contract, 
                or cooperative agreement under this paragraph shall 
                meet the following requirements:
                            (i) Input.--The recipient shall actively 
                        involve, in the development of the data-
                        collection and reporting system, the directors 
                        of State assistive technology programs and 
                        other individuals the Secretary determines to 
                        be appropriate, especially--
                                    (I) individuals with disabilities 
                                who use, and understand the barriers to 
                                the acquisition of, assistive 
                                technology and accessible information 
                                technology and telecommunications;
                                    (II) family members, guardians, 
                                advocates, and authorized 
                                representatives of such individuals;
                                    (III) relevant employees from other 
                                Federal departments and agencies;
                                    (IV) businesses; and
                                    (V) venders and public and private 
                                researchers and developers.
                            (ii) Collaboration.--The recipient shall 
                        actively collaborate, in developing and 
                        implementing the system, with other 
                        organizations, in particular--
                                    (I) national organizations 
                                representing State assistive technology 
                                programs;
                                    (II) the training and technical 
                                assistance providers described in 
                                paragraph (1); and
                                    (III) entities carrying out 
                                projects of national significance 
                                funded under section 6(b), as 
                                appropriate.
            (3) State protection and advocacy services training and 
        technical assistance efforts.--
                    (A) General authority.--The Secretary shall award 
                grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to 
                provide training and technical assistance concerning 
                protection and advocacy services.
                    (B) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a 
                grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this 
                paragraph to provide training and technical assistance, 
                an entity shall have personnel with documented 
                experience related to protection and advocacy services.
                    (C) Application.--To be eligible to receive a 
                grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this 
                paragraph, an eligible applicant shall submit an 
                application to the Secretary at such time, in such 
                manner, and containing such information as the 
                Secretary may require.
                    (D) Training and technical assistance efforts.--
                            (i) Technical assistance efforts.--In 
                        awarding the grant, contract, or cooperative 
                        agreement, the Secretary shall ensure that the 
                        recipient conducts a technical assistance 
                        program through which the recipient--
                                    (I) provides advocacy-related and 
                                management-related technical 
                                assistance;
                                    (II) prepares publications, in 
                                numerous formats, on the funding of 
                                assistive technology through a variety 
                                of funding sources;
                                    (III) makes available, through in-
                                house resource libraries, documents 
                                related to the funding of assistive 
                                technology;
                                    (IV) maintains a project website 
                                containing information concerning the 
                                funding of assistive technology, and 
                                containing publications and links to 
                                other web-based resources to support 
                                assistive technology advocacy efforts; 
                                and
                                    (V) maintains a national assistive 
                                technology list serve.
                            (ii) Training efforts.--In awarding the 
                        grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, the 
                        Secretary shall ensure that the recipient 
                        conducts a training program through which the 
                        recipient--
                                    (I) provides advocacy-related 
                                training through annual statewide or 
                                regional conferences and distance-
                                training events; and
                                    (II) provides management-related 
                                training at annual training events, 
                                assisting protection and advocacy 
                                managers and fiscal officers to meet 
                                grant obligations.
                            (iii) Data collection and reporting.--The 
                        recipient shall prepare and submit to the 
                        Secretary a report containing information on 
                        the activities carried out under this 
                        paragraph, including information on the 
                        following:
                                    (I) Non-case services.
                                    (II) Case services.
                                    (III) Statistical information for 
                                individuals served.
                                    (IV) Systemic activities and 
                                litigation.
                                    (V) Priorities and objectives.
                                    (VI) Agency administration.
    (c) National Information Internet System.--
            (1) In general.--In order to provide information nationally 
        on the availability of assistive technology, the Secretary may 
        award 1 grant, contract, or cooperative agreement on a 
        competitive basis to maintain, renovate, and update the 
        National Public Internet Site established under section 
        104(c)(1) of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
        3014(c)(1)), as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
            (2) Eligible entity.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
        contract, or cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), an 
        entity shall be a nonprofit organization, for-profit 
        organization, or institution of higher education, that--
                    (A) emphasizes research and engineering;
                    (B) has a multidisciplinary research center; and
                    (C) has demonstrated expertise in--
                            (i) working with assistive technology, 
                        accessible information technology and 
                        telecommunications, and intelligent agent 
                        interactive information dissemination systems;
                            (ii) managing libraries of assistive 
                        technology, accessible information technology 
                        and telecommunications, and disability-related 
                        resources;
                            (iii) delivering to individuals with 
                        disabilities education, information, and 
                        referral services, 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.
            (3) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
        contract, or cooperative agreement under this section, an 
        eligible applicant shall submit an application to the Secretary 
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the 
Secretary may require.
            (4) National public internet site.--
                    (A) Features of internet site.--The National Public 
                Internet Site 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 and 
                        accessible information technology and 
                        telecommunications.
                            (iii) Resources.--
                                    (I) Library on assistive 
                                technology.--The site shall include 
                                access to a comprehensive working 
                                library on assistive technology and 
                                accessible information technology and 
                                telecommunications for all 
                                environments, including home, 
                                workplace, transportation, and other 
                                environments.
                                    (II) Information on accommodating 
                                individuals with disabilities.--The 
                                site shall include access to evidence-
                                based research and best practices 
                                concerning how assistive technology and 
                                accessible information technology and 
                                telecommunications can be used to 
                                accommodate individuals with 
                                disabilities in the areas of education, 
                                employment, health care, community 
                                living, and telecommunications and 
                                information technology.
                                    (III) 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 and cognitive 
                                disabilities.
                            (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 recipient of the grant, 
                        contract, or cooperative agreement and 
                        cooperating private-sector entities.
                            (v) Links to public-sector resources and 
                        information.--To the extent feasible, the site 
                        shall be linked to relevant public-sector 
                        resources and information, such as the Internet 
                        sites of the Office of Special Education and 
                        Rehabilitation Services of the Department of 
                        Education, the Office of Disability Employment 
                        Policy of the Department of Labor, the Small 
                        Business Administration, the Architectural and 
                        Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, and 
                        the Technology Administration of the Department 
                        of Commerce, the accessible website described 
                        in subsection (b)(1)(D)(ii)(V), the Jobs 
                        Accommodation Network funded by the Office of 
                        Disability Employment Policy of the Department 
                        of Labor, and other relevant sites.
                    (B) Minimum library components.--At a minimum, the 
                National Public Internet Site shall maintain updated 
                information on--
                            (i) State assistive technology program 
                        demonstration sites where individuals may try 
                        out assistive technology devices;
                            (ii) State assistive technology program 
                        device loan program sites where individuals may 
                        borrow assistive technology devices;
                            (iii) State assistive technology program 
                        device re-utilization program sites;
                            (iv) alternative financing programs or 
                        systems operated through, or independently of, 
                        State assistive technology programs, and other 
                        sources of funding for assistive technology 
                        devices; and
                            (v) various tax credits available to 
                        employers for hiring or accommodating employees 
                        who are individuals with disabilities.
            (5) Input.--While providing information (including 
        technical assistance) under this subsection, the Secretary and 
        recipient of the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement 
under this subsection shall consider the input of the directors of 
State assistive technology programs and other individuals the Secretary 
determines to be appropriate, especially--
                    (A) individuals with disabilities who use, and 
                understand the barriers to the acquisition of, 
                assistive technology and accessible information 
                technology and telecommunications;
                    (B) family members, guardians, advocates, and 
                authorized representatives of such individuals;
                    (C) relevant employees from other Federal 
                departments and agencies involved in the procurement or 
                development of assistive technology devices, or the 
                provision of assistive technology services;
                    (D) employers of people with disabilities, 
                especially small business employers; and
                    (E) venders and public and private researchers and 
                developers.

SEC. 8. TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY ASSESSMENT.

    (a) In General.--To better promote and serve the United States 
assistive technology industry, the Secretary may conduct a detailed 
assessment of the industry. Such assessment shall provide data and 
analysis concerning the industry's market, products, and services, for 
better strategic and business modeling.
    (b) Contents.--The Secretary shall ensure that the assessment 
provides data and analysis including--
            (1) data to better assess the industry's potential and 
        provide metrics for future growth;
            (2) information addressing strategies and certification 
        practices of international trading partners; and
            (3) details about programs within the Department of 
        Commerce that facilitate assistive technology industry export 
        efforts.
    (c) Consultation.--The Secretary shall conduct the assessment after 
consultation with the Under Secretary for Technology of the Department 
of Commerce members of the assistive technology industry, the 
Interagency Committee on Disability Research established under section 
203 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 763), and other 
appropriate agencies.

SEC. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

    (a) General Administration.--
            (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
        law, the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services 
        Administration in the Office of Special Education and 
        Rehabilitative Services of the Department of Education shall be 
        responsible for the administration of this Act.
            (2) Collaboration.--The Commissioner of the Rehabilitation 
        Services Administration may make 1 or more grants to, or enter 
        into 1 or more contracts, interagency agreements, or 
        cooperative agreements with, the Director of the Office of 
        Special Education Programs or the National Institute on 
        Disability and Rehabilitation Research in the Office of Special 
        Education and Rehabilitative Services of the Department of 
        Education, the Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment 
        Policy in the Department of Labor, the Under Secretary for 
        Technology in the Department of Commerce, the Administrator of 
        the Small Business Administration, or the head of any other 
        entity approved by the Secretary to assist in the 
        administration of this Act.
            (3) Administration.--In administering this Act, the 
        Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration 
        shall ensure the provision of assistive technology, through 
        comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related 
        assistance, to individuals of all ages, whether the individuals 
        will use the assistive technology to obtain or maintain 
        employment or for other reasons.
    (b) Review of Participating Entities.--The Secretary shall assess 
the extent to which entities that receive grants under this Act are 
complying with the applicable requirements of this Act and achieving 
goals that are consistent with the requirements of the grant programs 
under which the entities received the grants.
    (c) Corrective Action and Sanctions.--
            (1) Corrective action.--If the Secretary determines that an 
        entity that receives a grant under this Act fails to 
        substantially comply with the applicable requirements of this 
        Act, 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.--If the entity fails to develop and comply 
        with a corrective action plan described in paragraph (1) during 
        a fiscal year, the entity shall be subject to 1 of the 
        following corrective actions selected by the Secretary:
                    (A) Partial or complete termination of funding 
                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 4(c)(1).
            (3) Appeals procedures.--The Secretary shall establish 
        appeals procedures for entities that are determined to be in 
        noncompliance with the applicable requirements of this Act.
    (d) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
affect the enforcement authority of the Secretary, another Federal 
officer, or a court under part E of the General Education Provisions 
Act (20 U.S.C. 1234 et seq.) or other applicable law.
    (e) Effect on Other Assistance.--This Act may not be construed as 
authorizing a Federal or State agency to reduce medical or other 
assistance available, or to alter eligibility for a benefit or service, 
under any other Federal law.

SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) State Grants for Assistive Technology; Training, Technical 
Assistance, Data-Collection, Reporting, and Internet Programs.--
            (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
        carry out sections 4 and 7 $36,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, 
        and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2006 
        through 2010.
            (2) Training, technical assistance, data-collection, 
        reporting, and internet programs.--
                    (A) In general.--Of the amount appropriated under 
                this subsection for a fiscal year, not more than 
                $1,235,000 may be made available to carry out section 
                7.
                    (B) Reservations.--Of the amount made available to 
                carry out section 7 for a fiscal year--
                            (i) not less than 45 percent shall be made 
                        available to carry out section 7(b)(1);
                            (ii) not less than 20 percent shall be made 
                        available to carry out section 7(b)(2);
                            (iii) not less than 15 percent shall be 
                        made available to carry out section 7(b)(3); 
                        and
                            (iv) not more than 20 percent shall be made 
                        available to carry out section 7(c).
    (b) State Grants for Protection and Advocacy Services Related to 
Assistive Technology.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
out section 5 $4,419,000 for fiscal year 2005 and such sums as may be 
necessary for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010.
    (c) Supplementary Grants and Projects of National Significance.--
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 6 such 
sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2010.

SEC. 11. REPEAL.

    The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) is 
repealed.
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