[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 8, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    CONCURRING IN SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2339, TECHNOLOGY-RELATED 
 ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1994, 
                           WITH AN AMENDMENT

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 351) to take from the Speaker's table the bill 
(H.R. 2339) to revise and extend the programs of the Technology-Related 
Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988, and for other 
purposes, with a Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate 
amendment with an amendment.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 351

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the 
     ``Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With 
     Disabilities Act Amendments of 1994''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. References.
Sec. 3. Findings, purposes, and policy.
Sec. 4. Definitions.

                       TITLE I--GRANTS TO STATES

Sec. 101. Program authorized.
Sec. 102. Development grants.
Sec. 103. Extension grants.
Sec. 104. Progress criteria and reports.
Sec. 105. Administrative provisions.
Sec. 106. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 107. Repeals.

              TITLE II--PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Sec. 201. National classification system.
Sec. 202. Training and demonstration projects.

              TITLE III--ALTERNATIVE FINANCING MECHANISMS

Sec. 301. Alternative financing mechanisms authorized.

                   TITLE IV--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER ACTS

Sec. 401. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Sec. 402. Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Sec. 403. Administrative requirements under the Head Start Act.
Sec. 404. Technical and conforming amendments.

                        TITLE V--EFFECTIVE DATE

Sec. 501. Effective date.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES.

       Except as otherwise specifically provided, whenever in this 
     Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision, 
     the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of the Technology-Related Assistance for 
     Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2201 et 
     seq.).

     SEC. 3. FINDINGS, PURPOSES, AND POLICY.

       (a) Section Heading.--Section 2 (29 U.S.C. 2201) is amended 
     by striking the heading and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 2. FINDINGS, PURPOSES, AND POLICY.''.

       (b) Findings.--Section 2(a) (29 U.S.C. 2201(a)) is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(a) Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
       ``(1) Disability is a natural part of the human experience 
     and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to--
       ``(A) live independently;
       ``(B) enjoy self-determination;
       ``(C) make choices;
       ``(D) pursue meaningful careers; and
       ``(E) enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, 
     political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of 
     American society.
       ``(2) During the past decade, there have been major 
     advances in modern technology. Technology is now a powerful 
     force in the lives of all residents of the United States. 
     Technology can provide important tools for making the 
     performance of tasks quicker and easier.
       ``(3) For some individuals with disabilities, assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services are 
     necessary to enable the individuals--
       ``(A) to have greater control over their lives;
       ``(B) to participate in, and contribute more fully to, 
     activities in their home, school, and work environments, and 
     in their communities;
       ``(C) to interact to a greater extent with individuals who 
     do not have disabilities; and
       ``(D) to otherwise benefit from opportunities that are 
     taken for granted by individuals who do not have 
     disabilities.
       ``(4) Substantial progress has been made in the development 
     of assistive technology devices, including adaptations to 
     existing equipment, that significantly benefit individuals 
     with disabilities of all ages. Such devices can be used to 
     increase the involvement of such individuals in, and reduce 
     expenditures associated with, programs and activities such as 
     early intervention, education, rehabilitation and training, 
     employment, residential living, independent living, 
     recreation, and other aspects of daily living.
       ``(5) Most States have technology-related assistance 
     programs carried out under this Act. In spite of the efforts 
     made by such programs, there remains a need to support 
     systems change and advocacy activities in order to assist 
     States to develop and implement consumer-responsive, 
     comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related 
     assistance for individuals with disabilities of all ages.
       ``(6) Notwithstanding the efforts of such State technology-
     related assistance programs, there is still a lack of--
       ``(A) resources to pay for assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services;
       ``(B) trained personnel to assist individuals with 
     disabilities to use such devices and services;
       ``(C) information among individuals with disabilities and 
     their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives, individuals who work for public agencies, or 
     for private entities (including insurers), that have contact 
     with individuals with disabilities, educators and related 
     service personnel, technology experts (including engineers), 
     employers, and other appropriate individuals about the 
     availability and potential of technology for individuals with 
     disabilities;
       ``(D) aggressive outreach to underrepresented populations 
     and rural populations;
       ``(E) systems that ensure timely acquisition and delivery 
     of assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services, particularly with respect to children;
       ``(F) coordination among State human services programs, and 
     between such programs and private entities, particularly with 
     respect to transitions between such programs and entities; 
     and
       ``(G) capacity in such programs to provide the necessary 
     technology-related assistance.
       ``(7) Many individuals with disabilities cannot access 
     existing telecommunications and information technologies and 
     are at risk of not being able to access developing 
     technologies. The failure of Federal and State governments, 
     hardware manufacturers, software designers, information 
     systems managers, and telecommunications service providers to 
     account for the specific needs of individuals with 
     disabilities results in the exclusion of such individuals 
     from the use of telecommunications and information 
     technologies and results in unnecessary costs associated with 
     the retrofitting of devices and product systems.
       ``(8) There are insufficient incentives for the commercial 
     pursuit of the application of technology devices to meet the 
     needs of individuals with disabilities, because of the 
     perception that such individuals constitute a limited market.
       ``(9) At the Federal level, there is a lack of coordination 
     among agencies that provide or pay for the provision of 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services. In addition, the Federal Government does not 
     provide adequate assistance and information with respect to 
     the use of assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services to individuals with disabilities and 
     their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives, individuals who work for public agencies, or 
     for private entities (including insurers), that have contact 
     with individuals with disabilities, educators and related 
     services personnel, technology experts (including engineers), 
     employers, and other appropriate individuals.''.
       (c) Purposes.--Section 2(b) (29 U.S.C. 2201(b)) is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are as follows:
       ``(1) To provide financial assistance to the States to 
     support systems change and advocacy activities designed to 
     assist each State in developing and implementing a consumer-
     responsive comprehensive statewide program of technology-
     related assistance, for individuals with disabilities of all 
     ages, that is designed to--
       ``(A) increase the availability of, funding for, access to, 
     and provision of, assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services;
       ``(B) increase the active involvement of individuals with 
     disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, 
     and authorized representatives, in the planning, development, 
     implementation, and evaluation of such a program;
       ``(C) increase the involvement of individuals with 
     disabilities and, if appropriate, their family members, 
     guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, in 
     decisions related to the provision of assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services;
       ``(D) increase the provision of outreach to 
     underrepresented populations and rural populations, to enable 
     the two populations to enjoy the benefits of programs carried 
     out to accomplish purposes described in this paragraph to the 
     same extent as other populations;
       ``(E) increase and promote coordination among State 
     agencies, and between State agencies and private entities, 
     that are involved in carrying out activities under this 
     title, particularly providing assistive technology devices 
     and assistive technology services, that accomplish a purpose 
     described in another subparagraph of this paragraph;
       ``(F)(i) increase the awareness of laws, regulations, 
     policies, practices, procedures, and organizational 
     structures, that facilitate the availability or provision of 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services; and
       ``(ii) facilitate the change of laws, regulations, 
     policies, practices, procedures, and organizational 
     structures, that impede the availability or provision of 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services;
       ``(G) increase the probability that individuals with 
     disabilities of all ages will, to the extent appropriate, be 
     able to secure and maintain possession of assistive 
     technology devices as such individuals make the transition 
     between services offered by human service agencies or between 
     settings of daily living;
       ``(H) enhance the skills and competencies of individuals 
     involved in providing assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services;
       ``(I) increase awareness and knowledge of the efficacy of 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services among--
       ``(i) individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives;
       ``(ii) individuals who work for public agencies, or for 
     private entities (including insurers), that have contact with 
     individuals with disabilities;
       ``(iii) educators and related services personnel;
       ``(iv) technology experts (including engineers);
       ``(v) employers; and
       ``(vi) other appropriate individuals;
       ``(J) increase the capacity of public agencies and private 
     entities to provide and pay for assistive technology devices 
     and assistive technology services on a statewide basis for 
     individuals with disabilities of all ages; and
       ``(K) increase the awareness of the needs of individuals 
     with disabilities for assistive technology devices and for 
     assistive technology services.
       ``(2) To identify Federal policies that facilitate payment 
     for assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services, to identify Federal policies that impede such 
     payment, and to eliminate inappropriate barriers to such 
     payment.
       ``(3) To enhance the ability of the Federal Government to 
     provide States with--
       ``(A) technical assistance, information, training, and 
     public awareness programs relating to the provision of 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services; and
       ``(B) funding for demonstration projects.''.
       (d) Policy.--Section 2 (29 U.S.C. 2201) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that 
     all programs, projects, and activities receiving assistance 
     under this Act shall be consumer-responsive and shall be 
     carried out in a manner consistent with the principles of--
       ``(1) respect for individual dignity, personal 
     responsibility, self-determination, and pursuit of meaningful 
     careers, based on informed choice, of individuals with 
     disabilities;
       ``(2) respect for the privacy, rights, and equal access 
     (including the use of accessible formats), of such 
     individuals;
       ``(3) inclusion, integration, and full participation of 
     such individuals;
       ``(4) support for the involvement of a family member, a 
     guardian, an advocate, or an authorized representative, if an 
     individual with a disability requests, desires, or needs such 
     support; and
       ``(5) support for individual and systems advocacy and 
     community involvement.''.

     SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 3 (29 U.S.C. 2202) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (8) as 
     paragraphs (2), (3), (7), (8), (10), (11), (13), and (14), 
     respectively;
       (2) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1)) the following:
       ``(1) Advocacy services.--The term `advocacy services', 
     except as used as part of the term `protection and advocacy 
     services', means services--
       ``(A) provided to assist individuals with disabilities and 
     their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives in accessing assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services; and
       ``(B) provided through--
       ``(i) individual case management for individuals with 
     disabilities;
       ``(ii) representation of individuals with disabilities 
     (other than representation within the definition of 
     protection and advocacy services);
       ``(iii) training of individuals with disabilities and their 
     family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives to successfully conduct advocacy for 
     themselves; or
       ``(iv) dissemination of information.'';
       (3) in paragraph (3)(E) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), 
     by striking ``family'' and all that follows and inserting 
     ``the family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized 
     representatives of such an individual; and'';
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (3) (as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1)) the following:
       ``(4) Comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance.--The term `comprehensive statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance' means a statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance developed and implemented by a 
     State under title I that--
       ``(A) addresses the needs of all individuals with 
     disabilities, including members of underrepresented 
     populations and members of rural populations;
       ``(B) addresses such needs without regard to the age, type 
     of disability, race, ethnicity, or gender of such 
     individuals, or the particular major life activity for which 
     such individuals need the assistance; and
       ``(C) addresses such needs without requiring that the 
     assistance be provided through any particular agency or 
     service delivery system.
       ``(5) Consumer-responsive.--The term `consumer-responsive' 
     means, with respect to an entity, program, or activity, that 
     the entity, program, or activity--
       ``(A) is easily accessible to, and usable by, individuals 
     with disabilities and, when appropriate, their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives;
       ``(B) responds to the needs of individuals with 
     disabilities in a timely and appropriate manner; and
       ``(C) 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; and
       ``(ii) the planning, development, implementation, and 
     evaluation of the comprehensive statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance.
       ``(6) 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.'';
       (5) by striking paragraph (7) (as redesignated by paragraph 
     (1)) and inserting the following:
       ``(7) Individual with a disability; individuals with 
     disabilities.--
       ``(A) Individual with a disability.--The term `individual 
     with a disability' means any individual--
       ``(i) who has a disability; and
       ``(ii) who is or would be enabled by an assistive 
     technology device or an assistive technology service to 
     minimize deterioration in functioning, to maintain a level of 
     functioning, or to achieve a greater level of functioning in 
     any major life activity.
       ``(B) Individuals with disabilities.--The term `individuals 
     with disabilities' means more than one individual with a 
     disability.'';
       (6) in paragraph (8) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))--
       (A) by striking ``section 435(b)'' and inserting ``section 
     1201(a)''; and
       (B) by striking ``1965'' and inserting ``1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1141(a))'';
       (7) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1)) the following:
       ``(9) Protection and advocacy services.--The term 
     `protection and advocacy services' means services that--
       ``(A) are described in part C of the Developmental 
     Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 
     6041 et seq.), the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill 
     Individuals Act (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.'';
       (8) in paragraph (11) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))--
       (A) by striking ``several States'' and inserting ``several 
     States of the United States'';
       (B) by striking ``Virgin Islands'' and inserting ``United 
     States Virgin Islands''; and
       (C) by striking ``the Trust Territory of the Pacific 
     Islands'' and inserting ``the Republic of Palau (until the 
     Compact of Free Association with Palau takes effect)'';
       (9) by inserting after such paragraph (11) the following:
       ``(12) Systems change and advocacy activities.--The term 
     `systems change and advocacy activities' means efforts that 
     result in laws, regulations, policies, practices, or 
     organizational structures that promote consumer-responsive 
     programs or entities and that facilitate and increase access 
     to, provision of, and funding for, assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services on a permanent 
     basis, in order to empower individuals with disabilities to 
     achieve greater independence, productivity, and integration 
     and inclusion within the community and the work force.'';
       (10) in paragraph (13) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))--
       (A) by striking ``functions performed and activities 
     carried out under section 101'' and inserting ``assistance 
     provided through systems change and advocacy activities''; 
     and
       (B) by inserting ``any of subparagraphs (A) through (K) 
     of'' before ``section 2(b)(1)''; and
       (11) by amending paragraph (14) (as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1)) to read as follows:
       ``(14) Underrepresented population.--The term 
     `underrepresented population' includes a population such as 
     minorities, the poor, and persons with limited-English 
     proficiency.''.
                       TITLE I--GRANTS TO STATES

     SEC. 101. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.

       (a) Grants to States.--Section 101(a) (29 U.S.C. 2211(a)) 
     is amended--
       (1) by inserting after ``provisions of this title'' the 
     following: ``to support systems change and advocacy 
     activities designed''; and
       (2) by striking ``to develop and implement'' and inserting 
     ``in developing and implementing''.
       (b) Activities.--Section 101 (29 U.S.C. 2211) is amended by 
     striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Activities.--Any State that receives a grant under 
     section 102 or 103 shall use the funds made available through 
     the grant to accomplish the purposes described in section 
     2(b)(1) and, in accomplishing such purposes, may carry out 
     any of the following systems change and advocacy activities:
       ``(1) Model systems and alternative state-financed 
     systems.--The State may support activities to increase access 
     to, and funding for, assistive technology, including--
       ``(A) the development, and evaluation of the efficacy, of 
     model delivery systems that provide assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services to individuals with 
     disabilities, that pay for such devices and services, and 
     that, if successful, could be replicated or generally 
     applied, such as--
       ``(i) the development of systems for the purchase, lease, 
     other acquisition, or payment for the provision, of assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services; or
       ``(ii) the establishment of alternative State or privately 
     financed systems of subsidies for the provision of assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services, such 
     as--

       ``(I) a loan system for assistive technology devices;
       ``(II) an income-contingent loan fund;
       ``(III) a low-interest loan fund;
       ``(IV) a revolving loan fund;
       ``(V) a loan insurance program; or
       ``(VI) a partnership with private entities for the 
     purchase, lease, or other acquisition of assistive technology 
     devices and the provision of assistive technology services;

       ``(B) the demonstration of assistive technology devices, 
     including--
       ``(i) the provision of a location or locations within the 
     State where--

       ``(I) individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives;
       ``(II) education, rehabilitation, health care, and other 
     service providers;
       ``(III) individuals who work for Federal, State, or local 
     government entities; and
       ``(IV) employers,

     can see and touch assistive technology devices, and learn 
     about the devices from personnel who are familiar with such 
     devices and their applications;
       ``(ii) the provision of counseling and assistance to 
     individuals with disabilities and their family members, 
     guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to 
     determine individual needs for assistive technology devices 
     and assistive technology services; and
       ``(iii) the demonstration or short-term loan of assistive 
     technology devices to individuals, employers, public 
     agencies, or public accommodations seeking strategies to 
     comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 
     U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation 
     Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794); and
       ``(C) the establishment of information systems about, and 
     recycling centers for, the redistribution of assistive 
     technology devices and equipment that may include device and 
     equipment loans, rentals, or gifts.
       ``(2) Interagency coordination.--The State may support 
     activities--
       ``(A) to identify and coordinate Federal and State 
     policies, resources, and services, relating to the provision 
     of assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services, including entering into interagency agreements;
       ``(B) to convene interagency work groups to enhance public 
     funding options and coordinate access to funding for 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services for individuals with disabilities of all ages, with 
     special attention to the issues of transition (such as 
     transition from school to work, and transition from 
     participation in programs under part H of the Individuals 
     with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.), to 
     participation in programs under part B of such Act (20 U.S.C. 
     1411 et seq.)) home use, and individual involvement in the 
     identification, planning, use, delivery, and evaluation of 
     such devices and services; or
       ``(C) to document and disseminate information about 
     interagency activities that promote coordination with respect 
     to assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services, including evidence of increased participation of 
     State and local special education, vocational rehabilitation, 
     and State medical assistance agencies and departments.
       ``(3) Outreach.--The State may carry out activities to 
     encourage the creation or maintenance of, support, or provide 
     assistance to, statewide and community-based organizations, 
     or systems, that provide assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services to individuals with 
     disabilities or that assist individuals with disabilities in 
     using assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services. Such activities may include outreach to consumer 
     organizations and groups in the State to coordinate the 
     activities of the organizations and groups with efforts 
     (including self-help, support groups, and peer mentoring) to 
     assist individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, 
     to obtain funding for, and access to, assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services.
       ``(4) Expenses.--The State may pay for expenses, including 
     travel expenses, and services, including services of 
     qualified interpreters, readers, and personal care 
     assistants, that may be necessary to ensure access to the 
     comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance by individuals with disabilities who are 
     determined by the State to be in financial need.
       ``(5) Statewide needs assessment.--The State may conduct a 
     statewide needs assessment that may be based on data in 
     existence on the date on which the assessment is initiated 
     and may include--
       ``(A) estimates of the numbers of individuals with 
     disabilities within the State, categorized by residence, type 
     and extent of disabilities, age, race, gender, and ethnicity;
       ``(B) in the case of an assessment carried out under a 
     development grant, a description of efforts, during the 
     fiscal year preceding the first fiscal year for which the 
     State received such a grant, to provide assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services to individuals with 
     disabilities within the State, including--
       ``(i) the number of individuals with disabilities who 
     received appropriate assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services; and
       ``(ii) a description of the devices and services provided;
       ``(C) information on the number of individuals with 
     disabilities who are in need of assistive technology devices 
     and assistive technology services, and a description of the 
     devices and services needed;
       ``(D) information on the cost of providing assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services to all 
     individuals with disabilities within the State who need such 
     devices and services;
       ``(E) a description of State and local public resources and 
     private resources (including insurance) that are available to 
     establish a consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide 
     program of technology-related assistance;
       ``(F) information identifying Federal and State laws, 
     regulations, policies, practices, procedures, and 
     organizational structures, that facilitate or interfere with 
     the operation of a consumer-responsive comprehensive 
     statewide program of technology-related assistance;
       ``(G) a description of the procurement policies of the 
     State and the extent to which such policies will ensure, to 
     the extent practicable, that assistive technology devices 
     purchased, leased, or otherwise acquired with assistance made 
     available through a grant made under section 102 or 103 are 
     compatible with other technology devices, including 
     technology devices designed primarily for use by--
       ``(i) individuals who are not individuals with 
     disabilities;
       ``(ii) individuals who are elderly; or
       ``(iii) individuals with particular disabilities; and
       ``(H) information resulting from an inquiry about whether a 
     State agency or task force (composed of individuals 
     representing the State and individuals representing the 
     private sector) should study the practices of private 
     insurance companies holding licenses within the State that 
     offer health or disability insurance policies under which an 
     individual may obtain reimbursement for--
       ``(i) the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of 
     assistive technology devices; or
       ``(ii) the use of assistive technology services.
       ``(6) Public awareness program.--
       ``(A) In general.--The State may--
       ``(i) support a public awareness program designed to 
     provide information relating to the availability and efficacy 
     of assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services for--

       ``(I) individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives;
       ``(II) individuals who work for public agencies, or for 
     private entities (including insurers), that have contact with 
     individuals with disabilities;
       ``(III) educators and related services personnel;
       ``(IV) technology experts (including engineers);
       ``(V) employers; and
       ``(VI) other appropriate individuals and entities; or

       ``(ii) establish and support such a program if no such 
     program exists.
       ``(B) Contents.--Such a public awareness program may 
     include--
       ``(i) the development and dissemination of information 
     relating to--

       ``(I) the nature of assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services;
       ``(II) the appropriateness, cost, and availability of, and 
     access to, assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services; and
       ``(III) the efficacy of assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services with respect to enhancing the 
     capacity of individuals with disabilities;

       ``(ii) the development of procedures for providing direct 
     communication among public providers of assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services and between public 
     providers and private providers of such devices and services 
     (including employers); and
       ``(iii) the development and dissemination of information 
     relating to the use of the program by individuals with 
     disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, 
     or authorized representatives, professionals who work in a 
     field related to an activity described in this section, and 
     other appropriate individuals.
       ``(7) Training and technical assistance.--The State may 
     carry out directly, or may provide support to a public or 
     private entity to carry out, training and technical 
     assistance activities--
       ``(A) that--
       ``(i) are provided for individuals with disabilities and 
     their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives, and other appropriate individuals; and
       ``(ii) may include--

       ``(I) training in the use of assistive technology devices 
     and assistive technology services;
       ``(II) the development of written materials, training, and 
     technical assistance describing the means by which agencies 
     consider the needs of an individual with a disability for 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services in developing, for the individual, any 
     individualized education program described in section 
     614(a)(5) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
     (20 U.S.C. 1414(a)(5)), any individualized written 
     rehabilitation program described in section 102 of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 722), any 
     individualized family service plan described in section 677 
     of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
     1477), and any other individualized plans or programs;
       ``(III) training regarding the rights of the persons 
     described in clause (i) to assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services under any law other than this 
     Act, to promote fuller independence, productivity, and 
     inclusion in and integration into society of such persons; 
     and
       ``(IV) training to increase consumer participation in the 
     identification, planning, use, delivery, and evaluation of 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services; and

       ``(B) that--
       ``(i) enhance the assistive technology skills and 
     competencies of--

       ``(I) individuals who work for public agencies, or for 
     private entities (including insurers), that have contact with 
     individuals with disabilities;
       ``(II) educators and related services personnel;
       ``(III) technology experts (including engineers);
       ``(IV) employers; and
       ``(V) other appropriate personnel; and

       ``(ii) include taking actions to facilitate the development 
     of standards, or, when appropriate, the application of such 
     standards, to ensure the availability of qualified personnel.
       ``(8) Program data.--The State may support the compilation 
     and evaluation of appropriate data related to a program 
     described in subsection (a).
       ``(9) Access to technology-related information.--
       ``(A) In general.--The State may develop, operate, or 
     expand a system for public access to information concerning 
     an activity carried out under another paragraph of this 
     subsection, including information about assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services, funding sources 
     and costs of such assistance, and individuals, organizations, 
     and agencies capable of carrying out such an activity for 
     individuals with disabilities.
       ``(B) Access.--Access to the system may be provided through 
     community-based entities, including public libraries, centers 
     for independent living (as defined in section 702(1) of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796a(1))), and 
     community rehabilitation programs (as defined in section 
     7(25) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 706(25))).
       ``(C) System.--In developing, operating, or expanding a 
     system described in subparagraph (A), the State may--
       ``(i) develop, compile, and categorize print, large print, 
     braille, audio, and video materials, computer disks, compact 
     discs (including compact discs formatted with read-only 
     memory), information that can be used in telephone-based 
     information systems, and such other media as technological 
     innovation may make appropriate;
       ``(ii) identify and classify existing funding sources, and 
     the conditions of and criteria for access to such sources, 
     including any funding mechanisms or strategies developed by 
     the State;
       ``(iii) identify existing support groups and systems 
     designed to help individuals with disabilities make effective 
     use of an activity carried out under another paragraph of 
     this subsection; and
       ``(iv) maintain a record of the extent to which citizens of 
     the State use or make inquiries of the system established in 
     subparagraph (A), and of the nature of such inquiries.
       ``(D) Linkages.--The information system may be organized on 
     an interstate basis or as part of a regional consortium of 
     States in order to facilitate the establishment of 
     compatible, linked information systems.
       ``(10) Interstate activities.--
       ``(A) In general.--The State may enter into cooperative 
     agreements with other States to expand the capacity of the 
     States involved to assist individuals with disabilities of 
     all ages to learn about, acquire, use, maintain, adapt, and 
     upgrade assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services that such individuals need at home, at school, at 
     work, or in other environments that are part of daily living.
       ``(B) Electronic communication.--The State may operate or 
     participate in a computer system through which the State may 
     electronically communicate with other States to gain 
     technical assistance in a timely fashion and to avoid the 
     duplication of efforts already undertaken in other States.
       ``(11) Partnerships and cooperative initiatives.--The State 
     may support the establishment or continuation of partnerships 
     and cooperative initiatives between the public sector and the 
     private sector to promote greater participation by business 
     and industry in--
       ``(A) the development, demonstration, and dissemination of 
     assistive technology devices; and
       ``(B) the ongoing provision of information about new 
     products to assist individuals with disabilities.
       ``(12) Advocacy services.--The State may provide advocacy 
     services.
       ``(13) Other activities.--The State may utilize amounts 
     made available through grants made under section 102 or 103 
     for any systems change and advocacy activities, other than 
     the activities described in another paragraph of this 
     subsection, that are necessary for developing, implementing, 
     or evaluating the consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide 
     program of technology-related assistance.
       ``(c) Nonsupplantation.--In carrying out systems change and 
     advocacy activities under this title, the State shall ensure 
     that the activities supplement, and not supplant, similar 
     activities that have been carried out pursuant to other 
     Federal or State law.''.

     SEC. 102. DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

       Section 102 (29 U.S.C. 2212) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``3-year grants'' and inserting ``3-year 
     grants to support systems change and advocacy activities 
     described in section 101(b) (including activities described 
     in subsection (e)(7))''; and
       (B) by striking ``to develop and implement statewide 
     programs'' and inserting ``in developing and implementing 
     consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide programs'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b);
       (3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
     (b) and (c), respectively;
       (4) in subsection (b) (as redesignated in paragraph (3))--
       (A) in paragraph (3)(C), by striking ``statewide program'' 
     and inserting ``consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide 
     program''; and
       (B) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``(A)'' and inserting ``(A) State.--'';
       (II) by inserting ``United States'' before ``Virgin 
     Islands''; and
       (III) by striking ``Trust Territory of the Pacific 
     Islands'' and inserting ``Republic of Palau''; and

       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by striking ``(B)'' and inserting ``(B) Territory.--'';
       (II) by inserting ``United States'' before ``Virgin 
     Islands''; and
       (III) by striking ``Trust Territory of the Pacific 
     Islands'' and inserting ``Republic of Palau (until the 
     Compact of Free Association takes effect)'';

       (5) in paragraph (2) of subsection (c) (as redesignated in 
     paragraph (3)) by striking ``statewide programs'' and 
     inserting ``consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide 
     programs'';
       (6) by inserting after such subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Designation of the Lead Agency.--
       ``(1) Designation.--The Governor of any State that desires 
     to receive a grant under this section shall designate the 
     office, agency, entity, or individual (referred to in this 
     Act as the `lead agency') responsible for--
       ``(A) submitting the application described in subsection 
     (e) on behalf of the State;
       ``(B) administering and supervising the use of amounts made 
     available under the grant;
       ``(C)(i) coordinating efforts related to, and supervising 
     the preparation of, the application;
       ``(ii) coordinating the planning, development, 
     implementation, and evaluation of the consumer-responsive 
     comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance among public agencies and between public agencies 
     and private agencies, including coordinating efforts related 
     to entering into interagency agreements; and
       ``(iii) coordinating efforts related to, and supervising, 
     the active, timely, and meaningful participation by 
     individuals with disabilities and their family members, 
     guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, and 
     other appropriate individuals, with respect to activities 
     carried out under the grant; and
       ``(D) the delegation, in whole or in part, of any 
     responsibilities described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) 
     to one or more appropriate offices, agencies, entities, or 
     individuals.
       ``(2) Qualifications.--In designating the lead agency, the 
     Governor may designate--
       ``(A) a commission appointed by the Governor;
       ``(B) a public-private partnership or consortium;
       ``(C) a university-affiliated program;
       ``(D) a public agency;
       ``(E) a council established under Federal or State law; or
       ``(F) another appropriate office, agency, entity, or 
     individual.
       ``(3) Abilities of lead agency.--The State shall provide, 
     in accordance with subsection (e)(1), evidence that the lead 
     agency has the ability--
       ``(A) to respond to assistive technology needs across 
     disabilities and ages;
       ``(B) to promote the availability throughout the State of 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services;
       ``(C) to promote and implement systems change and advocacy 
     activities;
       ``(D) to promote and develop public-private partnerships;
       ``(E) to exercise leadership in identifying and responding 
     to the technology needs of individuals with disabilities and 
     their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives;
       ``(F) to promote consumer confidence, responsiveness, and 
     advocacy; and
       ``(G) to exercise leadership in implementing effective 
     strategies for capacity building, staff and consumer 
     training, and enhancement of access to funding for assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services across 
     agencies.'';
       (7) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(1) Designation of the lead agency.--Information 
     identifying the lead agency designated by the Governor under 
     subsection (d)(1), and the evidence described in subsection 
     (d)(3).
       ``(2) Agency involvement.--A description of the nature and 
     extent of involvement of various State agencies, including 
     the State insurance department, in the preparation of the 
     application and the continuing role of each agency in the 
     development and implementation of the consumer-responsive 
     comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance, including the identification of the available 
     resources and financial responsibility of each agency for 
     paying for assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services.
       ``(3) Involvement.--
       ``(A) Consumer involvement.--A description of procedures 
     that provide for--
       ``(i)(I) the active involvement of individuals with 
     disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, 
     and authorized representatives, and other appropriate 
     individuals, in the development, implementation, and 
     evaluation of the program; and
       ``(II) the active involvement, to the maximum extent 
     appropriate, of individuals with disabilities who use 
     assistive technology devices or assistive technology 
     services, in decisions relating to such devices and services; 
     and
       ``(ii) mechanisms for determining consumer satisfaction and 
     participation of individuals with disabilities who represent 
     a variety of ages and types of disabilities, in the consumer-
     responsive comprehensive statewide program of technology-
     related assistance.
       ``(B) Public involvement.--A description of the nature and 
     extent of--
       ``(i) the involvement, in the designation of the lead 
     agency under subsection (d), and in the development of the 
     application, of--

       ``(I) individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives;
       ``(II) other appropriate individuals who are not employed 
     by a State agency; and
       ``(III) organizations, providers, and interested parties, 
     in the private sector; and

       ``(ii) the continuing role of the individuals and entities 
     described in clause (i) in the program.'';
       (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``underserved groups'' 
     and inserting ``underrepresented populations or rural 
     populations'';
       (C) in paragraphs (4) and (5), by striking ``statewide 
     program'' each place the term appears and inserting 
     ``consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide program'';
       (D) by striking paragraphs (6), (7), and (17);
       (E) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs 
     (17) and (18), respectively, and transferring such paragraphs 
     to the end of the subsection;
       (F) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
       ``(6) Goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes.--
     Information on the program with respect to--
       ``(A) the goals and objectives of the State for the 
     program;
       ``(B) the systems change and advocacy activities that the 
     State plans to carry out under the program; and
       ``(C) the expected outcomes of the State for the program, 
     consistent with the purposes described in section 2(b)(1).
       ``(7) Priority activities.--
       ``(A) In general.--An assurance that the State will use 
     funds made available under this section or section 103 to 
     accomplish the purposes described in section 2(b)(1) and the 
     goals, objectives, and outcomes described in paragraph (6), 
     and to carry out the systems change and advocacy activities 
     described in paragraph (6)(B), in a manner that is consumer-
     responsive.
       ``(B) Particular activities.--An assurance that the State, 
     in carrying out such systems change and advocacy activities, 
     shall carry out activities regarding--
       ``(i) the development, implementation, and monitoring of 
     State, regional, and local laws, regulations, policies, 
     practices, procedures, and organizational structures, that 
     will improve access to, provision of, funding for, and timely 
     acquisition and delivery of, assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services;
       ``(ii) the development and implementation of strategies to 
     overcome barriers regarding access to, provision of, and 
     funding for, such devices and services, with priority for 
     identification of barriers to funding through State education 
     (including special education) services, vocational 
     rehabilitation services, and medical assistance services or, 
     as appropriate, other health and human services, and with 
     particular emphasis on overcoming barriers for 
     underrepresented populations and rural populations;
       ``(iii) coordination of activities among State agencies, in 
     order to facilitate access to, provision of, and funding for, 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services;
       ``(iv) the development and implementation of strategies to 
     empower individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives, to successfully advocate for increased 
     access to, funding for, and provision of, assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services, and to 
     increase the participation, choice, and control of such 
     individuals with disabilities and their family members, 
     guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives in the 
     selection and procurement of assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services;
       ``(v) the provision of outreach to underrepresented 
     populations and rural populations, including identifying and 
     assessing the needs of such populations, providing activities 
     to increase the accessibility of services to such 
     populations, training representatives of such populations to 
     become service providers, and training staff of the consumer-
     responsive comprehensive statewide program of technology-
     related assistance to work with such populations; and
       ``(vi) the development and implementation of strategies to 
     ensure timely acquisition and delivery of assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services, 
     particularly for children,

     unless the State demonstrates through the progress reports 
     required under section 104 that significant progress has been 
     made in the development and implementation of a consumer-
     responsive comprehensive statewide program of technology-
     related assistance, and that other systems change and 
     advocacy activities will increase the likelihood that the 
     program will accomplish the purposes described in section 
     2(b)(1).
       ``(8) Assessment.--An assurance that the State will conduct 
     an annual assessment of the consumer-responsive comprehensive 
     statewide program of technology-related assistance, in order 
     to determine--
       ``(A) the extent to which the State's goals and objectives 
     for systems change and advocacy activities, as identified in 
     the State plan under paragraph (6), have been achieved; and
       ``(B) the areas of need that require attention in the next 
     year.
       ``(9) Data collection.--A description of--
       ``(A) the data collection system used for compiling 
     information on the program, consistent with such requirements 
     as the Secretary may establish for such systems, and, when a 
     national classification system is developed pursuant to 
     section 201, consistent with such classification system; and
       ``(B) procedures that will be used to conduct evaluations 
     of the program.'';
       (G) in paragraphs (11)(B)(i) and (12)(B) by striking 
     ``individual with disabilities'' and inserting ``individual 
     with a disability'';
       (H) in paragraph (16)(A), by striking ``the families or 
     representatives of individuals with disabilities'' and 
     inserting ``their family members, guardians, advocates, or 
     authorized representatives''; and
       (I) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(19) Authority to use funds.--An assurance that the lead 
     agency will have the authority to use funds made available 
     through a grant made under this section or section 103 to 
     comply with the requirements of this section or section 103, 
     respectively, including the ability to hire qualified staff 
     necessary to carry out activities under the program.
       ``(20) Protection and advocacy services.--Either--
       ``(A) an assurance that the State will annually provide, 
     from the funds made available to the State through a grant 
     made under this section or section 103, an amount calculated 
     in accordance with subsection (f)(4), in order to make a 
     grant to, or enter into a contract with, an entity to support 
     protection and advocacy services through the systems 
     established to provide protection and advocacy under the 
     Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 6000 et seq.), the Protection and Advocacy for 
     Mentally Ill Individuals Act (42 U.S.C. 10801 et seq.), and 
     section 509 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
     794e); or
       ``(B) at the discretion of the State, a request that the 
     Secretary annually reserve, from the funds made available to 
     the State through a grant made under this section or section 
     103, an amount calculated in accordance with subsection 
     (f)(4), in order for the Secretary to make a grant to or 
     enter into a contract with such a system to support 
     protection and advocacy services.
       ``(21) Training activities.--An assurance that the State--
       ``(A) will develop and implement strategies for including 
     personnel training regarding assistive technology within 
     existing Federal- and State-funded training initiatives, in 
     order to enhance assistive technology skills and 
     competencies; and
       ``(B) will document such training.
       ``(22) Limit on indirect costs.--An assurance that the 
     percentage of the funds received under the grant that is used 
     for indirect costs shall not exceed 10 percent.
       ``(23) Coordination with state councils.--An assurance that 
     the lead agency will coordinate the activities funded through 
     a grant made under this section or section 103 with the 
     activities carried out by other councils within the State, 
     including--
       ``(A) any council or commission specified in the assurance 
     provided by the State in accordance with section 101(a)(36) 
     of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 721(a)(36));
       ``(B) the Statewide Independent Living Council established 
     under section 705 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
     U.S.C. 796d);
       ``(C) the advisory panel established under section 
     613(a)(12) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
     (20 U.S.C. 1413(a)(12));
       ``(D) the State Interagency Coordinating Council 
     established under section 682 of the Individuals with 
     Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1482);
       ``(E) the State Planning Council described in section 124 
     of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 
     Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6024);
       ``(F) the State mental health planning council established 
     under section 1914 of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 300x-3); and
       ``(G) any council established under section 204, 
     206(g)(2)(A), or 712(a)(3)(H) of the Older Americans Act of 
     1965 (42 U.S.C. 3015, 3017(g)(2)(A), or 3058g(a)(3)(H)).
       ``(24) Coordination with other systems change and advocacy 
     activities.--An assurance that there will be coordination 
     between the activities funded through the grant and other 
     related systems change and advocacy activities funded by 
     either Federal or State sources.
       ``(25) Other information and assurances.--Such other 
     information and assurances as the Secretary may reasonably 
     require.''; and
       (8) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Protection and Advocacy Requirements.--
       ``(1) Requirements.--A State that, as of June 30, 1993, has 
     provided for protection and advocacy services through an 
     entity that--
       ``(A) is capable of performing the functions that would 
     otherwise be performed under subsection (e)(20) by the system 
     described in subsection (e)(20); and
       ``(B) is not a system described in such subsection,

     shall be considered to meet the requirements of such 
     subsection. Such entity shall receive funding to provide such 
     protection and advocacy services in accordance with paragraph 
     (4), and shall comply with the same requirements of this 
     title (other than the requirements of such subsection) as a 
     system that receives funding under such subsection.
       ``(2) Protection and advocacy service provider report.--
       ``(A) Preparation.--A system that receives funds under 
     subsection (e)(20) to carry out the protection and advocacy 
     services described in subsection (e)(20)(A) in a State, or an 
     entity described in paragraph (1) that carries out such 
     services in the State, shall prepare reports that contain 
     such information as the Secretary may require, including the 
     following:
       ``(i) A description of the activities carried out by the 
     system or entity with such funds.
       ``(ii) Documentation of significant progress, in providing 
     protection and advocacy services, in each of the following 
     areas:

       ``(I) Conducting activities that are consumer-responsive, 
     including activities that will lead to increased access to 
     funding for assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services.
       ``(II) Executing legal, administrative, and other 
     appropriate means of representation to implement systems 
     change and advocacy activities.
       ``(III) Developing and implementing strategies designed to 
     enhance the long-term abilities of individuals with 
     disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, 
     and authorized representatives to successfully advocate for 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services to which the individuals with disabilities are 
     entitled under law other than this Act.
       ``(IV) Coordinating activities with protection and advocacy 
     services funded through sources other than this Act, and 
     coordinating activities with the systems change and advocacy 
     activities carried out by the State lead agency.

       ``(B) Submission.--The system or entity shall submit the 
     reports to the program described in subsection (a) in the 
     State not less often than every 6 months.
       ``(C) Updates.--The system or entity shall provide monthly 
     updates to the program described in subsection (a) concerning 
     the activities and information described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(3) Consultation with state programs.--Before making a 
     grant or entering into a contract under subsection (e)(20)(B) 
     to support the protection and advocacy services described in 
     subsection (e)(20)(A) in a State, the Secretary shall solicit 
     and consider the opinions of the lead agency in the State 
     with respect to the terms of the grant or contract.
       ``(4) Calculation of expenditures.--
       ``(A) In general.--For each fiscal year, for each State 
     receiving a grant under this section or section 103, the 
     Secretary shall specify a minimum amount that the State shall 
     use to provide protection and advocacy services.
       ``(B) Initial years of grant.--Except as provided in 
     subparagraph (C) or (D)--
       ``(i) the Secretary shall calculate such minimum amount for 
     a State based on the size of the grant, the needs of 
     individuals with disabilities within the State, the 
     population of the State, and the geographic size of the 
     State; and
       ``(ii) such minimum amount shall be not less than $40,000 
     and not more than $100,000.
       ``(C) Fourth year of second extension grant.--If a State 
     receives a second extension grant under section 103(a)(2), 
     the Secretary shall specify a minimum amount under 
     subparagraph (A) for the fourth year (if any) of the grant 
     period that shall equal 75 percent of the minimum amount 
     specified for the State under such subparagraph for the third 
     year of the second extension grant of the State.
       ``(D) Fifth year of second extension grant.--If a State 
     receives a second extension grant under section 103(a)(2), 
     the Secretary shall specify a minimum amount under 
     subparagraph (A) for the fifth year (if any) of the grant 
     period that shall equal 50 percent of the minimum amount 
     specified for the State under such subparagraph for the third 
     year of the second extension grant of the State.
       ``(E) Prohibition.--After the fifth year (if any) of the 
     grant period, no Federal funds may be made available under 
     this title by the State to a system described in subsection 
     (e)(20) or an entity described in paragraph (1).''.

     SEC. 103. EXTENSION GRANTS.

       Section 103 (29 U.S.C. 2213) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 103. EXTENSION GRANTS.

       ``(a) Extension Grants.--
       ``(1) Initial extension grant.--The Secretary may award an 
     initial extension grant, for a period of 2 years, to any 
     State that meets the standards specified in subsection 
     (b)(1).
       ``(2) Second extension grant.--The Secretary may award a 
     second extension grant, for a period of not more than 5 
     years, to any State that meets the standards specified in 
     subsection (b)(2).
       ``(b) Standards.--
       ``(1) Initial extension grant.--In order for a State to 
     receive an initial extension grant under this section, the 
     designated lead agency of the State shall--
       ``(A) provide the evidence described in section 102(d)(3); 
     and
       ``(B) demonstrate that the State has made significant 
     progress, and has carried out systems change and advocacy 
     activities that have resulted in significant progress, toward 
     the development and implementation of a consumer-responsive 
     comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance, consistent with sections 2(b)(1), 101, and 102.
       ``(2) Second extension grant.--
       ``(A) Responsibilities of designated lead agency.--In order 
     for a State to receive a second extension grant under this 
     section, the designated lead agency shall--
       ``(i) provide the evidence and make the demonstration 
     described in paragraph (1);
       ``(ii) describe the steps the State has taken or will take 
     to continue on a permanent basis the consumer-responsive 
     comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance with the ability to maintain, at a minimum, the 
     outcomes achieved by the systems change and advocacy 
     activities; and
       ``(iii) identify future funding options and commitments for 
     the program from the public and private sector and the key 
     individuals, agencies, and organizations to be involved in, 
     and to direct future efforts of, the program.
       ``(B) Determination of compliance.--In making any award to 
     a State for a second extension grant, the Secretary shall 
     (except as provided in section 105(a)(2)(A)(iii)) make such 
     award contingent on a determination, based on the onsite 
     visit required under section 105(a)(2)(A)(ii), that the State 
     is making significant progress toward development and 
     implementation of a consumer-responsive comprehensive 
     statewide program of technology-related assistance. If the 
     Secretary determines that the State is not making such 
     progress, the Secretary may take an action described in 
     section 105(b)(2), in accordance with the applicable 
     procedures described in section 105.
       ``(c) Amounts of Grants.--
       ``(1) Initial extension grants.--
       ``(A) In general.--
       ``(i) States.--From amounts appropriated under section 106 
     for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall pay an amount that 
     is not less than $500,000 and not greater than $1,500,000 to 
     each State (other than a State described in clause (ii)) that 
     receives an initial extension grant under subsection (a)(1).
       ``(ii) Territories.--From amounts appropriated under 
     section 106 for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall pay an 
     amount that is not greater than $150,000 to any of the 
     following States that receives an initial extension grant 
     under subsection (a)(1):

       ``(I) The United States Virgin Islands.
       ``(II) Guam.
       ``(III) American Samoa.
       ``(IV) The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
       ``(V) The Republic of Palau (until the Compact of Free 
     Association takes effect).

       ``(B) Calculation of amount.--The Secretary shall calculate 
     the amount described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph 
     (A) with respect to a State on the basis of--
       ``(i) amounts available for making grants pursuant to 
     subsection (a)(1);
       ``(ii) the population of the State;
       ``(iii) the types of assistance to be provided in the 
     State; and
       ``(iv) the amount of resources committed by the State and 
     available to the State from other sources.
       ``(C) Priority for previously participating states.--
     Amounts appropriated in any fiscal year for purposes of 
     carrying out subsection (a)(1) shall first be made available 
     to States that received assistance under this section during 
     the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year concerned.
       ``(D) Increases.--In providing any increases in initial 
     extension grants under subsection (a)(1) above the amounts 
     provided to States under this section for fiscal year 1993, 
     the Secretary may give priority to--
       ``(i) the States (other than the States described in 
     subparagraph (A)(ii)) that have the largest populations, 
     based on the most recent census data; and
       ``(ii) the States (other than the States described in 
     subparagraph (A)(ii)) that are sparsely populated, with a 
     wide geographic spread,

     where such characteristics have impeded the development of a 
     consumer-responsive, comprehensive statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance.
       ``(2) Second extension grants.--
       ``(A) Amounts and priority.--The amounts of, and the 
     priority of applicants for, the second extension grants 
     awarded under subsection (a)(2) shall be determined by the 
     Secretary, except that--
       ``(i) the amount paid to a State for the fourth year (if 
     any) of the grant period shall be 75 percent of the amount 
     paid to the State for the third year of the grant period;
       ``(ii) the amount paid to a State for the fifth year (if 
     any) of the grant period shall be 50 percent of the amount 
     paid to the State for the third year of the grant period; and
       ``(iii) after the fifth year of the grant period, no 
     Federal funds may be made available to the State under this 
     title.
       ``(B) Increases.--In providing any increases in second 
     extension grants under subsection (a)(2) above the amounts 
     provided to States under this section for fiscal year 1993, 
     the Secretary may give priority to States described in 
     paragraph (1)(D).
       ``(d) Application.--A State that desires to receive an 
     extension grant under this section shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary that contains the following 
     information and assurances with respect to the consumer-
     responsive comprehensive statewide program of technology-
     related assistance in the State:
       ``(1) Information and assurances.--The information and 
     assurances described in section 102(e), except the 
     preliminary needs assessment described in section 102(e)(4).
       ``(2) Needs; problems; strategies; outreach.--
       ``(A) Needs.--A description of needs relating to 
     technology-related assistance of individuals with 
     disabilities (including individuals from underrepresented 
     populations or rural populations) and their family members, 
     guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, and 
     other appropriate individuals within the State.
       ``(B) Problems.--A description of any problems or gaps that 
     remain with the development and implementation of a consumer-
     responsive comprehensive statewide program of technology-
     related assistance in the State.
       ``(C) Strategies.--A description of the strategies that the 
     State will pursue during the grant period to remedy the 
     problems or gaps with the development and implementation of 
     such a program.
       ``(D) Outreach activities.--A description of outreach 
     activities to be conducted by the State, including 
     dissemination of information to eligible populations, with 
     special attention to underrepresented populations and rural 
     populations.
       ``(3) Activities and progress under previous grant.--A 
     description of--
       ``(A) the specific systems change and advocacy activities 
     described in section 101(b) (including the activities 
     described in section 1012(e)(7)) carried out under the 
     development grant received by the State under section 102, 
     or, in the case of an application for a grant under 
     subsection (a)(2), under an initial extension grant received 
     by the State under this section, including--
       ``(i) a description of systems change and advocacy 
     activities that were undertaken to produce change on a 
     permanent basis for individuals with disabilities of all 
     ages;
       ``(ii) a description of activities undertaken to improve 
     the involvement of individuals with disabilities in the 
     program, including training and technical assistance efforts 
     to improve individual access to assistive technology devices 
     and assistive technology services as mandated under other 
     laws and regulations as in effect on the date of the 
     application, and including actions undertaken to improve the 
     participation of underrepresented populations and rural 
     populations, such as outreach efforts; and
       ``(iii) an evaluation of the impact and results of the 
     activities described in clauses (i) and (ii);
       ``(B) the relationship of such systems change and advocacy 
     activities to the development and implementation of a 
     consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance; and
       ``(C) the progress made toward the development and 
     implementation of such a program.
       ``(4) Public involvement.--
       ``(A) Report.--In the case of an application for a grant 
     under subsection (a)(1), a report on the hearing described in 
     subsection (e)(1) or, in the case of an application for a 
     grant under subsection (a)(2), a report on the hearing 
     described in subsection (e)(2).
       ``(B) Other state actions.--A description of State actions, 
     other than such a hearing, designed to determine the degree 
     of satisfaction of individuals with disabilities, and their 
     family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized 
     representatives, public service providers and private service 
     providers, educators and related services providers, 
     technology experts (including engineers), employers, and 
     other appropriate individuals and entities with--
       ``(i) the degree of their ongoing involvement in the 
     development and implementation of the consumer-responsive 
     comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance;
       ``(ii) the specific systems change and advocacy activities 
     described in section 101(b) (including the activities 
     described in section 102(e)(7)) carried out by the State 
     under the development grant or the initial extension grant;
       ``(iii) progress made toward the development and 
     implementation of a consumer-responsive comprehensive 
     statewide program of technology-related assistance; and
       ``(iv) the ability of the lead agency to carry out the 
     activities described in section 102(d)(3).
       ``(5) Comments.--A summary of any comments received 
     concerning the issues described in paragraph (4) and response 
     of the State to such comments, solicited through a public 
     hearing referred to in paragraph (4) or through other means, 
     from individuals affected by the consumer-responsive 
     comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance, including--
       ``(A) individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives;
       ``(B) public service providers and private service 
     providers;
       ``(C) educators and related services personnel;
       ``(D) technology experts (including engineers);
       ``(E) employers; and
       ``(F) other appropriate individuals and entities.
       ``(6) Compatibility and accessibility of electronic 
     equipment.--An assurance that the State, or any recipient of 
     funds made available to the State under section 102 or this 
     section, will comply with guidelines established under 
     section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
     794d).
       ``(e) Public Hearing.--
       ``(1) Initial extension grant.--To be eligible to receive a 
     grant under subsection (a)(1), a State shall hold a public 
     hearing in the third year of a program carried out under a 
     grant made under section 102, after providing appropriate and 
     sufficient notice to allow interested groups and 
     organizations and all segments of the public an opportunity 
     to comment on the program.
       ``(2) Second extension grant.--To be eligible to receive a 
     grant under subsection (a)(2), a State shall hold a public 
     hearing in the second year of a program carried out under a 
     grant made under subsection (a)(1), after providing the 
     notice described in paragraph (1).''.

     SEC. 104. PROGRESS CRITERIA AND REPORTS.

       Section 104 (29 U.S.C. 2214) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 104. PROGRESS CRITERIA AND REPORTS.

       ``(a) Guidelines.--The Secretary shall develop guidelines 
     to be used in assessing the extent to which a State that 
     received a grant under section 102 or 103 is making 
     significant progress in developing and implementing a 
     consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance consistent with section 
     2(b)(1).
       ``(b) Reports.--Each State that receives a grant under 
     section 102 or 103 to carry out such a program shall submit 
     annually to the Secretary a report that documents significant 
     progress in developing and implementing a consumer-responsive 
     comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance, consistent with sections 2(b)(1), 101, and 
     102(e), and that documents the following:
       ``(1) The progress the State has made, as determined in the 
     State's annual assessment described in section 102(e)(8) 
     (consistent with the guidelines established by the Secretary 
     under subsection (a)), in achieving the State's goals, 
     objectives, and outcomes as identified in the State's 
     application as described in section 102(e)(6), and areas of 
     need that require attention in the next year, including 
     unanticipated problems with the achievement of the goals, 
     objectives, and outcomes described in the application, and 
     the activities the State has undertaken to rectify these 
     problems.
       ``(2) The systems change and advocacy activities carried 
     out by the State including--
       ``(A) an analysis of the laws, regulations, policies, 
     practices, procedures, and organizational structures that the 
     State has changed, has attempted to change, or will attempt 
     to change during the next year, to facilitate and increase 
     timely access to, provision of, or funding for, assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services; and
       ``(B) a description of any written policies and procedures 
     that the State has developed and implemented regarding access 
     to, provision of, and funding for, assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services, particularly 
     policies and procedures regarding access to, provision of, 
     and funding for, such devices and services under education 
     (including special education), vocational rehabilitation, and 
     medical assistance programs.
       ``(3) The degree of involvement of various State agencies, 
     including the State insurance department, in the development, 
     implementation, and evaluation of the program, including any 
     interagency agreements that the State has developed and 
     implemented regarding access to, provision of, and funding 
     for, assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services such as agreements that identify available resources 
     for assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services and the responsibility of each agency for paying for 
     such devices and services.
       ``(4) The activities undertaken to collect and disseminate 
     information about the documents or activities analyzed or 
     described in paragraphs (1) through (3), including outreach 
     activities to underrepresented populations and rural 
     populations and efforts to disseminate information by means 
     of electronic communication.
       ``(5) The involvement of individuals with disabilities who 
     represent a variety of ages and types of disabilities in the 
     planning, development, implementation, and assessment of the 
     consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance, including activities 
     undertaken to improve such involvement, such as consumer 
     training and outreach activities to underrepresented 
     populations and rural populations.
       ``(6) The degree of consumer satisfaction with the program, 
     including satisfaction by underrepresented populations and 
     rural populations.
       ``(7) Efforts to train personnel as well as consumers.
       ``(8) Efforts to reduce the service delivery time for 
     receiving assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services.
       ``(9) Significant progress in the provision of protection 
     and advocacy services, in each of the areas described in 
     section 102(f)(2)(A)(ii).''.

     SEC. 105. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

       (a) Review of Participating States.--Section 105(a) (29 
     U.S.C. 2215(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period the 
     following: ``, consistent with the guidelines established 
     under section 104(a)'';
       (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Onsite visits.--
       ``(A) Visits.--
       ``(i) Development grant program.--The Secretary shall 
     conduct an onsite visit during the final year of each State's 
     participation in the development grant program.
       ``(ii) Extension grant program.--Except as provided in 
     clause (iii), the Secretary shall conduct an additional 
     onsite visit to any State that applies for a second extension 
     grant under section 103(a)(2) and whose initial onsite visit 
     occurred prior to the date of the enactment of the 
     Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With 
     Disabilities Act Amendments of 1994. The Secretary shall 
     conduct any such visit to the State not later than 12 months 
     after the date on which the Secretary awards the second 
     extension grant.
       ``(iii) Determination.--The Secretary shall not be required 
     to conduct a visit described in clause (ii) if the Secretary 
     determines that the visit is not necessary to assess whether 
     the State is making significant progress toward development 
     and implementation of a consumer-responsive comprehensive 
     statewide program of technology-related assistance.
       ``(B) Team.--Two-thirds of the onsite monitoring team in 
     each case shall be qualified peer reviewers, who--
       ``(i) shall not be lead agency personnel;
       ``(ii) shall be from States other than the State being 
     monitored; and
       ``(iii) shall include an individual with a disability, or a 
     family member, a guardian, an advocate, or an authorized 
     representative of such an individual.
       ``(C) Compensation.--
       ``(i) Officers or employees.--Members of any onsite 
     monitoring team who are officers or full-time employees of 
     the United States shall serve without compensation in 
     addition to that received for their services as officers or 
     employees of the United States, but may be allowed travel 
     expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as 
     authorized by section 5702 of title 5, United States Code, 
     for individuals in the Government service traveling on 
     official business.
       ``(ii) Other members.--Members of any onsite monitoring 
     team who are not officers or full-time employees of the 
     United States shall receive compensation at a rate not to 
     exceed the daily equivalent of the rate of pay for level IV 
     of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, 
     United States Code, for each day (including traveltime) 
     during which such members are engaged in the actual 
     performance of their duties as members of an onsite 
     monitoring team. In addition, such members may be allowed 
     travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, 
     as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, 
     for individuals in the Government service employed 
     intermittently.
       ``(D) Report.--The Secretary shall prepare a report of 
     findings from the onsite visit. The Secretary shall consider 
     the findings in determining whether to continue funding the 
     program either with or without changes. The report shall be 
     available to the public.'';
       (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively;
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Advance public notice.--The Secretary shall provide 
     advance public notice of the onsite visit and solicit public 
     comment through such notice from individuals with 
     disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, 
     and authorized representatives, public service providers and 
     private service providers, educators and related services 
     personnel, technology experts (including engineers), 
     employers, and other appropriate individuals and entities, 
     regarding the State program funded through a grant made under 
     section 102 or 103. The public comment solicitation notice 
     shall be included in the onsite visit report described in 
     paragraph (2).''; and
       (5) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated in paragraph (3)) by 
     striking ``statewide program'' and inserting ``consumer-
     responsive comprehensive statewide program''.
       (b) Corrective Action Plan.--Section 105(b) (29 U.S.C. 
     2215(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``Penalties'' and inserting 
     ``Corrective actions'';
       (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``penalties'' and inserting ``corrective actions'';
       (C) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
       (D) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) required redesignation of the lead agency, in 
     accordance with subsection (c).''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``subsection (a)(4)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (a)(5)''.
       (c) Redesignation.--Section 105 (29 U.S.C. 2215) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (c); and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Redesignation of Lead Agency.--
       ``(1) Monitoring panel.--
       ``(A) Appointment.--Once a State becomes subject to a 
     corrective action plan pursuant to subsection (b), the 
     Governor of the State, subject to approval by the Secretary, 
     shall appoint, within 30 days after the submission of the 
     plan to the Secretary, a monitoring panel consisting of the 
     following representatives:
       ``(i) The head of the lead agency designated by the 
     Governor.
       ``(ii) 2 representatives from different public or private 
     nonprofit organizations that represent the interests of 
     individuals with disabilities.
       ``(iii) 2 consumers who are users of assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services and who are not--

       ``(I) members of the advisory council, if any, of the 
     consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance; or
       ``(II) employees of the State lead agency.

       ``(iv) 2 service providers with knowledge and expertise in 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services.
       ``(B) Membership and chairperson.--The monitoring panel 
     shall be ethnically diverse. The panel shall select a 
     chairperson from among the members of the panel.
       ``(C) Information.--The panel shall receive periodic 
     reports from the State regarding progress in implementing the 
     corrective action plan and shall have the authority to 
     request additional information necessary to determine 
     compliance.
       ``(D) Meetings.--The meetings of the panel to determine 
     compliance shall be open to the public (subject to 
     confidentiality concerns) and held at locations that are 
     accessible to individuals with disabilities.
       ``(E) Period.--The panel shall carry out the duties of the 
     panel for the entire period of the corrective action plan, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       ``(F) Funding.--The panel shall be funded by a portion of 
     the funds received by the State under this title, as directed 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(2) Failure to appoint monitoring panel.--A failure by a 
     Governor of a State to comply with the requirements of 
     paragraph (1) shall result in the termination of funding for 
     the State under this title.
       ``(3) Determination.--
       ``(A) Panel.--Based on its findings, a monitoring panel may 
     determine that a lead agency designated by a Governor has not 
     accomplished the purposes described in section 2(b)(1) and 
     that there is good cause for redesignation of the agency and 
     the temporary loss of funds by the State under this title.
       ``(B) Good cause.--In this paragraph, the term `good cause' 
     includes--
       ``(i) lack of progress with employment of qualified staff;
       ``(ii) lack of consumer-responsive activities;
       ``(iii) lack of resource allocation to systems change and 
     advocacy activities;
       ``(iv) lack of progress with meeting the assurances in 
     section 102(e); or
       ``(v) inadequate fiscal management.
       ``(C) Recommendation and action.--If a monitoring panel 
     makes such a determination, the panel shall recommend to the 
     Secretary that further remedial action be taken or that the 
     Secretary order the Governor to redesignate the lead agency 
     within 90 days or lose funds under this title. The Secretary, 
     based on the findings and recommendations of the monitoring 
     panel, and after providing to the public notice and an 
     opportunity for comment, shall make a final determination 
     regarding whether to order the Governor to redesignate the 
     lead agency. The Governor shall make any such redesignation 
     in accordance with the requirements that apply to 
     designations under section 102(d).
       ``(d) Change of Protection and Advocacy Services 
     Provider.--
       ``(1) Determination.--The Governor of a State, based on 
     input from individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, 
     may determine that the entity providing protection and 
     advocacy services required by section 102(e)(20) (referred to 
     in this subsection as the `first entity') has not met the 
     protection and advocacy service needs of the individuals with 
     disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, 
     or authorized representatives, for securing funding for and 
     access to assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services, and that there is good cause to provide 
     the protection and advocacy services for the State through a 
     contract with a second entity.
       ``(2) Notice and opportunity to be heard.--On making such a 
     determination, the Governor may not enter into a contract 
     with a second entity to provide the protection and advocacy 
     services unless good cause exists and unless--
       ``(A) the Governor has given the first entity 30 days 
     notice of the intention to enter into such contract, 
     including specification of the good cause, and an opportunity 
     to respond to the assertion that good cause has been shown;
       ``(B) individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, 
     have timely notice of the determination and opportunity for 
     public comment; and
       ``(C) the first entity has the opportunity to appeal the 
     determination to the Secretary within 30 days of the 
     determination on the basis that there is not good cause to 
     enter into the contract.
       ``(3) Redesignation.--
       ``(A) In general.--When the Governor of a State determines 
     that there is good cause to enter into a contract with a 
     second entity to provide the protection and advocacy 
     services, the Governor shall hold an open competition within 
     the State and issue a request for proposals by entities 
     desiring to provide the services.
       ``(B) Timing.--The Governor shall not issue such request 
     until the first entity has been given notice and an 
     opportunity to respond. If the first entity appeals the 
     determination to the Secretary in accordance with paragraph 
     (2)(C), the Governor shall issue such request only if the 
     Secretary decides not to overturn the determination of the 
     Governor. The Governor shall issue such request within 30 
     days after the end of the period during which the first 
     entity has the opportunity to respond, or after the decision 
     of the Secretary, as appropriate.
       ``(C) Procedure.--Such competition shall be open to 
     entities with the same expertise and ability to provide legal 
     services as a system referred to in section 102(e)(20). The 
     competition shall ensure public involvement, including a 
     public hearing and adequate opportunity for public comment.
       ``(e) Annual Report.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than December 31 of each year, 
     the Secretary shall prepare, and submit to the President and 
     to the Congress, a report on Federal initiatives, including 
     the initiatives funded under this Act, to improve the access 
     of individuals with disabilities to assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services.
       ``(2) Contents.--Such report shall include information on--
       ``(A) the demonstrated successes of such Federal 
     initiatives at the Federal and State levels in improving 
     interagency coordination, streamlining access to funding for 
     assistive technology, and producing beneficial outcomes for 
     users of assistive technology;
       ``(B) the demonstration activities carried out through the 
     Federal initiatives to--
       ``(i) promote access to such funding in public programs 
     that were in existence on the date of the initiation of the 
     demonstration activities; and
       ``(ii) establish additional options for obtaining such 
     funding;
       ``(C) the education and training activities carried out 
     through the Federal initiatives to promote such access in 
     public programs and the health care system and the efforts 
     carried out through such activities to train professionals in 
     a variety of relevant disciplines, and increase the 
     competencies of the professionals with respect to technology-
     related assistance;
       ``(D) the education and training activities carried out 
     through the Federal initiatives to train individuals with 
     disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, 
     or authorized representatives, individuals who work for 
     public agencies, or for private entities (including 
     insurers), that have contact with individuals with 
     disabilities, educators and related services personnel, 
     technology experts (including engineers), employers, and 
     other appropriate individuals, about technology-related 
     assistance;
       ``(E) the education and training activities carried out 
     through Federal initiatives to promote awareness of available 
     funding in public programs;
       ``(F) the research activities carried out through the 
     Federal initiatives to improve understanding of the costs and 
     benefits of access to assistive technology for individuals 
     with disabilities who represent a variety of ages and types 
     of disabilities;
       ``(G) the program outreach activities to rural and inner-
     city areas that are carried out through the Federal 
     initiatives;
       ``(H) the activities carried out through the Federal 
     initiatives that are targeted to reach underrepresented 
     populations and rural populations; and
       ``(I) the consumer involvement activities in the programs 
     carried out under this Act.
       ``(3) Availability of assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services.--As soon as practicable, the 
     Secretary shall include in the annual report required by this 
     subsection information on the availability of assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services. When a 
     national classification system for assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services is developed 
     pursuant to section 201, the Secretary shall report such 
     information in a manner consistent with such national 
     classification system.
       ``(f) Interagency Disability Coordinating Council.--
       ``(1) Contents.--On or before October 1, 1995, the 
     Interagency Disability Coordinating Council established under 
     section 507 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
     794c) shall prepare and submit to the President and to the 
     Congress a report containing--
       ``(A) the response of the Interagency Disability 
     Coordinating Council to--
       ``(i) the findings of the National Council on Disability 
     resulting from the study entitled `Study on the Financing of 
     Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Individuals 
     with Disabilities', carried out in accordance with section 
     201 of this Act, as in effect on the day before the date of 
     the enactment of this subsection; and
       ``(ii) the recommendations of the National Council on 
     Disability for legislative and administrative change, 
     resulting from such study; and
       ``(B) information on any other activities of the 
     Interagency Disability Coordinating Council that facilitate 
     the accomplishment of section 2(b)(1) with respect to the 
     Federal Government.
       ``(2) Comments.--The report shall include any comments 
     submitted by the National Council on Disability as to the 
     appropriateness of the response described in paragraph (1)(A) 
     and the effectiveness of the activities described in 
     paragraph (1)(B) in meeting the needs of individuals with 
     disabilities for assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services.
       ``(g) Effect on Other Assistance.--This title may not be 
     construed as authorizing a Federal or a State agency to 
     reduce medical or other assistance available or to alter 
     eligibility under any other Federal law.''.

     SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 106 (29 U.S.C. 2216) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title 
     $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1994, and such sums as may be 
     necessary for each of the fiscal years 1995 through 1998.
       ``(b) Reservations.--
       ``(1) Provision of information and technical assistance.--
       ``(A) In general.--Of the funds appropriated for any fiscal 
     year under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve at 
     least 2 percent or $1,500,000, whichever is greater, of such 
     funds, for the purpose of providing information and technical 
     assistance as described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) to 
     States, individuals with disabilities and their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives, 
     community-based organizations, and protection and advocacy 
     agencies.
       ``(B) Technical assistance to states.--In providing such 
     information and technical assistance to States, the Secretary 
     shall consider the input of the directors of consumer-
     responsive comprehensive statewide programs of technology-
     related assistance, shall provide a clearinghouse for 
     activities that have been developed and implemented through 
     programs funded under this title, and shall provide 
     information and technical assistance that--
       ``(i) facilitate service delivery capacity building, 
     training of personnel from a variety of disciplines, and 
     improvement of evaluation strategies, research, and data 
     collection;
       ``(ii) foster the development and replication of effective 
     approaches to information referral, interagency coordination 
     of training and service delivery, outreach to 
     underrepresented populations and rural populations, and 
     public awareness activities;
       ``(iii) improve the awareness and adoption of successful 
     approaches to increasing the availability of public and 
     private funding for and access to the provision of assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services by 
     appropriate State agencies;
       ``(iv) assist in planning, developing, implementing, and 
     evaluating appropriate activities to further extend consumer-
     responsive comprehensive statewide programs of technology-
     related assistance;
       ``(v) promote effective approaches to the development of 
     consumer-controlled systems that increase access to, funding 
     for, and awareness of, assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services;
       ``(vi) provide technical assistance and training to the 
     entities carrying out activities funded pursuant to this 
     title, to establish or participate in electronic 
     communication activities with other States; and
       ``(vii) provide any other appropriate information and 
     technical assistance to assist the States in accomplishing 
     the purposes of this Act.
       ``(C) Information and technical assistance to individuals 
     with disabilities and other persons.--The Secretary shall 
     provide information and technical assistance to individuals 
     with disabilities and their family members, guardians, 
     advocates, or authorized representatives, community-based 
     organizations, and protection and advocacy agencies, on a 
     nationwide basis, to--
       ``(i) disseminate information about, and foster awareness 
     and understanding of, Federal, State, and local laws, 
     regulations, policies, practices, procedures, and 
     organizational structures, that facilitate, and overcome 
     barriers to, funding for, and access to, assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services, to promote fuller 
     independence, productivity, and inclusion for individuals 
     with disabilities of all ages;
       ``(ii) identify, collect, and disseminate information, and 
     provide technical assistance, on effective systems change and 
     advocacy activities;
       ``(iii) improve the understanding and use of assistive 
     technology funding decisions made as a result of policies, 
     practices, and procedures, or through regulations, 
     administrative hearings, or legal actions, that enhance 
     access to funding for assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services for individuals with 
     disabilities;
       ``(iv) promote effective approaches to Federal-State 
     coordination of programs for individuals with disabilities, 
     through information dissemination and technical assistance 
     activities in response to funding policy issues identified on 
     a nationwide basis by organizations, and individuals, that 
     improve funding for or access to assistive technology devices 
     and assistive technology services for individuals with 
     disabilities of all ages; and
       ``(v) promote effective approaches to the development of 
     consumer-controlled systems that increase access to, funding 
     for, and awareness of, assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services, including the identification 
     and description of mechanisms and means that successfully 
     support self-help and peer mentoring groups for individuals 
     with disabilities.
       ``(D) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate the 
     information and technical assistance activities carried out 
     under subparagraph (B) or (C) with other activities funded 
     under this Act.
       ``(E) Grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall provide the 
     technical assistance and information described in 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C) through grants, contracts, or 
     cooperative agreements with public or private agencies and 
     organizations, including institutions of higher education, 
     with documented experience, expertise, and capacity to carry 
     out identified activities related to the provision of such 
     technical assistance and information.
       ``(ii) Entities with expertise in assistive technology 
     service delivery, interagency coordination, and systems 
     change and advocacy activities.--For the purpose of achieving 
     the objectives described in paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary 
     shall reserve not less than 45 percent and not more than 55 
     percent of the funds reserved under subparagraph (A) for each 
     fiscal year for grants to, or contracts or cooperative 
     agreements with, public or private agencies or organizations 
     with documented experience with and expertise in assistive 
     technology service delivery, interagency coordination, and 
     systems change and advocacy activities.
       ``(iii) Entities with expertise in assistive technology 
     systems change and advocacy activities, public funding 
     options, and other services.--For the purpose of achieving 
     the objectives described in paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary 
     shall reserve not less than 45 percent and not more than 55 
     percent of the funds reserved under subparagraph (A) for each 
     fiscal year for grants to, or contracts or cooperative 
     agreements with, public or private agencies or organizations 
     with documented experience with and expertise in--

       ``(I) assistive technology systems change and advocacy 
     activities;
       ``(II) public funding options; and
       ``(III) services to increase nationwide the availability of 
     funding for assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services.

       ``(iv) Application.--The Secretary shall make any grants, 
     and enter into any contracts or cooperative agreements, under 
     this subsection on a competitive basis. To be eligible to 
     receive funds under this subsection an agency, organization, 
     or institution shall submit an application to the Secretary 
     at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information, as the Secretary may require.
       ``(2) Onsite visits.--The Secretary may reserve, from 
     amounts appropriated for any fiscal year under subsection 
     (a), such sums as the Secretary considers to be necessary for 
     the purposes of conducting onsite visits as required by 
     section 105(a)(2).''.

     SEC. 107. REPEALS.

       Section 107 (20 U.S.C. 2217) is repealed.
              TITLE II--PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

     SEC. 201. NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.

       Title II (29 U.S.C. 2231 et seq.) is amended by repealing 
     part A and inserting the following:
              ``Subtitle A--National Classification System

     ``SEC. 201. CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.

       ``(a) System Development Project.--
       ``(1) In general.--In fiscal year 1995, the Secretary shall 
     initiate a system development project, based on a plan 
     developed in consultation and coordination with other 
     appropriate Federal and State agencies, to develop a national 
     classification system for assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services, with the goal of obtaining 
     uniform data through such a system on such devices and 
     services across public programs and information and referral 
     networks.
       ``(2) Project plan.--
       ``(A) Representatives.--In developing a plan for the system 
     development project, the Secretary shall consult with, and 
     coordinate activities with--
       ``(i) representatives of Federal agencies, including 
     agencies that are headed by members of the Interagency 
     Disability Coordinating Council established under section 507 
     of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794c); and
       ``(ii) as determined by the Secretary, representatives of 
     State agencies and other appropriate organizations that have 
     responsibility for or are involved in the development and 
     modification of assistive technology devices, the provision 
     of assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services, or the dissemination of information about assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services, 
     including recipients of grants or contracts for the provision 
     of technical assistance to State assistive technology 
     projects under section 106(b), assistive technology 
     reimbursement specialists, representatives of the State 
     assistive technology projects, and representatives of 
     organizations involved in information and referral 
     activities.
       ``(B) Issues.--The Secretary shall conduct such 
     consultation, and such coordination of activities, with 
     respect to the following:
       ``(i) The costs and benefits, on an agency-by-agency basis, 
     of obtaining uniform data through a national classification 
     system for assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services across public programs and information 
     and referral networks.
       ``(ii) The types of data that should be collected, 
     including data regarding funding, across a range of programs, 
     including the programs listed in subsection (c)(2), as 
     appropriate.
       ``(iii) A methodology for developing a single taxonomy and 
     nomenclature for both assistive technology devices and 
     assistive technology services across a range of programs, 
     including the programs listed in subsection (c)(2), as 
     appropriate.
       ``(iv) The process for developing an appropriate data 
     collection instrument or instruments.
       ``(v) A methodology for collecting data across a range of 
     programs, including the programs listed in subsection (c)(2), 
     as appropriate.
       ``(vi) The use of a national classification system by the 
     Internal Revenue Service and State finance agencies to 
     determine whether devices and services are assistive 
     technology devices or assistive technology services for the 
     purpose of determining whether a deduction or credit is 
     allowable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or State 
     tax law.
       ``(3) Contracts and cooperative agreements.--The Secretary 
     may carry out this section directly, or, if necessary, by 
     entering into contracts or cooperative agreements with 
     appropriate entities.
       ``(b) Single Taxonomy.--In conducting the system 
     development project, the Secretary shall develop a national 
     classification system that includes a single taxonomy and 
     nomenclature for assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services.
       ``(c) Data Collection Instrument.--In conducting the system 
     development project, the Secretary shall develop a data 
     collection instrument to--
       ``(1) collect data regarding funding for assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services; and
       ``(2) collect such data from public programs, including, at 
     a minimum--
       ``(A) programs carried out under title I, VI, or VII of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq., 795 et 
     seq., or 796 et seq.);
       ``(B) programs carried out under part B or H of the 
     Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 
     et seq. or 1471 et seq.);
       ``(C) programs carried out under title V or XIX of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 701 et seq. or 1396 et seq.);
       ``(D) programs carried out under the Older Americans Act of 
     1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.); and
       ``(E) programs carried out under the Developmental 
     Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 
     6000 et seq.).
       ``(d) Consultation.--The Secretary shall conduct the system 
     development project in consultation with the Federal agencies 
     that were consulted in developing the project plan.
       ``(e) Report to the President and the Congress on 
     Implementation of Uniform Data Collection System.--Not later 
     than July 1, 1997, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to 
     the President and the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report containing--
       ``(1) the results of the system development project; and
       ``(2) the recommendations of the Secretary concerning 
     implementation of a national classification system, including 
     uniform data collection.
       ``(f) Reservation.--From the amounts appropriated under 
     subtitle C for fiscal year 1995, the Secretary shall reserve 
     up to $200,000 to carry out this subtitle.''.

     SEC. 202. TRAINING AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.

       Title II (29 U.S.C. 2231 et seq.) is amended by repealing 
     parts B, C, and D and inserting the following:
           ``Subtitle B--Training and Demonstration Projects

     ``SEC. 211. TRAINING.

       ``(a) Technology Training.--
       ``(1) General authority.--The Secretary shall make grants 
     to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, 
     appropriate public or private agencies and organizations, 
     including institutions of higher education and community-
     based organizations, for the purposes of--
       ``(A) conducting training sessions;
       ``(B) developing, demonstrating, disseminating, and 
     evaluating curricula, materials, and methods used to train 
     individuals regarding the provision of technology-related 
     assistance, to enhance opportunities for independence, 
     productivity, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities; 
     and
       ``(C) providing training to develop awareness, skills, and 
     competencies of service providers, consumers, and volunteers, 
     who are located in rural areas, to increase the availability 
     of technology-related assistance in community-based settings 
     for rural residents who are individuals with disabilities.
       ``(2) Eligible activities.--Activities conducted under 
     grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements described in 
     paragraph (1) may address the training needs of individuals 
     with disabilities and their family members, guardians, 
     advocates, and authorized representatives, individuals who 
     work for public agencies, or for private entities (including 
     insurers), that have contact with individuals with 
     disabilities, educators and related services personnel, 
     technology experts (including engineers), employers, and 
     other appropriate individuals.
       ``(3) Uses of funds.--An agency or organization that 
     receives a grant or enters into a contract or cooperative 
     agreement under paragraph (1) may use amounts made available 
     through the grant, contract, or agreement to--
       ``(A) pay for a portion of the cost of courses of training 
     or study related to technology-related assistance; and
       ``(B) establish and maintain scholarships related to such 
     courses of training or study, with such stipends and 
     allowances as the Secretary may determine to be appropriate.
       ``(4) Application.--
       ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant or 
     enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under 
     paragraph (1), an agency or organization shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(B) Strategies.--At a minimum, any such application shall 
     include a detailed description of the strategies that the 
     agency or organization will use to recruit and train persons 
     to provide technology-related assistance, in order to--
       ``(i) increase the extent to which such persons reflect the 
     diverse populations of the United States; and
       ``(ii) increase the number of individuals with 
     disabilities, and individuals who are members of minority 
     groups, who are available to provide such assistance.
       ``(5) Priorities.--
       ``(A) In general.--Beginning in fiscal year 1994, the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(i) establish priorities for activities carried out with 
     assistance under this subsection;
       ``(ii) publish such priorities in the Federal Register for 
     the purpose of receiving public comment; and
       ``(iii) publish such priorities in the Federal Register in 
     final form not later than the date on which the Secretary 
     publishes announcements for assistance provided under this 
     subsection.
       ``(B) Explanation of determination of priorities.--
     Concurrent with the publications required by subparagraph 
     (A), the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register an 
     explanation of the manner in which the priorities were 
     determined.
       ``(b) Technology Careers.--
       ``(1) In general.--
       ``(A) Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to assist 
     public or private agencies and organizations, including 
     institutions of higher education, to prepare students and 
     faculty working in specific fields for careers relating to 
     the provision of assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services.
       ``(B) Fields.--The specific fields described in 
     subparagraph (A) may include--
       ``(i) engineering;
       ``(ii) industrial technology;
       ``(iii) computer science;
       ``(iv) communication disorders;
       ``(v) special education and related services;
       ``(vi) rehabilitation; and
       ``(vii) social work.
       ``(2) Priority.--In awarding grants under paragraph (1), 
     the Secretary shall give priority to the interdisciplinary 
     preparation of personnel who provide or who will provide 
     technical assistance, who administer programs, or who prepare 
     other personnel, in order to--
       ``(A) support the development and implementation of 
     consumer-responsive comprehensive statewide programs of 
     technology-related assistance to individuals with 
     disabilities; and
       ``(B) enhance the skills and competencies of individuals 
     involved in the provision of technology-related assistance, 
     including assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services, to individuals with disabilities.
       ``(3) Uses of funds.--An agency or organization that 
     receives a grant under paragraph (1) may use amounts made 
     available through the grant to--
       ``(A) pay for a portion of the cost of courses of training 
     or study related to technology-related assistance; and
       ``(B) establish and maintain scholarships related to such 
     courses of training or study, with such stipends and 
     allowances as the Secretary may determine to be appropriate.
       ``(4) Application.--
       ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, an agency or organization shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(B) Strategies.--At a minimum, any such application shall 
     include a detailed description of the strategies that the 
     agency or organization will use to recruit and train persons 
     to provide technology-related assistance, in order to--
       ``(i) increase the extent to which such persons reflect the 
     diverse populations of the United States; and
       ``(ii) increase the number of individuals with 
     disabilities, and individuals who are members of minority 
     groups, who are available to provide such assistance.
       ``(c) Grants to Historically Black Colleges.--In exercising 
     the authority granted in subsections (a) and (b), the 
     Secretary shall reserve an adequate amount for grants to 
     historically black colleges and universities and other 
     institutions of higher education whose minority student 
     enrollment is at least 50 percent.

     ``SEC. 212. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.

       ``The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with an 
     organization whose primary function is to promote technology 
     transfer from, and cooperation among, Federal laboratories 
     (as defined in section 4(6) of the Stevenson-Wydler 
     Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703(6))), under 
     which funds shall be provided to promote technology transfer 
     that will spur the development of assistive technology 
     devices.

     ``SEC. 213. DEVICE AND EQUIPMENT REDISTRIBUTION INFORMATION 
                   SYSTEMS AND RECYCLING CENTERS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall make grants to, or 
     enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, public 
     agencies, private entities, or institutions of higher 
     education for the purpose of developing and establishing 
     recycling projects.
       ``(b) Project Activities.--Such recycling projects may 
     include--
       ``(1) a system for accepting, on an unconditional gift 
     basis, assistive technology devices, including a process for 
     valuing the devices and evaluating their use and potential;
       ``(2) a system for storing and caring for such devices;
       ``(3) an information system (including computer databases) 
     by which local educational agencies, rehabilitation entities, 
     local community-based organizations, independent living 
     centers, and other entities, would be informed, on a periodic 
     and timely basis, about the availability and nature of the 
     devices currently held; and
       ``(4) a system that makes such devices available to 
     consumers and the entities listed in paragraph (3), and 
     provides for tracking each device throughout the useful life 
     of the device.
       ``(c) Multiple Providers.--
       ``(1) In general.--With respect to activities funded under 
     this section, an agency, entity, or institution may utilize a 
     single service provider or may establish a system of service 
     providers.
       ``(2) Assurances.--If an agency, entity, or institution 
     uses multiple providers, the agency, entity, or institution 
     shall assure that--
       ``(A) all consumers within a State will receive equal 
     access to services, regardless of the geographic location or 
     socioeconomic status of the consumers; and
       ``(B) all activities of the providers will be coordinated 
     and monitored by the agency, entity, or institution.
       ``(d) Other Laws.--Nothing in this section shall affect the 
     provision of services or devices pursuant to title I of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.) or part B 
     of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
     1411 et seq.).
       ``(e) Existing Programs.--Public agencies, private 
     entities, or institutions of higher education that have 
     established recycling programs prior to receiving assistance 
     under this section may use funds made available under this 
     section to extend and strengthen such programs through 
     grants, contracts, or agreements under this section.

     ``SEC. 214. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH 
                   DISABILITIES.

       ``The Secretary may make grants to individuals with 
     disabilities to enable the individuals to establish or 
     operate commercial or other enterprises that develop or 
     market assistive technology devices or assistive technology 
     services.

     ``SEC. 215. PRODUCTS OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN.

       ``The Secretary may make grants to commercial or other 
     enterprises and institutions of higher education for the 
     research and development of products of universal design. In 
     awarding such grants, the Secretary shall give preference to 
     enterprises that are owned or operated by individuals with 
     disabilities.

     ``SEC. 216. GOVERNING STANDARDS FOR ACTIVITIES.

       ``Persons and entities that carry out activities pursuant 
     to this subtitle shall--
       ``(1) be held to the same consumer-responsive standards as 
     the persons and entities carrying out programs under title I;
       ``(2) make available to individuals with disabilities and 
     their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives information concerning technology-related 
     assistance in a form that will allow such individuals with 
     disabilities to effectively use such information;
       ``(3) in preparing such information for dissemination, 
     consider the media-related needs of individuals with 
     disabilities who have sensory and cognitive limitations and 
     consider the use of auditory materials, including audio 
     cassettes, visual materials, including video cassettes and 
     video discs, and braille materials; and
       ``(4) coordinate their efforts with the consumer-responsive 
     comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance for individuals with disabilities in any State in 
     which the activities are carried out.
             ``Subtitle C--Authorization of Appropriations

     ``SEC. 221. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     title $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1994, and such sums as may 
     be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1995 through 
     1998.''.
              TITLE III--ALTERNATIVE FINANCING MECHANISMS

     SEC. 301. ALTERNATIVE FINANCING MECHANISMS AUTHORIZED.

       The Act (29 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
             ``TITLE III--ALTERNATIVE FINANCING MECHANISMS

     ``SEC. 301. GENERAL AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE 
                   FINANCING MECHANISMS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to 
     States to pay for the Federal share of the cost of the 
     establishment and administration of, or the expansion and 
     administration of, alternative financing mechanisms (referred 
     to individually in this title as an `alternative financing 
     mechanism') to allow individuals with disabilities and their 
     family members, guardians, and authorized representatives to 
     purchase assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services.
       ``(b) Mechanisms.--The alternative financing mechanisms may 
     include--
       ``(1) a low-interest loan fund;
       ``(2) a revolving fund;
       ``(3) a loan insurance program;
       ``(4) a partnership with private entities for the purchase, 
     lease, or other acquisition of assistive technology devices 
     or the provision of assistive technology services; and
       ``(5) other alternative financing mechanisms that meet the 
     requirements of this Act and are approved by the Secretary.
       ``(c) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed as affecting the authority of a State to establish 
     alternative financing mechanisms under title I.

     ``SEC. 302. APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES.

       ``(a) Eligibility.--States that receive or have received 
     grants under section 102 or 103 shall be eligible to compete 
     for grants under section 301.
       ``(b) Requirements.--The Secretary shall make grants under 
     section 301 under such conditions as the Secretary shall, by 
     regulation, determine, except that--
       ``(1) a State may receive only 1 grant under section 301 
     and may only receive such a grant for 1 year under this 
     title;
       ``(2) a State that desires to receive a grant under section 
     301 shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such 
     time and in such manner as the Secretary may require, 
     containing--
       ``(A) an assurance that the State will provide at least 50 
     percent of the cost described in section 301(a), as set forth 
     in section 304, for the purpose of supporting the alternative 
     financing mechanisms that are covered by the grant;
       ``(B) an assurance that an alternative financing mechanism 
     will continue on a permanent basis; and
       ``(C) a description of the degree to which the alternative 
     financing mechanisms to be funded under section 301 will 
     expand and emphasize consumer choice and control;
       ``(3) a State that receives a grant under section 301--
       ``(A) shall enter into a contract, with a community-based 
     organization (or a consortia of such organizations) that has 
     individuals with disabilities involved at all organizational 
     levels, for the administration of the alternative financing 
     mechanisms that are supported under section 301; and
       ``(B) shall require that such community-based organization 
     enter into a contract, for the purpose of expanding 
     opportunities under section 301 and facilitating the 
     administration of the alternative financing mechanisms, 
     with--
       ``(i) commercial lending institutions or organizations; or
       ``(ii) State financing agencies; and
       ``(4) a contract between a State that receives a grant 
     under section 301 and a community-based organization 
     described in paragraph (3)--
       ``(A) shall include a provision regarding the 
     administration of the Federal and the non-Federal shares in a 
     manner consistent with the provisions of this title; and
       ``(B) shall include any provision required by the Secretary 
     dealing with oversight and evaluation as may be necessary to 
     protect the financial interests of the United States.

     ``SEC. 303. GRANT ADMINISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.

       ``A State that receives a grant under section 301, together 
     with any community-based organization that enters into a 
     contract with the State to administer an alternative 
     financing mechanism that is supported under section 301, 
     shall develop and submit to the Secretary, pursuant to a 
     timeline that the Secretary may establish or, if the 
     Secretary does not establish a timeline, within the 12-month 
     period beginning on the date that the State receives the 
     grant, the following policies or procedures for 
     administration of the mechanism:
       ``(1) A procedure to review and process in a timely fashion 
     requests for financial assistance for both immediate and 
     potential technology needs, including consideration of 
     methods to reduce paperwork and duplication of effort, 
     particularly relating to need, eligibility, and determination 
     of the specific device or service to be provided.
       ``(2) A policy and procedure to assure that access to the 
     alternative financing mechanism shall be given to consumers 
     regardless of type of disability, age, location of residence 
     in the State, or type of assistive technology device or 
     assistive technology service requested and shall be made 
     available to applicants of all income levels.
       ``(3) A procedure to assure consumer-controlled oversight.

     ``SEC. 304. FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS.

       ``(a) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the costs 
     described in section 301(a) shall be not more than 50 
     percent.
       ``(b) Requirements.--A State that desires to receive a 
     grant under section 301 shall include in the application 
     submitted under section 302 assurances that the State will 
     meet the following requirements regarding funds supporting an 
     alternative funding mechanism assisted under section 301:
       ``(1) The State shall make available the funds necessary to 
     provide the non-Federal share of the costs described in 
     section 301(a), in cash, from State, local, or private 
     sources.
       ``(2) Funds that support an alternative financing mechanism 
     assisted under section 301--
       ``(A) shall be used to supplement and not supplant other 
     Federal, State, and local public funds expended to provide 
     public funding options; and
       ``(B) may only be distributed through the entity carrying 
     out the alternative financing mechanism as a payer of last 
     resort for assistance that is not available in a reasonable 
     or timely fashion from any other Federal, State, or local 
     source.
       ``(3) All funds that support an alternative financing 
     mechanism assisted under section 301, including funds repaid 
     during the life of the mechanism, shall be placed in a 
     permanent separate account and identified and accounted for 
     separately from any other fund. Funds within this account may 
     be invested in low-risk securities in which a regulated 
     insurance company may invest under the law of the State for 
     which the grant is provided and shall be 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.
       ``(4) Funds comprised of the principal and interest from an 
     account described in paragraph (3) shall be available to 
     support an alternative financing mechanism assisted under 
     section 301. Any interest or investment income that accrues 
     on such funds after such funds have been placed under the 
     control of the entity administering the mechanism, but before 
     such funds are distributed for purposes of supporting the 
     mechanism, shall be the property of the entity administering 
     the mechanism and shall not be taken into account by any 
     officer or employee of the Federal Government for any 
     purpose.

     ``SEC. 305. AMOUNT OF GRANTS.

       ``(a) Amount.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a 
     grant under section 301 shall be for an amount that is not 
     more than $500,000.
       ``(2) Increases.--Such a grant may be increased by any 
     additional funds made available under subsection (b).
       ``(b) Excess Funds.--If funds appropriated under section 
     308 for a fiscal year exceed the amount necessary to fund the 
     activities described in acceptable applications submitted 
     under section 302 for such year, the Secretary shall make 
     such excess amount available, on a competitive basis, to 
     States receiving grants under section 301 for such year. A 
     State that desires to receive additional funds under this 
     subsection shall amend and resubmit to the Secretary the 
     application submitted under section 302. Such amended 
     application shall contain an assurance that the State will 
     provide an additional amount for the purpose of supporting 
     the alternative financing mechanisms covered by the grant 
     that is not less than the amount of any additional funds paid 
     to the State by the Secretary under this subsection.
       ``(c) Insufficient Funds.--If funds appropriated under 
     section 308 for a fiscal year are not sufficient to fund each 
     of the activities described in the acceptable applications 
     for such year, a State whose application was approved as 
     acceptable for such year but that did not receive a grant 
     under section 301, may update such application for the 
     succeeding fiscal year. Priority shall be given in such 
     succeeding fiscal year to such updated applications, if 
     acceptable.

     ``SEC. 306. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide information 
     and technical assistance to States under this title, and the 
     information and technical assistance shall include--
       ``(1) assisting States in the preparation of applications 
     for grants under section 301;
       ``(2) assisting States that receive such grants in 
     developing and implementing alternative financing mechanisms; 
     and
       ``(3) providing any other information and technical 
     assistance to assist States in accomplishing the objectives 
     of this title.
       ``(b) Grants, Contracts, and Agreements.--The Secretary 
     shall provide the information and technical assistance 
     described in subsection (a) through grants, contracts, or 
     cooperative agreements with public or private agencies and 
     organizations, including institutions of higher education, 
     with documented experience, expertise, and capacity to assist 
     States in the development and implementation of the 
     alternative financing mechanisms described in section 301.

     ``SEC. 307. ANNUAL REPORT.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than December 31 of each year, 
     the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress stating 
     whether each State program to provide alternative financing 
     mechanisms that was supported under section 301 during the 
     year is making significant progress in achieving the 
     objectives of this title.
       ``(b) Contents.--The report shall include information on--
       ``(1) the number of applications for grants under section 
     301 that were received by the Secretary;
       ``(2) the number of grants made and the amounts of such 
     grants;
       ``(3) the ratio of the amount of funds provided by each 
     State for a State program to provide alternative financing 
     mechanisms to the amount of Federal funds provided for such 
     program;
       ``(4) the type of program to provide alternative financing 
     mechanisms that was adopted in each State and the community-
     based organization (or consortia of such organizations) with 
     which each State has entered into a contract; and
       ``(5) the amount of assistance given to consumers (who 
     shall be classified by age, type of disability, type of 
     assistive technology device or assistive technology service 
     received, geographic distribution within the State, gender, 
     and whether the consumers are part of an underrepresented 
     population or a rural population).

     ``SEC. 308. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out this title $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1994, and 
     such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 
     1995 through 1998.
       ``(b) Availability in Succeeding Fiscal Year.--Amounts 
     appropriated under subsection (a) shall remain available for 
     obligation for the fiscal year immediately following the 
     fiscal year for which such amounts were appropriated.
       ``(c) Reservation.--Of the amounts appropriated under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve $250,000 for the 
     purpose of providing information and technical assistance to 
     States under section 306.''.
                   TITLE IV--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER ACTS

     SEC. 401. INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT.

       Section 631(a)(1) of the Individuals with Disabilities 
     Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1431(a)(1)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``, and'' at the end of subparagraph (D) 
     and inserting a comma;
       (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E) 
     and inserting ``, and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) training in the use, applications, and benefits of 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services (as defined in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 3 
     of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With 
     Disabilities Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2202 (2) and (3))).''.

     SEC. 402. REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973.

       (a) National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation 
     Research.--Section 202(b)(8) of the Rehabilitation Act of 
     1973 (29 U.S.C. 761a(b)(8)) is amended by striking 
     ``characteristics of individuals with disabilities'' and 
     inserting ``characteristics of individuals with disabilities, 
     including information on individuals with disabilities who 
     live in rural or inner-city settings, with particular 
     attention given to underserved populations,''.
       (b) Training.--Section 302(b)(1)(B) of the Rehabilitation 
     Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 771a(b)(1)(B)), as added by section 
     302(b) of Public Law 102-569 (106 Stat. 4412), is amended--
       (1) by striking ``; and'' at the end of clause (ii) and 
     inserting a semicolon;
       (2) by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) projects to train personnel in the use, 
     applications, and benefits of assistive technology devices 
     and assistive technology services (as defined in paragraphs 
     (2) and (3) of section 3 of the Technology-Related Assistance 
     for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2202 
     (2) and (3))).''.

     SEC. 403. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE HEAD START 
                   ACT.

       Section 644(f) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9839(f)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by inserting ``, or to request approval of the purchase 
     (after December 31, 1986) of facilities,'' after ``to 
     purchase facilities''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary 
     shall suspend any proceedings pending against any Head Start 
     agency to claim costs incurred in purchasing such facilities 
     until the agency has been afforded an opportunity to apply 
     for approval of the purchase and the Secretary has determined 
     whether the purchase will be approved. The Secretary shall 
     not be required to repay claims previously satisfied by Head 
     Start agencies for costs incurred in the purchase of such 
     facilities.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or that was 
     previously purchased'' before the semicolon;
       (B) in subparagraph (C)--
       (i) by inserting ``, or the previous purchase has 
     resulted,'' after ``purchase will result'' in clause (i); and
       (ii) in clause (ii)--

       (I) by inserting ``, or would have prevented,'' after 
     ``will prevent''; and
       (II) by striking ``and'' at the end;

       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); 
     and
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
       ``(D) in the case of a request regarding a previously 
     purchased facility, information demonstrating that the 
     facility will be used principally as a Head Start center, or 
     a direct support facility for a Head Start program; and''.

     SEC. 404. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Assistive Technology Device.--Section 7(23) of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 706(23)), as added by 
     section 102(n) of Public Law 102-569 (106 Stat. 4350), is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``3(1)'' and inserting ``3(2)''; and
       (2) by striking ``2202(1)'' and inserting ``2202(2)''.
       (b) Assistive Technology Service.--Section 7(24) of the 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 706(24)), as added by 
     section 102(n) of Public Law 102-569 (106 Stat. 4350), is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``3(2)'' and inserting ``3(3)''; and
       (2) by striking ``2202(2)'' and inserting ``2202(3)''.
                        TITLE V--EFFECTIVE DATE

     SEC. 501. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       (a) In General.--Except as otherwise specifically provided 
     in this Act, this Act and the amendments made by this Act 
     shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Compliance.--Each State receiving a grant under the 
     Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With 
     Disabilities Act of 1988 shall comply with the amendments 
     made by this Act--
       (1) as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, consistent with the effective and efficient 
     administration of the Technology-Related Assistance for 
     Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988; but
       (2) not later than--
       (A) the next date on which the State receives an award 
     through a grant under section 102 or 103 of such Act; or
       (B) October 1, 1994,

     whichever is sooner.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York [Mr. Owens] will be recognized for 20 minutes, and the gentleman 
from North Carolina [Mr. Ballenger] will be recognized for 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. Owens].
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the technology-related 
assistance for the Individuals With Disabilities Act Amendments of 
1994. The Subcommittee on Select Education and Civil Rights understands 
the urgency and importance of this legislation to the disability 
community and has moved to incorporate many of their recommendations in 
this reauthorization.
  This bill is the culmination of a bipartisan effort. Moreover, the 
House and Senate have reconciled the differences in their respective 
bills, resulting in the strong piece of legislation which I present to 
the House today.
  The State programs of technology-related assistance have come a long 
way since their inception in 1988. At that time, many individuals with 
disabilities were not aware of the existence of specific assistive 
technology devices tailored to their specific needs. Today, however, 
they can dial a 1-800 number in their State and actually get a voice at 
the other end of the line--a voice of someone who is a specialist in 
locating funding sources to pay for assistive technology. Additionally, 
individuals with disabilities can visit their State program at various 
sites, where they can try out devices and receive training in their 
use. The development and implementation of these programs have 
undoubtedly improved the ability of individuals with disabilities to 
live independently and pursue meaningful careers.
  This bill provides a 5-year reauthorization for title I, which will 
sunset in 10 years after one more reauthorization. Congress never 
intended for this program to become a permanent Federal grant program. 
Instead, we envisioned a program which would eventually take on a life 
of its own after an adequate amount of Federal seed money. When Federal 
funding is terminated, all 50 States will have had the benefit of 10 
years of Federal support. Based on the progress of those States which 
are 5 years into their 10-year Federal cycle, 10 years should be ample 
time for the States to line up alternative sources of public and 
private funding for the future.
  Title I includes clearer standards of accountability for the States 
to ensure that the bill's goals are accomplished within the period of 
Federal funding. Some of the changes to be made in title I include the 
following:
  First, the requirement that States perform six specific systems 
change and advocacy activities, including outreach to underrepresented 
populations and rural populations.
  Second, the requirement that States provide a specific amount of 
title I funds to a protection and advocacy agency, so that individuals 
with disabilities have access to legal representation when they are 
denied access to assistive technology to which they are entitled 
under law. It is imperative that these grants or contracts be in place 
no later than 60 days after the enactment of this legislation.

  Third, the requirement that State lead agencies and protection and 
advocacy agencies be redesignated for good cause.
  Title II also is reauthorized for 5 years. The new title II requires 
the Secretary of Education to develop a national classification system 
for assistive technology devices and services. It also includes grants 
for personnel training, technology transfer, recycling demonstration 
projects, business opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and 
the development of products of universal design.
  Title III is a new but vital addition to current law. Across the 
Nation, there is a lack of capacity to deliver assistive technology 
devices and services to consumers. The experience of several States in 
establishing low-interest loan programs has demonstrated the 
effectiveness of alternative financing mechanisms in enabling 
individuals with disabilities to secure assistive technology in an 
expeditious manner. Therefore, title III introduces a program of one-
time, Federal grants to States for establishing alternative financing 
mechanisms.
  I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation to enable individuals 
with disabilities to continue their drive toward full inclusion and 
integration in the economic, political, social, cultural, and 
educational mainstream of our society.

                              {time}  1450

  Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Ford], 
the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Goodling], the gentleman from 
North Carolina [Mr. Ballenger], and other members of my subcommittee in 
the House, as well as the Senator from Massachusetts [Mr. Kennedy], the 
Senator from Kansas [Mrs. Kassebaum], the Senator from Iowa [Mr. 
Harkin], and the Senator from Minnesota [Mr. Durenberger] for their 
support in this bipartisan effort.
  Mr. Speaker, I submit the following documents for insertion into the 
Record.
         U.S. Senate, Committee on Labor and Human Resources,
                                 Washington, DC, February 7, 1994.
     Hon. Major Owens and
     Hon. Cass Ballenger,
     Subcommittee on Select Education and Civil Rights, Committee 
         on Education and Labor, Rayburn House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Owens and Mr. Ballenger: We are in receipt of your 
     February 4, 1994 letters seeking a clarification of 
     congressional intent in H.R. 2339 with regard to the sunset 
     provision as it relates to a five-year reauthorization for 
     the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with 
     Disabilities Act.
       We fully concur with your understanding of the policy in 
     the bill regarding the above referenced provisions.
           Sincerely,
         David Durenberger,
                       Ranking, Subcommittee on Disability Policy.
         Tom Harkin,
                         Chair, Subcommittee on Disability Policy.
                                  ____

         U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Education and 
           Labor,
                                 Washington, DC, February 4, 1994.
     Hon. Tom Harkin,
     Chairman, Subcommittee on Disability Policy, Senate Labor and 
         Human Resources Committee, Hart Senate Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: We are writing to clarify Congressional 
     intent in H.R. 2339 with regard to the sunset provision as it 
     relates to a five-year reauthorization for the Technology 
     Related Assistance Act for Individuals with Disabilities.
       It is our intent that States receiving grants under Title 1 
     of the Technology-Related Assistance Act for Individuals with 
     Disabilities will receive grants under this title for not 
     more than a total of 10 years. Included in that 10 years are: 
     one three-year development grant, one 2-year extension of 
     that development grant if the State demonstrates to the 
     Secretary of Education that they have made significant 
     progress in developing and implementing a consumer-
     responsive, comprehensive, statewide program of technology-
     related assistance, and one 5 year second extension grant 
     based on the above requirement. In year four and five, a 
     phase-out of the second extension grant will occur with a 
     State receiving 75% of their grant award in year four and 50% 
     of their grant award in year five. After the fifth and final 
     year of the second extension grant, no State will receive any 
     Federal funds under Title I of this Act.
       While we understand your concerns that the length of the 
     authorization for this Act should be five years for purposes 
     of oversight, it is our intent that no State should receive 
     Federal assistance under Title I of this Act, the State grant 
     program, for more than ten years. As you may recall, in 1988 
     when this program was created, and original Congressional 
     intent was to provide Federal seed money to States to help 
     them develop and implement consumer-responsive, comprehensive 
     statewide programs of technology-related assistance. We do 
     not believe that the Congress intended for this program to 
     become a permanent Federal grant program and it is for that 
     reason that we strongly support this sunset provision.
       We hope that this is your understanding of the sunset and 
     five-year reauthorization provisions of H.R. 2339 so that we 
     can ensure this policy is clearly explained during the House 
     and Senate floor debate when this bill is considered. We 
     appreciate your consideration of this issue and look forward 
     to hearing your views.
           Sincerely,
     Major Owens,
                                               Member of Congress.
     Cass Ballenger,
                                               Member of Congress.

  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise to support H.R. 2339, the Technology Related Assistance for 
Individuals with Disabilities Act Amendments of 1994. This bill 
represents a bipartisan agreement worked out between the House and the 
Senate. I want to commend the gentleman from New York, [Mr. Owens] the 
gentleman from Iowa Senator Harkin, the gentleman from Minnesota, 
Senator Durenberger, and all the staff for all the hard work and 
consistent efforts they did in order to work out the differences 
between the two bodies so that we can all support this bill today. The 
House passed this bill last August and the bill today reflects many of 
the policies made in the original House bill.
  H.R. 2339 makes several changes in the current law to strengthen 
activities States are doing in order to make assistive technology 
devices and services available to individuals with disabilities. 
Assistive technology does make a difference in the lives of individuals 
with disabilities by providing them the opportunity to live independent 
and productive lives, and this legislation will continue to help make 
such assistive technology more accessible and available to them. With 
the issue of health care reform on the horizon for Congress to 
consider, States must have a delivery system in place for individuals 
with disabilities to access assistive technology and devices. H.R. 2339 
makes such a delivery system possible.
  I am particularly pleased that this bill has a sunset provision 
repealing this program in fiscal year 2002. This will allow all States 
to participate in this program for no more than a total of 10 years 
with a phase out of Federal dollars in years 9 and 10. When Congress 
enacted this act in 1988, it was intended to provide Federal seed money 
to States to develop and implement a statewide system to eliminate 
barriers and make assistive technology accessible and available. The 
goal being that once that was accomplished, this Federal program would 
no longer be needed. While H.R. 2339 does have a 5 year authorization 
at the request of the other body for purposes of oversight, it is our 
intent that no State receive Federal assistance under title I of this 
act for more than 10 years. This policy is defined in a letter to 
Senator Harkin and Senator Durenburger from Chairman Owens and myself. 
I would like to include in the Record at the end of this debate both 
letters. I am glad the policy to end a Federal program once it 
accomplishes its intended goals was retained in this legislation.

  I also support the new provision creating a one-time Federal matching 
grant to States to develop alternative financing systems so that 
individuals with disabilities can access financial assistance in order 
to purchase assistive technology devices. This Federal investment will 
be no more than $500,000 per State and will be matched dollar-for-
dollar by the State. The State will have the authority to decide what 
type of alternative financing system to develop, such as a low interest 
loan or a revolving loan program, and will be required to have 
commercial lending institutions or State financing agencies jointly 
administer the program with a community-based organization. The Federal 
dollars will only provide seed money to help assist States develop 
their own alternative financing system, and such a system must be the 
payor of last resort. I believe this provision is essential if we 
expect individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive technology 
in order to become more independent.
  I support this legislation and believe it will truly change the lives 
of individuals with disabilities. I urge my colleagues to support the 
passage of H.R. 2339.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2339, the 
Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act 
Amendments of 1994. This legislation was enacted in 1988, as a 
Republican initiative, to improve occupational and educational 
opportunities for individuals with disabilities through assistive 
technology devices and services. The intent of the original act was to 
provide Federal seed money to States to assist them in developing and 
implementing statewide programs that increase access to, and 
availability of, assistive technology devices and services.
  H.R. 2339 is a compromise between the House and the Senate but 
reflects many of the policies addressed by the original House bill. 
During the reauthorization process, it came to our attention that 
States still need time to change their current systems in order to make 
assistive technology accessible and available to individuals with 
disabilities. H.R. 2339 authorizes a second 5 year extension grant to 
States who have demonstrated significant progress in developing and 
implementing these statewide programs. However, once a State has 
participated in this program for a total of 10 years, Federal 
assistance under this program will terminate. I support this sunset 
provision, and believe it sends a message to States to remove barriers 
to assistive technology throughout the State.
  I also support the new provision which will encourage States to 
develop alternative financing mechanisms, such as a low interest loan 
program, to enable individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive 
technology devices. This one-time Federal matching grant will be for no 
more than $500,000 per State. One of the biggest criticisms we have 
heard has been the lack of financial assistance available to 
individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive technology. If 
States decide to create alternative financing mechanisms, such 
financial assistance will be available as the payor of last resort once 
all other public assistance has been denied. I believe these financing 
systems will be the legacy of the Technology-Related Assistance Act for 
individuals with disabilities by providing access to much-needed 
financial assistance necessary to purchase assistive technology.
  I support H.R. 2339 because I have seen the benefits that assistive 
technology has made in the lives of individuals with disabilities. 
Assistive technology can be the difference in whether an individual has 
the opportunity to be independent or is confined to a life of 
dependency on others. This legislation can make that difference and I 
urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Utah [Ms. Shepherd].
  Ms. SHEPHERD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding this 
time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2339, and I am pleased that 
this bill will pass the House today without controversy, as it should. 
With the Chairman's permission, I would like to highlight an important 
section of this bill which has a direct impact on my district in Salt 
Lake City.
  In a wise move, Congress recently changed the Federal regulations for 
the Head Start Program to enable local Head Start centers to use 
Federal funds to purchase their facilities. In light of the low 
interest rates and rapidly rising rents in many communities, including 
Salt Lake City, this was a cost-effective and farsighted change in 
regulations.
  A Head Start center in my district had already saved taxpayers 
$100,000 by purchasing a building before the law was changed. Instead 
of being praised for good work, they were being sued by HHS for making 
the change too soon. Unfortunately, the Head Start Program in Utah has 
had to suffer through a prolonged and expensive court battle as a 
result of their inadvertent mistake.
  No more. Last year Senator Orrin Hatch and I joined forces to solve 
this problem. The bill before us today will suspend the legal 
proceedings against the Salt Lake Head Start center and allow them to 
purchase their facility. It is an example of how Congress can help 
strengthen our communities and improve the lives of our children, while 
saving taxpayer dollars at the same time. It is a living example of 
reinventing Government.
  My deepest thanks to Chairman Owens for his cooperation and vision in 
this matter, and to Chairman Martinez, whose subcommittee has 
jurisdiction on this issue. Together, we made Government work.

                              {time}  1500

  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, I know of no Republican Members who want 
to speak on House Resolution 351, and, therefore, I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Montgomery). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Owens] that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 
351.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________