[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7461-S7474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. GREGG (for himself, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Kennedy, 
        Mr. Reed, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Enzi, and Mr. Dodd):
  S. 2595. A bill to establish State grant programs related to 
assistive technology and protection and advocacy services, and for 
other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions.
  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, today, I join my esteemed colleague, the 
Senator from Iowa, Senator Harkin, and other members, in introducing 
the Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with 
Disabilities Act of 2004.
  For the past 6 months we have been working in a bipartisan fashion on 
the reauthorization of the Assistive Technology Act. Our proposed 
legislation is designed to remove barriers that people with 
disabilities encounter when attempting to access and purchase assistive 
technology. Working with the disability, business, and research and 
development communities, the Departments of Education, Labor, and 
Commerce, and the Small Business Administration, we have completely 
rewritten the Act to accomplish this goal. More specifically, our 
efforts focused on three fundamental changes: improving access by 
reducing bureaucracy; fostering private/public sector relationships; 
and stabilizing the State projects funding stream
  In a March 1993 report to the President and the Congress on the 
``Study on the Financing of Assistive Technology Devices and Services 
for Individuals with Disabilities,'' the National Council on Disability 
heard repeatedly from witnesses at public forums about the abandonment 
of equipment by persons with disabilities who had no opportunity prior 
to purchase to try it out or see it demonstrated.
  Current law authorizes State projects to conduct system change 
activities and provide information and referral services to people with 
disabilities and their families. Although these are necessary and 
important duties, they do not immediately impact and help a person with 
a disability obtain assistive technology that he or she may need today.
  This bill modifies the current list of authorized activities by 
expanding the authority of the State assistive technology act programs 
to increase the ability of persons with disabilities to experience or 
obtain assistive technology. Our bill, written by members of the 
Committee on Health Education, Labor and Pensions, provides the State 
projects with a tangible set of mandatory activities, yet at the same 
time provides State flexibility to address emerging State needs.
  Therefore, the new functions require States to provide citizens with 
access to device loan, reutilization, and financing programs, and 
equipment demonstration centers directly by developing such programs, 
or partnering with another entity in the State currently conducting 
these programs. The purpose of these programs is to provide individuals 
with disabilities the opportunity to receive proper assessments and 
evaluations for assistive technology, test and obtain information about 
various devices, borrow or rent devices and equipment before it is 
purchased, and be able to access low interest loans to purchase needed 
technology. Each of these new requirements will help make the most of 
limited public resources in an environment that emphasizes consumer 
choice in and control of assistive technology services and funding. 
Further, they demonstrate the benefits and costs of assistive 
technology.
  Additionally, our bill intensifies outreach efforts to employers, 
providers of employment and adult services, school systems, and health 
care providers that have direct contact with persons with disabilities 
to inform them about the beneficial aspects of assistive technology. 
Finally, we authorize States to create an advisory board to provide 
enhanced flexibility, guide the actions of the State programs and 
establish State priorities to meet the specific assistive technology 
needs of State residents.
  The Committee on Health Education, Labor and Pensions learned through 
several public forums held this and last year that employers are 
frequently confused by the vast array of assistive technology devices 
available to employees, the costs associated with purchasing assistive 
technology, and how or where to purchase assistive technology to meet 
the needs of potential employees or employees acquiring disabilities 
due to age, accidents and other causes. However, various studies paint 
a different picture. The Office of Disability Employment Policy of the 
Department of Labor funds the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a free 
consulting service designed to increase the employability of people 
with disabilities. According to an ongoing JAN evaluation, 71 percent 
of the businesses

[[Page S7462]]

that used JAN for assistance on providing specific accommodation 
information for employees with disabilities found that the 
accommodation that the employee needed cost between $0.00 and $500.00.
  This sent up a red flag, indicating that there is a disconnect or gap 
between the knowledge base as it currently exists and how that 
information reaches not only employers, but schools, school districts, 
hospitals and other entities. I imagine at schools and school officials 
in Berlin, NH, Clearmont, WY, Tribune, KS, or any other rural community 
would have a difficult time determining the assistive technology needs 
of a student with a disability without some type of assistance.
  I am also sure that the same is true for small businesses. The 
Disability Business and Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs), funded 
by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research 
(NIDRR) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) 
at the Department of Education, are regional Centers that provide 
training, information, and technical assistance on the Americans with 
Disabilities Act (ADA) to businesses, consumers, schools, and State and 
local governments. The DBTACs do wonderful work; however, a small 
business owner usually does not know where to go or where to send an 
employee if he or she needs an assessment or knowledge of various 
assistive devices so the small business can provide the necessary and 
appropriate assistive device.
  According to statistics from the Small Business Administration office 
of Advocacy, small businesses pay 44.3 percent of the total private 
payroll in the United States, and have generated anywhere from 60 to 80 
percent of net new jobs annually over the past decade. As a current 
high school student with disabilities graduates and looks for a job, 
there is a good chance that this young person will work for a small 
business. That being said, if the student has accommodation or 
technology needs, will the business know where to go for assistance?
  There are quite a few State Assistive Technology Act projects that 
are currently conducting outreach and public awareness activities, 
providing technical assistance to the business community, but it is not 
occurring unilaterally across the Nation. While current law authorizes 
such activities it does not specifically state that public awareness 
activities should be focused on the business community.

  This bill aggressively engages businesses, especially small 
businesses, by providing them with greater access to technical 
assistance so that they can accommodate employees with disabilities. 
Additionally, in an effort to improve access to assistive technology 
and to lower costs, the bill enhances competition and forges incentives 
for researchers and developers.
  The bill accomplishes these goals by improving the utilization of 
federal dollars and collaborative efforts between the agency 
administering the Assistive Technology Act projects and other Federal 
departments and initiatives, such as the Small Business 
Administration's (SBA) and Department of Labor's (DOL) interagency 
initiative to improve employment opportunities for people with 
disabilities in small businesses.
  This bill also strengthens relationships between federally funded 
programs, such as the Assistive Technology Act projects, with private 
sector employers and researchers, by directing the Office of Special 
Education and Rehabilitation Services at the Department of Education to 
make grants available to for-profit and non-profit entities to enhance 
public/private partnerships. These grant opportunities include creating 
grants to support the development of public service announcements, 
which can be modified for regional use, to reach out to small 
businesses, the aging population, and people with disabilities about 
the benefits of assistive technology. Grants can also fund a technical 
assistance provider to assist employers in addressing the needs of 
aging workers that are acquiring disabilities and may need assistive 
technology to maintain their current level of productivity.
  When Congress passed the original Assistive Technology Act in 1988, 
Congressional intent was to provide States with time-limited Federal 
seed money to assist them in developing and implementing their own 
assistive technology programs. This Federal-State partnership has 
provided an important service to individuals with disabilities by 
strengthening the capacity of each State to assist individuals with 
disabilities of all ages with their assistive technology needs. 
However, thousands of people with disabilities could lose access to 
this infrastructure if the Federal contribution comes to an end. 
Additionally, the bill drafters have recognized that for-profit and 
non-profit entities have not put the necessary time and energy into 
fostering relationships with the State programs, fearing that the 
Federal contribution would end, and the State programs would no longer 
exist.
  Three years ago, with the introduction of the President's New Freedom 
Initiative in the winter of 2001, the Administration launched new 
comprehensive programs to tell America that individuals with 
disabilities are valued citizens. Traditionally, individuals with 
disabilities have been outcasts of society--seen as burdensome and 
institutionalized--and have not been permitted to contribute to society 
or expected to pursue the American Dream that so many of us take for 
granted.
  This Administration recognizes and believes in the full participation 
of people with disabilities in all areas of society. This belief has 
been put into action by increasing access to assistive and universally 
designed technologies, expanding educational and employment 
opportunities, promoting increased access into daily community life, 
and helping members of this misunderstood and underutilized group of 
citizens achieve and succeed. Compassionate Conservatism is what I 
believe our President calls it.
  As the New Freedom Initiative states, ``Assistive and universally 
designed technologies can be a powerful tool for millions of Americans 
with disabilities, dramatically improving one's quality of life and 
ability to engage in productive work. New technologies are opening 
opportunities for even those with the most severe disabilities.'' This 
new-found sense of purpose and urgency, occurring shortly after the 
Olmstead decision, has re-ignited the interest and support for a 
Federal-State partnership to provide comprehensive, statewide assistive 
technology services to individuals with disabilities.
  Consequently, Congress must stabilize funding for the State programs 
by supporting State efforts to improve the provision of assistive 
technology for individuals with disabilities. Congress must also ensure 
that the Federal commitment to independent living, and the full 
participation of individuals with disabilities in society, guaranteed 
through the President's ``New Freedom Initiative,'' is upheld. In this 
instance, that translates into providing States with the necessary 
funding to maintain the comprehensive Statewide programs of technology-
related assistance for individuals with disabilities of all ages. 
However, the drafters of this legislation also expect States to take 
ownership of and expand upon the comprehensive Statewide programs of 
technology-related assistance.
  Therefore, this bill removes the sunset provision in the 1998 Act and 
creates a typical reauthorization cycle, while slightly increasing the 
State minimum allotment to offset some of the costs for the additional 
requirements.
  I would like to thank Senator Harkin, and his staff, particularly 
Mary Giliberti, for their hard work and dedication in putting together 
a bi-partisan bill that will assist thousands of individuals with 
disabilities access services and devices that they so desperately need. 
I would also like to thank Senators Roberts, DeWine, Warner, Ensign, 
Kennedy, and Reed, and their staff members, Jennifer Swenson, Mary Beth 
Luna, John (JK) Robinson, Lindsay Lovlien, Kent Mitchell, Connie 
Garner, Elyse Wasch, and Erica Swanson as they were on board and helped 
make this a bipartisan process from the beginning.
  Senator Harkin and I were determined to make this a bipartisan 
process from the beginning. We have crafted a bill that we are 
confident will be overwhelmingly supported by both Republicans and 
Democrats--and most importantly by the disability community, providers 
of disability related

[[Page S7463]]

services, States, employers and businesses, and the educational 
community.
  I ask unanimous consent that the legislation be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2595

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

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

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

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

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

        In this Act:
       (1) Accessible information technology and 
     telecommunications.--The term ``accessible information 
     technology and telecommunications'' means information 
     technology or electronic and information technology as 
     defined by section 1194.4 of title 36, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or any corresponding similar regulation or 
     ruling) that conforms to the applicable technical standards 
     set forth in sections 1194.21 through 1194.26 of such title 
     (or any corresponding similar regulation or ruling).
       (2) Adult service provider.--The term ``adult service 
     provider'' means a public or private entity that provides 
     services to, or is otherwise substantially involved with the 
     major life functions of, individuals with disabilities. Such 
     term includes--
       (A) entities and organizations providing residential, 
     supportive, employment services, or employment-related 
     services to individuals with disabilities;
       (B) centers for independent living, such as the centers 
     described in part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 
     1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.);
       (C) employment support agencies connected to adult 
     vocational rehabilitation, including one-stop partners, as 
     defined in section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 
     1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801); and
       (D) other organizations or venders licensed or registered 
     by the designated State agency, as defined in section 7 of 
     the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 705).
       (3) American indian consortium.--The term ``American Indian 
     consortium'' means a consortium established under subtitle C 
     of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and 
     Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.).
       (4) Assistive technology.--The term ``assistive 
     technology'' means technology designed to be utilized in an 
     assistive technology device or assistive technology service.
       (5) Assistive technology device.--The term ``assistive 
     technology device'' means any item, piece of equipment, or 
     product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or 
     customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve 
     functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
       (6) Assistive technology service.--The term ``assistive 
     technology service'' means any service that directly assists 
     an individual with a disability in the selection, 
     acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. Such 
     term includes--
       (A) the evaluation of the assistive technology needs of an 
     individual with a disability, including a functional 
     evaluation of the impact of the provision of appropriate 
     assistive technology and appropriate services to the 
     individual in the customary environment of the individual;
       (B) a service consisting of purchasing, leasing, or 
     otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive 
     technology devices by individuals with disabilities;
       (C) a service consisting of selecting, designing, fitting, 
     customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, 
     replacing, or donating assistive technology devices;
       (D) coordination and use of necessary therapies, 
     interventions, or services with assistive technology devices, 
     such as therapies, interventions, or services associated with 
     education and rehabilitation plans and programs;
       (E) training or technical assistance for an individual with 
     a disability or, where appropriate, the family members, 
     guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of such 
     an individual; and
       (F) training or technical assistance for professionals 
     (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation 
     services and entities that manufacture or sell assistive 
     technology devices), employers, providers of employment and 
     training services, or other individuals who provide services 
     to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the 
     major life functions of individuals with disabilities.
       (7) Capacity building and advocacy activities.--The term 
     ``capacity building and advocacy activities'' means efforts 
     that--
       (A) result in laws, regulations, policies, practices, 
     procedures, or organizational structures that promote 
     consumer-responsive programs or entities; and

[[Page S7464]]

       (B) facilitate and increase access to, provision of, and 
     funding for, assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services,
     in order to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve 
     greater independence, productivity, and integration and 
     inclusion within the community and the workforce.
       (8) Comprehensive statewide program of technology-related 
     assistance.--The term ``comprehensive statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance'' means a consumer-responsive 
     program of technology-related assistance for individuals with 
     disabilities, implemented by a State, and equally available 
     to all individuals with disabilities residing in the State, 
     regardless of their type of disability, age, income level, or 
     location of residence in the State, or the type of assistive 
     technology device or assistive technology service required.
       (9) Consumer-responsive.--The term ``consumer-
     responsive''--
       (A) with regard to policies, means that the policies are 
     consistent with the principles of--
       (i) respect for individual dignity, personal 
     responsibility, self-determination, and pursuit of meaningful 
     careers, based on informed choice, of individuals with 
     disabilities;
       (ii) respect for the privacy, rights, and equal access 
     (including the use of accessible formats) of such 
     individuals;
       (iii) inclusion, integration, and full participation of 
     such individuals in society;
       (iv) support for the involvement in decisions of a family 
     member, a guardian, an advocate, or an authorized 
     representative, if an individual with a disability requests, 
     desires, or needs such involvement; and
       (v) support for individual and systems advocacy and 
     community involvement; and
       (B) with respect to an entity, program, or activity, means 
     that the entity, program, or activity--
       (i) is easily accessible to, and usable by, individuals 
     with disabilities and, when appropriate, their family 
     members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives;
       (ii) responds to the needs of individuals with disabilities 
     in a timely and appropriate manner; and
       (iii) facilitates the full and meaningful participation of 
     individuals with disabilities (including individuals from 
     underrepresented populations and rural populations) and their 
     family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives, in--

       (I) decisions relating to the provision of assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services to such 
     individuals; and
       (II) decisions related to the maintenance, improvement, and 
     evaluation of the comprehensive statewide program of 
     technology-related assistance, including decisions that 
     affect capacity building and advocacy activities.

       (10) Disability.--The term ``disability'' means a condition 
     of an individual that is considered to be a disability or 
     handicap for the purposes of any Federal law other than this 
     Act or for the purposes of the law of the State in which the 
     individual resides.
       (11) Individual with a disability; individuals with 
     disabilities.--
       (A) Individual with a disability.--The term ``individual 
     with a disability'' means any individual of any age, race, or 
     ethnicity--
       (i) who has a disability; and
       (ii) who is or would be enabled by an assistive technology 
     device or an assistive technology service to minimize 
     deterioration in functioning, to maintain a level of 
     functioning, or to achieve a greater level of functioning in 
     any major life activity.
       (B) Individuals with disabilities.--The term ``individuals 
     with disabilities'' means more than 1 individual with a 
     disability.
       (12) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), and includes a community college 
     receiving funding under the Tribally Controlled College or 
     University Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
       (13) Protection and advocacy services.--The term 
     ``protection and advocacy services'' means services that--
       (A) are described in subtitle C of title I of the 
     Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act 
     of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15041 et seq.), the Protection and 
     Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act (42 U.S.C. 
     10801 et seq.), or section 509 of the Rehabilitation Act of 
     1973 (29 U.S.C. 794e); and
       (B) assist individuals with disabilities with respect to 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services.
       (14) Protection and advocacy system.--The term ``protection 
     and advocacy system'' means a protection and advocacy system 
     established under subtitle C of title I of the Developmental 
     Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 
     U.S.C. 15041 et seq.).
       (15) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Education.
       (16) State.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the term ``State'' means each of the several States of the 
     United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
     Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American 
     Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
       (B) Outlying areas.--In section 4(b):
       (i) Outlying area.--The term ``outlying area'' means the 
     United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
       (ii) State.--The term ``State'' does not include the United 
     States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
       (17) State assistive technology program.--The term ``State 
     assistive technology program'', except as used in section 
     4(c)(2)(E), means a program authorized under section 4 or 
     6(a).
       (18) Targeted individuals and entities.--The term 
     ``targeted individuals and entities'' means--
       (A) individuals with disabilities of all ages and their 
     family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives;
       (B) underrepresented populations, including the aging 
     workforce;
       (C) individuals who work for public or private entities 
     (including centers for independent living described in part C 
     of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
     796f et seq.), insurers, or managed care providers) that have 
     contact with individuals with disabilities;
       (D) educators at all levels (including providers of early 
     intervention services, elementary schools, secondary schools, 
     community colleges, and vocational and other institutions of 
     higher education) and related services personnel;
       (E) technology experts (including web designers and 
     procurement officials);
       (F) health, allied health, and rehabilitation professionals 
     and hospital employees (including discharge planners);
       (G) employers, especially small business employers, and 
     providers of employment and training services;
       (H) entities that manufacture or sell assistive technology 
     devices;
       (I) policymakers and service providers;
       (J) entities that carry out community programs designed to 
     develop essential community services in rural and urban 
     areas, including AgrAbility projects, Rural Business-
     Cooperative Service programs, Community Development Financial 
     Institution Fund programs, and other rural and urban 
     programs; and
       (K) other appropriate individuals and entities, as 
     determined for a State by the State advisory council.
       (19) Technology-related assistance.--The term ``technology-
     related assistance'' means assistance provided through 
     capacity building and advocacy activities that accomplish the 
     purposes described in section 2(b)(2).
       (20) Underrepresented population.--The term 
     ``underrepresented population'' means a population that is 
     typically underrepresented in service provision, and includes 
     populations such as persons who have low-incidence 
     disabilities, persons who are minorities, poor persons, 
     persons with limited English proficiency, older individuals, 
     or persons from rural areas.
       (21) Universal design.--The term ``universal design'' means 
     a concept or philosophy for designing and delivering products 
     and services that are usable by people with the widest 
     possible range of functional capabilities, which include 
     products and services that are directly accessible (without 
     requiring assistive technologies) and products and services 
     that are interoperable with assistive technologies.

     SEC. 4. STATE GRANTS FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) Grants to States.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants under 
     subsection (b) to States to support activities that increase 
     access to assistive technology and accessible information 
     technology and telecommunications, for individuals with 
     disabilities across the human lifespan and across the wide 
     array of disabilities, on a statewide basis.
       (2) Period of grant.--The Secretary shall provide 
     assistance through such a grant to a State for not more than 
     5 years.
       (b) Amount of Financial Assistance.--
       (1) In general.--From funds appropriated under section 
     10(a) for a fiscal year and available to carry out this 
     section, the Secretary shall award a grant to each eligible 
     State and eligible outlying area based on the corresponding 
     allotment determined under paragraph (2).
       (2) Allotments.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) 
     and (C), from the funds described in paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall allot not less than $500,000 to each State 
     and not less than $150,000 to each outlying area for each 
     fiscal year.
       (B) Lower appropriation year.--For a fiscal year for which 
     the amount of the funds described in paragraph (1) is less 
     than $29,000,000, from those funds, the Secretary--
       (i) shall allot to each State or outlying area the amount 
     the State or outlying area received for fiscal year 2004 to 
     carry out section 101 of the Assistive Technology Act of 
     1998, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of 
     this Act; and
       (ii) from any funds remaining after the Secretary makes the 
     allotments described in clause (i), shall allot to each State 
     an equal amount.
       (C) Higher appropriation year.--For a fiscal year for which 
     the amount of the funds described in paragraph (1) is not 
     less than $29,000,000, from those funds, the Secretary--
       (i) from a portion of the funds equal to $29,000,000, shall 
     make the allotments described in clauses (i) and (ii) of 
     subparagraph (B);

[[Page S7465]]

       (ii) from any funds remaining after the Secretary makes the 
     allotments described in clause (i), shall allot to each 
     outlying area an additional amount, so that each outlying 
     area receives a total allotment of not less than $150,000 
     under this paragraph; and
       (iii) from any funds remaining after the Secretary makes 
     the allotments described in clauses (i) and (ii)--

       (I) shall allot to each State an amount that bears the same 
     relationship to 80 percent of the remainder as the population 
     of the State bears to the population of all States; and
       (II) from 20 percent of the remainder, shall allot to each 
     State an equal amount.

       (3) Carryover.--Any amount paid to a State program for a 
     fiscal year under this section shall remain available to such 
     program for obligation until the end of the next fiscal year 
     for the purposes for which such amount was originally 
     provided, except that program income generated from such 
     amount shall remain available to such program until expended.
       (c) Lead Agency, Implementing Entity, and Advisory 
     Council.--
       (1) Lead agency and implementing entity.--
       (A) Lead agency.--The Governor shall designate a lead 
     agency to control and administer the funds made available 
     through the grant awarded to the State under this section.
       (B) Implementing entity.--
       (i) In general.--The Governor shall designate an agency, 
     office, or other entity to carry out State activities under 
     this section (referred to in this section as the 
     ``implementing entity''), if such implementing entity is 
     different from the lead agency.
       (ii) Type of entity.--In designating the implementing 
     entity, the Governor may designate--

       (I) a commission, council, or other official body appointed 
     by the Governor;
       (II) a public-private partnership or consortium;
       (III) a public agency, including the immediate office of 
     the Governor, a State oversight office, a State agency, a 
     public institution of higher education, a University Center 
     for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, 
     Research, and Service established under subtitle D of title I 
     of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 
     Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15061 et seq.), or another 
     public entity;
       (IV) a council established under Federal or State law;
       (V) an incorporated private nonprofit organization 
     described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of that 
     Code; or
       (VI) another appropriate agency, office, or entity.

       (iii) Expertise, experience, and ability.--In designating 
     the implementing entity, the Governor shall designate an 
     entity with expertise, experience, and ability with respect 
     to--

       (I) providing leadership in developing State initiatives 
     related to assistive technology and accessible information 
     technology and telecommunications;
       (II) responding to assistive technology and accessible 
     information technology and telecommunications needs of 
     individuals with disabilities with the full range of 
     disabilities and of all ages; and
       (III) promoting availability throughout the State of 
     assistive technology devices, assistive technology services, 
     and accessible information technology and telecommunications.

       (C) Change in agency or entity.--On obtaining the approval 
     of the Secretary, the Governor may redesignate the lead 
     agency, or the implementing entity, if the Governor shows to 
     the Secretary good cause why the entity designated as the 
     lead agency, or the implementing entity, respectively, should 
     not serve as that agency or entity, respectively. The 
     Governor shall make the showing in the application described 
     in subsection (d) or other documentation requested by the 
     Secretary.
       (2) Advisory council.--
       (A) In general.--There shall be established an advisory 
     council to provide consumer-responsive, consumer-driven 
     decisionmaking for, planning of, implementation of, and 
     evaluation of the activities carried out through the grant.
       (B) Composition and representation.--
       (i) Individuals with disabilities.--A majority, not less 
     than 51 percent, of the members of the advisory council shall 
     be individuals with disabilities that use assistive 
     technology, or family members or guardians of such 
     individuals.
       (ii) Composition.--The advisory council shall be composed 
     of--

       (I) a representative of the designated State agency, as 
     defined in section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
     U.S.C. 705) and the State agency for individuals who are 
     blind (within the meaning of section 101 of that Act (29 
     U.S.C. 721)), if such agency is separate;
       (II) a representative of a State center for independent 
     living described in part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation 
     Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.);
       (III) a representative of the State workforce investment 
     board established under section 111 of the Workforce 
     Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2821);
       (IV) a representative of the State educational agency, as 
     defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801);
       (V) a representative of the State agency for the medicaid 
     program established under title XIX of the Social Security 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);
       (VI) the Director of the State assistive technology 
     program;
       (VII) representatives of other State agencies, public 
     agencies, and private organizations, as determined by the 
     State; and
       (VIII) individuals with disabilities, or parents, family 
     members, or guardians of individuals with disabilities, who 
     represent recipients of services from the entities identified 
     in subclauses (I) through (VII).

       (iii) Representation.--The advisory council shall be 
     geographically representative of the State and reflect the 
     diversity of the State with respect to race, ethnicity, types 
     of disabilities across the age span, and users of types of 
     services that an individual with a disability may receive.
       (C) Expenses.--The members of the advisory council shall 
     receive no compensation for their service on the advisory 
     council, but shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary 
     expenses actually incurred in the performance of official 
     duties for the advisory council.
       (D) Period.--The members of the State advisory council 
     shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the approval 
     of the State application described in subsection (d).
       (E) Impact on existing statutes, rules, or policies.--
     Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to affect State 
     statutes, rules, or official policies relating to advisory 
     bodies for State assistive technology programs or require 
     changes to governing bodies of incorporated agencies who 
     carry out State assistive technology programs.
       (d) Application.--
       (1) In general.--Any State that desires to receive a grant 
     under this section shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       (2) Lead agency and implementing entity.--The application 
     shall contain information identifying and describing the lead 
     agency referred to in subsection (c)(1)(A). The application 
     shall contain information identifying and describing the 
     implementing entity referred to in subsection (c)(1)(B), 
     including information describing the expertise, experience, 
     and ability of the entity.
       (3) Advisory council.--The application shall contain an 
     assurance that an advisory council will be established in 
     accordance with subsection (c)(2).
       (4) Involvement of public and private entities.--The 
     application shall describe how various public and private 
     entities were involved in the development of the application 
     and will be involved in the implementation of the activities 
     to be carried out through the grant, including--
       (A) in cases determined to be appropriate by the State or 
     the State advisory council, a description of the nature and 
     extent of resources that will be committed by public and 
     private collaborators to assist in accomplishing identified 
     goals; and
       (B) a description of the mechanisms established to ensure 
     coordination of activities and collaboration between the 
     implementing entity and a State or entity that receives a 
     grant under section 6(a).
       (5) Implementation.--The application shall include a 
     description of--
       (A) how the State will implement each of the required 
     activities described in subsection (e), except as provided in 
     subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (e)(1); and
       (B) how the State will allocate and utilize grant funds to 
     implement the activities.
       (6) Assurances.--The application shall include assurances 
     that--
       (A) the State will annually collect data related to the 
     required activities in order to prepare the progress reports 
     required under subsection (f);
       (B) funds received through the grant--
       (i) will be expended in accordance with this section, on 
     initiatives identified by the advisory council described in 
     subsection (c)(2);
       (ii) will be used to supplement, and not supplant, funds 
     available from other sources for technology-related 
     assistance, including the provision of assistive technology 
     devices and assistive technology services;
       (iii) will not be used to pay a financial obligation for 
     technology-related assistance (including the provision of 
     assistive technology devices or assistive technology 
     services) that would have been paid with funds from other 
     sources if funds had not been available through the grant; 
     and
       (iv) will not be commingled with State or other funds, 
     except that the State may, subject to such documentation 
     requirements as the Secretary may establish, pool funds 
     received through the grant with other public or private funds 
     to achieve a goal specified in an application approved under 
     this section;
       (C) the lead agency will control and administer the funds 
     received through the grant;
       (D) the State will adopt such fiscal control and accounting 
     procedures as may be necessary to ensure proper disbursement 
     of and accounting for the funds received through the grant; 
     and
       (E) the State (including the State lead agency) will not 
     use more than 10 percent of the funds received through the 
     grant for indirect costs.
       (e) Use of Funds.--
       (1) In general.--Any State that receives a grant under this 
     section shall use the funds made available through the grant 
     to carry out the activities described in paragraph (2),

[[Page S7466]]

     except that the State shall not be required to carry out an 
     activity if--
       (A) another entity in the State is providing the same or a 
     similar activity; or
       (B) the advisory council described in subsection (c)(2) 
     determines through a needs assessment that the residents of 
     the State consider the activity to be unwarranted.
       (2) Required activities.--
       (A) State financing systems.--The State shall support 
     activities to increase access to, and funding for, assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services (which 
     shall not include direct payment for such a device or service 
     for an individual with a disability but may include support 
     and administration of a program to provide such payment), 
     including development of systems to provide and pay for such 
     devices and services, for targeted individuals described in 
     section 3(18)(A), such as--
       (i) support for the development of systems for the 
     purchase, lease, or other acquisition of, or payment for, 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services; or
       (ii) support for the development of State-financed or 
     privately financed alternative financing systems of subsidies 
     (which may include studying the feasibility of, improving, 
     administering, operating, providing capital for, or 
     collaborating with an entity with respect to, such a system) 
     for the provision of assistive technology devices (including 
     related accessible information technology and 
     telecommunications) and assistive technology services, such 
     as--

       (I) a low-interest loan fund;
       (II) an interest buy-down program;
       (III) a revolving loan fund;
       (IV) a loan guarantee or insurance program;
       (V) a program providing for the purchase, lease, or other 
     acquisition of assistive technology devices or assistive 
     technology services; or
       (VI) another mechanism that is approved by the Secretary.

       (B) Device demonstrations.--
       (i) In general.--The State shall directly, or in 
     collaboration with public and private entities, such as one-
     stop partners, as defined in section 101 of the Workforce 
     Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801), demonstrate, assist 
     individuals in making informed choices regarding, and provide 
     experiences with, a variety of assistive technology devices 
     and assistive technology services, using personnel who are 
     familiar with such devices and services and their 
     applications.
       (ii) Comprehensive information.--The State shall directly, 
     or through referrals, provide to individuals, to the extent 
     practicable, comprehensive information about State and local 
     assistive technology venders, providers, and repair services.
       (C) Device loan programs.--The State shall directly, or in 
     collaboration with public or private entities, carry out 
     device loan programs that provide short-term loans of 
     assistive technology devices to individuals, employers, 
     public agencies, or others seeking to meet the needs of 
     individuals with disabilities.
       (D) Device re-utilization programs.--The State shall 
     directly, or in collaboration with public or private 
     entities, carry out assistive technology device re-
     utilization programs that provide for the exchange, repair, 
     recycling, or other re-utilization of assistive technology 
     devices, which may include redistribution through device 
     sales, loans, rentals, or donations.
       (E) Training and technical assistance.--
       (i) In general.--The State shall directly, or provide 
     support to public or private entities with demonstrated 
     expertise in collaborating with public or private agencies 
     that serve individuals with disabilities to develop and 
     disseminate training materials, conduct training, and provide 
     technical assistance, for individuals from local settings 
     statewide, including representatives of State and local 
     educational agencies, other State and local agencies, early 
     intervention programs, adult service programs, hospitals and 
     other health care facilities, institutions of higher 
     education, and businesses.
       (ii) Authorized activities.--In carrying out activities 
     under clause (i), the State shall carry out activities that 
     enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies of 
     individuals from local settings described in clause (i), 
     which may include--

       (I) general awareness training on the benefits of assistive 
     technology and the Federal, State, and private funding 
     sources available to assist targeted individuals and entities 
     in acquiring assistive technology;
       (II) skills-development training in assessing the need for 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services;
       (III) training to ensure the appropriate application and 
     use of assistive technology devices, assistive technology 
     services, accessible information technology and 
     telecommunications, and accessible technology for e-
     government functions;
       (IV) training in the importance of culturally competent and 
     linguistically appropriate approaches to assessment and 
     implementation; and
       (V) technical training on integrating assistive technology 
     into the development and implementation of service plans, 
     including any education, health, discharge, Olmstead, 
     employment, or other plan required under Federal or State 
     law.

       (F) Public awareness.--
       (i) In general.--The State shall conduct public-awareness 
     activities designed to provide information to targeted 
     individuals and entities relating to the availability and 
     benefits of assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services.
       (ii) Collaboration.--The State shall collaborate with a 
     training and technical assistance provider described in 
     section 7(b)(1) to carry out public awareness activities 
     focusing on infants, toddlers, children, transition-age 
     youth, employment-age adults, seniors, and employers.
       (iii) Statewide information and referral system.--

       (I) In general.--The State shall directly, or in 
     collaboration with public or private (such as nonprofit) 
     entities, provide for the continuation and enhancement of a 
     statewide information and referral system designed to meet 
     the needs of targeted individuals and entities.
       (II) Content.--The system shall deliver information on--

       (aa) assistive technology devices and accessible 
     information technology and telecommunications products;
       (bb) assistive technology services, with specific data 
     regarding provider availability within the State; and
       (cc) the availability of resources, including funding 
     through public and private sources, to obtain assistive 
     technology devices, accessible information technology and 
     telecommunications products, and assistive technology 
     services.
       (G) Interagency coordination and collaboration.--The State 
     shall promote improved coordination of activities and 
     collaboration among public and private entities that are 
     responsible for policies, procedures, or funding for the 
     provision of assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services to individuals with disabilities, service 
     providers, and others.
       (H) Targeted population activity.--
       (i) In general.--The State shall directly, or in 
     collaboration with public or private entities, carry out 
     coordinated activities to improve access to assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services for 1 
     State-chosen targeted population, consisting of--

       (I) elementary and secondary school students, elementary 
     and secondary education providers, and related personnel;
       (II) adult service provider clients, adult service 
     providers, and related personnel; or
       (III) employees, employment providers, and related 
     personnel.

       (ii) Required activities.--In carrying out activities under 
     clause (i), the State shall carry out targeted initiatives 
     consisting of 2 or more of the required activities described 
     in subparagraphs (A) through (F), including--

       (I) public-awareness activities described in subparagraph 
     (F); and
       (II) training and technical assistance described in 
     subparagraph (E) which shall include technical training 
     described in subparagraph (E)(v).

       (iii) Optional activities.--In carrying out activities 
     under clause (i), the State may carry out State-identified 
     improvement projects, which may include activities to--

       (I) improve the timely acquisition or retention and 
     utilization of appropriate assistive technology for students 
     in transition;
       (II) increase utilization of technology solutions to 
     enhance community integration and aging in place; and
       (III) increase integration of assistive technology and 
     accessible information technology and telecommunications into 
     the services provided at one-stop centers established under 
     subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 
     (29 U.S.C. 2831 et seq.).

       (3) Conditions.--
       (A) Covered state.--In this paragraph, a ``covered State'' 
     means a State that received funds for an alternative 
     financing mechanism under--
       (i) title III of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as 
     in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this 
     Act; and
       (ii) a grant awarded under this section, to carry out 
     activities described in paragraph (2)(A).
       (B) Requirements.--Each covered State shall meet the 
     requirements of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 6(a)(5), 
     except that references in those subparagraphs to a grant 
     shall be considered to be references to the grant described 
     in subparagraph (A)(ii).
       (4) State funds.--A State may use State funds to carry out 
     activities described in paragraph (2)(A) for additional 
     targeted individuals and entities (other than individuals and 
     entities described in section 3(18)(A)) if the State advisory 
     council described in subsection (c)(2) approves the 
     additional targeted individuals and entities.
       (f) Progress Reports.--
       (1) Data collection.--States shall participate in data 
     collection as required by law, including data collection 
     required for preparation of the report described in paragraph 
     (2).
       (2) Reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than December 31 of each year, 
     the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the President and 
     to Congress a report on the activities funded under this Act.
       (B) Contents.--The report shall include data collected 
     pursuant to this section and section 6(a)(7). The report 
     shall document, with respect to activities carried out under 
     this section and section 6(a)--
       (i) the number and dollar amount of financial loans made;
       (ii) the number and type of assistive technology device 
     demonstrations provided;

[[Page S7467]]

       (iii) the number and type of assistive technology devices 
     loaned through device loan programs;
       (iv) the number and estimated value of assistive technology 
     devices exchanged, repaired, recycled, or re-utilized 
     (including redistributed through device sales, loans, 
     rentals, or donations) through device re-utilization 
     programs;
       (v)(I) the number and general characteristics of 
     individuals who participated in training (such as individuals 
     with disabilities, parents, educators, employers, providers 
     of employment services, health care workers, counselors, 
     other service providers, or vendors) and the topics of such 
     training; and
       (II) to the extent practicable, the geographic distribution 
     of individuals who participate in training or technical 
     assistance activities;
       (vi) the amount and nature of technical assistance provided 
     to State and local agencies and other entities;
       (vii) the number of individuals assisted through the 
     public-awareness activities and statewide information and 
     reference system;
       (viii) the outcomes of any improvement initiatives carried 
     out by the State as a result of activities funded under this 
     section, including a description of any written policies, 
     practices, and procedures that the State has developed and 
     implemented regarding access to, provision of, and funding 
     for, assistive technology devices, accessible information 
     technology and telecommunications, and assistive technology 
     services, in the contexts of education, health care, 
     employment, community living, and information technology and 
     telecommunications, including e-government;
       (ix) the outcomes of interagency coordination and 
     collaboration activities carried out by the State that 
     support access to assistive technology, including 
     documenting--

       (I) the type of, purpose for, and source of leveraged 
     funding or other contributed resources from public and 
     private entities, and the number of individuals served with 
     those resources for which information is not reported under 
     clauses (i) through (viii) or clause (x), and other outcomes 
     accomplished as a result of such activities carried out with 
     those resources; and
       (II) the type of, purpose for, and amount of funding 
     provided through subcontracts or other collaborative 
     resource-sharing agreements with public and private entities, 
     including community-based nonprofit organizations, and the 
     number of individuals served through those agreements for 
     which information is not reported under clauses (i) through 
     (viii) or clause (x), and other outcomes accomplished as a 
     result of such activities carried out through those 
     agreements;

       (x) measured outcomes of activities undertaken to improve 
     access to assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services for targeted populations; and
       (xi) the level of customer satisfaction with, or the 
     outcomes of, the services provided.

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

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

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

       (a) Supplementary Grants.--
       (1)  grants.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall award supplementary 
     grants, on a competitive basis, to States or other entities 
     to carry out 1 or more of the activities described in 
     paragraph (6), either directly or through subgrants to or 
     other collaborative mechanisms with public or private 
     entities, to allow individuals with disabilities and their 
     family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives to purchase or have increased access to 
     assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services. The Secretary shall award such a grant to not more 
     than 1 entity in each State.
       (B) Period of grants.--The Secretary shall award grants 
     under this subsection for periods of 12 months.
       (2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this subsection, a State shall have received a grant under 
     section 4 or under section 101 of the Assistive Technology 
     Act of 1998, as in effect on the day before the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (3) Applications.--A State or entity that desires to 
     receive a grant under this subsection shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
     including the following:
       (A)(i) A description of--
       (I) the goals the State or entity has identified for the 
     supplementary grant; and
       (II) the activities the State or entity will carry out to 
     achieve such goals, in accordance with the requirements of 
     paragraphs (5) and (6).
       (ii) A description of how the State or entity will measure 
     whether the goals identified by the State or entity have been 
     achieved by the end of the grant period.
       (B) A description of the proposed use of funds to meet the 
     identified goals.
       (C) If the application is submitted by an entity other than 
     the implementing entity for the State assistive technology 
     program, a description of the mechanisms established to 
     ensure coordination of activities and collaboration with the 
     implementing entity.
       (D) In the case of an application for a grant for an 
     alternative financing loan program described in paragraph 
     (6)(A), information identifying and describing--

[[Page S7468]]

       (i) a consumer-based organization that has individuals with 
     disabilities involved in organizational decisionmaking at all 
     organizational levels, that will administer the alternative 
     financing loan program; and
       (ii) a commercial lending institution, State financing 
     agency, or other qualified entity who will facilitate 
     implementation of the program.
       (E) A description of resources that have been committed for 
     the activities to be carried out under the grant and 
     assurances that--
       (i) the State or entity will provide any required non-
     Federal contributions toward the cost of the activities;
       (ii) the State or entity will make every effort to continue 
     the activities on a permanent basis;
       (iii) the funds made available through the grant to support 
     the activities will supplement and not supplant other funds 
     available to provide such activities;
       (iv) in the case of a grant for an alternative financing 
     loan program described in paragraph (6)(A)--

       (I) all funds that support the alternative financing loan 
     program, including the grant funds, funds provided for the 
     non-Federal contributions described in clause (i), funds 
     repaid during the life of the program, and any interest or 
     investment income resulting from the program, will be placed 
     in a permanent separate account and identified and accounted 
     for separately from any other funds;
       (II) such account will be--

       (aa) used only to support the alternative financing 
     program;
       (bb) administered by an organization that has individuals 
     with disabilities involved in organizational decisionmaking 
     at all organizational levels; and
       (cc) administered with the same judgment and care that a 
     person of prudence, discretion, and intelligence would 
     exercise in the management of the financial affairs of such 
     person; and

       (III) if the funds in the account are invested, the funds 
     will be invested in low-risk securities in which a regulated 
     insurance company may invest under the law of the State.

       (4) Preferences.--
       (A) Experience.--In awarding grants under this subsection 
     for activities described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of 
     paragraph (6), the Secretary shall give preference to a State 
     entity or other entity that--
       (i) has experience carrying out similar activities; or
       (ii) received a grant under title III of the Assistive 
     Technology Act of 1998, as in effect on the day before the 
     date of enactment of this Act, or a predecessor authority.
       (B) No prior grant or low grant total.--In awarding grants 
     under this subsection for activities described in paragraph 
     (6)(A), the Secretary may give preference to a State, or an 
     entity in a State, where the State has not received a grant, 
     or has received less than a total of $1,000,000 in grant 
     awards, under title III of the Assistive Technology Act of 
     1998, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of 
     this Act. In awarding grants under this subsection for 
     activities described in paragraph (6)(B), the Secretary may 
     give preference to a State, or an entity in a State, where 
     the State has not operated a device loan program for 
     assistive technology or assistive technology devices.
       (C) Limitations.--A State, or an entity in a State, where 
     the State has not received an alternative financing grant 
     described in subparagraph (B) may not receive an initial 
     grant under this subsection for activities described in 
     paragraph (6)(A) in an amount greater than $1,000,000. A 
     State, or an entity in a State, where the State has not 
     operated a device loan program described in subparagraph (B) 
     may not receive an initial grant under this subsection for 
     activities described in paragraph (6)(B) in an amount greater 
     than $1,000,000.
       (5) Conditions on supplementary grants.--
       (A) Payments to states or other entities.--Subject to the 
     conditions specified in this subsection, the Secretary shall 
     make payments to the States or entities that are selected to 
     receive supplementary grants awarded under this subsection.
       (B) Obligation and expenditure.--A State or entity that 
     receives a grant under this subsection shall obligate and 
     expend the funds made available through the grant during the 
     period of the grant.
       (C) Matching requirement.--With respect to the cost to be 
     incurred by a State or entity that receives a grant under 
     this subsection to carry out activities described in 
     paragraph (6), a State or entity that receives such a grant 
     in an amount of more than $500,000 shall make available non-
     Federal contributions in an amount not less than $1 for every 
     $5 of Federal funds provided under the grant.
       (D) Indirect costs.--No State or entity shall use more than 
     10 percent of the funds made available through a grant 
     awarded under this subsection for indirect costs.
       (6) Activities.--The State or entity may use funds made 
     available through a grant awarded under this subsection to 
     carry out 1 or more of the following activities:
       (A) Alternative financing loan programs capital infusion 
     grants.--The establishment or expansion, and administration, 
     of an alternative financing loan program to allow targeted 
     individuals and entities described in section 3(18)(A) to 
     purchase assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services, accessible information technology and 
     telecommunications, and related goods and services required 
     for the independence and productivity of an individual with a 
     disability. The program may include--
       (i) a low-interest loan fund program;
       (ii) an interest buy-down program;
       (iii) a revolving loan fund program;
       (iv) a loan guarantee or insurance program; or
       (v) a program based on another financing mechanism that is 
     approved by the Secretary.
       (B) Device loan programs capital infusion grants.--The 
     expansion and administration of device loan programs to meet 
     unique or comprehensive State needs, such as the expansion 
     and administration of the programs through--
       (i) joint funding agreements between the implementing 
     entity for the State assistive technology program and 
     educational agencies, vocational rehabilitation agencies, 
     entities providing medical assistance, or other public or 
     private entities who pay for assistive technology devices; or
       (ii) a specialized State-specific funding stream or pool 
     for the purchase of assistive technology to be loaned.
       (C) State funds.--A State may use State funds to carry out 
     activities described in subparagraph (A) for additional 
     targeted individuals and entities (other than individuals and 
     entities described in section 3(18)(A)) if the State advisory 
     council described in section 4(c)(2) and the consumer-based 
     organization described in paragraph (3)(D) approve the 
     additional targeted individuals and entities.
       (7) Progress reports.--
       (A)  in general.--Each State or entity that receives a 
     grant under this subsection shall prepare and submit to the 
     Secretary a status report not later than 7 months after the 
     date on which the State or entity receives the grant and a 
     final report not later than 18 months after the date on which 
     the State or entity receives the grant. Each report shall 
     document the progress of the State or entity in meeting the 
     goals described in paragraph (3)(A)(i)(I).
       (B) Alternative financing loan program data required.--A 
     State or entity that receives a grant for an alternative 
     financing loan program described in paragraph (6)(A) shall 
     include in each report loan data with respect to the program 
     for the period of the grant award, including--
       (i) the number and dollar amount of loans made under that 
     paragraph for--

       (I) loan applications received;
       (II) loan applications approved; and
       (III) loan applications not approved;

       (ii) the default rate of the loans;
       (iii) the range of interest rates and average interest rate 
     for the loans;
       (iv) the range of income and average income of approved 
     loan applicants for the loans;
       (v) the types and dollar amounts of assistive technology 
     financed through the loans; and
       (vi) the outcomes of the loan program, including 
     information relevant to the benefits to individuals utilizing 
     the program.
       (C) Device loan programs data required.--A State that 
     receives a grant for an device loan program described in 
     paragraph (6)(B) shall include in each report loan data with 
     respect to the program for the period of the grant award, 
     including--
       (i) the number and type of assistive technology devices 
     loaned under that paragraph;
       (ii) the general characteristics of borrowers (such as 
     individuals with disabilities, parents, educators, employers, 
     providers of employment services, health care workers, 
     counselors, other service providers, or venders);
       (iii) the purposes for which the loans were made; and
       (iv) the outcomes of the loans, including information 
     relevant to the benefits to individuals utilizing the 
     program.
       (8) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be 
     construed as affecting the authority of a State to establish 
     an alternative financing system under section 4.
       (b) Projects of National Significance.--
       (1) Competitive grant for development of a national public-
     awareness toolkit.--
       (A) Purpose.--The purpose of this paragraph is to support 
     the development of a national public-awareness toolkit for 
     dissemination to State assistive technology programs, in 
     order to expand public-awareness efforts to reach targeted 
     individuals and entities, as defined in subparagraphs (A), 
     (B), (D), (F), (G), and (I) of section 3(18).
       (B) Competitive technical assistance grant authorized.--The 
     Secretary may award a grant on a competitive basis to an 
     eligible partnership, to enable the partnership to carry out 
     the activities described in subparagraph (A).
       (C) Eligible partnership.--To be eligible to receive the 
     grant, the partnership--
       (i) shall consist of--

       (I) an implementing entity for a State assistive technology 
     program or an organization or association that represents 
     implementing entities for State assistive technology 
     programs;
       (II) a private or public entity from the media industry;
       (III) a private entity from the assistive technology 
     industry; and
       (IV) a private employer or an organization or association 
     that represents private employers; and

       (ii) may include another entity determined by the Secretary 
     to be appropriate.

[[Page S7469]]

       (D) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this paragraph, a partnership shall submit an application to 
     the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing 
     such information as the Secretary may require.
       (E) Use of funds.--A partnership that receives a grant 
     under this paragraph shall use the funds made available 
     through the grant to develop a national public-awareness 
     toolkit, which shall contain appropriate multimedia materials 
     to reach targeted individuals and entities, as defined in 
     subparagraphs (A), (B), (D), (F), (G), and (I) of section 
     3(18), for dissemination to State assistive technology 
     programs.
       (2) Research, development, and evaluation.--
       (A) Competitive research, development, and evaluation 
     grants authorized.--The Secretary may award grants to 
     eligible entities to carry out research, development, and 
     evaluation of assistive technology.
       (B) Eligible entities.--Entities eligible to receive a 
     grant under this paragraph shall include--
       (i) providers of assistive technology services and 
     assistive technology devices;
       (ii) public and private educational agencies serving 
     students in kindergarten, elementary school, or secondary 
     school;
       (iii) institutions of higher education, including 
     University Centers for Excellence in Developmental 
     Disabilities Education, Research, and Service authorized 
     under subtitle D of title I of the Developmental Disabilities 
     Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15061 et 
     seq.), or such institutions offering rehabilitation 
     engineering programs, computer science programs, or 
     information technology programs;
       (iv) manufacturers of assistive technology and accessible 
     information technology and telecommunications;
       (v) consumer organizations concerned with assistive 
     technology;
       (vi) professionals, organizations, and agencies, providing 
     services to individuals with disabilities; and
       (vii) professionals, individuals, and organizations, 
     providing employment services to individuals with 
     disabilities.
       (C) Priority activities.--In awarding such grants, the 
     Secretary shall give priority to funding projects that 
     address 1 or more of the following:
       (i) Developing standards for reliability and accessibility 
     of assistive technology, and standards for interoperability 
     (including open standards) of assistive technology with 
     information technology, telecommunications products, and 
     other assistive technology.
       (ii) Developing and implementing measurements and tools 
     that evaluate assistive technology for--

       (I) conformity with reliability, accessibility and 
     interoperability standards developed under clause (i);
       (II) usability by individuals with disabilities to meet 
     functional needs; or
       (III) other characteristics that support increased 
     functional performance of assistive technology.

       (iii) Developing assistive technology that benefits 
     individuals with disabilities or developing technologies or 
     practices that result in the adaptation, maintenance, 
     servicing, or improvement of assistive technology devices.
       (D) Input.--An entity that receives a grant under this 
     paragraph shall, in developing and implementing the project 
     carried out through the grant, coordinate activities with the 
     implementing entity for the State assistive technology 
     program (or a national organization that represents such 
     programs) and the State advisory council described in section 
     4(c)(2) (or a national organization that represents such 
     councils).
       (E) Report.--The entity shall prepare and submit a report 
     to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing 
     such information as the Secretary may require.
       (3) Personnel preparation centers.--
       (A) Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants, on a 
     competitive basis, to public and private entities and 
     institutions of higher education, including University 
     Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities 
     Education, Research, and Service established under subtitle D 
     of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and 
     Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15061 et seq.), to fund 
     the establishment or expansion of personnel preparation 
     centers.
       (B) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant 
     under this paragraph, an entity shall have--
       (i) knowledge and skills to assess and evaluate the need 
     for assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
     services;
       (ii) knowledge and skills to assist consumers in the 
     selection and acquisition of the devices and services; and
       (iii) experience training professionals in school 
     districts, at early intervention service sites, and in adult 
     service provider settings, in geographically diverse areas 
     within the State.
       (C) Application.--
       (i) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this paragraph, an entity shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       (ii) Contents.--At a minimum, the application shall 
     include--

       (I) a description of the entity's knowledge and skills 
     regarding assistive technology assessment and evaluation;
       (II) a description of how the entity will collect training 
     outcome data;
       (III) a description of the manner in which the entity will 
     carry out financial and programmatic responsibilities, 
     including any shared responsibilities, in implementing the 
     activities carried out under the grant;
       (IV) a description of the relationship between the entity 
     and school personnel, early intervention service personnel, 
     and adult service provider personnel in the State; and
       (V) a description of an advisory committee designated or 
     established under subparagraph (E).

       (D) Use of funds.--An entity that receives a grant under 
     this paragraph shall use the funds made available through the 
     grant to carry out the activities described in subparagraph 
     (B).
       (E) Advisory committee.--
       (i) In general.--A council (which may be the advisory 
     council described in section 4(c)(2)) shall be designated to 
     serve as an advisory committee, or an advisory committee 
     shall be established, to make recommendations for the 
     training to be offered through the grant, the specific 
     populations to receive the training, and the reporting 
     requirements applicable to the entity under subparagraph (F).
       (ii) Composition.--At a minimum, such advisory committee 
     shall be composed of--

       (I) consumers of assistive technology services and 
     assistive technology devices;
       (II) providers of assistive technology services and 
     assistive technology devices;
       (III) the implementing entity for the State assistive 
     technology program; and
       (IV) entities (other than the entity described in clause 
     (i)) that receive grants under this paragraph.

       (F) Reporting requirements.--
       (i) In general.--An entity that receives a grant under this 
     paragraph shall submit to the Secretary an annual report 
     detailing outcomes achieved through activities carried out 
     under the grant at such time, in such manner, and containing 
     such information as the Secretary may require, after 
     receiving the recommendations of the advisory committee 
     described in subparagraph (E) for the entity.
       (ii) Contents.--At a minimum, the report shall include 
     information on--

       (I) the number and geographical distribution of teachers 
     (broken down into general education and special education 
     categories) and other school personnel who received training 
     under this paragraph in the school year covered by the 
     report;
       (II) the number and geographical distribution of early 
     intervention service personnel who received training under 
     this paragraph in the year covered by the report; and
       (III) the number and geographical distribution of adult 
     service provider personnel who received training under this 
     paragraph in the year covered by the report.

       (4) Period of grants.--The Secretary shall make grants 
     under this subsection for periods of 12 months.
       (5) Conditions on projects of national significance.--
       (A) Payments to partnerships and entities.--Subject to the 
     conditions specified in this paragraph, the Secretary shall 
     make payments to the partnerships and entities that are 
     selected to receive grants awarded under this subsection.
       (B) Obligation and expenditure.--A partnership or entity 
     that receives a grant under this subsection shall obligate 
     and expend the funds made available through the grant during 
     the period of the grant.
       (C) Matching requirement.--
       (i) In general.--With respect to the cost to be incurred by 
     a partnership or entity that receives a grant under this 
     subsection in carrying out the activities for which the grant 
     was awarded, a partnership or entity that receives a grant 
     under this subsection in an amount of more than $50,000 shall 
     make available non-Federal contributions in an amount not 
     less than $1 for every $3 of the portion of the grant amount 
     that exceeds $50,000.
       (ii) Non-federal contributions.--The partnership or entity 
     may make the non-Federal contributions available in cash or 
     in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or 
     services.

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

       (a) In General.--In order to strengthen and support State 
     assistive technology programs, and protection and advocacy 
     systems authorized under section 5, the Secretary may award 1 
     or more grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements on a 
     competitive basis under subsections (b) and (c) to provide 
     training and technical assistance, and conduct data 
     collection and reporting, about and for the State assistive 
     technology programs and protection and advocacy systems.
       (b) Training and Technical Assistance; Data Collection and 
     Reporting.--
       (1) State projects training and technical assistance 
     efforts.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants, 
     contracts, and cooperative agreements to provide training and 
     technical assistance concerning State assistive technology 
     programs.
       (B) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under this paragraph, an 
     entity shall have personnel with--
       (i) documented experience and expertise in administering 
     State assistive technology programs, including developing, 
     implementing, and administering the required and

[[Page S7470]]

     discretionary activities described in sections 4 and 6(a); 
     and
       (ii) documented experience in and knowledge about banking, 
     finance, and microlending.
       (C) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under this paragraph, an 
     entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such 
     time, in such manner, and containing such information as the 
     Secretary may require.
       (D) Training and technical assistance efforts.--In awarding 
     the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, the Secretary 
     shall ensure that the recipient conducts a training and 
     technical assistance program, taking into account the 
     required input and collaborations described in subparagraph 
     (E), through which the recipient--
       (i) addresses State-specific information requests 
     concerning assistive technology and accessible information 
     technology and telecommunications from implementing entities 
     for State assistive technology programs funded under this Act 
     and public and private entities not funded under this Act, 
     including--

       (I) requests for information on effective approaches to 
     developing, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining required 
     and discretionary activities identified in sections 4 and 
     6(a), and requests for assistance in developing corrective 
     action plans;
       (II) requests for examples of Federal, State, and local 
     policies, practices, procedures, regulations, interagency 
     agreements, administrative hearing decisions, or legal 
     actions that facilitate, and overcome barriers to, the 
     provision of funding for, and access to, assistive technology 
     devices, accessible information technology and 
     telecommunications, and assistive technology services for 
     individuals with disabilities; and
       (III) other requests for training and technical assistance 
     from State assistive technology programs funded under this 
     Act and public and private entities not funded under this 
     Act, and other assignments specified by the Secretary; and

       (ii) provides State-specific and national training and 
     technical assistance concerning assistive technology and 
     accessible information technology and telecommunications to 
     implementing entities for State assistive technology 
     programs, including financing systems, funded under section 
     4, other entities funded under this Act (with respect to the 
     required or discretionary activities that the entities carry 
     out under this Act and especially with respect to the 
     establishment or expansion, and administration (including 
     evaluation and sustenance), of alternative financing loan 
     programs under section 6(a)), and public and private entities 
     not funded under this Act, including--

       (I) annually providing a forum for exchanging information 
     and promoting program and policy improvements in required 
     activities of the State assistive technology programs;
       (II) facilitating on-site and electronic information 
     sharing using state-of-the-art Internet technologies such as 
     real-time online discussions, multipoint video conferencing, 
     and web-based audio/video broadcasts, on emerging topics that 
     affect State assistive technology programs and individuals 
     with assistive technology and accessible information 
     technology and telecommunications needs;
       (III) convening experts from State assistive technology 
     programs to discuss and make recommendations with regard to 
     national emerging issues of importance to individuals with 
     assistive technology and accessible information technology 
     and telecommunications needs;
       (IV) sharing best practice and evidence-based practices 
     among State assistive technology programs;
       (V) maintaining an accessible website that includes a link 
     to State assistive technology programs, Federal departments 
     and agencies, and associations and developing a national 
     toll-free number that links callers from a State with the 
     State assistive technology program in their State;
       (VI) developing or utilizing existing (as of the date of 
     the award involved) model cooperative volume-purchasing 
     mechanisms designed to reduce the financial costs of 
     purchasing assistive technology for required and 
     discretionary activities identified in sections 4 and 6(a), 
     and reducing duplication of activities among State assistive 
     technology programs; and
       (VII) providing access to experts in the areas of banking, 
     microlending, and finance, for implementing entities for 
     State assistive technology programs and other entities funded 
     under this Act to administer alternative financing loan 
     programs, through site visits, teleconferences, and other 
     means, to ensure access to information for entities that are 
     carrying out new programs or programs that are not making 
     progress in achieving the objectives of the programs.

       (E) Required input and collaboration.--In providing 
     training and technical assistance under this paragraph, a 
     recipient of a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement 
     under this paragraph shall meet the following requirements:
       (i) Input.--The recipient shall involve, in the planning 
     and identification of priority issues and needs, the 
     directors of State assistive technology programs and other 
     individuals the Secretary determines to be appropriate, 
     especially--

       (I) individuals with disabilities who use, and understand 
     the barriers to the acquisition of, assistive technology and 
     accessible information technology and telecommunications;
       (II) family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives of such individuals;
       (III) relevant employees from other Federal departments and 
     agencies;
       (IV) businesses; and
       (V) venders and public and private researchers and 
     developers.

       (ii) Collaboration.--The recipient shall collaborate, in 
     developing and implementing training and technical assistance 
     activities identified as priorities, with other 
     organizations, in particular--

       (I) national organizations representing State assistive 
     technology programs;
       (II) organizations representing State officials and 
     agencies engaged in the delivery of assistive technology and 
     accessible information technology and telecommunications;
       (III) the data-collection and reporting providers described 
     in paragraph (2); and
       (IV) other providers of national programs or programs of 
     national significance funded under this Act.

       (2) State projects data-collection and reporting program.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants, 
     contracts, and cooperative agreements to conduct data 
     collection and reporting concerning State assistive 
     technology programs.
       (B) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under this paragraph, an 
     entity shall have personnel with--
       (i) documented experience and expertise in administering 
     State assistive technology programs;
       (ii) experience in collecting and analyzing data associated 
     with implementing required and discretionary activities;
       (iii) expertise necessary to identify additional data 
     elements needed to provide comprehensive reporting of State 
     activities and outcomes; and
       (iv) experience in utilizing data to provide annual reports 
     to State policymakers.
       (C) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under this paragraph, an 
     eligible applicant shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       (D) Data-collection and reporting program.--In awarding the 
     grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, the Secretary 
     shall ensure that the recipient conducts a data-collection 
     and reporting program that enhances and improves the 
     operations and conduct of a State assistive technology 
     program. The Secretary shall ensure that the recipient 
     achieves that enhancement and improvement by using 
     quantitative and qualitative data elements, measuring the 
     outcomes of the required activities described in section 
     4(e), and measuring the accrued benefits of the activities to 
     individuals who need assistive technology and accessible 
     information technology and telecommunications.
       (E) Required data elements.--The core set of the data 
     elements shall, at a minimum, include data elements for--
       (i) the number and dollar amount of financial loans made;
       (ii) the number and type of assistive technology device 
     demonstrations provided;
       (iii) the number and type of assistive technology devices 
     loaned through device loan programs;
       (iv) the number and estimated value of assistive technology 
     devices exchanged, repaired, recycled, or re-utilized 
     (including redistributed through device sales, loans, 
     rentals, or donations) through device re-utilization 
     programs;
       (v)(I) the number and general characteristics of 
     individuals who participated in training (such as individuals 
     with disabilities, parents, educators, employers, providers 
     of employment services, health care workers, counselors, 
     other service providers, or vendors) and the topics of such 
     training; and
       (II) to the extent practicable, the geographic distribution 
     of individuals who participated in training or technical 
     assistance activities;
       (vi) the amount and nature of technical assistance provided 
     to State and local agencies and other entities;
       (vii) the number of individuals assisted through the 
     public-awareness activities and statewide information and 
     reference system;
       (viii) the outcomes of any improvement initiatives carried 
     out by the State as a result of activities funded under 
     section 4;
       (ix) the outcomes of interagency coordination and 
     collaboration activities carried out by the State that 
     support access to assistive technology;
       (x) measured outcomes of activities undertaken to improve 
     access to assistive technology devices and assistive 
     technology services for targeted populations;
       (xi) the outcomes of the services provided; and
       (xii) the level of customer satisfaction with, or the 
     outcomes of, the services provided.
       (F) Required input and collaboration.--In conducting data-
     collection and reporting activities under this paragraph, a 
     recipient of a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement 
     under this paragraph shall meet the following requirements:
       (i) Input.--The recipient shall actively involve, in the 
     development of the data-collection and reporting system, the 
     directors of State assistive technology programs and

[[Page S7471]]

     other individuals the Secretary determines to be appropriate, 
     especially--

       (I) individuals with disabilities who use, and understand 
     the barriers to the acquisition of, assistive technology and 
     accessible information technology and telecommunications;
       (II) family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives of such individuals;
       (III) relevant employees from other Federal departments and 
     agencies;
       (IV) businesses; and
       (V) venders and public and private researchers and 
     developers.

       (ii) Collaboration.--The recipient shall actively 
     collaborate, in developing and implementing the system, with 
     other organizations, in particular--

       (I) national organizations representing State assistive 
     technology programs;
       (II) the training and technical assistance providers 
     described in paragraph (1); and
       (III) entities carrying out projects of national 
     significance funded under section 6(b), as appropriate.

       (3) State protection and advocacy services training and 
     technical assistance efforts.--
       (A) General authority.--The Secretary shall award grants, 
     contracts, and cooperative agreements to provide training and 
     technical assistance concerning protection and advocacy 
     services.
       (B) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under this paragraph to 
     provide training and technical assistance, an entity shall 
     have personnel with documented experience related to 
     protection and advocacy services.
       (C) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under this paragraph, an 
     eligible applicant shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       (D) Training and technical assistance efforts.--
       (i) Technical assistance efforts.--In awarding the grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement, the Secretary shall 
     ensure that the recipient conducts a technical assistance 
     program through which the recipient--

       (I) provides advocacy-related and management-related 
     technical assistance;
       (II) prepares publications, in numerous formats, on the 
     funding of assistive technology through a variety of funding 
     sources;
       (III) makes available, through in-house resource libraries, 
     documents related to the funding of assistive technology;
       (IV) maintains a project website containing information 
     concerning the funding of assistive technology, and 
     containing publications and links to other web-based 
     resources to support assistive technology advocacy efforts; 
     and
       (V) maintains a national assistive technology list serve.

       (ii) Training efforts.--In awarding the grant, contract, or 
     cooperative agreement, the Secretary shall ensure that the 
     recipient conducts a training program through which the 
     recipient--

       (I) provides advocacy-related training through annual 
     statewide or regional conferences and distance-training 
     events; and
       (II) provides management-related training at annual 
     training events, assisting protection and advocacy managers 
     and fiscal officers to meet grant obligations.

       (iii) Data collection and reporting.--The recipient shall 
     prepare and submit to the Secretary a report containing 
     information on the activities carried out under this 
     paragraph, including information on the following:

       (I) Non-case services.
       (II) Case services.
       (III) Statistical information for individuals served.
       (IV) Systemic activities and litigation.
       (V) Priorities and objectives.
       (VI) Agency administration.

       (c) National Information Internet System.--
       (1) In general.--In order to provide information nationally 
     on the availability of assistive technology, the Secretary 
     may award 1 grant, contract, or cooperative agreement on a 
     competitive basis to maintain, renovate, and update the 
     National Public Internet Site established under section 
     104(c)(1) of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 
     3014(c)(1)), as in effect on the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       (2) Eligible entity.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), an 
     entity shall be a nonprofit organization, for-profit 
     organization, or institution of higher education, that--
       (A) emphasizes research and engineering;
       (B) has a multidisciplinary research center; and
       (C) has demonstrated expertise in--
       (i) working with assistive technology, accessible 
     information technology and telecommunications, and 
     intelligent agent interactive information dissemination 
     systems;
       (ii) managing libraries of assistive technology, accessible 
     information technology and telecommunications, and 
     disability-related resources;
       (iii) delivering to individuals with disabilities 
     education, information, and referral services, including 
     technology-based curriculum-development services for adults 
     with low-level reading skills;
       (iv) developing cooperative partnerships with the private 
     sector, particularly with private-sector computer software, 
     hardware, and Internet services entities; and
       (v) developing and designing advanced Internet sites.
       (3) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant, 
     contract, or cooperative agreement under this section, an 
     eligible applicant shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       (4) National public internet site.--
       (A) Features of internet site.--The National Public 
     Internet Site shall contain the following features:
       (i) Availability of information at any time.--The site 
     shall be designed so that any member of the public may obtain 
     information posted on the site at any time.
       (ii) Innovative automated intelligent agent.--The site 
     shall be constructed with an innovative automated intelligent 
     agent that is a diagnostic tool for assisting users in 
     problem definition and the selection of appropriate assistive 
     technology devices and assistive technology services 
     resources and accessible information technology and 
     telecommunications.
       (iii) Resources.--

       (I) Library on assistive technology.--The site shall 
     include access to a comprehensive working library on 
     assistive technology and accessible information technology 
     and telecommunications for all environments, including home, 
     workplace, transportation, and other environments.
       (II) Information on accommodating individuals with 
     disabilities.--The site shall include access to evidence-
     based research and best practices concerning how assistive 
     technology and accessible information technology and 
     telecommunications can be used to accommodate individuals 
     with disabilities in the areas of education, employment, 
     health care, community living, and telecommunications and 
     information technology.
       (III) Resources for a number of disabilities.--The site 
     shall include resources relating to the largest possible 
     number of disabilities, including resources relating to low-
     level reading skills and cognitive disabilities.

       (iv) Links to private-sector resources and information.--To 
     the extent feasible, the site shall be linked to relevant 
     private-sector resources and information, under agreements 
     developed between the recipient of the grant, contract, or 
     cooperative agreement and cooperating private-sector 
     entities.
       (v) Links to public-sector resources and information.--To 
     the extent feasible, the site shall be linked to relevant 
     public-sector resources and information, such as the Internet 
     sites of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation 
     Services of the Department of Education, the Office of 
     Disability Employment Policy of the Department of Labor, the 
     Small Business Administration, the Architectural and 
     Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, and the Technology 
     Administration of the Department of Commerce, the accessible 
     website described in subsection (b)(1)(D)(ii)(V), the Jobs 
     Accommodation Network funded by the Office of Disability 
     Employment Policy of the Department of Labor, and other 
     relevant sites.
       (B) Minimum library components.--At a minimum, the National 
     Public Internet Site shall maintain updated information on--
       (i) State assistive technology program demonstration sites 
     where individuals may try out assistive technology devices;
       (ii) State assistive technology program device loan program 
     sites where individuals may borrow assistive technology 
     devices;
       (iii) State assistive technology program device re-
     utilization program sites;
       (iv) alternative financing programs or systems operated 
     through, or independently of, State assistive technology 
     programs, and other sources of funding for assistive 
     technology devices; and
       (v) various tax credits available to employers for hiring 
     or accommodating employees who are individuals with 
     disabilities.
       (5) Input.--While providing information (including 
     technical assistance) under this subsection, the Secretary 
     and recipient of the grant, contract, or cooperative 
     agreement under this subsection shall consider the input of 
     the directors of State assistive technology programs and 
     other individuals the Secretary determines to be appropriate, 
     especially--
       (A) individuals with disabilities who use, and understand 
     the barriers to the acquisition of, assistive technology and 
     accessible information technology and telecommunications;
       (B) family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized 
     representatives of such individuals;
       (C) relevant employees from other Federal departments and 
     agencies involved in the procurement or development of 
     assistive technology devices, or the provision of assistive 
     technology services;
       (D) employers of people with disabilities, especially small 
     business employers; and
       (E) venders and public and private researchers and 
     developers.

     SEC. 8. TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY ASSESSMENT.

       (a) In General.--To better promote and serve the United 
     States assistive technology industry, the Secretary may 
     conduct a detailed assessment of the industry. Such 
     assessment shall provide data and analysis

[[Page S7472]]

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

     SEC. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

       (a) General Administration.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services 
     Administration in the Office of Special Education and 
     Rehabilitative Services of the Department of Education shall 
     be responsible for the administration of this Act.
       (2) Collaboration.--The Commissioner of the Rehabilitation 
     Services Administration may make 1 or more grants to, or 
     enter into 1 or more contracts, interagency agreements, or 
     cooperative agreements with, the Director of the Office of 
     Special Education Programs or the National Institute on 
     Disability and Rehabilitation Research in the Office of 
     Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of the 
     Department of Education, the Assistant Secretary for 
     Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor, the 
     Under Secretary for Technology in the Department of Commerce, 
     the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, or 
     the head of any other entity approved by the Secretary to 
     assist in the administration of this Act.
       (3) Administration.--In administering this Act, the 
     Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration 
     shall ensure the provision of assistive technology, through 
     comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related 
     assistance, to individuals of all ages, whether the 
     individuals will use the assistive technology to obtain or 
     maintain employment or for other reasons.
       (b) Review of Participating Entities.--The Secretary shall 
     assess the extent to which entities that receive grants under 
     this Act are complying with the applicable requirements of 
     this Act and achieving goals that are consistent with the 
     requirements of the grant programs under which the entities 
     received the grants.
       (c) Corrective Action and Sanctions.--
       (1) Corrective action.--If the Secretary determines that an 
     entity that receives a grant under this Act fails to 
     substantially comply with the applicable requirements of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall assist the entity, through technical 
     assistance funded under section 7 or other means, within 90 
     days after such determination, to develop a corrective action 
     plan.
       (2) Sanctions.--If the entity fails to develop and comply 
     with a corrective action plan described in paragraph (1) 
     during a fiscal year, the entity shall be subject to 1 of the 
     following corrective actions selected by the Secretary:
       (A) Partial or complete termination of funding under the 
     grant program.
       (B) Ineligibility to participate in the grant program in 
     the following year.
       (C) Reduction in funding for the following year under the 
     grant program.
       (D) Required redesignation of the lead agency designated 
     under section 4(c)(1).
       (3) Appeals procedures.--The Secretary shall establish 
     appeals procedures for entities that are determined to be in 
     noncompliance with the applicable requirements of this Act.
       (d) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to affect the enforcement authority of the 
     Secretary, another Federal officer, or a court under part E 
     of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1234 et 
     seq.) or other applicable law.
       (e) Effect on Other Assistance.--This Act may not be 
     construed as authorizing a Federal or State agency to reduce 
     medical or other assistance available, or to alter 
     eligibility for a benefit or service, under any other Federal 
     law.

     SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

     SEC. 11. REPEAL.

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

  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, today I join with my colleague from New 
Hampshire, Senator Gregg, and others to introduce the Assistive 
Technology Act of 2004.
  Assistive technology and accessible information technology and 
telecommunication are so critical to the lives of people with 
disabilities. An NOD/Harris poll released today shows that 35 percent 
of individuals with disabilities surveyed indicated that they would not 
be able to take care of themselves at home without assistive 
technology. Over a quarter of individuals with disabilities reported 
that they would not be able to get around outside of their homes. 
Assistive technology and accessible information technology and 
telecommunication also provide opportunities in education, employment 
and civic and social participation that would not otherwise be 
available to some individuals with disabilities.
  To quote the National Council on Disability--``For Americans without 
disabilities, technology makes things easier. For Americans with 
disabilities, technology makes things possible.''
  The Assistive Technology Act that we introduce today builds upon the 
successes of this law, dating back to 1988. The state Assistive 
Technology programs have been very effective in providing information, 
training, and technical assistance to a wide array of individuals in 
their states, including people with disabilities, their families, 
educators, health care professionals and others. The Assistive 
Technology Act has also authorized alternate finance programs that have 
offered low interest loans and other financing to people with 
disabilities who otherwise could not access the funds needed to buy 
their assistive technology.
  The most recent data available, FY 02, indicates that the programs 
are making a substantial difference in their states. In that year, 
there were 92,000 equipment demonstrations provided, 38,000 devices 
loaned to individuals with disabilities and over 6,000 devices 
exchanged or recycled. Also over 6 million dollars was loaned to 
individuals with disabilities so they could purchase assistive 
technology, ranging from a hearing device to an accessible van. The AT 
programs also provided needed information to a wide array of 
individuals, answering 151,000 requests for assistance and training 
over 172,000 people.
  In this reauthorization, we strengthen this successful program and 
provide authorization for increased appropriations to carry out the 
many activities that are needed in the states. We emphasize programs 
that will improve access to assistive technology devices and also 
increase attention to some federal priorities, including 
improving education, promoting community integration, and increasing 
employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

  While there are many important initiatives in this bill, I will 
highlight a few of the most significant.
  First, the bill authorizes a minimum of $500,000 for each state 
program and includes an authorization of 36 million dollars in 2005 
which would allow each state to receive that minimum. These funds will 
be used to support all of the activities specified in the law.
  The bill also strengthens some of the core functions of the state 
assistive technology programs, focusing training and technical 
assistance to ensure statewide access to information and an emphasis on 
skills development and technical training to improve service planning 
for individuals with disabilities.

[[Page S7473]]

  It further requires States focus their efforts on one of three target 
populations. These populations include 1. elementary and secondary 
school students, providers and related personnel; 2. adult service 
provider clients, providers and related personnel; and 3. employees, 
employment providers, and related personnel.
  States will be required to focus their energies on service planning 
for one of these populations so we can ensure that assistive technology 
is getting out to where it is needed most--in the schools, on the job 
and in the community. The Senate has recently passed the Individuals 
with Disabilities Act and the Workforce Investment Act and we continue 
to be concerned about implementation of the ADA and the Olmstead 
decision. This targeted effort aligns the Assistive Technology Act with 
these other initiatives.
  The bill includes provisions designed to increase access to assistive 
technology and accessible information technology and telecommunications 
by requiring that assistive technology programs operate equipment loan, 
device reutilization, device demonstration, and financing systems. The 
bill also seeks to improve information about service providers and 
vendors of assistive technology and accessible information technology.
  Because individuals with disabilities still experience significantly 
fewer employment opportunities than individuals without disabilities, 
the bill places an emphasis on educating and targeting employers and 
employees. One of the projects of national significance authorized in 
the bill includes development of public service announcements and other 
means of reaching employers and others with information regarding 
assistive technology.
  For the first time, the bill addresses the need to coordinate state 
program activities with the businesses that develop and produce much of 
the assistive technology and accessible information technology. The 
bill authorizes a project of national significance in research and 
development and authorizes the Secretary to conduct a detailed 
assessment of the assistive technology industry.
  The bill also recognizes the ongoing contribution of protection and 
advocacy services in making assistive technology available to 
individuals with disabilities and increases minimum authorization 
levels for this important function. Iowa has had a very successful 
advocacy program, which will be continued under this bill.
  These are just a few of the many significant issues addressed in this 
bill. It is a very comprehensive effort due to the hard work of the 
many stakeholders that participated.
  I want to thank my colleague, Senator Gregg, and his staff, 
particularly Aaron Bishop and Annie White, for their work on this 
bipartisan initiative. I also want to recognize the work of Senators 
Kennedy, Roberts, Reed and Warner and their staff members, Kent 
Mitchell, Connie Garner, Jennifer Swenson, Elyse Wasch, Erica Swanson, 
and John Robinson because this has truly been a collaborative and 
bipartisan effort to reauthorize this important legislation.
  As part of this reauthorization process, committee staff have had 
extensive bipartisan briefings and met with a very wide array of 
stakeholders. Stakeholders also participated in work groups designed to 
forge consensus on many of the issues addressed in this bill. As a 
result, I believe we have a very strong bill. I want to thank the many 
individuals with disabilities, family members, assistive technology 
programs, vendors, members of the information technology industry, the 
financial and business community, service providers, advocates, 
educators and others who gave generously of their time and worked so 
hard on this bill.
  This bill continues the tradition of bipartisan cooperation that has 
marked significant disability legislation. Just as the ADA, IDEA and 
other bills have been bipartisan, so is this Assistive Technology Act 
of 2004. I look forward to moving ahead and getting it enacted into 
law.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I am proud to join Senators Gregg and 
Harkin in the introduction of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, 
which will continue and expand our Nation's promise to improve access 
to assistive technology for individuals in every State and territory.
  In the Senate we are dedicated to breaking down barriers to equal 
education, to employment opportunities and to quality and affordable 
health care. Assistive technology enables people with disabilities to 
break down the physical and other barriers which prevent them from 
reaching their full potential.
  For an individual with difficulty communicating, a hand-writing aid 
or a communication board can open up a whole new world of 
relationships. A wheelchair or scooter can give them the freedom to 
engage in activities otherwise impossible. And switches and other 
devices can transform their home into an accessible environment and 
allow them to perform daily household tasks essential to independent 
living.
  Since 1988, the Assistive Technology Act has funded projects in every 
State and territory to raise awareness about the enormous potential of 
assistive technology, give individuals an opportunity to test products, 
and connect them with low-cost options for purchasing technology. Each 
project has a different focus, but all are providing these core 
services, and providing them well.
  In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Assistive Technology Project 
trains individuals with disabilities to be self-advocates. They monitor 
implementation of State and Federal laws. And they operate an Equipment 
Exchange Trading Post for individuals to exchange or sell assistive 
technology products. This is just a small sample of what they are 
doing. They deserve great credit, and so do the other projects across 
the nation.
  The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 makes a commitment to continue 
these projects. It asks them to perform device demonstrations, 
equipment loans, device refurbishment, and provide financing systems 
such as low-cost loan programs. It mandates a new focus on training 
local personnel who work every day with people with disabilities in 
adult service provider settings, in schools, and in employment 
settings. It gives States the flexibility to which populations to focus 
on, but asks that they work to make the promise of the Individuals with 
Disabilities Education Act, the Workforce Investment Act, and the 
Olmstead decision a reality.
  I know they are up to the challenge, and I will work to ensure they 
have the resources to make it happen. To that end, the act authorizes 
additional resources and sets a higher minimum appropriation of 
$500,000 for each State project. It is vital that any final legislation 
include this recognition that these life-changing services need real 
resources.
  I commend Senators Gregg, Harkin, and Reed for their hard work on 
this legislation. I also commend all of the disability advocates, 
organizations and project directors who informed this legislation. I 
look forward to working with them and my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to get a bill signed into law this year.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise as an original cosponsor of the 
Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with 
Disabilities Act of 2004. This important legislation reauthorizes the 
Assistive Technology, AT, Act, which helps States strengthen their 
capacity to address the assistive technology needs of individuals with 
disabilities and supports loan and device demonstration programs, for 
six years.
  This legislation improves current law in several ways which will help 
individuals with disabilities gain access to the assistive technology 
devices and services that will help them lead full and productive 
lives. Importantly, the legislation removes the sunset provision 
included in the last reauthorization and increases the minimum State 
allotment to $500,000, ensuring that all States can continue this vital 
work. Assistive technology devices and services are increasingly 
necessary, particularly as our population ages and for soldiers 
returning from battle with injuries that used to be life ending.
  I am particularly pleased that this legislation contains language I 
sought to address areas of need that I heard from assistive technology 
users, providers, advocates, and administrators in my State of Rhode 
Island. First, the bill enhances training activities to improve the 
capacity of local education,

[[Page S7474]]

early intervention, adult providers, and employers to assess, 
implement, and integrate AT devices. Secondly, funding is authorized 
for inventing and developing new AT devices and adapting, maintaining, 
servicing, and improving existing AT devices. Finally, the bill makes 
great strides to promote interagency coordination and collaboration to 
effectively deliver assistive technology devices and services.
  I want to thank Senators Gregg, Kennedy, and Harkin for working so 
closely with me and my staff on this bill. It is my hope that we will 
be able to maintain this same cooperative, bipartisan spirit in which 
this bill was crafted as the reauthorization process moves forward.
                                 ______