Rehabilitation Amendments of 1984

(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 98-595) Rehabilitation Amendments of 1984 - Title I: Rehabilitation Program - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration to collect specified information on each client of rehabilitation program whose case is closed out in the preceding year and to include such information in annual reports to the President and the Congress. Requires the Secretary of Education to establish and use standards for the evaluation of programs required by such Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments relating to the administration of such Act. Part A: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for basic vocational rehabilitation services (other than the client assistance program) in a specified amount for FY 1984, and for FY 1985 through 1987 in amounts to be determined by increases in the consumer price index. Authorizes additional appropriations for such purpose in FY 1985 and 1986. Limits the amount of such appropriations for FY 1985 and 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for innovation and expansion of vocational rehabilitation services in such sums as may be necessary for FY 1984 through 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants to Indian tribes for vocational rehabilitation services for FY 1984 through 1986. Provides for an automatic extension for one fiscal year of the authorization of appropriations for, or the duration of, the State grant program for basic vocational rehabilitation services unless the Congress takes specified actions in the regular session which ends prior to the beginning of the terminal fiscal year of such authorization or duration. Provides that any additional appropriations shall be allocated in the same manner as State allotments for basic vocational rehabilitation services. Eliminates the requirement that the determination of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services under the State grants program be demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt following initial evaluation. Requires the Secretary to make grants to States to establish and carry out client assistance programs to provide assistance in informing and advising clients and client applicants of available benefits under such Act. Disallows a State from receiving such grants unless the State has in effect by a specified date a client assistance program which meets certain requirements. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations applicable to the client assistance program. Directs the Commissioner to: (1) conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the client assistance program; and (2) report to Congress by February 1, 1986. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program for FY 1984 through 1986. Revises provisions for innovation and expansion grants to: (1) delete references to handicapped individuals who are poor and for whom the State rehabilitation agency shares responsibility for treatment, education, and rehabilitation with other agencies; and (2) add references to programs which maximize the use of technological innovations in meeting the employment training needs of handicapped youth and adults. Extends through FY 1986 the period during which funds appropriated for such grants shall remain available. Part B: Research and Training - Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the National Institute of Handicapped Research, in such amounts as may be necessary; and (2) other research and training programs in vocational rehabilitation services, in specified amounts. Requires that the Director of the National Institute of Handicapped Research be an individual with substantial experience in rehabilitation and in research administration. Requires the Director to: (1) make a grant to an institution of higher education for the establishment of a program of pediatric rehabilitation research at an institution of higher education; and (2) establish, either directly or by way of grant or contract, a Research and Training Center in the Pacific Basin. Requires that Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers include both comprehensive multiple disabilities centers and centers focused on particular disabilities. Provides that centers need not be automatically terminated at the end of a project period. Permits center renewal on the basis of a thorough evaluation and peer review, including site visits. Makes training of students preparing to be rehabilitation personnel a priority. Permits grants to include faculty support for teaching of rehabilitation related courses of study for credit and other courses offered by the institutions of higher education affiliated with the center. Authorizes the Director to make grants for a rehabilitation research program. Limits the amount of any single grant in any fiscal year. Part C: Supplementary Services and Facilities - Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations for grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities, staffing, and planning assistance (to remain available for expenditure for construction projects funded or staffing grants made prior to October 1, 1987). Revises requirements for Federal grants and contracts for personnel projects relating to training, traineeships, and related activities. Authorizes appropriations for such grants and contracts for FY 1984 through 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive rehabilitation centers through FY 1986. Authorizes appropriations for special projects through FY 1986. Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Handicapped Research to make grants to States and to public or nonprofit agencies for special projects and demonstrations for spinal cord injuries. Authorizes the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration to make grants to public and nonprofit agencies for job training for handicapped youths. Authorizes appropriations for special recreational programs through FY 1986. Part D: National Council - Makes the National Council on the Handicapped (NCH) an independent agency within the executive branch and no longer an agency within the Department of Education or any other executive department or agency. Transfers to the Chairman of NCH all functions relating to NCH which were vested in the Secretary of Education prior to enactment of this Act. Provides that the Chairman shall continue to exercise all functions under any law or authority which the Chairman was performing prior to enactment of this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Requires NCH, in addition to its annual report, to provide advice, recommendations, and information to the Congress on a continuing basis. Directs NCH to: (1) review all statutes pertaining to Federal programs which assist handicapped individuals; (2) make a priority listing of such programs based on number of individuals assisted and Federal costs; (3) assess such programs, and make recommendations on legislative proposals, on the basis of specified factors; and (4) submit a final report to the President and Congress by February 1, 1986. Revises provisions relating to NCH staff. Authorizes NCH to: (1) accept voluntary and uncompensated services; (2) accept specified types of contributions; and (3) enter into specified types of contracts and cooperative agreements. Limits the amount which may be used for official representation and reception to ten percent of the total amounts available to NCH in each fiscal year. Provides that a specified amount in FY 1984 shall be transferred and made available to NCH from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education. Part E: Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board through FY 1986. Part F: Employment Opportunities - Extends the authorization of appropriations for community service employment pilot programs through FY 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for projects with industry (PWI) and business opportunities for handicapped individuals through FY 1986. Requires that PWI agreements include descriptions of evaluation plans. Directs the Commissioner to: (1) develop and publish standards for PWI evaluation by February 1, 1985; and (2) conduct a comprehensive PWI evaluation and report to Congress by February 1, 1986. Directs the Commissioner to consider recommendations from specified sources in developing such evaluation standards. Prohibits establishment of such standards without the approval of the National Council on the Handicapped. Requires the Commissioner to assure, to the extent practicable, equitable distribution of PWI payments among the States. Part G: Services for Independent Living - Extends the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive services for independent living through FY 1986. Sets forth provisions, similar to those for the PWI program, for: (1) evaluation plan descriptions by applicants for independent living center grants; (2) independent living center evaluation standards, comprehensive evaluation, and report to Congress by the Commissioner; and (3) NCH approval of such evaluation standards. Title II: Reauthorization of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults - Helen Keller National Center Act - Repeals provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 relating to the Helen Keller National Center. Directs the Secretary of Education to continue to administer and support the Center. Sets forth the purposes of the Center as follows: (1) to provide specialized intensive services for deaf-blind persons; (2) to train personnel to provide such services; and (3) to conduct applied research, development, and demonstrations relating to communication techniques, teaching methods, aids, and devices, and delivery of services. Requires an annual independent audit of the Center. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures for regular monitoring of services and training provided by the Center; (2) conduct an evaluation of the operation of the Center at the end of each fiscal year; and (3) report on such evaluation to the President and Congress within 180 days after the end of each fiscal year, with the first such report to be submitted for FY 1983. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 to carry out this title. Requires that any appropriation act containing any appropriation authorized by this title shall specify the amount being made available to the Center. Defines "Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults" to mean that facility and its affiliated network operated pursuant to specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Provides that nothing in this Act shall in any way cause to affect or modify any existing or future agreement between any Federal departments, agency, or instrumentality and the Industrial Home for the Blind, Inc., or its successors or assignees, with respect to the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Title III: Developmental Disabilities - Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 for: (1) State programs for the protection and advocacy of the rights of persons with developmental disabilities; (2) grants to university affiliated facilities; (3) grants for planning and the provision of services; and (4) grants to public or nonprofit private entities for special projects.

(Measure passed House, amended, in lieu of H.R. 3520) Title I: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1983 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for basic vocational rehabilitation services in a specified amount FY 1984, and for FY 1985 through 1988 in amounts to be determined by increases in the consumer price index. Eliminates the requirement that the determination of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services under the State grants program be demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt following initial evaluation. Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for innovation and expansion of vocational rehabilitation services through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary. Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations for grants to Indian tribes for vocational rehabilitation services. Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations, in specified minimum amounts, for client assistance projects. Extends the authorization of appropriations for research and training in vocational rehabilitation services through FY 1986 in such amounts as may be necessary for: (1) the National Institute of Handicapped Research; and (2) other specified research and training programs. Requires that Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers include both comprehensive multiple disabilities centers and centers focused on particular disabilities. Provides that centers need not be automatically terminated at the end of a project period. Permits center renewal on the basis of a thorough evaluation and peer review including site visits. Makes training of students preparing to be rehabilitation personnel a priority. Provides that grants shall not be prohibited from including faculty support for teaching of credit and other courses offered by the institutions of higher education affiliated with the center. Extends the authorization of appropriations for supplementary services and facilities through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary for: (1) construction of rehabilitation facilities, staffing, and planning assistance (to remain available for expenditure for construction projects funded or staffing grants made prior to October 1, 1987); (2) vocational training for handicapped individuals; (3) training of personnel providing rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals; (4) comprehensive rehabilitation centers; and (5) special projects and supplementary services. Revises training provisions to require that funds be targeted on areas of qualified rehabilitation personnel shortage. Directs the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to report annually to the Congress, documenting the relationship between personnel shortage findings and current and proposed distribution of training funds. Makes the National Council on the Handicapped (NCH) an independent agency within the executive branch and no longer an agency within the Department of Education or any other executive department or agency. Transfers to the Chairman of NCH all functions relating to NCH which were vested in the Secretary of Education prior to enactment of this Act. Provides that the Chairman shall continue to exercise all functions under any law or authority which the Chairman was performing prior to enactment of this Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Requires NCH, in addition to its annual report, to provide advice, recommendations, and information to the Congress on a continuing basis. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board through FY 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for employment opportunities for handicapped individuals through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary for: (1) community service employment pilot programs for handicapped individuals; and (2) projects with industry and business opportunities for handicapped individuals. Includes designated State units among those entities which may be eligible for projects with industries grants. Extends the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive services for independent living through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Title II: Reauthorization of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults - Helen Keller National Center Act - Repeals provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 relating to the Helen Keller National Center. Directs the Secretary of Education to continue to administer and support the Center. Sets forth the purposes of the Center as follows: (1) to provide specialized intensive services for deaf-blind persons; (2) to train personnel to provide such services; and (3) to conduct applied research, development, and demonstrations relating to communication techniques, teaching methods, aids, and devices, and delivery of services. Requires an annual independent audit of the Center. Directs the Secretary of Education to ensure that: (1) Center service and training programs are monitored regularly; and (2) Center operation is evaluated annually, with written reports to the President and the Congress submitted by specified deadlines. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for Center operation and maintenance for use in accordance with guidelines or regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Defines "Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults" to mean that facility and its affiliated network operated pursuant to specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Provides that nothing in this Act shall in any way cause to affect or modify any existing or future agreement between any federal departments, agency, or instrumentality and the Industrial Home for the Blind, Inc., or its successors or assignees, with respect to the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Title III: National Commission on Federal Assistance to Disabled Americans - National Commission on Federal Assistance to Disabled Americans Act - Establishes a select commission to be known as the National Commission on Federal Assistance to Disabled Americans. Requires the Commission to: (1) review all statutes pertaining to Federal programs which assist disabled Americans; (2) make a priority listing of such programs based on the number of disabled Americans they assist and the Federal costs of such programs; (3) assess the extent to which such programs provide incentives or discentives to the establishment of community-based services for disabled Americans, promote the full integration of such individuals in the community, in schools, and in the workplace, and contribute to the independence and dignity of such individuals, and (4) recommend to the President and the Congress legislative mechanisms for increasing incentives and eliminating discentives in Federal programs assisting disabled Americans. Requires the Commission to submit to Congress and the President: (1) an interim report of its recommendation within 12 months of its first meeting; and (2) a final report of its recommendations within 18 months after its first meeting. Sets forth provisions for Commission: (1) membership; (2) executive director and staff; and (3) powers. Terminates the Commission 90 days after its final report is transmitted to the President and Congress. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Title IV: Other Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 for programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Education and Labor at such funding levels as are assumed under the first budget resolution for FY 1984. Provides that such authorizations of appropriations: (1) supersede, and are not in addition to, those (or the limitations thereon) established under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981; and (2) do not supersede, and are not in addition to, any enacted after the enactment of such Act. Sets forth specified funding levels for FY 1984 for the following programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee: (1) the compensatory education program; (2) the impact aid program; (3) the vocational education program; (4) the adult education program; (5) the arts and humanities programs; (6) the museum services program; (7) the community services (block-grant); (8) the low-income energy assistance program (and revises the formula for determining State allotments under the low-income energy assistance program); and (9) the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children. Authorizes appropriations in an increased amount to carry out the education of the handicapped programs under the Education of the Handicapped Act. Authorizes appropriations in an increased amount for FY 1984 to carry out the National Technical Institute for the Deaf Act. Title V: Special Impact Aid for Immigrant Children Education Emergency Immigrant Education Act of 1983 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 for special impact aid payments to State and local educational agencies which provide educational services to immigrant children. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to pay each State educational agency (SEA) for its administrative costs under this title, in an amount up to one percent of the funds to which the SEA is entitled under this title. Sets forth provisions for withholding of payments under this title. Directs the Secretary to make, for FY 1984 through 1986, State entitlement payments equal to $500 for each immigrant child in public and nonpublic elementary or secondary schools within eligible local educational agencies (LEAs). Requires that the number of such children in the public and nonpublic schools within an eligible LEA be at least the lesser of: (1) 500; or (2) five percent of the total enrollment in such public or nonpublic schools during the fiscal year. Excludes, for purposes of determining the amount of the grant for any SEA for any fiscal year, the number of immigrant children for whom such SEA receives funds under the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 for such fiscal year. Permits payments to States under this title to be used for supplementary public educational services and costs for immigrant children in public and nonpublic schools within districts served by eligible LEAs. Includes among such services: (1) English language instruction; (2) other bilingual educational services; (3) special materials and supplies; (4) additional basic instructional services; and (5) inservice personnel training. Sets forth requirements for SEA applications for payments under this title. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make payments to SEAs having applications approved; and (2) arrange for the provision of public educational services under this Act to children enrolled in nonpublic schools, in cases where a LEA is prohibited from providing such services to such children and where the LEA has substantially failed or is unwilling to provide for the participation on an equitable basis of such children in such services.

(Measure passed Senate, amended) Rehabilitation Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Rehabilitation Program - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration to collect specified information on each client of rehabilitation programs whose case is closed in the preceding fiscal year and include such information in annual reports to the President and the Congress. Requires the Secretary of Education to establish and use standards for the evaluation of programs required by such Act. Makes technical and conforming amendments relating to the administration of such Act. Part A: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 for making grants to States for vocational rehabilitation services. Requires the Secretary to make grants to States to establish and carry out client assistance programs to provide assistance in informing and advising clients and client applicants of available benefits under such Act. Disallows a State from receiving such grants unless the State has in effect by a specified date a client assistance program which meets certain requirements. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations applicable to the client assistance program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. Part B: Research - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 for handicapped research. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Handicapped Research to: (1) make a grant to an institution of higher education for the establishment of a program of pediatric rehabilitation research at an institution of higher education; and (2) establish, either directly or by way of grant or contract, a Research and Training Center in the Pacific Basin. Provides that Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers shall include both comprehensive centers dealing with multiple disabilities and centers focused on particular disabilities. Provides that grants to such Centers need not be automatically terminated at the end of a project period and may be renewed under specified circumstances. Part C: Supplementary Services and Facilities - Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities, staffing, and planning assistance; and (2) grants for vocational training services for handicapped individuals. Revises requirements for Federal grants and contracts for personnel projects relating to training, traineeships, and related activities. Authorizes appropriations for such grants and contracts for FY 1984 through 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive rehabilitation centers through FY 1986. Authorizes appropriations for special projects through FY 1986. Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Handicapped Research to make grants to States and to public or nonprofit agencies for special projects and demonstrations for spinal cord injuries. Authorizes the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration to make grants to public and nonprofit agencies for: (1) assisting individuals with mental retardation to enter the labor force; and (2) job training for handicapped youths. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults through FY 1986. Authorizes appropriations for special recreational programs through FY 1986. Part D: National Council - Makes the National Council on the Handicapped an independent body within the executive branch of the Federal Government. Revises the duties of such Council. Part E: Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board through FY 1984. Part F: Employment Opportunities - Extends the authorization of appropriations for community service employment pilot programs through FY 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for projects with industry and business opportunities for handicapped individuals through FY 1986. Requires the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration to develop and publish standards to review and evaluate the operation of independent living centers. Part G: Services for Independent Living - Extends the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive services for independent living through FY 1986. Title II: Developmental Disabilities - Amends the Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 for: (1) State programs for the protection and advocacy of the rights of persons with developmental disabilities; (2) grants to university affiliated facilities; (3) grants for planning and the provision of services; and (4) grants to public or nonprofit private entities for special projects. Makes technical and conforming amendments relating to the administration of such Act.

Rehabilitation Amendments of 1983 - Title I: Rehabilitation Program - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration to collect specified information on each client of rehabilitation programs whose case is closed out in the preceding fiscal year and include such information in annual reports to the President and the Congress. Requires the Secretary of Education to establish and use standards for the evaluation of programs required by such Act. Part A: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 for making grants to States for vocational rehabilitation services. Requires the Secretary to make grants to States to establish and carry out client assistance programs to provide assistance in informing and advising clients and client applicants of available benefits under such Act. Disallows a State from receiving such grants unless the State has in effect by a specified date a client assistance program which meets certain requirements. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations applicable to the client assistance program. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. Part B: Research - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986 for handicapped research. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Handicapped Research to: (1) make a grant to an institution of higher education for the establishment of a program of pediatric rehabilitation research at an institution of higher education; and (2) establish, either directly or by way of grant or contract, a Research and Training Center in the Pacific Basin. Provides that Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers shall include both comprehensive centers dealing with multiple disabilities and centers focused on particular disabilities. Provides that grants to such Centers need not be automatically terminated at the end of a project period and may be renewed under specified circumstances. Part C: Supplementary Services and Facilities - Extends through FY 1986 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities, staffing, and planning assistance; and (2) grants for vocational training services for handicapped individuals. Revises requirements for Federal grants and contracts for personnel projects relating to training, traineeships, and related activities. Authorizes appropriations for such grants and contracts for FY 1984 through 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive rehabilitation centers through FY 1986. Authorizes appropriations for special projects through FY 1986. Authorizes the Director of the National Institute of Handicapped Research to make grants to States and to public or nonprofit agencies for special projects and demonstrations for spinal cord injuries. Authorizes the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration to make grants to public and nonprofit agencies for: (1) assisting individuals with mental retardation to enter the labor force; any (2) job training for handicapped youths. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults through FY 1986. Authorizes appropriations for special recreational programs through FY 1986. Part D: National Council - Makes the National Council on the Handicapped an independent body within the executive branch of the Federal Government. Revises the duties of such Council. Part E: Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board - Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board through FY 1984. Part F: Employment Opportunities - Extends the authorization of appropriations for community service employment pilot programs through FY 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for projects with industry and business opportunities for handicapped individuals through FY 1986. Requires the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration to develop and publish standards to review and evaluate the operation of independent living centers. Part G: Services for Independent Living - Extends the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive services for independent living through FY 1986. Title II:; Developmental Disabilities - Amends the Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to authorize appropriations for FY 1984 for: (1) State programs for the protection and advocacy of the rights of persons with developmental disabilities; (2) grants to university affiliated facilities; (3) grants for planning and the provision of services; and (4) grants to public or nonprofit private entities for special projects.