29 USC 773 - Demonstration and training programs

View all text of Subchapter III [§ 771 - § 776]

§ 773. Demonstration and training programs

(a) Demonstration projects to increase client choice

(1) Grants

(2) Use of fundsAn entity that receives a grant under this subsection shall use the grant only—

(A) for activities that are directly related to planning, operating, and evaluating the demonstration projects; and

(B) to supplement, and not supplant, funds made available from Federal and non-Federal sources for such projects.

(3) ApplicationAny eligible entity that desires to receive a grant under this subsection shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Commissioner may require, including—

(A) a description of—

(i) how the entity intends to promote increased client choice in the rehabilitation process, including a description, if appropriate, of how an applicant will determine the cost of any service or product offered to an eligible client;

(ii) how the entity intends to ensure that any vocational rehabilitation service or related service is provided by a qualified provider who is accredited or meets such other quality assurance and cost-control criteria as the State may establish; and

(iii) the outreach activities to be conducted by the applicant to obtain eligible clients; and

(B) assurances that a written plan will be established with the full participation of the client, which plan shall, at a minimum, include—

(i) a statement of the vocational rehabilitation goals to be achieved;

(ii) a statement of the specific vocational rehabilitation services to be provided, the projected dates for their initiation, and the anticipated duration of each such service; and

(iii) objective criteria, an evaluation procedure, and a schedule, for determining whether such goals are being achieved.

(4) Award of grantsIn selecting entities to receive grants under paragraph (1), the Commissioner shall take into consideration—

(A) the diversity of strategies used to increase client choice, including selection among qualified service providers;

(B) the geographic distribution of projects; and

(5) Records

(6) Direct services

(7) Evaluation

(8) DefinitionsFor the purposes of this subsection:

(A) Direct services

(B) Eligible client

(b) Special demonstration programs

(1) Grants; contracts

(2) Eligible entities; terms and conditions

(A) Eligible entities

(B) Terms and conditions

(3) ApplicationAn eligible entity that desires to receive a grant, or enter into a contract, under paragraph (1) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and containing such information and assurances as the Commissioner may require, including, if the Commissioner determines appropriate, a description of how the proposed project or demonstration program—

(A) is based on current research findings, which may include research conducted by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, the National Institutes of Health, and other public or private organizations; and

(B) is of national significance.

(4) Types of projectsThe programs that may be funded under this subsection may include—

(A) special projects and demonstrations of service delivery;

(B) model demonstration projects;

(D) systems change projects;

(E) special studies and evaluations; and

(F) dissemination and utilization activities.

(5) Priority for competitions

(A) In generalIn announcing competitions for grants and contracts under this subsection, the Commissioner shall give priority consideration to—

(i) initiatives focused on improving transition from education, including postsecondary education, to employment, particularly in competitive integrated employment, for youth who are individuals with significant disabilities;

(ii) supported employment, including community-based supported employment programs to meet the needs of individuals with the most significant disabilities or to provide technical assistance to States and community organizations to improve and expand the provision of supported employment services; and

(iii) increasing competitive integrated employment for individuals with significant disabilities.

(B) Additional competitionsIn announcing competitions for grants and contracts under this subsection, the Commissioner may require that applicants address one or more of the following:

(i) Age ranges.

(ii) Types of disabilities.

(iii) Types of services.

(iv) Models of service delivery.

(v) Stage of the rehabilitation process.

(vi) The needs of underserved populations, unserved and underserved areas, individuals with significant disabilities, low-incidence disability population or individuals residing in federally designated empowerment zones and enterprise communities.

(vii) Expansion of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

(viii) Systems change projects to promote meaningful access of individuals with disabilities to employment-related services under subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [29 U.S.C. 3151 et seq.] and under other Federal laws.

(ix) Innovative methods of promoting achievement of high-quality employment outcomes.

(x) The demonstration of the effectiveness of early intervention activities in improving employment outcomes.

(xi) Alternative methods of providing affordable transportation services to individuals with disabilities who are employed, seeking employment, or receiving vocational rehabilitation services from public or private organizations and who reside in geographic areas in which public transportation or paratransit service is not available.

(1) Grants

(2) Use of grantsAn organization that receives a grant to establish training and information programs under this subsection shall use the grant to assist individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals—

(A) to better understand vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs and services;

(B) to provide followup support for transition and employment programs;

(D) to provide support in the development of the individualized plan for employment;

(E) to provide support and expertise in obtaining information about rehabilitation and independent living programs, services, and resources that are appropriate;

(F) to provide support and guidance in helping individuals with significant disabilities, including students with disabilities, transition to competitive integrated employment; and

(G) to understand the provisions of this chapter, particularly provisions relating to employment, supported employment, and independent living.

(3) Award of grantsThe Commissioner shall ensure that grants under this subsection—

(A) shall be distributed geographically to the greatest extent possible throughout all States; and

(B) shall be targeted to individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals, in both urban and rural areas or on a State or regional basis.

(4) Eligible organizationsIn order to receive a grant under this subsection, an organization—

(A) shall submit an application to the Commissioner at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Commissioner may require, including information demonstrating the capacity and expertise of the organization—

(i) to coordinate training and information activities with Centers for Independent Living;

(ii) to coordinate and work closely with the parent training and information centers established pursuant to section 1471 of title 20, the community parent resource centers established pursuant to section 1472 of title 20, and the eligible entities receiving awards under section 1473 of title 20; and

(iii) to effectively conduct the training and information activities authorized under this subsection;

(B)

(i) shall be governed by a board of directors—(I) that includes professionals in the field of vocational rehabilitation; and(II) on which a majority of the members are individuals with disabilities or the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals; or

(ii)(I) shall have a membership that represents the interests of individuals with disabilities; and(II) shall establish a special governing committee that meets the requirements specified in subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i) to operate a training and information program under this subsection; and

(C) shall serve, and demonstrate the capacity for serving, individuals with a full range of disabilities, and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of the individuals.

(5) Consultation

(6) Coordination

(7) Review

(A) Quarterly review

(B) Review for grant renewal

(8) Reservation

(d) Braille training programs

(1) Establishment

(2) ProjectsSuch grants shall be used for the establishment or continuation of projects that may provide—

(A) development of braille training materials;

(B) in-service or pre-service training in the use of braille, the importance of braille literacy, and methods of teaching braille to youth and adults who are blind; and

(C) activities to promote knowledge and use of braille and nonvisual access technology for blind youth and adults through a program of training, demonstration, and evaluation conducted with leadership of experienced blind individuals, including the use of comprehensive, state-of-the-art technology.

(3) Application

(e) Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 93–112, title III, § 303, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, § 406, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1190; amended Pub. L. 108–446, title III, § 305(h)(5), (6), Dec. 3, 2004, 118 Stat. 2805; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, § 442, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1673.)