### §701. Findings; purpose; policy

#### (a) Findings

Congress finds that—

(1) millions of Americans have one or more physical or mental disabilities and the number of Americans with such disabilities is increasing;

(2) individuals with disabilities constitute one of the most disadvantaged groups in society;

(3) disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to—

(A) live independently;

(B) enjoy self-determination;

(C) make choices;

(D) contribute to society;

(E) pursue meaningful careers; and

(F) enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of American society;

(4) increased employment of individuals with disabilities can be achieved through implementation of statewide workforce development systems defined in section 3102 of this title that provide meaningful and effective participation for individuals with disabilities in workforce investment activities and activities carried out under the vocational rehabilitation program established under subchapter I, and through the provision of independent living services, support services, and meaningful opportunities for employment in integrated work settings through the provision of reasonable accommodations;

(5) individuals with disabilities continually encounter various forms of discrimination in such critical areas as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, communication, recreation, institutionalization, health services, voting, and public services;

(6) the goals of the Nation properly include the goal of providing individuals with disabilities with the tools necessary to—

(A) make informed choices and decisions; and

(B) achieve equality of opportunity, full inclusion and integration in society, employment, independent living, and economic and social self-sufficiency, for such individuals; and

(7)(A) a high proportion of students with disabilities is leaving secondary education without being employed in competitive integrated employment, or being enrolled in postsecondary education; and

(B) there is a substantial need to support such students as they transition from school to postsecondary life.

#### (b) Purpose

The purposes of this chapter are—

(1) to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society, through—

(A) statewide workforce development systems defined in section 3102 of this title that include, as integral components, comprehensive and coordinated state-of-the-art programs of vocational rehabilitation;

(B) independent living centers and services;

(C) research;

(D) training;

(E) demonstration projects; and

(F) the guarantee of equal opportunity;

(2) to maximize opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including individuals with significant disabilities, for competitive integrated employment;

(3) to ensure that the Federal Government plays a leadership role in promoting the employment of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with significant disabilities, and in assisting States and providers of services in fulfilling the aspirations of such individuals with disabilities for meaningful and gainful employment and independent living;

(4) to increase employment opportunities and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, including through encouraging meaningful input by employers and vocational rehabilitation service providers on successful and prospective employment and placement strategies; and

(5) to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that youth with disabilities and students with disabilities who are transitioning from receipt of special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) and receipt of services under section 794 of this title have opportunities for postsecondary success.

#### (c) Policy

It is the policy of the United States that all programs, projects, and activities receiving assistance under this chapter shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the principles of—

(1) respect for individual dignity, personal responsibility, self-determination, and pursuit of meaningful careers, based on informed choice, of individuals with disabilities;

(2) respect for the privacy, rights, and equal access (including the use of accessible formats), of the individuals;

(3) inclusion, integration, and full participation of the individuals;

(4) support for the involvement of an individual's representative if an individual with a disability requests, desires, or needs such support; and

(5) support for individual and systemic advocacy and community involvement.

(Pub. L. 93–112, §2, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1095; amended Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(2)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–413; Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, §402, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1631.)

#### **Editorial Notes**

#### References in Text

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(5), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§1400 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables.

#### Prior Provisions

A prior section 701, Pub. L. 93–112, §2, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 357; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, §122(a)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2984; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, §101, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1808; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §101, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4346, related to findings, purpose, and policy, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093.

#### Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 113–128, §402(a)(1), substituted "workforce development systems defined in section 3102 of this title" for "workforce investment systems under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 113–128, §402(a)(2)–(4), added par. (7).

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, §402(b)(1)(A), substituted "workforce development systems defined in section 3102 of this title" for "workforce investment systems implemented in accordance with title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998".

Subsec. (b)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 113–128, §402(b)(1)(B), (2)–(5), added par. (2), redesignated former par. (2) as (3), and added pars. (4) and (5).

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 made technical amendment in original to section designation and catchline.

#### **Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries**

#### Short Title of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–213, §1, July 29, 2010, 124 Stat. 2343, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 796f–1 and 796f–2 of this title] may be cited as the 'Independent Living Centers Technical Adjustment Act'."

#### Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §401, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1092, provided that title IV of Pub. L. 105–220 could be cited as the "Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1705.

#### Short Title of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–73, §1, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 718, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 753 and 753a of this title, amending sections 706, 718 to 718b, 721 to 723, 725, 730 to 732, 744, 761a, 762, 771a, 777, 777a, 777f, 783, 791, 792, 794e, 795l, 796, 796c, 796d to 796e–2, 796f to 796f–4, and 796k of this title, sections 1431, 4301 to 4305, 4331, 4332, 4351, 4353 to 4357, 4359, 4359a, and 4360 of Title 20, Education, and section 46 of Title 41, Public Contracts, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 725 of this title and section 4301 of Title 20, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1993'."

#### Short Title of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–569, §1(a), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4344, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992'."

#### Short Title of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–52, §1, June 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 260, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 720, 732, 741, 761, 771, 772, 774, 775, 777, 777a, 777f, 785, 792, 795f, 795i, 795q, 796i, and 1904 of this title and section 1475 of Title 20, Education] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1991'."

#### Short Title of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–506, §1(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1807, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 716, 717, 752, 794d, 795j to 795q, and 796d–1 of this title and section 2000d–7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending this section and sections 702, 705, 706, 711 to 715, 720 to 724, 730 to 732, 740, 741, 750, 751, 760 to 761b, 762, 762a, 770 to 777b, 777f, 780, 781, 783, 785, 791 to 794, 794c, 795, 795d to 795i, 796a, 796b, 796d to 796i, and 1904 of this title, and section 155a of former Title 36, Patriotic Societies and Observances, repealing section 751 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 706, 730, 761a, and 795m of this title and section 1414 of Title 20, Education] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986'."

#### Short Title of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–221, §1, Feb. 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 17, provided: "That this Act [enacting sections 780a and 1901 to 1906 of this title, amending sections 706, 712 to 714, 720 to 722, 730, 732, 741, 761 to 762a, 771, 772, 774, 775, 777, 777a, 777f, 780, 781, 783, 791, 792, 794c, 795a, 795c, 795f, 795g, 795i, 796e, and 796i of this title and sections 6001, 6012, 6033, 6061, and 6081 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, repealing section 777c of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1901 of this title and amending provisions set out as a note under section 713 of this title] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Amendments of 1984'."

#### Short Title of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–602, §1, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2955, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 710 to 715, 751, 761a, 761b, 762a, 775, 777 to 777f, 780 to 785, 794a to 794c, 795 to 795i, and 796 to 796i of this title and section 6000 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending this section, sections 702, 706, 709, 720 to 724, 730 to 732, 740, 741, 750, 760 to 762, 770 to 774, 776, and 792 to 794 of this title, section 1904 [now 3904] of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, and sections 6001, 6008 to 6012, 6031 to 6033, 6061 to 6065, 6067, 6081, and 6862 of Title 42, repealing sections 764, 786, and 787 of this title and section 6007 of Title 42, omitting sections 6041 to 6043 of Title 42, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 713 and 795 of this title and sections 6000 and 6001 of Title 42, and repealing a provision set out as a note under section 6001 of Title 42] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978'."

#### Short Title of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–230, §1, Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 211, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 720, 732, 741, 761, 771, 772, 774, 775, 783, 785, and 792 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 720 of this title] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act Extension of 1976'."

#### Short Title of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–516, title I, §100, Dec. 7, 1974, 88 Stat. 1617, provided that: "This title [amending sections 702, 706, 720 to 722, 732, 741, 750, 761, 762, 771, 772, 774 to 776, 783, 785, and 792 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 702 of this title] shall be known as the 'Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974'."

An identical provision is contained in Pub. L. 93–651, title I, §100, Nov. 21, 1974, 89 Stat. 2–3.

#### Short Title

Pub. L. 93–112, §1(a), as added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093, and amended by Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §402(b)(1)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–412, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Rehabilitation Act of 1973'."

Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §601, as added by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1210, provided that: "This title [enacting subchapter VI of this chapter] may be cited as the 'Employment Opportunities for Individuals With Disabilities Act'."

Pub. L. 93–112, §1, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, provided in part that Pub. L. 93–112, which enacted this chapter and repealed sections 31 to 41c and 42–1 to 42b of this title, could be cited as the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §403, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1093.

Pub. L. 93–112, title VI, §601, as added by Pub. L. 95–602, title II, §201, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2989, and amended by Pub. L. 102–569, title I, §102(p)(34), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4360, provided that title VI of Pub. L. 93–112, enacting former subchapter VI of this chapter, could be cited as the "Employment Opportunities for Handicapped Individuals Act", prior to the general amendment of title VI of Pub. L. 93–112 by Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, §409, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1210.

#### **Executive Documents**

#### Ex. Ord. No. 11758. Delegation of Authority of the President

Ex. Ord. No. 11758, Jan. 15, 1974, 39 F.R. 2075, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11784, May 30, 1974, 39 F.R. 19443; Ex. Ord. No. 11867, June 19, 1975, 40 F.R. 26253; Ex. Ord. No. 12608, Sept. 9, 1987, 52 F.R. 34617, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code and as President of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is hereby designated and empowered to exercise, without approval, ratification, or other action of the President, the authority of the President under section 500(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (87 Stat. 390, 29 U.S.C. 790) with respect to the transfer of unexpended appropriations.

Sec. 2. The Secretary of Labor is hereby designated and empowered to exercise, without approval, ratification, or other action of the President, the authority of the President (1) under section 503(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 793(a)] to prescribe regulations, after consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of General Services, with respect to the employment of qualified handicapped individuals under Federal procurement contracts, and (2) under section 503(c) of that act [29 U.S.C. 793(c)] with respect to prescribing, by regulation, guidelines for waiving the requirements of section 503 of the act [29 U.S.C. 793]. Changes in any regulations prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be made only after consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of General Services.

Sec. 3. The head of a Federal agency may, in conformity with the provisions of section 503(c) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 793(c)], and regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to section 2 of this order, exempt any contract and, following consultation with the Secretary of Labor, any class of contracts, from the requirements of section 503 of the act [29 U.S.C. 793].

Sec. 4. The Federal Acquisition Regulations and, to the extent necessary, any supplemental or comparable regulation issued by any agency of the executive branch shall, following consultation with the Secretary of Labor, be amended to require, as a condition of entering into, renewing or extending any contract subject to the provisions of section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 793], inclusion of a provision requiring compliance with that section and regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to section 2 of this order.

#### Ex. Ord. No. 13078. Increasing Employment of Adults With Disabilities

Ex. Ord. No. 13078, Mar. 13, 1998, 63 F.R. 13111, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13172, Oct. 25, 2000, 65 F.R. 64577; Ex. Ord. No. 13187, §4(b), Jan. 10, 2001, 66 F.R. 3858, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to increase the employment of adults with disabilities to a rate that is as close as possible to the employment rate of the general adult population and to support the goals articulated in the findings and purpose section of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.], it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment of National Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities.

(a) There is established the "National Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities" ("Task Force"). The Task Force shall comprise the Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Commissioner of Social Security, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Transportation, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Chairperson of the National Council on Disability, the Chairperson of the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board., [sic] and such other senior executive branch officials as may be determined by the Chair of the Task Force.

(b) The Secretary of Labor shall be the Chair of the Task Force; the Chairperson of the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board. [sic] shall be the Vice Chair of the Task Force.

(c) The purpose of the Task Force is to create a coordinated and aggressive national policy to bring adults with disabilities into gainful employment at a rate that is as close as possible to that of the general adult population. The Task Force shall develop and recommend to the President, through the Chair of the Task Force, a coordinated Federal policy to reduce employment barriers for persons with disabilities. Policy recommendations may cover such areas as discrimination, reasonable accommodations, inadequate access to health care, lack of consumer-driven, long-term supports and services, transportation, accessible and integrated housing, telecommunications, assistive technology, community services, child care, education, vocational rehabilitation, training services, job retention, on-the-job supports, and economic incentives to work. Specifically, the Task Force shall:

(1) analyze the existing programs and policies of Task Force member agencies to determine what changes, modifications, and innovations may be necessary to remove barriers to work faced by people with disabilities;

(2) develop and recommend options to address health insurance coverage as a barrier to employment for people with disabilities;

(3) subject to the availability of appropriations, analyze State and private disability systems (e.g., workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, private insurance, and State mental health and mental retardation systems) and their effect on Federal programs and employment of adults with disabilities;

(4) consider statistical and data analysis, cost data, research, and policy studies on public subsidies, employment, employment discrimination, and rates of return-to-work for individuals with disabilities;

(5) evaluate and, where appropriate, coordinate and collaborate on, research and demonstration priorities of Task Force member agencies related to employment of adults with disabilities;

(6) evaluate whether Federal studies related to employment and training can, and should, include a statistically significant sample of adults with disabilities;

(7) subject to the availability of appropriations, analyze youth programs related to employment (e.g., Employment and Training Administration programs, special education, vocational rehabilitation, school-to-work transition, vocational education, and Social Security Administration work incentives and other programs, as may be determined by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Task Force) and the outcomes of those programs for young people with disabilities;

(8) evaluate whether a single governmental entity or program should be established to provide computer and electronic accommodations for Federal employees with disabilities;

(9) consult with the President's Committee on Mental Retardation on policies to increase the employment of people with mental retardation and cognitive disabilities; and

(10) recommend to the President any additional steps that can be taken to advance the employment of adults with disabilities, including legislative proposals, regulatory changes, and program and budget initiatives.

(d)(1) The members of the Task Force shall make the activities and initiatives set forth in this order a high priority within their respective agencies within the levels provided in the President's budget.

(2) The Task Force shall issue its first report to the President by November 15, 1998. The Task Force shall issue a report to the President on November 15, 1999, November 15, 2000, and a final report on July 26, 2002, the 10th anniversary of the initial implementation of the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.]. The reports shall describe the actions taken by, and progress of, each member of the Task Force in carrying out this order. The Task Force shall terminate 30 days after submitting its final report.

(e) As used herein, an adult with a disability is a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits at least one major life activity.

Sec. 2. Specific activities by Task Force members and other agencies.

(a) To ensure that the Federal Government is a model employer of adults with disabilities, by November 15, 1998, the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Labor, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall submit to the Task Force a review of Federal Government personnel laws, regulations, and policies and, as appropriate, shall recommend or implement changes necessary to improve Federal employment policy for adults with disabilities. This review shall include personnel practices and actions such as: hiring, promotion, benefits, retirement, workers' compensation, retention, accessible facilities, job accommodations, layoffs, and reductions in force.

(b) The Departments of Justice, Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services shall report to the Task Force by November 15, 1998, on their work with the States and others to ensure that the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act [probably means the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–193, see Tables for classification] is carried out in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 794], as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.], so that individuals with disabilities and their families can realize the full promise of welfare reform by having an equal opportunity for employment.

(c) The Departments of Education, Labor, Commerce, and Health and Human Services, the Small Business Administration, and the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities shall work together and report to the Task Force by November 15, 1998, on their work to develop small business and entrepreneurial opportunities for adults with disabilities and strategies for assisting low-income adults, including those with disabilities[,] to create small businesses and micro-enterprises. These same agencies, in consultation with the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, shall assess the impact of the Randolph-Sheppard Act [20 U.S.C. 107 et seq.] vending program and the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act [now 41 U.S.C. 8501 et seq.] on employment and small business opportunities for people with disabilities.

(d) The Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development shall report to the Task Force by November 15, 1998, on their examination of their programs to see if they can be used to create new work incentives and to remove barriers to work for adults with disabilities.

(e) The Departments of Justice, Education, and Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Social Security Administration shall work together and report to the Task Force by November 15, 1998, on their work to propose remedies to the prevention of people with disabilities from successfully exercising their employment rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.] because of the receipt of monetary benefits based on their disability and lack of gainful employment.

(f) The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor and the Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce, in cooperation with the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, the National Council on Disability, and the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities shall design and implement a statistically reliable and accurate method to measure the employment rate of adults with disabilities as soon as possible, but no later than the date of termination of the Task Force. Data derived from this methodology shall be published on as frequent a basis as possible.

(g) All executive agencies that are not members of the Task Force shall: (1) coordinate and cooperate with the Task Force; and (2) review their programs and policies to ensure that they are being conducted and delivered in a manner that facilitates and promotes the employment of adults with disabilities. Each agency shall file a report with the Task Force on the results of its review on November 15, 1998.

(h) To improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by addressing, among other things, the education, transition, employment, health and rehabilitation, and independent living issues affecting young people with disabilities, executive departments and agencies shall coordinate and cooperate with the Task Force to: (1) strengthen interagency research, demonstration, and training activities relating to young people with disabilities; (2) create a public awareness campaign focused on access to equal opportunity for young people with disabilities; (3) promote the views of young people with disabilities through collaboration with the Youth Councils authorized under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 [Pub. L. 105–220, repealed by Pub. L. 113–128, title V, §§506, 511(a), July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1703, 1705, effective July 1, 2015]; (4) increase access to and utilization of health insurance and health care for young people with disabilities through the formalization of the Federal Healthy and Ready to Work Interagency Council; (5) increase participation by young people with disabilities in postsecondary education and training programs; and (6) create a nationally representative Youth Advisory Council, to be funded and chaired by the Department of Labor, to advise the Task Force in conducting these and other appropriate activities.

Sec. 3. Cooperation. All efforts taken by executive departments and agencies under sections 1 and 2 of this order shall, as appropriate, further partnerships and cooperation with public and private sector employers, organizations that represent people with disabilities, organized labor, veteran service organizations, and State and local governments whenever such partnerships and cooperation are possible and would promote the employment and gainful economic activities of individuals with disabilities.

Sec. 4. Judicial Review. This order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or any person.

William J. Clinton.

#### Ex. Ord. No. 13187. The President's Disability Employment Partnership Board

Ex. Ord. No. 13187, Jan. 10, 2001, 66 F.R. 3857, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.], and in order to promote the employment of people with disabilities, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment and Composition of the Board. (a) There is hereby established the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board (Board).

(b) The Board shall be composed of not more than 15 members who shall be appointed by the President for terms of 2 years. The membership shall include individuals who are representatives of business (including small business), labor organizations, State or local government, disabled veterans, people with disabilities, organizations serving people with disabilities, and researchers or academicians focusing on issues relating to the employment of people with disabilities, and may include other individuals representing entities involved in issues relating to the employment of people with disabilities as the President finds appropriate.

(c) The President shall designate a Chairperson from among the members of the Board to serve a term of two years.

(d) Members and the Chairperson may be reappointed for subsequent terms and may continue to serve until their successors have been appointed.

Sec. 2. Functions. (a) The Board shall provide advice and information to the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of Labor, and other appropriate Federal officials with respect to facilitating the employment of people with disabilities, and shall assist in other activities that promote the formation of public-private partnerships, the use of economic incentives, the provision of technical assistance regarding entrepreneurship, and other actions that may enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

(b) In carrying out paragraph (a) of this section, the Board shall:

(i) develop and submit to the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor a comprehensive written plan for joint public-private efforts to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities and improve their access to financial institutions and commercial and business enterprises;

(ii) identify strategies that may be used by employers, labor unions, national and international organizations, and Federal, State, and local officials to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities; and

(iii) coordinate with the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor in promoting the collaborative use of public and private resources to assist people with disabilities in forming and expanding small business concerns and in enhancing their access to Federal procurement and other relevant business opportunities. Public resources include those of the Department of Labor, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Education, the Department of Defense, the Department of Treasury, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Communications Commission, and of executive departments and agency offices responsible for small, disadvantaged businesses utilization.

(c) The Board shall submit annual written reports to the President, who may apprise the Congress and other interested organizations and individuals on its activities, progress, and problems relating to maximizing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

(d) The Chairperson of the Board shall serve as a member and Vice Chair of the National Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities established under Executive Order 13078 of March 13, 1998 [set out above].

Sec. 3. Administration. (a) The Board shall meet when called by the Chairperson, at a time and place designated by the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall call at least two meetings per calendar year. The Chairperson may form subcommittees or working groups within the Board to address particular matters.

(b) The Chairperson may from time to time prescribe such rules, procedures, and policies relating to the activities of the Board as are not inconsistent with law or with the provisions of this order.

(c) Members of the Board shall serve without compensation but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in Federal service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707).

(d) The Department of Labor shall provide funding and appropriate support to assist the Board in carrying out the activities described in section 2 of this order, including necessary office space, equipment, supplies, services, and staff. The functions of the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, except that of reporting to the Congress, that are applicable to the Commission, shall be performed by the Department of Labor in accordance with guidelines that have been issued by the Administrator of General Services.

(e) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the Board such information as it may need for purposes of carrying out the functions described in section 2 of this order.

Sec. 4. Prior Orders and Transition. (a) Executive Order 12640 of May 10, 1988, as amended, relating to the establishment of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, is hereby revoked. The employees, records, property, and funds of the Committee shall become the employees, records, property, and funds of the Department of Labor.

(b) Executive Order 13078 of March 13, 1998 [set out above], is amended in sections 1(a) and (b) by striking "Chair of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities" and inserting "Chairperson of the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board."

William J. Clinton.