TITLE II--RESEARCH AND TRAINING

Declaration of Purpose

Sec. 200.

The purpose of this title is to--

(1) provide for research, demonstration projects, training, and related 

activities to maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, 

employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social 

self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities of all ages, with 

particular 

emphasis on improving the effectiveness of services authorized under this 

Act;

(2) provide for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the support and 

conduct of such research, demonstration projects, training, and related 

activities and to ensure that the approach is in accordance with the 5-year 

plan 

developed under section 202(h);

(3) promote the transfer of rehabilitation technology to individuals with 

disabilities through research and demonstration projects relating to--

(A) the procurement process for the purchase of rehabilitation technology;

(B) the utilization of rehabilitation technology on a national basis;

(C) specific adaptations or customizations of products to enable individuals 

with disabilities to live more independently; and

(D) the development or transfer of assistive technology;

(4) ensure the widespread distribution, in usable formats, of practical 

scientific and technological information--

(A) generated by research, demonstration projects, training, and related 

activities; and

(B) regarding state-of-the-art practices, improvements in the services 

authorized under this Act, rehabilitation technology, and new knowledge 

regarding disabilities, to rehabilitation professionals, individuals with 

disabilities, and other interested parties, including the general public;

(5) identify effective strategies that enhance the opportunities of 

individuals 

with disabilities to engage in employment, including employment involving 

telecommuting and self-employment; and

(6) increase opportunities for researchers who are members of traditionally 

underserved populations, including researchers who are members of minority 

groups and researchers who are individuals with disabilities.

Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 201. (a) There are authorized to be appropriated--

(1) for the purpose of providing for the expenses of the National Institute 

on 

Disability and Rehabilitation Research under section 202, which shall include 

the expenses of the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council under section 

205, 

and shall not include the expenses of such Institute to carry out section 

204, 

such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2003; and

(2) to carry out section 204, such sums as may be necessary for each of 

fiscal 

years 1999 through 2003.`(b) Funds appropriated under this title shall remain 

available until expended.

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Sec. 202. (a)(1)

There is established within the Department of Education a National Institute 

on 
Disability and Rehabilitation Research (hereinafter in this title referred to 

as 

the "Institute"), which shall be headed by a Director (hereinafter in this 

title 

referred to as the "Director"), in order to--

(A) promote, coordinate, and provide for--

(i) research;

(ii) demonstration projects and training; and

(iii) related activities, with respect to individuals with disabilities;

(B) more effectively carry out activities through the programs under section 

204 

and activities under this section;

(C) widely disseminate information from the activities described in 

subparagraphs (A) and (B); and

(D) provide leadership in advancing the quality of life of individuals with 

disabilities.

(2) In the performance of the functions of the office, the Director shall be 

directly responsible to the Secretary or to the same Under Secretary or 

Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education to whom the Commissioner 

is 

responsible under section 3(a).

(b) The Director, through the Institute, shall be responsible for--

(1) administering the programs described in section 204 and activities under 

this section;

(2) widely disseminating findings, conclusions, and recommendations, 

resulting 

from research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities 

(referred to in this title as "covered activities") funded by the Institute, 

to--

(A) other Federal, State, tribal, and local public agencies;

(B) private organizations engaged in research relating to rehabilitation or 

providing rehabilitation services;

(C) rehabilitation practitioners; and

(D) individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives;

(3) coordinating, through the Interagency Committee established by section 

203 

of this Act, all Federal programs and policies relating to research in 

rehabilitation;

(4) widely disseminating educational materials and research results, 

concerning 

ways to maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, 

independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency 

of 

individuals with disabilities, to--

(A) public and private entities, including--

(i) elementary and secondary schools (as defined in section 14101 of the 

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; and

(ii) institutions of higher education;

(B) rehabilitation practitioners;

(C) individuals with disabilities (especially such individuals who are 

members 

of minority groups or of populations that are unserved or underserved by 

programs under this Act); and

(D) the individuals' representatives for the individuals described in 

subparagraph (C);

(5)(A) conducting an education program to inform the public about ways of 

providing for the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, including 
information relating to--

(i) family care;

(ii) self-care; and

(iii) assistive technology devices and assistive technology services; and

(B) as part of the program, disseminating engineering information about 

assistive technology devices;

(6) conducting conferences, seminars, and workshops (including in-service 

training programs and programs for individuals with disabilities) concerning 

advances in rehabilitation research and rehabilitation technology (including 

advances concerning the selection and use of assistive technology devices and 

assistive technology services), pertinent to the full inclusion and 

integration 

into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic 

and 

social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities;

(7) taking whatever action is necessary to keep the Congress fully and 

currently 

informed with respect to the implementation and conduct of programs and 

activities carried out under this title, including dissemination activities;

(8) producing, in conjunction with the Department of Labor, the National 

Center 

for Health Statistics, the Bureau of the Census, the Health Care Financing 

Administration, the Social Security Administration, the Bureau of Indian 

Affairs, the Indian Health Service, and other Federal departments and 

agencies, 

as may be appropriate, statistical reports and studies on the employment, 

self-employment, telecommuting, health, income, and other demographic 

characteristics of individuals with disabilities, including information on 

individuals with disabilities who live in rural or inner-city settings, with 

particular attention given to underserved populations, and widely 

disseminating 

such reports and studies to rehabilitation professionals, individuals with 

disabilities, the individuals' representatives, and others to assist in the 

planning, assessment, and evaluation of vocational and other rehabilitation 

services for individuals with disabilities;

(9) conducting research on consumer satisfaction with vocational 

rehabilitation 

services for the purpose of identifying effective rehabilitation programs and 

policies that promote the independence of individuals with disabilities and 

achievement of long-term vocational goals;

(10) conducting research to examine the relationship between the provision of 

specific services and successful, sustained employment outcomes, including 

employment outcomes involving self-employment and telecommuting; and

(11) coordinating activities with the Attorney General regarding the 

provision 

of information, training, or technical assistance regarding the Americans 

with 

Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) to ensure consistency with 

the plan for technical assistance required under section 506 of such Act (42 

U.S.C. 12206).

(c)(1) The Director, acting through the Institute or 1 or more entities 

funded 

by the Institute, shall provide for the development and dissemination of 

models 

to address consumer-driven information needs related to assistive technology 

devices and assistive technology services.

(2) The development and dissemination of models may include--
(A) convening groups of individuals with disabilities, family members and 

advocates of such individuals, commercial producers of assistive technology, 

and 

entities funded by the Institute to develop, assess, and disseminate 

knowledge 

about information needs related to assistive technology;

(B) identifying the types of information regarding assistive technology 

devices 

and assistive technology services that individuals with disabilities find 

especially useful;

(C) evaluating current models, and developing new models, for transmitting 

the 

information described in subparagraph (B) to consumers and to commercial 

producers of assistive technology; and

(D) disseminating through 1 or more entities funded by the Institute, the 

models 

described in subparagraph (C) and findings regarding the information 

described 

in subparagraph (B) to consumers and commercial producers of assistive 

technology.

(d)(1) The Director of the Institute shall be appointed by the Secretary. The 

Director shall be an individual with substantial experience in rehabilitation 

and in research administration.

(2) The Director, subject to the approval of the President, may appoint, for 

terms not to exceed three years, without regard to the provisions of title 5, 

United States Code, governing appointment in the competitive service, and may 

compensate, without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III 

of 

chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay 

rates, such technical and professional employees of the Institute as the 

Director determines to be necessary to accomplish the functions of the 

Institute 

and also appoint and compensate without regard to such provisions, in a 

number 

not to exceed one-fifth of the number of full-time, regular technical and 

professional employees of the Institute.

(3) The Director may obtain the services of consultants, without regard to 

the 

provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the 

competitive service.

(e) The Director, pursuant to regulations which the Secretary shall 

prescribe, 

may establish and maintain fellowships with such stipends and allowances, 

including travel and subsistence expenses provided for under title 5, United 

States Code, as the Director considers necessary to procure the assistance of 

highly qualified research fellows, including individuals with disabilities,

from 

the United States and foreign countries.

(f)(1) The Director shall provide for scientific peer review of all 

applications 

for financial assistance for research, training, and demonstration projects 

over 

which the Director has authority. The scientific peer review shall be 

conducted 

by individuals who are not Federal employees, who are scientists or other 

experts in the rehabilitation field (including the independent living field), 

including knowledgeable individuals with disabilities, and the individuals' 
representatives, and who are competent to review applications for the 

financial 

assistance.

(2) In providing for such scientific peer review, the Secretary shall provide 

for training, as necessary and appropriate, to facilitate the effective 

participation of those individuals selected to participate in such review.

(g) Not less than 90 percent of the funds appropriated under this title for 

any 

fiscal year shall be expended by the Director to carry out activities under 

this 

title through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. Up to 10 percent 

of 

the funds appropriated under this title for any fiscal year may be expended 

directly for the purpose of carrying out the functions of the Director under 

this section.

(h)(1) The Director shall--

(A) by October 1, 1998 and every fifth October 1 thereafter, prepare and 

publish 

in the Federal Register for public comment a draft of a 5-year plan that 

outlines priorities for rehabilitation research, demonstration projects, 

training, and related activities and explains the basis for such priorities;

(B) by June 1, 1999, and every fifth June 1 thereafter, after considering 

public 

comments, submit the plan in final form to the appropriate committees of 

Congress;

(C) at appropriate intervals, prepare and submit revisions in the plan to the 

appropriate committees of Congress; and

(D) annually prepare and submit progress reports on the plan to the 

appropriate 

committees of Congress.

(2) Such plan shall--

(A) identify any covered activity that should be conducted under this section 

and section 204 respecting the full inclusion and integration into society of 

individuals with disabilities, especially in the area of employment;

(B) determine the funding priorities for covered activities to be conducted 

under this section and section 204;

(C) specify appropriate goals and timetables for covered activities to be 

conducted under this section and section 204;

(D) be developed by the Director--

(i) after consultation with the Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council 

established under section 205;

(ii) in coordination with the Commissioner;

(iii) after consultation with the National Council on Disability established 

under title IV, the Secretary of Education, officials responsible for the 

administration of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of 

Rights 

Act (42 U.S.C. 6000 et seq.), and the Interagency Committee on Disability 

Research established under section 203; and

(iv) after full consideration of the input of individuals with disabilities 

and 

the individuals' representatives, organizations representing individuals with 

disabilities, providers of services furnished under this Act, researchers in 

the 

rehabilitation field, and any other persons or entities the Director 

considers 

to be appropriate;

(E) specify plans for widespread dissemination of the results of covered 
activities, in accessible formats, to rehabilitation practitioners, 

individuals 

with disabilities, and the individuals' representatives; and

(F) specify plans for widespread dissemination of the results of covered 

activities that concern individuals with disabilities who are members of 

minority groups or of populations that are unserved or underserved by 

programs 

carried out under this Act.

(i) In order to promote cooperation among Federal departments and agencies 

conducting research programs, the Director shall consult with the 

administrators 

of such programs, and with the Interagency Committee established by section 

203, 

regarding the design of research projects conducted by such entities and the 

results and applications of such research.

(j)(1) The Director shall take appropriate actions to provide for a 

comprehensive and coordinated research program under this title. In providing 

such a program, the Director may undertake joint activities with other 

Federal 

entities engaged in research and with appropriate private entities. Any 

Federal 

entity proposing to establish any research project related to the purposes of 

this Act shall consult, through the Interagency Committee established by 

section 

203, with the Director as Chairperson of such Committee and provide the 

Director 

with sufficient prior opportunity to comment on such project.

(2) Any person responsible for administering any program of the National 

Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National 

Science 

Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Office of 

Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, or of any other Federal 

entity, 

shall, through the Interagency Committee established by section 203, consult 

and 

cooperate with the Director in carrying out such program if the program is 

related to the purposes of this title.

(3) The Director shall support, directly or by grant or contract, a center 

associated with an institution of higher education, for research and training 

concerning the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services to rural areas.

(k) The Director shall make grants to institutions of higher education for 

the 

training of rehabilitation researchers, including individuals with 

disabilities, 

with particular attention to research areas that support the implementation 

and 

objectives of this Act and that improve the effectiveness of services 

authorized 

under this Act.

Interagency Committee

Sec. 203. (a)(1) In order to promote coordination and cooperation among 

Federal 

departments and agencies conducting rehabilitation research programs, there 

is 

established within the Federal Government an Interagency Committee on 

Disability 
Research (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Committee"), 

chaired 

by the Director and comprised of such members as the President may designate, 

including the following (or their designees): the Director, the Commissioner 

of 

the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the Assistant Secretary for 

Special 

Education and Rehabilitative Services, the Secretary of Education, the 

Secretary 

of Veterans Affairs, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the 

Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, the Administrator of the 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Secretary of 

Transportation, 

the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, the Director of 

the 

Indian Health Service, and the Director of the National Science Foundation.

(2) The Committee shall meet not less than four times each year.

(b) After receiving input from individuals with disabilities and the 

individuals' representatives, the Committee shall identify, assess, and seek 

to 

coordinate all Federal programs, activities, and projects, and plans for such 

programs, activities, and projects with respect to the conduct of research 

related to rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities.

(c) The Committee shall annually submit to the President and to the 

appropriate 

committees of the Congress a report making such recommendations as the 

Committee 

deems appropriate with respect to coordination of policy and development of 

objectives and priorities for all Federal programs relating to the conduct of 

research related to rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities.

Research and Other Covered Activities

Sec. 204. (a)(1) To the extent consistent with priorities established in the 

5-year plan described in section 202(h), the Director may make grants to and 

contracts with States and public or private agencies and organizations, 

including institutions of higher education, Indian tribes, and tribal 

organizations, to pay part of the cost of projects for the purpose of 

planning 

and conducting research, demonstration projects, training, and related 

activities, the purposes of which are to develop methods, procedures, and 

rehabilitation technology, that maximize the full inclusion and integration 

into 

society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and 

social 

self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals 

with 

the most significant disabilities, and improve the effectiveness of services 

authorized under this Act.

(2)(A) In carrying out this section, the Director shall emphasize projects 

that 

support the implementation of titles I, III, V, VI, and VII, including 

projects 

addressing the needs described in the State plans submitted under section 101 

or 

704 by State agencies.

(B) Such projects, as described in the State plans submitted by State 

agencies, 

may include--
(i) medical and other scientific, technical, methodological, and other 

investigations into the nature of disability, methods of analyzing it, and 

restorative techniques, including basic research where related to 

rehabilitation 

techniques or services;

(ii) studies and analysis of industrial, vocational, social, recreational, 

psychiatric, psychological, economic, and other factors affecting 

rehabilitation 

of individuals with disabilities;

(iii) studies and analysis of special problems of individuals who are 

homebound 

and individuals who are institutionalized;

(iv) studies, analyses, and demonstrations of architectural and engineering 

design adapted to meet the special needs of individuals with disabilities;

(v) studies, analyses, and other activities related to supported employment;

(vi) related activities which hold promise of increasing knowledge and 

improving 

methods in the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities and 

individuals 

with the most significant disabilities, particularly individuals with 

disabilities, and individuals with the most significant disabilities, who are 

members of populations that are unserved or underserved by programs under 

this 

Act; and

(vii) studies, analyses, and other activities related to job accommodations, 

including the use of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology.

(b)(1) In addition to carrying out projects under subsection (a), the 

Director 

may make grants under this subsection (referred to in this subsection as 

"research grants") to pay part or all of the cost of the research or other 

specialized covered activities described in paragraphs (2) through (18). A 

research grant made under any of paragraphs (2) through (18) may only be used 

in 

a manner consistent with priorities established in the 5-year plan described 

in 

section 202(h).

(2)(A) Research grants may be used for the establishment and support of 

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers, for the purpose of providing an 

integrated program of research, which Centers shall--

(i) be operated in collaboration with institutions of higher education or 

providers of rehabilitation services or other appropriate services; and

(ii) serve as centers of national excellence and national or regional 

resources 

for providers and individuals with disabilities and the individuals' 

representatives.

(B) The Centers shall conduct research and training activities by--

(i) conducting coordinated and advanced programs of research in 

rehabilitation 

targeted toward the production of new knowledge that will improve 

rehabilitation 

methodology and service delivery systems, alleviate or stabilize disabling 

conditions, and promote maximum social and economic independence of 

individuals 

with disabilities, especially promoting the ability of the individuals to 

prepare for, secure, retain, regain, or advance in employment;

(ii) providing training (including graduate, pre-service, and in-service 

training) to assist individuals to more effectively provide rehabilitation 
services;

(iii) providing training (including graduate, pre-service, and in-service 

training) for rehabilitation research personnel and other rehabilitation 

personnel; and

(iv) serving as an informational and technical assistance resource to 

providers, 

individuals with disabilities, and the individuals' representatives, through 

conferences, workshops, public education programs, in-service training 

programs, 

and similar activities.

(C) The research to be carried out at each such Center may include--

(i) basic or applied medical rehabilitation research;

(ii) research regarding the psychological and social aspects of 

rehabilitation, 

including disability policy;

(iii) research related to vocational rehabilitation;

(iv) continuation of research that promotes the emotional, social, 

educational, 

and functional growth of children who are individuals with disabilities;

(v) continuation of research to develop and evaluate interventions, policies, 

and services that support families of those children and adults who are 

individuals with disabilities; and

(vi) continuation of research that will improve services and policies that 

foster the productivity, independence, and social integration of individuals 

with disabilities, and enable individuals with disabilities, including 

individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities, to 

live in their communities.

(D) Training of students preparing to be rehabilitation personnel shall be an 

important priority for such a Center.

(E) The Director shall make grants under this paragraph to establish and 

support 

both comprehensive centers dealing with multiple disabilities and centers 

primarily focused on particular disabilities.

(F) Grants made under this paragraph may be used to provide funds for 

services 

rendered by such a Center to individuals with disabilities in connection with 

the research and training activities.

(G) Grants made under this paragraph may be used to provide faculty support 

for 

teaching--

(i) rehabilitation-related courses of study for credit; and

(ii) other courses offered by the Centers, either directly or through another 

entity.

(H) The research and training activities conducted by such a Center shall be 

conducted in a manner that is accessible to and usable by individuals with 

disabilities.

(I) The Director shall encourage the Centers to develop practical 

applications 

for the findings of the research of the Centers.

(J) In awarding grants under this paragraph, the Director shall take into 

consideration the location of any proposed Center and the appropriate 

geographic 

and regional allocation of such Centers.

(K) To be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph, each such 

institution or provider described in subparagraph (A) shall--

(i) be of sufficient size, scope, and quality to effectively carry out the 
activities in an efficient manner consistent with appropriate State and 

Federal 

law; and

(ii) demonstrate the ability to carry out the training activities either 

directly or through another entity that can provide such training.

(L) The Director shall make grants under this paragraph for periods of 5 

years, 

except that the Director may make a grant for a period of less than 5 years 

if--

(i) the grant is made to a new recipient; or

(ii) the grant supports new or innovative research.

(M) Grants made under this paragraph shall be made on a competitive basis. To 

be 

eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph, a prospective grant 

recipient 

shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and 

containing such information as the Director may require.

(N) In conducting scientific peer review under section 202(f) of an 

application 

for the renewal of a grant made under this paragraph, the peer review panel 

shall take into account the past performance of the applicant in carrying out 

the grant and input from individuals with disabilities and the individuals' 

representatives.

(O) An institution or provider that receives a grant under this paragraph to 

establish such a Center may not collect more than 15 percent of the amount of 

the grant received by the Center in indirect cost charges.

(3)(A) Research grants may be used for the establishment and support of 

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers, operated by or in collaboration 

with institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations, to conduct 

research or demonstration activities, and training activities, regarding 

rehabilitation technology, including rehabilitation engineering, assistive 

technology devices, and assistive technology services, for the purposes of 

enhancing opportunities for better meeting the needs of, and addressing the 

barriers confronted by, individuals with disabilities in all aspects of their 

lives.

(B) In order to carry out the purposes set forth in subparagraph (A), such a 

Center shall carry out the research or demonstration activities by--

(i) developing and disseminating innovative methods of applying advanced 

technology, scientific achievement, and psychological and social knowledge 

to--

(I) solve rehabilitation problems and remove environmental barriers through 

planning and conducting research, including cooperative research with public 

or 

private agencies and organizations, designed to produce new scientific 

knowledge, and new or improved methods, equipment, and devices; and

(II) study new or emerging technologies, products, or environments, and the 

effectiveness and benefits of such technologies, products, or environments;

(ii) demonstrating and disseminating--

(I) innovative models for the delivery, to rural and urban areas, of 

cost-effective rehabilitation technology services that promote utilization of 

assistive technology devices; and

(II) other scientific research to assist in meeting the employment and 

independent living needs of individuals with significant disabilities; or

(iii) conducting research or demonstration activities that facilitate service 

delivery systems change by demonstrating, evaluating, documenting, and 

disseminating--
(I) consumer responsive and individual and family-centered innovative models 

for 

the delivery to both rural and urban areas, of innovative cost-effective 

rehabilitation technology services that promote utilization of rehabilitation 

technology; and

(II) other scientific research to assist in meeting the employment and 

independent living needs of, and addressing the barriers confronted by, 

individuals with disabilities, including individuals with significant 

disabilities.

(C) To the extent consistent with the nature and type of research or 

demonstration activities described in subparagraph (B), each Center 

established 

or supported through a grant made available under this paragraph shall--

(i) cooperate with programs established under the Assistive Technology Act of 

1998 and other regional and local programs to provide information to 

individuals 

with disabilities and the individuals' representatives to--

(I) increase awareness and understanding of how rehabilitation technology can 

address their needs; and

(II) increase awareness and understanding of the range of options, programs, 

services, and resources available, including financing options for the 

technology and services covered by the area of focus of the Center;

(ii) provide training opportunities to individuals, including individuals 

with 

disabilities, to become researchers of rehabilitation technology and 

practitioners of rehabilitation technology in conjunction with institutions 

of 

higher education and nonprofit organizations; and

(iii) respond, through research or demonstration activities, to the needs of 

individuals with all types of disabilities who may benefit from the 

application 

of technology within the area of focus of the Center.

(D)(i) In establishing Centers to conduct the research or demonstration 

activities described in subparagraph (B)(iii), the Director may establish one 

Center in each of the following areas of focus:

(I) Early childhood services, including early intervention and family 

support.

(II) Education at the elementary and secondary levels, including transition 

from 

school to postschool activities.

(III) Employment, including supported employment, and reasonable 

accommodations 

and the reduction of environmental barriers as required by the Americans with 

Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and title V.

(IV) Independent living, including transition from institutional to community 

living, maintenance of community living on leaving the work force, self-help 

skills, and activities of daily living.

(ii) Each Center conducting the research or demonstration activities 

described 

in subparagraph (B)(iii) shall have an advisory committee, of which the 

majority 

of members are individuals with disabilities who are users of rehabilitation 

technology, and the individuals' representatives.

(E) Grants made under this paragraph shall be made on a competitive basis and 

shall be for a period of 5 years, except that the Director may make a grant 

for 

a period of less than 5 years if--
(i) the grant is made to a new recipient; or

(ii) the grant supports new or innovative research.

(F) To be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph, a prospective 

grant 

recipient shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such 

manner, and containing such information as the Director may require.

(G) Each Center established or supported through a grant made available under 

this paragraph shall--

(i) cooperate with State agencies and other local, State, regional, and 

national 

programs and organizations developing or delivering rehabilitation 

technology, 

including State programs funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998; 

and

(ii) prepare and submit to the Director as part of an application for 

continuation of a grant, or as a final report, a report that documents the 

outcomes of the program of the Center in terms of both short- and long-term 

impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, and such other 

information 

as may be requested by the Director.

(4)(A) Research grants may be used to conduct a program for spinal cord 

injury 

research, including conducting such a program by making grants to public or 

private agencies and organizations to pay part or all of the costs of special 

projects and demonstration projects for spinal cord injuries, that will--

(i) ensure widespread dissemination of research findings among all Spinal 

Cord 

Injury Centers, to rehabilitation practitioners, individuals with spinal cord 

injury, the individuals' representatives, and organizations receiving 

financial 

assistance under this paragraph;

(ii) provide encouragement and support for initiatives and new approaches by 

individual and institutional investigators; and

(iii) establish and maintain close working relationships with other 

governmental 

and voluntary institutions and organizations engaged in similar efforts in 

order 

to unify and coordinate scientific efforts, encourage joint planning, and 

promote the interchange of data and reports among spinal cord injury 

investigations.

(B) Any agency or organization carrying out a project or demonstration 

project 

assisted by a grant under this paragraph that provides services to 

individuals 

with spinal cord injuries shall--

(i) establish, on an appropriate regional basis, a multidisciplinary system 

of 

providing vocational and other rehabilitation services, specifically designed 

to 

meet the special needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries, including 

acute 

care as well as periodic inpatient or outpatient followup and services;

(ii) demonstrate and evaluate the benefits to individuals with spinal cord 

injuries served in, and the degree of cost-effectiveness of, such a regional 

system;

(iii) demonstrate and evaluate existing, new, and improved methods and 
rehabilitation technology essential to the care, management, and 

rehabilitation 

of individuals with spinal cord injuries; and

(iv) demonstrate and evaluate methods of community outreach for individuals 

with 

spinal cord injuries and community education in connection with the problems 

of 

such individuals in areas such as housing, transportation, recreation, 

employment, and community activities.

(C) In awarding grants under this paragraph, the Director shall take into 

account the location of any proposed Spinal Cord Injury Center and the 

appropriate geographic and regional allocation of such Centers.

(5) Research grants may be used to conduct a program for end-stage renal 

disease 

research, to include support of projects and demonstrations for providing 

special services (including transplantation and dialysis), artificial 

kidneys, 

and supplies necessary for the rehabilitation of individuals with such 

disease 

and which will--

(A) ensure dissemination of research findings;

(B) provide encouragement and support for initiatives and new approaches by 

individuals and institutional investigators; and

(C) establish and maintain close working relationships with other 

governmental 

and voluntary institutions and organizations engaged in similar efforts, in 

order to unify and coordinate scientific efforts, encourage joint planning, 

and 

promote the interchange of data and reports among investigators in the field 

of 

end-stage renal disease. No person shall be selected to participate in such 

program who is eligible for services for such disease under any other 

provision 

of law.

(6) Research grants may be used to conduct a program for international 

rehabilitation research, demonstration, and training for the purpose of 

developing new knowledge and methods in the rehabilitation of individuals 

with 

disabilities in the United States, cooperating with and assisting in 

developing 

and sharing information found useful in other nations in the rehabilitation 

of 

individuals with disabilities, and initiating a program to exchange experts 

and 

technical assistance in the field of rehabilitation of individuals with 

disabilities with other nations as a means of increasing the levels of skill 

of 

rehabilitation personnel.

(7) Research grants may be used to conduct a research program concerning the 

use 

of existing telecommunications systems (including telephone, television, 

satellite, radio, and other similar systems) which have the potential for 

substantially improving service delivery methods, and the development of 

appropriate programming to meet the particular needs of individuals with 

disabilities.

(8) Research grants may be used to conduct a program of joint projects with 

the 
National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Mental Health, the 

Health Services Administration, the Administration on Aging, the National 

Science Foundation, the Veterans' Administration, the Department of Health 

and 

Human Services, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, other 

Federal 

agencies, and private industry in areas of joint interest involving 

rehabilitation.

(9) Research grants may be used to conduct a program of research related to 

the 

rehabilitation of children, or older individuals, who are individuals with 

disabilities, including older American Indians who are individuals with 

disabilities. Such research program may include projects designed to assist 

the 

adjustment of, or maintain as residents in the community, older workers who 

are 

individuals with disabilities on leaving the work force.

(10) Research grants may be used to conduct a research program to develop and 

demonstrate innovative methods to attract and retain professionals to serve 

in 

rural areas in the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, including 

individuals with significant disabilities.

(11) Research grants may be used to conduct a model research and 

demonstration 

project designed to assess the feasibility of establishing a center for 

producing and distributing to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing 

captioned video cassettes providing a broad range of educational, cultural, 

scientific, and vocational programming.

(12) Research grants may be used to conduct a model research and 

demonstration 

program to develop innovative methods of providing services for preschool age 

children who are individuals with disabilities, including--

(A) early intervention, assessment, parent counseling, infant stimulation, 

early 

identification, diagnosis, and evaluation of children who are individuals 

with 

significant disabilities up to the age of five, with a special emphasis on 

children who are individuals with significant disabilities up to the age of 

three;

(B) such physical therapy, language development, pediatric, nursing, 

psychological, and psychiatric services as are necessary for such children; 

and

(C) appropriate services for the parents of such children, including 

psychological and psychiatric services, parent counseling, and training.

(13) Research grants may be used to conduct a model research and training 

program under which model training centers shall be established to develop 

and 

use more advanced and effective methods of evaluating and addressing the 

employment needs of individuals with disabilities, including programs that--

(A) provide training and continuing education for personnel involved with the 

employment of individuals with disabilities;

(B) develop model procedures for testing and evaluating the employment needs 

of 

individuals with disabilities;

(C) develop model training programs to teach individuals with disabilities 

skills which will lead to appropriate employment;
(D) develop new approaches for job placement of individuals with 

disabilities, 

including new followup procedures relating to such placement;

(E) provide information services regarding education, training, employment, 

and 

job placement for individuals with disabilities; and

(F) develop new approaches and provide information regarding job 

accommodations, 

including the use of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology.

(14) Research grants may be used to conduct a rehabilitation research program 

under which financial assistance is provided in order to--

(A) test new concepts and innovative ideas;

(B) demonstrate research results of high potential benefits;

(C) purchase prototype aids and devices for evaluation;

(D) develop unique rehabilitation training curricula; and

(E) be responsive to special initiatives of the Director. No single grant 

under 

this paragraph may exceed $50,000 in any fiscal year and all payments made 

under 

this paragraph in any fiscal year may not exceed 5 percent of the amount 

available for this section to the National Institute on Disability and 

Rehabilitation Research in any fiscal year. Regulations and administrative 

procedures with respect to financial assistance under this paragraph shall, 

to 

the maximum extent possible, be expedited.

(15) Research grants may be used to conduct studies of the rehabilitation 

needs 

of American Indian populations and of effective mechanisms for the delivery 

of 

rehabilitation services to Indians residing on and off reservations.

(16) Research grants may be used to conduct a demonstration program under 

which 

one or more projects national in scope shall be established to develop 

procedures to provide incentives for the development, manufacturing, and 

marketing of orphan technological devices, including technology transfer 

concerning such devices, designed to enable individuals with disabilities to 

achieve independence and access to gainful employment.

(17)(A) Research grants may be used to conduct a research program related to 

quality assurance in the area of rehabilitation technology.

(B) Activities carried out under the research program may include--

(i) the development of methodologies to evaluate rehabilitation technology 

products and services and the dissemination of the methodologies to consumers 

and other interested parties;

(ii) identification of models for service provider training and evaluation 

and 

certification of the effectiveness of the models;

(iii) identification and dissemination of outcome measurement models for the 

assessment of rehabilitation technology products and services; and

(iv) development and testing of research-based tools to enhance consumer 

decisionmaking about rehabilitation technology products and services.

(18) Research grants may be used to provide for research and demonstration 

projects and related activities that explore the use and effectiveness of 

specific alternative or complementary medical practices for individuals with 

disabilities. Such projects and activities may include projects and 

activities 

designed to--
(A) determine the use of specific alternative or complementary medical 

practices 

among individuals with disabilities and the perceived effectiveness of the 

practices;

(B) determine the specific information sources, decisionmaking methods, and 

methods of payment used by individuals with disabilities who access 

alternative 

or complementary medical services;

(C) develop criteria to screen and assess the validity of research studies of 

such practices for individuals with disabilities; and

(D) determine the effectiveness of specific alternative or complementary 

medical 

practices that show promise for promoting increased functioning, prevention 

of 

secondary disabilities, or other positive outcomes for individuals with 

certain 

types of disabilities, by conducting controlled research studies.

(c)(1) In carrying out evaluations of covered activities under this section, 

the 

Director is authorized to make arrangements for site visits to obtain 

information on the accomplishments of the projects.

(2) The Director shall not make a grant under this section that exceeds 

$500,000 

unless the peer review of the grant application has included a site visit.

Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council

Sec. 205. 

(a) Establishment

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish 

in 

the Department of Education a Rehabilitation Research Advisory Council 

(referred 

to in this section as the "Council") composed of 12 members appointed by the 

Secretary.

(b) Duties

The Council shall advise the Director with respect to research priorities and 

the development and revision of the 5-year plan required by section 202(h).

(c) Qualifications

Members of the Council shall be generally representative of the community of 

rehabilitation professionals, the community of rehabilitation researchers, 

the 

community of individuals with disabilities, and the individuals' 

representatives. At least one-half of the members shall be individuals with 

disabilities or the individuals' representatives.

(d) Terms of Appointment

(1) Length of term

Each member of the Council shall serve for a term of up to 3 years, 

determined 

by the Secretary, except that--

(A) a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of 

the term for which a predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the 

remainder of such term; and

(B) the terms of service of the members initially appointed shall be (as 

specified by the Secretary) for such fewer number of years as will provide 

for 

the expiration of terms on a staggered basis.

(2) Number of terms
No member of the Council may serve more than two consecutive full terms. 

Members 

may serve after the expiration of their terms until their successors have 

taken 

office.

(e) Vacancies

Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Council shall be filled in the 

same manner as the original appointment for the position being vacated. The 

vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the 

duties of the Council.

(f) Payment and Expenses

(1) Payment

Each member of the Council who is not an officer or full-time employee of the 

Federal Government shall receive a payment of $150 for each day (including 

travel time) during which the member is engaged in the performance of duties 

for 

the Council. All members of the Council who are officers or full-time 

employees 

of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to 

compensation received for their services as officers or employees of the 

United 

States.

(2) Travel expenses

Each member of the Council may receive travel expenses, including per diem in 

lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States 

Code, for employees serving intermittently in the Government service, for 

each 

day the member is engaged in the performance of duties away from the home or 

regular place of business of the member.

(g) Detail of Federal Employees

On the request of the Council, the Secretary may detail, with or without 

reimbursement, any of the personnel of the Department of Education to the 

Council to assist the Council in carrying out its duties. Any detail shall 

not 

interrupt or otherwise affect the civil service status or privileges of the 

Federal employee.

(h) Technical Assistance

On the request of the Council, the Secretary shall provide such technical 

assistance to the Council as the Council determines to be necessary to carry 

out 

its duties.

(i) Termination

Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not 

apply 

with respect to the Council.

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