I 
115TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 3199 
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve accessibility to, 
and completion of, postsecondary education for students, including stu-
dents with disabilities, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JULY 12, 2017 
Mr. DESAULNIER (for himself, Mr. HOYER, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. LANGEVIN, 
Mrs. DAVIS of California, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. KHANNA, and Mr. SCOTT 
of Virginia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Com-
mittee on Education and the Workforce 
A BILL 
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve 
accessibility to, and completion of, postsecondary edu-
cation for students, including students with disabilities, 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘Improving Access to Higher Education Act of 2017’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
TITLE I—PROGRAMS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES 
WITH A QUALITY HIGHER EDUCATION 
Sec. 101. Supporting postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators in pro-
viding accessible education. 
Sec. 102. Office of Accessibility. 
Sec. 103. Accessible instructional materials and technology. 
Sec. 104. Postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities. 
Sec. 105. National Technical Assistance Center and National Coordinating 
Center for Inclusion of Students with Intellectual Disabilities. 
Sec. 106. Definitions. 
TITLE II—MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
Sec. 201. Submission of data with respect to students with disabilities. 
Sec. 202. Training for realtime writers to provide closed captioning and court 
reporting services. 
Sec. 203. Perfecting amendment. 
TITLE I—PROGRAMS TO PRO-
VIDE STUDENTS WITH DIS-
ABILITIES WITH A QUALITY 
HIGHER EDUCATION 
SEC. 101. SUPPORTING POSTSECONDARY FACULTY, STAFF, 
AND ADMINISTRATORS IN PROVIDING ACCES-
SIBLE EDUCATION. 
(a) GRANTS.—Section 762 of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1140b) is amended to read as 
follows: 
‘‘SEC. 762. GRANTS AUTHORIZED. 
‘‘(a) COMPETITIVE GRANTS AUTHORIZED TO SUP-
PORT POSTSECONDARY FACULTY, STAFF, AND ADMINIS-
TRATORS IN PROVIDING AN ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—From amounts appro-
priated under section 765C, the Secretary shall 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
award grants, on a competitive basis, to institutions 
of higher education to enable the institutions to 
carry out the activities under subsection (b). 
‘‘(2) AWARDS
FOR
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOP-
MENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—Not less than 
5 grants shall be awarded to institutions of higher 
education that provide professional development and 
technical assistance in order to improve access to 
and completion of postsecondary education for stu-
dents, including students with disabilities. 
‘‘(b) DURATION; ACTIVITIES.— 
‘‘(1) DURATION.—A grant under this subpart 
shall be awarded for a period of 5 years. 
‘‘(2) 
AUTHORIZED
ACTIVITIES.—A 
grant 
awarded under this subpart shall be used to carry 
out one or more of the following activities: 
‘‘(A) TEACHING
METHODS
AND
STRATE-
GIES.—The development and implementation of 
training to provide innovative, effective, and evi-
dence-based teaching methods and strategies, 
consistent with the principles of universal de-
sign for learning, to provide postsecondary fac-
ulty, staff, and administrators with the skills 
and supports necessary to teach and meet the 
academic and programmatic needs of students 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
(including students with disabilities) in order to 
improve the retention of such students in, and 
the completion by such students of, postsec-
ondary education. Such methods and strategies 
may include in-service training, professional de-
velopment, customized and general technical as-
sistance, workshops, summer institutes, dis-
tance learning, and training in the use of assist-
ive and educational technology. 
‘‘(B) IMPLEMENTING ACCOMMODATIONS.— 
The development and implementation of train-
ing to provide postsecondary faculty, staff, and 
administrators methods and strategies of pro-
viding appropriate accommodations for students 
with disabilities, including descriptions of legal 
obligations of the university to provide such ac-
commodations. 
‘‘(C) 
EFFECTIVE
TRANSITION
PRAC-
TICES.—The development and implementation 
of innovative, effective, and evidence-based 
teaching methods and strategies to provide 
postsecondary faculty, staff, and administrators 
with the skills and supports necessary to ensure 
the successful and smooth transition of stu-
dents with disabilities from secondary school to 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
postsecondary education. The teaching methods 
and strategies may include supporting students 
in the development of self-advocacy skills to im-
prove transition to, and completion of, postsec-
ondary education. 
‘‘(D) DISTANCE LEARNING.—The develop-
ment and implementation of training to provide 
innovative, effective, and evidence-based teach-
ing methods and strategies to enable postsec-
ondary faculty, staff, and administrators to pro-
vide accessible distance education programs or 
classes that would enhance the access of stu-
dents (including students with disabilities) to 
postsecondary education, including the use of 
accessible curricula and electronic communica-
tion for instruction and advising. 
‘‘(E) CAREER PATHWAY GUIDANCE.—The 
development and implementation of effective 
and evidence-based teaching methods and strat-
egies to provide postsecondary faculty, staff, 
and administrators with the ability to advise 
students with disabilities with respect to their 
chosen career pathway, which shall include— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(i) supporting internships, appren-
ticeships, or work-based learning opportu-
nities; 
‘‘(ii) counseling on coursework to meet 
the recognized educational credential or 
recognized postsecondary credential appro-
priate for the field chosen; 
‘‘(iii) developing self-advocacy skills to 
advocate for appropriate accommodations 
once in the workplace; or 
‘‘(iv) support with selecting a career 
pathway that leads to competitive, inte-
grated employment. 
‘‘(3) MANDATORY EVALUATION AND DISSEMI-
NATION.—An institution of higher education award-
ed a grant under this subpart shall evaluate and dis-
seminate to other institutions of higher education 
the information obtained through the activities de-
scribed in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of para-
graph (2). 
‘‘(c) CONSIDERATIONS
IN MAKING AWARDS.—In 
awarding grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements 
under this subpart, the Secretary shall consider the fol-
lowing: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(1) GEOGRAPHIC
DISTRIBUTION.—Providing 
an equitable geographic distribution of such awards. 
‘‘(2) RURAL AND URBAN AREAS.—Distributing 
such awards to urban and rural areas. 
‘‘(3) RANGE AND TYPE OF INSTITUTION.—En-
suring that the activities to be assisted are developed 
for a range of types and sizes of institutions of high-
er education. 
‘‘(d) REPORTS.— 
‘‘(1) INITIAL REPORT.—Not later than one year 
after the date of enactment of the this Act, the Sec-
retary shall prepare and submit to the authorizing 
committees, and make available to the public, a re-
port on all projects awarded grants under this part, 
including a review of the activities and program per-
formance of such projects based on existing informa-
tion as of the date of the report. 
‘‘(2) SUBSEQUENT
REPORT.—Not later than 
five years after the date of the first award of a grant 
under this subpart after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to 
the authorizing committees, and make available to 
the public, a report that— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) reviews the activities and program 
performance of the projects authorized under 
this subpart; and 
‘‘(B) provides guidance and recommenda-
tions on how effective projects can be rep-
licated.’’. 
(b) APPLICATIONS.—Section 763 of the Higher Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1140c) is amended to read 
as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 763. APPLICATIONS. 
‘‘Each institution of higher education desiring to re-
ceive a grant under this subpart shall submit an applica-
tion to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and 
accompanied by such information as the Secretary may 
require. Each application shall include— 
‘‘(1) a description of the activities authorized 
under this subpart that the institution proposes to 
carry out, and how such institution plans to conduct 
such activities in order to further the purpose of this 
subpart; 
‘‘(2) a description of how the institution con-
sulted with a broad range of people, including indi-
viduals with expertise in disability supports or spe-
cial education, within the institution to develop ac-
tivities for which assistance is sought; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) a description of how the institution will co-
ordinate and collaborate with the office of accessi-
bility; and 
‘‘(4) a description of the extent to which the in-
stitution will work to replicate the research-based 
and best practices of institutions of higher education 
with demonstrated effectiveness in serving students 
with disabilities.’’. 
SEC. 102. OFFICE OF ACCESSIBILITY. 
Subpart 1 of part D of title VII of the Higher Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1440a et seq.) is amend-
ed— 
(1) by redesignating section 765 as section 
765C; 
(2) by inserting after section 764 the following: 
‘‘SEC. 765A. OFFICE OF ACCESSIBILITY. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Each institution of higher 
education shall establish an office of accessibility to de-
velop and implement policies to support students who 
enter postsecondary education with disabilities and stu-
dents who acquire a disability while enrolled in an institu-
tion of higher education. 
‘‘(b) DUTIES.—Each office of accessibility shall— 
‘‘(1) inform students, during student orienta-
tion, about services provided at the institution of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
higher education, and continually update such infor-
mation through the accessibility office’s website and 
other communications to improve accessibility of 
such services; 
‘‘(2) provide information to students regarding 
accommodations and modifications provided by the 
institution of higher education with respect to in-
ternships, practicums, work-based learning, appren-
ticeships, or other work-related environments that— 
‘‘(A) the student may engage in through 
courses; or 
‘‘(B) are necessary for completion of a rec-
ognized educational credential or recognized 
postsecondary credential; 
‘‘(3) provide information to students regarding 
their legal rights under the Americans with Disabil-
ities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) and section 504 
of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794); and 
‘‘(4) in order to provide appropriate accom-
modations to students with disabilities, carry out the 
following: 
‘‘(A) Adopt policies that, at a minimum, 
make any of the following documentation sub-
mitted by a student sufficient to establish that 
such student is an individual with a disability: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(i) Documentation that the indi-
vidual has had an individualized education 
program in accordance with section 614(d) 
of the Individuals with Disabilities Edu-
cation Act (20 U.S.C. 1414(d)), including 
an individualized education program that 
may be not current or past-date on the 
date of the determination. 
‘‘(ii) Documentation that the indi-
vidual has had a plan prepared under sec-
tion 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 
(29 U.S.C. 794). 
‘‘(iii) A plan or record of service for 
the individual from a private school, a local 
educational agency, a State educational 
agency, or an institution of higher edu-
cation provided in accordance with the 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 
(42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). 
‘‘(iv) A record or evaluation from a li-
censed professional finding that the indi-
vidual has a disability. 
‘‘(v) A plan or record of disability 
from another institution of higher edu-
cation. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(vi) Documentation of a disability 
due to service in the uniformed services, as 
defined in section 484C(a). 
‘‘(B) Adopt policies that are transparent 
and explicit regarding the process by which the 
institution determines eligibility for accom-
modations. 
‘‘(C) Disseminate the information de-
scribed in subparagraph (B) to students, par-
ents, and faculty— 
‘‘(i) in an accessible format; 
‘‘(ii) during student orientation; and 
‘‘(iii) by making such information 
readily available on a public website of the 
institution. 
‘‘(D) If applicable, provide accommoda-
tions to students with mental health disabilities. 
‘‘SEC. 765B. COMPETITIVE GRANT FOR INNOVATION AND 
ACCESSIBILITY. 
‘‘(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—From amounts appro-
priated under section 765C, the Secretary may 
award grants on a competitive basis to institutions 
of higher education to enable the institutions to 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
carry out the activities described under subsection 
(c). 
‘‘(2) DURATION.—A grant under this subpart 
shall be awarded for a period of 5 years. 
‘‘(3) CONSIDERATION IN MAKING AWARDS.—In 
awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary 
shall consider the following: 
‘‘(A) Providing an equitable geographic 
distribution of such awards. 
‘‘(B) Ensuring that the activities to be as-
sisted are developed for a range of types and 
sizes of institutions of higher education. 
‘‘(b) APPLICATION.—Each institution of higher edu-
cation desiring to receive a grant under this subsection 
shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, 
in such manner, and accompanied by such information as 
the Secretary may require. Each application shall in-
clude— 
‘‘(1) a description of how the institution will 
carry out the activities under this section; 
‘‘(2) a description of the consultation the insti-
tution has had with a broad range of people within 
the institution, including individuals with expertise 
in disability supports or special education, in devel-
oping the information under paragraph (1); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) a plan for the sustainability of the pro-
gram after the end of the grant period; and 
‘‘(4) a written business plan for revenue and ex-
penditures to be provided to the Department under 
subsection (d). 
‘‘(c) ACTIVITIES.—A grant awarded under this sec-
tion shall be used to— 
‘‘(1) develop and implement across the institu-
tion of higher education, a universal design for 
learning framework for course design and instruc-
tional materials to improve campus-wide accessibility 
to instruction, materials, and the learning environ-
ment; or 
‘‘(2) develop or improve distance education 
courses consistent with the principles of universal 
design for learning to improve accessibility of in-
struction and materials. 
‘‘(d) REPORTS.— 
‘‘(1) GRANT RECIPIENT REPORTS.—An institu-
tion of higher education awarded a grant under this 
subpart shall evaluate and disseminate to other in-
stitutions of higher education, the information ob-
tained through the activities described in subsection 
(c). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) INITIAL
REPORT
BY
SECRETARY.—Not 
later than one year after the date of the enactment 
of this section, the Secretary shall prepare and sub-
mit to the authorizing committees, and make avail-
able to the public, a report on all projects awarded 
grants under this part, including a review of the ac-
tivities and program performance of such projects 
based on existing information as of the date of the 
report. 
‘‘(3) FINAL REPORT BY SECRETARY.—Not later 
than 6 years after the date of the first award of a 
grant under subsection (a), the Secretary shall pre-
pare and submit to the authorizing committees, and 
make available to the public, a report that— 
‘‘(A) reviews the activities and program 
performance of the projects authorized under 
this subsection; and 
‘‘(B) provides guidance and recommenda-
tions on how effective projects can be rep-
licated.’’; and 
(3) by amending section 765C, as so redesig-
nated, by striking ‘‘2009’’ and inserting ‘‘2018’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
SEC. 103. ACCESSIBLE INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND 
TECHNOLOGY. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.—The Speaker 
of the House of Representatives, the President pro tem-
pore of the Senate, and the Secretary of Education shall 
establish an independent commission, comprised of key 
stakeholders, to develop guidelines for accessible postsec-
ondary electronic instructional materials and related tech-
nologies in order— 
(1) to ensure students with disabilities are af-
forded the same educational benefits provided to stu-
dents without disabilities through the use of elec-
tronic instructional materials and related tech-
nologies; 
(2) to improve the selection and use of such 
materials and technologies at institutions of higher 
education; and 
(3) to encourage entities that produce such ma-
terials and technologies to make accessible versions 
more readily available in the market. 
(b) REVIEW.—In carrying out subsection (a), the 
commission shall— 
(1) review applicable information technology ac-
cessibility standards; and 
(2) compile and annotate such accessibility 
standards as an additional information resource for 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
institutions of higher education and companies that 
service the higher education market. 
(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) STAKEHOLDER GROUPS.—The commission 
shall be composed of representatives from the fol-
lowing categories: 
(A) Communities of persons with disabil-
ities for whom the accessibility of postsecondary 
electronic instructional materials and related 
technologies is a significant factor in ensuring 
equal participation in higher education, and 
nonprofit organizations that provide accessible 
electronic materials to these communities. 
(B) Higher education leadership, including 
university presidents, provosts, deans, vice 
presidents or deans of libraries, chief informa-
tion officers, and other senior institutional ex-
ecutives. 
(C) Developers of postsecondary electronic 
instructional materials and manufacturers of 
related technologies. 
(2) APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS.—The commis-
sion members shall be appointed as follows: 
(A) 6 members, 2 from each category de-
scribed in paragraph (1), shall be appointed by 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 3 
of whom shall be appointed on the rec-
ommendation of the majority leader of the 
House of Representatives and 3 of whom shall 
be appointed on the recommendation of the mi-
nority leader of the House of Representatives, 
with the Speaker ensuring that 1 developer of 
postsecondary electronic instructional materials 
and 1 manufacturer of related technologies are 
appointed. The Speaker shall also appoint 2 ad-
ditional members, 1 student with a disability 
and 1 faculty member from an institution of 
higher education. 
(B) 6 members, 2 from each category de-
scribed in paragraph (1), shall be appointed by 
the President pro tempore of the Senate, 3 of 
whom shall be appointed on the recommenda-
tion of the majority leader of the Senate and 3 
of whom shall be appointed on the rec-
ommendation of the minority leader of the Sen-
ate, with the President pro tempore ensuring 
that 1 developer of postsecondary electronic in-
structional materials and 1 manufacturer of re-
lated technologies are appointed. The President 
pro tempore shall also appoint 2 additional 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
members, 1 student with a disability and 1 fac-
ulty member from an institution of higher edu-
cation. 
(C) 3 members, each of whom must pos-
sess extensive, demonstrated technical expertise 
in the development and implementation of ac-
cessible postsecondary electronic instructional 
materials, shall be appointed by the Secretary 
of Education. 1 of these members shall rep-
resent postsecondary students with disabilities, 
1 shall represent higher education leadership, 
and 1 shall represent developers of postsec-
ondary electronic instructional materials. 
(3) ELIGIBILITY TO SERVE AS A MEMBER.— 
Federal employees are ineligible for appointment to 
the commission. An appointee to a volunteer or advi-
sory position with a Federal agency or related advi-
sory body may be appointed to the commission so 
long as his or her primary employment is with a 
non-Federal entity and he or she is not otherwise 
engaged in financially compensated work on behalf 
of the Federal Government, exclusive of any stand-
ard expense reimbursement or grant-funded activi-
ties. 
(d) AUTHORITY AND ADMINISTRATION.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
(1) AUTHORITY.—The commission’s execution 
of its duties shall be independent of the Secretary of 
Education, the Attorney General, and the head of 
any other agency or department of the Federal Gov-
ernment with regulatory or standard setting author-
ity in the areas addressed by the commission. 
(2) ADMINISTRATION.— 
(A) STAFFING.—There shall be no perma-
nent staffing for the commission. 
(B) LEADERSHIP.—Commission members 
shall elect a chairperson from among the ap-
pointees to the commission. 
(C) 
ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPPORT.—The 
Commission shall be provided administrative 
support, as needed, by the Secretary of Edu-
cation through the Office of Postsecondary 
Education of the Department of Education. 
(e) DUTIES.— 
(1) GUIDELINES.—Not later than 18 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, subject to 
a 6-month extension that it may exercise at its dis-
cretion, the commission shall— 
(A) develop and issue guidelines for acces-
sible postsecondary electronic instructional ma-
terials, and related technologies; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
(B) in developing the guidelines, the com-
mission shall— 
(i) establish a technical panel pursu-
ant to paragraph (4) to support the com-
mission in developing the guidelines; 
(ii) develop criteria for determining 
which materials and technologies constitute 
postsecondary electronic instructional ma-
terials and related technologies; 
(iii) identify existing national and 
international accessibility standards that 
are relevant to student use of postsec-
ondary electronic instructional materials 
and related technologies at institutions of 
higher education; 
(iv) identify and address any unique 
pedagogical and accessibility requirements 
of postsecondary electronic instructional 
materials and related technologies that are 
not addressed, or not adequately ad-
dressed, by the identified, relevant existing 
accessibility standards; 
(v) identify those aspects of accessi-
bility, and types of postsecondary instruc-
tional materials and related technologies, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
for which the commission cannot produce 
guidelines or which cannot be addressed by 
existing accessibility standards due to— 
(I) inherent limitations of com-
mercially available technologies; or 
(II) the challenges posed by a 
specific category of disability that cov-
ers a wide spectrum of impairments 
and capabilities which makes it dif-
ficult to assess the benefits from par-
ticular guidelines on a categorical 
basis; 
(vi) ensure that the guidelines are 
consistent with the requirements of section 
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
U.S.C. 794) and titles II and III of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 
12131 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 12181 et seq.); 
(vii) ensure that the guidelines are 
consistent, to the extent feasible and ap-
propriate, with the technical and functional 
performance criteria included in the na-
tional and international accessibility stand-
ards identified by the commission as rel-
evant to student use of postsecondary elec-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
tronic instructional materials and related 
technologies; 
(viii) allow for the use of an alter-
native design or technology that results in 
substantially equivalent or greater accessi-
bility and usability by individuals with dis-
abilities than would be provided by compli-
ance with the guidelines; and 
(ix) provide that where electronic in-
structional materials, or related tech-
nologies, that comply fully with the guide-
lines are not commercially available, or 
where such compliance is not technically 
feasible, the institution may select the 
product that best meets the guidelines con-
sistent with the institution’s business and 
pedagogical needs. 
(2) ANNOTATED LIST OF INFORMATION TECH-
NOLOGY
STANDARDS.—Not later than 18 months 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, subject 
to a 6-month extension that it may exercise at its 
discretion, the commission established in section 2 
shall, with the assistance of the technical panel es-
tablished under paragraph (4), develop and issue an 
annotated list of information technology standards. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
(3) APPROVAL.—Issuance of the guidelines and 
annotated list of information technology standards 
shall require approval of at least 75 percent of the 
members of the commission. 
(4) TECHNICAL
PANEL.—Not later than 1 
month after first meeting, the Commission shall ap-
point and convene a panel of 12 technical experts, 
each of whom shall have extensive, demonstrated 
technical experience in developing, researching, or 
implementing accessible postsecondary electronic in-
structional materials, or related technologies. The 
commission has discretion to determine a process for 
nominating, vetting, and confirming a panel of ex-
perts that fairly represents the stakeholder commu-
nities on the commission. The technical panel shall 
include a representative from the United States Ac-
cess Board. 
(f) REVIEW OF GUIDELINES.—Not later than 5 years 
after issuance of the guidelines and annotated list of infor-
mation technology standards described in subsections (a) 
and (b), and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of 
Education shall publish a notice in the Federal Register 
requesting public comment about whether there is a need 
to reconstitute the commission to update the guidelines 
and annotated list of information technology standards to 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
reflect technological advances, changes in postsecondary 
electronic instructional materials and related technologies, 
or updated national and international accessibility stand-
ards. The Secretary shall then submit a report and rec-
ommendation to Congress regarding whether the Commis-
sion should be reconstituted. 
(g) RULE OF APPLICATION.— 
(1) NONCONFORMING
POSTSECONDARY
ELEC-
TRONIC
INSTRUCTIONAL
MATERIALS
OR
RELATED 
TECHNOLOGIES.—Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to require an institution of higher edu-
cation to require, provide, or both recommend and 
provide, postsecondary electronic instructional mate-
rials or related technologies that conform to the 
guidelines. However, an institution that selects or 
uses nonconforming postsecondary electronic instruc-
tional materials or related technologies must other-
wise comply with existing obligations under section 
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
794) and titles II and III of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 
12181 et seq.) to provide access to the educational 
benefit afforded by such materials and technologies 
through provision of appropriate and reasonable 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
modification, accommodation, and auxiliary aids or 
services. 
(2) RELATIONSHIP
TO
EXISTING
LAWS
AND 
REGULATIONS.—With respect to the Americans with 
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) 
and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 
et seq.), nothing in this Act may be construed— 
(A) to authorize or require conduct prohib-
ited under the Americans with Disabilities Act 
of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, in-
cluding the regulations issued pursuant to those 
laws; 
(B) to expand, limit, or alter the remedies 
or defenses under the Americans with Disabil-
ities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 
1973; 
(C) to supersede, restrict, or limit the ap-
plication of the Americans with Disabilities Act 
of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; or 
(D) to limit the authority of Federal agen-
cies to issue regulations pursuant to the Ameri-
cans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Re-
habilitation Act of 1973. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
(1) ANNOTATED LIST OF INFORMATION TECH-
NOLOGY STANDARDS.—The term ‘‘annotated list of 
information technology standards’’ means a list of 
existing national and international accessibility 
standards relevant to student use of postsecondary 
electronic instructional materials and related tech-
nologies, and to other types of information tech-
nology common to institutions of higher education, 
such as institutional websites or registration sys-
tems, annotated by the commission established pur-
suant to this section. The annotated list of informa-
tion technology standards is intended to serve solely 
as a reference tool to inform any consideration of 
the relevance of such standards in higher education 
contexts. 
(2) POSTSECONDARY
ELECTRONIC
INSTRUC-
TIONAL MATERIALS.—The term ‘‘postsecondary elec-
tronic instructional materials’’ means digital cur-
ricular content that is required, provided, or both 
recommended and provided by an institution of high-
er education for use in a postsecondary instructional 
program. 
(3) RELATED TECHNOLOGIES.—The term ‘‘re-
lated technologies’’ refers to any software, applica-
tions, learning management or content management 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
03:23 Jul 20, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
systems, and hardware that an institution of higher 
education requires, provides, or both recommends 
and provides for student access to and use of post-
secondary electronic instructional materials in a 
postsecondary instructional program. 
(4) TECHNICAL PANEL.—The term ‘‘technical 
panel’’ means a group of experts with extensive, 
demonstrated technical experience in the develop-
ment and implementation of accessibility features for 
postsecondary electronic instructional materials and 
related technologies, established by the Commission 
pursuant to subsection (e)(4), which will assist the 
commission in the development of the guidelines and 
annotated list of information technology standards 
authorized under this Act. 
SEC. 104. POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS 
WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. 
(a) PURPOSE.—Section 766 of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1140f) is amended to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘SEC. 766. PURPOSE. 
‘‘It is the purpose of this subpart to support inclusive 
programs that promote the successful transition of stu-
dents with intellectual disabilities into higher education 
and the earning of a recognized educational credential or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
recognized postsecondary credential issued by the institu-
tion of higher education.’’. 
(b) PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL 
DISABILITIES.—Section 767 of the Higher Education Act 
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1140g) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 767. INCLUSIVE HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR 
STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABIL-
ITIES. 
‘‘(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—From amounts appro-
priated under section 769(a), the Secretary shall an-
nually award grants, on a competitive basis, to insti-
tutions of higher education (or consortia of institu-
tions of higher education), to enable the institutions 
or consortia to create or expand high quality, inclu-
sive higher education programs for students with in-
tellectual disabilities. 
‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATION.—The program under 
this section shall be administered by the office in the 
Department that administers other postsecondary 
education programs in consultation with the Office 
of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of 
the Department of Education. 
‘‘(3) DURATION OF GRANTS.—A grant under 
this section shall be awarded for a period of 5 years. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(b) APPLICATION.—An institution of higher edu-
cation or a consortium desiring a grant under this section 
shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, 
in such manner, and containing such information as the 
Secretary may require. 
‘‘(c) AWARD BASIS.—In awarding grants under this 
section, the Secretary shall— 
‘‘(1) provide for an equitable geographic dis-
tribution of such grants; 
‘‘(2) provide grant funds for inclusive higher 
education programs for students with intellectual 
disabilities that will serve areas that are underserved 
by programs of this type; 
‘‘(3) in the case of an institution of higher edu-
cation that provides institutionally owned or oper-
ated housing for students attending the institution, 
award grants only to such institutions that integrate 
students with intellectual disabilities into the hous-
ing offered to students without disabilities or to in-
stitutions that provide such integrated housing 
through providing supports to students directly or 
through partnerships with other organizations; 
‘‘(4) provide grant funds to encourage involve-
ment of students attending institutions of higher 
education in the fields of special education, general 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
education, vocational rehabilitation, assistive tech-
nology, or related fields in the program; 
‘‘(5) select applications that— 
‘‘(A) demonstrate an existing comprehen-
sive transition and postsecondary education 
program for students with intellectual disabil-
ities that is title IV eligible; or 
‘‘(B) agree to establish such a program; 
and 
‘‘(6) give preference to applications submitted 
under subsection (b) that agree to incorporate into 
the inclusive higher education program for students 
with intellectual disabilities carried out under the 
grant one or more of the following elements: 
‘‘(A) The formation of a partnership with 
any relevant agency serving students with intel-
lectual disabilities, such as a vocational rehabili-
tation agency. 
‘‘(B) Applications that represent geo-
graphically underserved States. 
‘‘(d) USE OF FUNDS; REQUIREMENTS.—An institu-
tion of higher education or consortium receiving a grant 
under this section shall— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(1) use the grant funds to establish an inclu-
sive higher education program for students with in-
tellectual disabilities that— 
‘‘(A) serves students with intellectual dis-
abilities; 
‘‘(B) provides individual supports and serv-
ices for the academic and social inclusion of 
students with intellectual disabilities in aca-
demic courses, extracurricular activities, and 
other aspects of the regular postsecondary pro-
gram; 
‘‘(C) with respect to the students with in-
tellectual disabilities participating in the pro-
gram, provides a focus on— 
‘‘(i) academic and career development; 
‘‘(ii) socialization and inclusion with 
the general student population; 
‘‘(iii) independent living skills, includ-
ing self-advocacy skills; and 
‘‘(iv) integrated work experiences and 
career skills that lead to competitive inte-
grated employment; 
‘‘(D) integrates person-centered planning 
in the development of the course of study for 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
each student with an intellectual disability par-
ticipating in the program; 
‘‘(E) plans for the sustainability of the 
program after the end of the grant period, with 
a written business plan for revenue and expend-
itures to be provided to the Department by the 
end of year 3; and 
‘‘(F) awards a recognized educational cre-
dential or recognized postsecondary credential 
for students with intellectual disabilities upon 
the completion of the program; 
‘‘(2) in the case of an institution of higher edu-
cation that provides institutionally owned or oper-
ated housing for students attending the institution 
or integrated housing through providing supports to 
students directly or through partnerships with other 
organizations, provide for the integration of students 
with intellectual disabilities into housing offered to 
students without disabilities; 
‘‘(3) participate with the coordinating center es-
tablished under section 777(b) in the evaluation of 
the program, including by regularly submitting data 
on experiences and outcomes of individual students 
participating in the program; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(4) partner with one or more local educational 
agencies to support students with intellectual disabil-
ities participating in the program who are eligible 
for special education and related services under the 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 
U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), including the use of funds 
available under part B of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 
et seq.) to support the participation of such students 
in the program. 
‘‘(e) MATCHING REQUIREMENT.—An institution of 
higher education (or consortium) that receives a grant 
under this section shall provide matching funds toward the 
cost of the inclusive higher education program for students 
with intellectual disabilities carried out under the grant. 
Such matching funds may be provided in cash or in-kind, 
and shall be in an amount of not less than 25 percent 
of the amount of such costs. 
‘‘(f) DATA COLLECTION AND TRANSMISSION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—An institution or consor-
tium receiving a grant under this section shall col-
lect and transmit to the coordinating center estab-
lished under section 777(b) on an annual basis for 
each student who is enrolled in the program, stu-
dent-level information related to the experiences and 
outcomes of students who participate in the inclusive 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
higher education program for students with intellec-
tual disabilities. 
‘‘(2) LONGITUDINAL DATA.—Each grantee shall 
collect longitudinal outcome data from each student 
participating in the program and transmit such data 
to the coordinating center established under section 
777(b). Such longitudinal data shall be collected for 
every student each year for 5 years after the student 
graduates from, or otherwise exits, the program. 
‘‘(3) DATA TO BE COLLECTED.—The program- 
level information and data and student-level infor-
mation and data to be collected under this sub-
section shall include— 
‘‘(A) the number and type of postsec-
ondary education courses taken and completed 
by the student; 
‘‘(B) credits the student earned and wheth-
er or not the student earned a recognized edu-
cational credential or recognized postsecondary 
credential issued by the institution of higher 
education; 
‘‘(C) academic outcomes; 
‘‘(D) competitive, integrated employment 
outcomes; 
‘‘(E) independent living outcomes; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(F) social outcomes. 
‘‘(g) REPORT.—Not later than 5 years after the date 
of the first grant awarded under this section, the Sec-
retary shall prepare and disseminate a report to the au-
thorizing committees and to the public that— 
‘‘(1) reviews the activities of the inclusive high-
er education programs for students with intellectual 
disabilities funded under this section; and 
‘‘(2) provides guidance and recommendations 
on how effective programs can be replicated.’’. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 
769(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1140i) is amended by striking ‘‘2009’’ and inserting 
‘‘2018’’. 
SEC. 105. NATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER AND 
NATIONAL COORDINATING CENTER FOR IN-
CLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL 
DISABILITIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 777 of the Higher Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1140q) is amended to read 
as follows: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘SEC. 777. NATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER 
AND COORDINATING CENTER FOR INCLU-
SION OF STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL 
DISABILITIES. 
‘‘(a) NATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—From amounts appro-
priated under paragraph (5), the Secretary shall 
award a grant to, or enter into a contract or cooper-
ative agreement with, an eligible entity to provide 
for the establishment and support of a National 
Technical Assistance Center. The National Technical 
Assistance Center shall carry out the duties set forth 
in paragraph (4). 
‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATION.—The program under 
this section shall be administered by the office in the 
Department that administers other postsecondary 
education programs in consultation with the Office 
of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. 
‘‘(3) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—In this subpart, the 
term ‘eligible entity’ means an institution of higher 
education, a nonprofit organization, or partnership 
of two or more such institutions or organizations, 
with demonstrated expertise in— 
‘‘(A) transitioning students with disabil-
ities from secondary school to postsecondary 
education; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(B) supporting students with disabilities 
in postsecondary education; 
‘‘(C) technical knowledge necessary for the 
dissemination of information in accessible for-
mats; and 
‘‘(D) working with diverse types of institu-
tions of higher education, including community 
colleges. 
‘‘(4) DUTIES.—The duties of the National 
Technical Assistance Center shall include the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(A) ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS AND FAM-
ILIES.—The 
National 
Technical 
Assistance 
Center shall provide information and technical 
assistance to students with disabilities and the 
families of students with disabilities to support 
students across the broad spectrum of disabil-
ities, including— 
‘‘(i) information to assist individuals 
with disabilities who are prospective stu-
dents of an institution of higher education 
in planning for postsecondary education 
while the students are in secondary school; 
‘‘(ii) information and technical assist-
ance provided to individualized education 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
program teams (as defined in section 
614(d)(1) of the Individuals with Disabil-
ities Education Act) for secondary school 
students with disabilities, and to early out-
reach and student services programs, in-
cluding programs authorized under sub-
parts 2, 4, and 5 of part A of title IV, to 
support students across a broad spectrum 
of disabilities with the successful transition 
to postsecondary education; 
‘‘(iii) research-based supports, serv-
ices, and accommodations which are avail-
able in postsecondary settings, including 
services provided by other agencies such as 
vocational rehabilitation; 
‘‘(iv) information on student men-
toring and networking opportunities for 
students with disabilities; and 
‘‘(v) effective recruitment and transi-
tion programs at postsecondary edu-
cational institutions. 
‘‘(B) ASSISTANCE
TO
INSTITUTIONS
OF 
HIGHER EDUCATION.—The National Technical 
Assistance Center shall provide information and 
technical assistance to faculty, staff, and ad-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
ministrators of institutions of higher education 
to improve the services provided to, the accom-
modations for, the retention rates of, and the 
completion rates of, students with disabilities in 
higher education settings, which may include— 
‘‘(i) collection and dissemination of 
best and promising practices and materials 
for accommodating and supporting stu-
dents with disabilities, including practices 
and materials supported by the grants, 
contracts, or cooperative agreements au-
thorized under subparts 1, 2, and 3; 
‘‘(ii) development and provision of 
training modules for higher education fac-
ulty on exemplary practices for accommo-
dating and supporting postsecondary stu-
dents with disabilities across a range of 
academic fields, which may include uni-
versal design for learning and practices 
supported by the grants, contracts, or co-
operative agreements authorized under 
subparts 1, 2, and 3; and 
‘‘(iii) development of technology-based 
tutorials for higher education faculty and 
staff, including new faculty and graduate 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
students, on best and promising practices 
related to support and retention of stu-
dents with disabilities in postsecondary 
education. 
‘‘(C) INFORMATION COLLECTION AND DIS-
SEMINATION.—The National Technical Assist-
ance Center shall be responsible for building, 
maintaining, and updating a database of dis-
ability support services information with respect 
to institutions of higher education, or for ex-
panding and updating an existing database of 
disabilities support services information with re-
spect to institutions of higher education. Such 
database shall be available to the general public 
through a website built to high technical stand-
ards of accessibility practicable for the broad 
spectrum of individuals with disabilities. Such 
database and website shall include available in-
formation on— 
‘‘(i) disability documentation require-
ments; 
‘‘(ii) support services available; 
‘‘(iii) links to financial aid; 
‘‘(iv) accommodations policies; 
‘‘(v) accessible instructional materials; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(vi) other topics relevant to students 
with disabilities; and 
‘‘(vii) the information in the report 
described in subparagraph (E). 
‘‘(D) DISABILITY
SUPPORT
SERVICES.— 
The National Technical Assistance Center shall 
work with organizations and individuals with 
proven expertise related to disability support 
services for postsecondary students with disabil-
ities to evaluate, improve, and disseminate in-
formation related to the delivery of high quality 
disability support services at institutions of 
higher education. 
‘‘(E) REVIEW
AND
REPORT.—Not later 
than three years after the establishment of the 
National Technical Assistance Center, and 
every two years thereafter, the National Tech-
nical Assistance Center shall prepare and dis-
seminate a report to the Secretary and the au-
thorizing committees analyzing the condition of 
postsecondary success for students with disabil-
ities. Such report shall include— 
‘‘(i) a review of the activities and the 
effectiveness of the programs authorized 
under this part; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(5) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this subsection $10,000,000. 
‘‘(b) THE NATIONAL COORDINATING CENTER FOR 
INCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABIL-
ITIES.— 
‘‘(1) DEFINITION
OF
ELIGIBLE
ENTITY.—In 
this subsection, the term ‘eligible entity’ means an 
entity, or a partnership of entities, that has dem-
onstrated expertise in the fields of— 
‘‘(A) higher education; 
‘‘(B) the education of students with intel-
lectual disabilities; 
‘‘(C) the development of inclusive higher 
education programs for students with intellec-
tual disabilities; and 
‘‘(D) evaluation and technical assistance. 
‘‘(2) IN
GENERAL.—From amounts appro-
priated under paragraph 7, the Secretary shall enter 
into a cooperative agreement, on a competitive basis, 
with an eligible entity for the purpose of establishing 
a coordinating center for institutions of higher edu-
cation that offer inclusive higher education programs 
for students with intellectual disabilities, including 
institutions participating in grants authorized under 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
subpart 2, to provide technical assistance and eval-
uations for such programs, including systematic col-
lection of annual student and program data and fa-
cilitation of outcomes data of students with intellec-
tual disabilities. 
‘‘(3) ADMINISTRATION.—The program under 
this subsection shall be administered by the office in 
the Department that administers other postsec-
ondary education programs in consultation with the 
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Serv-
ices. 
‘‘(4) DURATION.—The Secretary shall enter 
into a cooperative agreement under this subsection 
for a period of five years. 
‘‘(5) REQUIREMENTS OF COOPERATIVE AGREE-
MENT.—The eligible entity entering into a coopera-
tive agreement under this subsection shall establish 
and maintain a coordinating center that shall— 
‘‘(A) serve as the technical assistance enti-
ty for all inclusive higher education programs 
and comprehensive transition and postsec-
ondary programs for students with intellectual 
disabilities; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(B) provide technical assistance regarding 
the development, evaluation, and continuous im-
provement of such programs; 
‘‘(C) evaluate such programs using quali-
tative and quantitative methodologies for meas-
uring program strengths in the areas of aca-
demic access, academic enrichment, socializa-
tion, competitive integrated employment, attain-
ment of a recognized educational credential or 
recognized postsecondary credential, and inde-
pendent living; 
‘‘(D) create and maintain a database of 
student and program level data reflecting imple-
mentation of the inclusive higher education pro-
gram that receives a grant under this subpart; 
‘‘(E) create and maintain a mechanism to 
consolidate follow up data on student outcomes 
collected by inclusive higher education programs 
funded through previous grant cycles; 
‘‘(F) assist recipients of grants under sub-
part 2 in efforts to award a recognized edu-
cational credential or recognized postsecondary 
credential to students with intellectual disabil-
ities upon the completion of such programs; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(G) identify model memoranda of agree-
ment for use between or among institutions of 
higher education and State and local agencies 
providing funding for such programs; 
‘‘(H) develop recommendations for the nec-
essary components of such programs, such as— 
‘‘(i) academic, career and technical, 
social, and independent living skills; 
‘‘(ii) evaluation of student progress; 
‘‘(iii) program administration and 
evaluation; 
‘‘(iv) student eligibility; 
‘‘(v) issues regarding the equivalency 
of a student’s participation in such pro-
grams to semester, trimester, quarter, 
credit, or clock hours at an institution of 
higher education, as the case may be; and 
‘‘(vi) access to student housing for 
students participating in the inclusive 
higher education programs, including ac-
commodations and services that support 
independent living; 
‘‘(I) review and analyze— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(i) policy impact of inclusive higher 
education on Federal and State legislation; 
and 
‘‘(ii) funding streams for such pro-
grams; 
‘‘(J) provide recommendations regarding 
the funding streams described in paragraph 
(H)(ii); 
‘‘(K) develop mechanisms for regular com-
munication, outreach and dissemination of in-
formation about inclusive higher education pro-
grams for students with intellectual disabilities 
under subpart 2 between or among such pro-
grams and to families and prospective students; 
‘‘(L) host a meeting of all recipients of 
grants under subpart 2 not less often than once 
each year; and 
‘‘(M) convene a work group to continue the 
development of and recommendations for model 
criteria, standards, and components of inclusive 
higher education programs and comprehensive 
transition and postsecondary programs for stu-
dents with intellectual disabilities, that are ap-
propriate for the development of accreditation 
standards— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(i) which work group shall include— 
‘‘(I) an expert in higher edu-
cation; 
‘‘(II) an expert in special edu-
cation; 
‘‘(III) a disability organization 
that represents students with intellec-
tual disabilities; 
‘‘(IV) a representative from the 
National Advisory Committee on In-
stitutional Quality and Integrity; and 
‘‘(V) a representative of a re-
gional or national accreditation agen-
cy or association; and 
‘‘(ii) the work group will carry out the 
following activities— 
‘‘(I) conduct outreach to accred-
iting agencies; 
‘‘(II) develop a technical guid-
ance document to support implemen-
tation of the model standards; 
‘‘(III) develop and conduct a pro-
tocol for field testing and imple-
menting the model standards; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00049
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(IV) update recommendations 
for the model standards, criteria, and 
components of such programs, as ap-
plicable. 
‘‘(6) REPORT.—Not later than 5 years after the 
date of the establishment of the coordinating center 
under this subsection, the coordinating center shall 
report to the Secretary, the authorizing committees, 
and the National Advisory Committee on Institu-
tional Quality and Integrity on the activities de-
scribed in paragraph (5). 
‘‘(7) AUTHORIZATION
OF
APPROPRIATIONS.— 
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this subpart such sums as may be necessary for fis-
cal year 2018 and each of the five succeeding fiscal 
years.’’. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 
778 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is repealed. 
SEC. 106. DEFINITIONS. 
Section 760 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1140) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 760. DEFINITIONS. 
‘‘In this part: 
‘‘(1) COMPREHENSIVE TRANSITION AND POST-
SECONDARY PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH INTEL-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
LECTUAL DISABILITIES.—The term ‘comprehensive 
transition and postsecondary program for students 
with intellectual disabilities’ means a program that 
leads to a recognized educational credential or recog-
nized postsecondary credential issued by an institu-
tion of higher education that meets each of the fol-
lowing requirements: 
‘‘(A) Is offered by an institution of higher 
education. 
‘‘(B) Is designed to support students with 
intellectual disabilities who are seeking to con-
tinue academic, career and technical, and inde-
pendent living instruction at an institution of 
higher education in order to prepare for com-
petitive integrated employment. 
‘‘(C) Includes student advising and a pro-
gram of study. 
‘‘(D) Requires students with intellectual 
disabilities to participate on not less than a 
half-time basis as determined by the institution, 
with such participation focusing on academic 
and career development components and occur-
ring through one or more of the following ac-
tivities: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00051
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(i) Regular enrollment in credit-bear-
ing courses with students without disabil-
ities that are offered by the institution. 
‘‘(ii) Auditing or participating in 
courses with students without disabilities 
that are offered by the institution and for 
which the student does not receive regular 
academic credit. 
‘‘(iii) Enrollment in noncredit-bearing, 
nondegree courses with students without 
disabilities. 
‘‘(iv) Participation in internships, ap-
prenticeships, or work-based experiences in 
competitive integrated settings for a se-
mester, or multiple semesters. 
‘‘(E) Requires students with intellectual 
disabilities to be socially and academically inte-
grated with students without disabilities to the 
maximum extent practicable. 
‘‘(2) DISABILITY.—The term ‘disability’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 3 of the Ameri-
cans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
12102). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00052
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.— 
The term ‘institution of higher education’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 101. 
‘‘(4) OFFICE
OF
ACCESSIBILITY.—The term 
‘Office of Accessibility’ has the meaning given to the 
office of disability services of the institution or 
equivalent office. 
‘‘(5) RECOGNIZED
POSTSECONDARY
CREDEN-
TIAL.—The term ‘recognized postsecondary creden-
tial’ has the meaning given the term in section 101 
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. 
‘‘(6) STUDENT WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DIS-
ABILITY.—The term ‘student with an intellectual 
disability’ means a student— 
‘‘(A) with a cognitive impairment, charac-
terized by significant limitations in— 
‘‘(i) intellectual and cognitive func-
tioning; and 
‘‘(ii) adaptive behavior as expressed in 
conceptual, social, and practical adaptive 
skills; 
‘‘(B) who is currently, or was formerly, eli-
gible for a free appropriate public education 
under the Individuals with Disabilities Edu-
cation Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.); and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(C) or, in the case of a student who has 
not currently or formerly been found eligible for 
a free appropriate education under the Individ-
uals with Disabilities Education Act, or a stu-
dent who has not previously been found eligible 
as a student with an intellectual disability 
under IDEA, documentation establishing that 
the student has an intellectual disability, such 
as— 
‘‘(i) a documented comprehensive and 
individualized psycho-educational evalua-
tion and diagnosis of an intellectual dis-
ability by a psychologist or other qualified 
professional; or 
‘‘(ii) a record of the disability from a 
local or State educational agency, or gov-
ernment agency, such as the Social Secu-
rity Administration or a vocational reha-
bilitation agency, that identifies the intel-
lectual disability. 
‘‘(7) UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING.—The 
term ‘universal design for learning’ means a scientif-
ically valid framework for guiding educational prac-
tice that— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00054
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) provides flexibility in the ways infor-
mation is presented, in the ways students re-
spond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and 
in the ways students are engaged; and 
‘‘(B) reduces barriers in instruction, pro-
vides appropriate accommodations, supports, 
and challenges and maintains high achievement 
expectations for all students, including students 
with disabilities and students who are limited 
English proficient.’’. 
TITLE II—MISCELLANEOUS 
PROVISIONS 
SEC. 201. SUBMISSION OF DATA WITH RESPECT TO STU-
DENTS WITH DISABILITIES. 
Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 1094(a)), is amended by adding at the end 
the following: 
‘‘(30) The institution will submit, for inclusion 
in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data 
System of the Department or any other Federal 
postsecondary institution data collection effort, key 
data related to undergraduate and graduate stu-
dents enrolled at the institution who are formally 
registered as students with disabilities with the insti-
tution’s office of accessibility, including the total 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00055
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS
number of students with disabilities enrolled, the 
number of students accessing or receiving accommo-
dation, the percentage of students with disabilities of 
all undergraduate students, and the total number of 
undergraduate certificates or degrees awarded to 
students with disabilities. An institution shall not be 
required to submit the information described in the 
preceding sentence if the number of such students 
would reveal personally identifiable information 
about an individual student.’’. 
SEC. 202. TRAINING FOR REALTIME WRITERS TO PROVIDE 
CLOSED CAPTIONING AND COURT REPORT-
ING SERVICES. 
Section 872(e) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 1161s(e)) is amended by striking ‘‘2009’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2018’’. 
SEC. 203. PERFECTING AMENDMENT. 
Section 103(6) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
(20 U.S.C. 1003(6)) is amended by striking ‘‘section 
3(2)’’ and inserting ‘‘section 3’’. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
22:57 Jul 19, 2017
Jkt 069200
PO 00000
Frm 00056
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H3199.IH
H3199
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with BILLS