A bill to extend and improve the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and to provide for the operation of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults.

Summary

Title I: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Rehabilitation Act Extension of 1983- Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to extend the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for basic vocational rehabilitation services in specified amounts through FY 1987, and for FY 1988 in an amount to be determined by any increase in the consumer price index for the previous fiscal year. Extends the authorization of appropriations for grants to States for innovation and expansion of vocational rehabilitation services through FY 1986, in such sums as may be necessary. Extends the authorization of appropriations for research and training in vocational rehabilitation services through FY 1986 in such amounts as may be necessary for: (1) the National Institute of Handicapped Research; and (2) other specified research and training programs. Extends the authorization of appropriations for supplementary services and facilities through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary for: (1) construction of rehabilitation facilities, staffing, and planning assistance (to remain available for expenditure for construction projects funded or staffing grants made prior to October 1, 1987); (2) vocational training for handicapped individuals; (3) training of personnel providing rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals; (4) comprehensive rehabilitation centers; and (5) special projects and supplementary services. Revises training provisions to require that funds be targeted on areas of qualified rehabilitation personnel shortage. Directs the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to report annually to the Congress, documenting the relationship between personnel shortage findings and current and proposed distribution of training funds. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board through FY 1986. Extends the authorization of appropriations for employment opportunities for handicapped individuals through FY 1986, in such sums as may be necessary for: (1) community service employment pilot programs for handicapped individuals; and (2) projects with industry and business opportunities for handicapped individuals. Includes designated State units among those entities which may be eligible for projects with industries grants. Extends the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive services for independent living through FY 1986 in such sums as may be necessary. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Title II: Reauthorization of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults - Helen Keller National Center Act - Repeals provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 relating to the Helen Keller National Center. Directs the Secretary of Education to continue to administer and support the Center. Sets forth the purposes of the Center as follows: (1) to provide specialized intensive services for deaf-blind persons; (2) to train personnel to provide such services; and (3) to conduct applied research, development, and demonstrations relating to communication techniques, teaching methods, aids, and devices, and delivery of services. Requires an annual independent audit of the Center. Directs the Secretary of Education to ensure that: (1) Center service and training programs are monitored regularly; and (2) Center operation is evaluated annually, with written reports to the President and the Congress submitted by specified deadlines. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 for Center operation and maintenance for use in accordance wih guidelines or regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Defines "Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults" to mean that facility and its affiliated network operated pursuant to specified provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (which are repealed but also continued under this title). Provides that nothing in this Act shall in any way cause to affect or modify any existing or future agreement between any federal departments, agency, or instrumentality and the Industrial Home for the Blind, Inc., or its successors or assignees, with respect to the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Makes technical and conforming amendments.

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Documents

2 official files

• Reported to House with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 16 May 1983

  Open at official source

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 11 April 1983

  Open at official source

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