[House Report 111-617]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
111th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 111-617
======================================================================
TRAINING AND RESEARCH FOR AUTISM IMPROVEMENTS NATIONWIDE ACT OF 2010
(TRAIN ACT OF 2010)
_______
September 22, 2010.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Waxman, from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 5756]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Energy and Commerce, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 5756) to amend title I of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to
provide for grants and technical assistance to improve services
rendered to children and adults with autism, and their
families, and to expand the number of University Centers for
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research,
and Service, having considered the same, report favorably
thereon with amendments and recommend that the bill as amended
do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Amendment........................................................ 2
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 4
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 4
Committee Consideration.......................................... 6
Committee Votes.................................................. 6
Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations................. 6
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 6
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 7
Constitutional Authority Statement............................... 7
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits............................. 7
Federal Advisory Committee Statement............................. 7
Applicability of Law to Legislative Branch....................... 7
Federal Mandates Statement....................................... 7
Committee Cost Estimate.......................................... 7
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate........................ 7
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation................... 9
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............ 10
Amendment
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Training and Research for Autism
Improvements Nationwide Act of 2010'' or the ``TRAIN Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE INITIATIVES ON AUTISM SPECTRUM
DISORDERS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle D of title I of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15061
et seq.) is amended--
(1) by inserting before section 151 the following:
``PART 1--GENERAL GRANT PROGRAMS FOR UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE''
; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``PART 2--UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE INITIATIVES ON AUTISM
SPECTRUM DISORDERS
``SEC. 157. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS INITIATIVE GRANTS AND TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Grants.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award multiyear grants
for the purpose described in paragraph (2) to University
Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education,
Research, and Service that are funded under part 1 and engaged
in the core functions described in section 153(a)(2).
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose described in this paragraph is to
provide individuals with interdisciplinary training, continuing
education, technical assistance, and information for the
purpose of improving services rendered to children and adults
on the autism spectrum, and their families, to address unmet
needs related to autism spectrum disorder. For purposes of the
previous sentence, individuals shall include children and
adults on the autism spectrum, families of such children and
adults, health professionals (including allied health
professionals), and vocational training and educational
professionals.
``(3) Application requirements.--A University Center for
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research,
and Service that desires to receive a grant under this section
shall submit to the Secretary an application--
``(A) demonstrating that the Center has capacity to--
``(i) provide training and technical
assistance in evidence-based practices to
evaluate, and provide effective interventions,
services, treatments, and supports to, children
and adults on the autism spectrum and their
families;
``(ii) provide individuals on the autism
spectrum, and the families of such individuals,
opportunities to advise and direct activities
under the grant to ensure that an individual-
centered, and family-centered, approach is
used;
``(iii) share and disseminate materials and
practices that are developed for, and evaluated
to be effective in, the provision of training
and technical assistance; and
``(iv) provide training, technical
assistance, interventions, services,
treatments, and supports under this section
statewide;
``(B) providing assurances that the Center will--
``(i) provide trainees under this section
with an appropriate balance of
interdisciplinary didactic and community-based
experiences; and
``(ii) provide to the Secretary, in the
manner prescribed by the Secretary, data
regarding the number of individuals who have
benefitted from, and outcomes of, the provision
of training and technical assistance under this
section;
``(C) providing assurances that training, technical
assistance, dissemination of information, and services
under this section will--
``(i) be consistent with the goals of this
Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act, and the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965;
``(ii) supplement, and not supplant,
activities funded under this subtitle (other
than this section);
``(iii) be planned and designed with the
participation of individuals on the autism
spectrum and the families of such individuals;
and
``(iv) be conducted in coordination with
relevant State agencies, institutions of higher
education, and service providers; and
``(D) containing such other information and
assurances as the Secretary may require.
``(4) Amount of grants.--The amount of a grant to a
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Education, Research, and Service for a fiscal year under this
section shall be not less than $250,000.
``(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may reserve not more than
2 percent of the amount appropriated to carry out this section for a
fiscal year to make a grant to a national organization with
demonstrated capacity for providing training and technical assistance
to--
``(1) assist in national dissemination of specific
information, including evidence-based best practices, from
interdisciplinary training programs, and when appropriate,
other entities whose findings would inform the work performed
by University Centers for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities Education, Research, and Service awarded grants
under this section;
``(2) compile and disseminate strategies and materials that
prove to be effective in the provision of training and
technical assistance so that the entire network can benefit
from the models, materials, and practices developed in
individual centers;
``(3) assist in the coordination of activities of grantees
under this section;
``(4) develop a (or enhance an existing) Web portal that will
provide linkages to each of the individual training initiatives
and provide access to training modules, promising training, and
technical assistance practices and other materials developed by
grantees;
``(5) serve as a research-based resource for Federal and
State policymakers on information concerning the provision of
training and technical assistance for the assessment, and
provision of supports and services for, children and adults on
the autism spectrum;
``(6) convene experts from multiple interdisciplinary
training programs, individuals on the autism spectrum, and the
families of such individuals to discuss and make
recommendations with regard to training issues related to
assessment, interventions, services, treatment, and supports
for children and adults on the autism spectrum; and
``(7) undertake any other functions that the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there are authorized to be appropriated $17,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2012 through 2016.
``SEC. 158. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS.
``(a) Grants.--The Secretary shall award multiyear grants to not more
than 4 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Education, Research, and Service described in paragraph (1) of section
157(a) to--
``(1) collaborate with minority institutions to--
``(A) provide services described in such section to
individuals on the autism spectrum who are from racial
and ethnic minority populations and to their families;
and
``(B) conduct research and education focused on
racial and ethnic minority populations; and
``(2) build capacity within such institutions to enable such
institutions to apply to become University Centers for
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research,
and Service capable of providing such services, research, and
education.
``(b) Applicable Provisions.--The provisions of paragraphs (2) and
(3) of section 157(a) shall apply with respect to grants under this
section to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions
apply with respect to grants under section 157.
``(c) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to applicants that demonstrate
collaboration with minority institutions that--
``(1) have demonstrated capacity to meet the requirements of
this section and provide services to individuals on the autism
spectrum and their families; or
``(2) are located in a State with one or more underserved
populations.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2012 through 2016.
``SEC. 159. DEFINITIONS.
``In this part:
``(1) The term `interventions' means educational methods and
positive behavioral support strategies designed to improve or
ameliorate symptoms associated on the autism spectrum.
``(2) The term `minority institution' has the meaning given
to such term in section 365 of the Higher Education Act of
1965.
``(3) The term `services' means services to assist
individuals on the autism spectrum to live more independently
in their communities.
``(4) The term `treatments' means health services, including
mental health services, designed to improve or ameliorate
symptoms associated on the autism spectrum.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Such subtitle is further amended--
(A) in section 152(a)(1), by striking ``subtitle'' and
inserting ``part'';
(B) in section 153(a)(2)(D), by striking ``subtitle'' and
inserting ``part'';
(C) in each of subparagraphs (B) and (D) of section
154(a)(3), by striking ``subtitle'' and inserting ``part'';
(D) in each of paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 154(d), by
striking ``subtitle'' and inserting ``part''; and
(E) in each of subsections (a)(1) and (b) of section 156, by
striking ``subtitle'' and inserting ``part''.
(2) The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 is amended--
(A) by inserting before the item relating to section 151 the
following:
``Part 1--General Grant Programs for University Centers of Excellence''
; and
(B) by inserting at the end of the items relating to subtitle
D of title I the following:
``Part 2--University Centers of Excellence Initiatives on Autism
Spectrum Disorders
``Sec. 157. Autism spectrum disorders initiative grants and technical
assistance.
``Sec. 158. Capacity building grants.
``Sec. 159. Definitions.''.
Amend the title so as to read:
A bill to amend subtitle D of title I of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to
provide grants and technical assistance to University Centers
for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education,
Research, and Service to improve services rendered to children
and adults on the autism spectrum, and their families, and for
other purposes.
Purpose and Summary
H.R. 5756, the ``Training and Research for Autism
Improvements Nationwide Act of 2010'' (or the ``TRAIN Act of
2010''), was introduced by Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) on July 15,
2010, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The goal of H.R. 5756 is to improve services rendered to
children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families.
The bill amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and
Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to provide for grants and technical
assistance for such services.
Background and Need for Legislation
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are an ``urgent
public health concern.''\1\ ASDs refer to a group of
developmental disabilities that affect an estimated 1 in 110
children nationwide.\2\ These disorders are typically diagnosed
within the first three years of a child's life and are defined
by three distinctive behaviors: difficulty with social
interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication,
and repetitive behaviors or interests. Research has shown that
various environmental, biologic, and genetic factors increase
the likelihood that a child will have an ASD; however, all of
the causes of ASDs have not yet been identified.\3\ While ASDs
lack cures, research has also proven that early intervention
services have the ability to greatly improve the development of
children with ASDs.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism Spectrum
Disorders: Facts About ASDs (online at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/
autism/facts.html) (accessed Aug. 23, 2010).
\2\Id.
\3\Id.
\4\Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Developmental and Disabilities Assistance and Bill of
Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) (P.L. 106-402) established four key
programs to improve the lives of individuals with developmental
disabilities, including ASDs. Subtitle D of title I of the DD
Act authorizes one such program--University Centers of
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research,
and Service (UCEDDs). To qualify for support under the DD Act,
a UCEDD must be an interdisciplinary education, research, and
public service unit of a university or public or non-profit
entity associated with a university and fulfill certain core
functions, including the provision of training and technical
assistance.
Current law requires that the Secretary of Health and Human
Services first utilize funds appropriated to carry out subtitle
D of title I of the DD Act to distribute a minimum award to
each UCEDD that was funded in the prior fiscal year and
continues to meet program requirements. Remaining appropriated
funds must then be used to support national training
initiatives designed to respond to unmet needs of individuals
with developmental disabilities (and their families) carried
out by existing UCEDDs. The Secretary may support new UCEDDs or
provide supplemental grants to existing UCEDDs only after these
two priority activities have been funded. In FY2010, Congress
provided $38.9 million to fund 67 UCEDDs in all 50 states and
the territories, the vast majority of which was used to support
the existing UCEDDs. Virtually no money was provided for
national training initiatives; none was available to start new
UCEDD programs or to enhance existing ones.
Experts and advocates have called for increased support for
UCEDDs and other entities to ensure that the needs of people
with developmental disabilities, including those with ASDs, are
addressed across their entire life span. A 2005 Government
Accountability Office (GAO) report found that children ages 6
through 21 diagnosed with ASDs and receiving services under the
Individuals with Disabilities Act (the primary federal statute
addressing educational needs of children with disabilities)
increased more than 500% between 1993 and 2002.\5\ In recent
years, there has been increased research and availability of
services for people with ASDs, but as the GAO report suggests,
much work remains to be done to ensure that each person with an
ASD has the requisite services to reach his or her
potential.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\Government Accountability Office, Special Education: Children
with Autism (Jan. 2005) (GAO-05-220).
\6\Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevalence of
the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in Multiple Areas of the United
States, 2004 and 2006 (online at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ autism/
states/ADDMCommunityReport2009.pdf) (accessed Aug. 24, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 5756 builds upon the important work of the UCEDD
network by specifically supporting interdisciplinary training,
continuing education, and technical assistance for children and
adults on the autism spectrum and their families. H.R. 5756
also builds upon a FY2009 effort funding partnerships between
existing UCEDDs and minority-serving institutions to promote
expansion of the UCEDD network to include minority-serving
institutions.
Committee Consideration
H.R. 5756, the ``Training and Research for Autism
Improvement Nationwide Act of 2010'' was introduced by Rep.
Doyle (D-PA) on July 15, 2010, and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce. The bill was subsequently referred to the
Subcommittee on Health on July 19, 2010. The Subcommittee met
in open markup session to consider H.R. 5756 on July 22, 2010.
An amendment in the nature of a substitute (manager's
amendment) by Subcommittee Chairman Pallone was adopted by a
voice vote. Subsequently, H.R. 5756 was forwarded to the full
Committee, amended, by a voice vote.
On July 28, 2010, the Committee on Energy and Commerce met
in open markup session and considered H.R. 5756 as approved by
the Subcommittee. An amendment in the nature of a substitute
(manager's amendment) was offered by Mr. Pallone and
subsequently adopted by a voice vote. The Committee then
ordered H.R. 5756 favorably reported to the House, amended, by
a voice vote.
Committee Votes
Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of
Representatives requires the Committee to list each record vote
on the motion to report legislation and amendments thereto. A
motion by Mr. Waxman ordering H.R. 5756 reported to the House,
amended, was approved by a voice vote. There were no record
votes taken during consideration of this bill.
Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause
2(b)(1) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives,
the oversight findings and recommendations of the Committee are
reflected in the descriptive portions of this report, including
the finding that increased support for UCEDDs would help ensure
that the needs of people with developmental disabilities,
including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, are addressed
across their entire life span.
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures
Regarding compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of
the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds
that H.R. 5756 would result in no new budget authority,
entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or revenues.
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the performance goals and
objectives of the Committees are reflected in the descriptive
portions of this report, including the goal of improving
support for people with developmental disabilities, including
ASDs, and their families.
Constitutional Authority Statement
Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that the
constitutional authority for H.R. 5756 is provided under
Article I, section 8, clauses 3 and 18 of the Constitution of
the United States.
Earmarks and Tax and Tariff Benefits
H.R. 5756 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in
clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI of the Rules of the
House of Representatives.
Federal Advisory Committee Statement
The Committee finds that the legislation does not establish
or authorize the establishment of an advisory committee within
the definition of 5 U.S.C. App., section 5(b) of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act.
Applicability of Law to the Legislative Branch
Section 102(b)(3) of Public Law 104-1 requires a
description of the application of this bill to the legislative
branch where the bill relates to terms and conditions of
employment or access to public services and accommodations.
H.R. 5756 contains no such provisions.
Federal Mandates Statement
Section 423 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment
Control Act of 1974 (as amended by section 101(a)(2) of the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, P.L. 104-4) requires a statement
on whether the provisions of the report include unfunded
mandates. In compliance with this requirement the Committee
adopts as its own the estimates of federal mandates prepared by
the Director of the Congressional Budget Office.
Committee Cost Estimate
Pursuant to clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee adopts as its own the
cost estimate of H.R. 5756 prepared by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(3) of rule
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section
402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has
received the following cost estimate for H.R. 5756 from the
Director of Congressional Budget Office:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, August 27, 2010.
Hon. Henry A. Waxman,
Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5756, the Training
and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act of 2010.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Jonathan
Morancy.
Sincerely,
Douglas W. Elmendorf.
Enclosure.
H.R. 5756--Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act
Summary: H.R. 5756 would authorize the appropriation of
funds for two types of grants. The first type of grant would go
to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities Education, Research, and Service to provide
training, continuing education, technical assistance, and
information to children and adults on the autism spectrum, as
well as the families of such individuals and the professionals
working with those individuals. The goal of the funds would be
to improve services provided to individuals on the autism
spectrum and their families. The second type of grant would
facilitate outreach of University Centers for Excellence to
minority institutions.
CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $55
million over the 2011-2015 period, assuming appropriation of
the necessary sums. Pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply to
this legislation because it would not affect direct spending or
revenues.
H.R. 5756 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 5756 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 500
(education, training, employment, and social services).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
-------------------------------------------------------
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2011-2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Grants and Technical Assistance:
Estimated Authorization Level....................... 17 17 17 18 18 87
Estimated Outlays................................... 6 14 17 17 17 71
University Centers for Excellence Expansion:
Authorization Level................................. 2 2 2 2 2 10
Estimated Outlays................................... 1 2 2 2 2 9
Total Changes:
Estimated Authorization Level....................... 19 19 19 20 20 97
Estimated Outlays................................... 7 16 19 19 19 80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis of estimate: H.R. 5756 would authorize appropriations
for two different grants. The first type of grant would go to
University Centers for Excellence or similar organizations.
This grant would be used to improve services provided to people
with autism and their families by providing training, technical
assistance, and information. The bill would authorize the
appropriation of $17 million in 2011 and such sums as are
necessary for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015. For this
estimate, CBO assumes that the specified level of $17 million
in 2011 would be increased in subsequent years to account for
anticipated inflation in 2012 through 2015.
The second type of grant would go toward the opening of as
many as four new University Centers for Excellence. The bill
would authorize the appropriation of $2 million per year for
that purpose over the 2011-2015 period.
For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 5756 will be
enacted near the beginning of fiscal year 2011, that amounts
authorized and estimated to be necessary will be appropriated
for each fiscal year, and that outlays will follow historical
spending patterns for similar programs.
Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 5756
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA. The bill would benefit public institutions of
higher education that provide services and education to
individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Jonathan Morancy;
Impact on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Lisa Ramirez-
Branum; Impact on the Private Sector: Sarah Axeen.
Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Assistant Director
for Budget Analysis.
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation
Section 1. Short title
Section 1 designates that the short title may be cited as
the ``Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide
Act of 2010'' (or the ``TRAIN Act of 2010'').
Section 2. University Centers of Excellence initiatives on autism
spectrum disorders
Section 2 amends subtitle D of title I of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act)
to create two parts. Part 1 (General Grant Programs for
University Centers of Excellence) consists of the current law
regarding UCEDDs. Part 2 (University Centers of Excellence
Initiatives on Autism Spectrum Disorders) includes two new
programs established under the legislation.
The first of the two programs authorized in Part 2 (and
established in section 157 of the DD Act) requires the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to award multi-year
grants to UCEDDs to support interdisciplinary training;
continuing education; technical assistance; and information
provided to children and adults on the autism spectrum,
families of these children and adults, health professionals,
and vocational training and educational professionals.
To be eligible for funding for the ASD initiative and
technical assistance program, a UCEDD must be a recipient of
funding under part 1 and be engaged in the core functions
required under current law and detailed in part 1. A UCEDD must
also (among other application requirements) provide assurances
that the activities supported through a grant will be planned
and designed with the participation of individuals on the
autism spectrum and their families. The Committee intends that,
in meeting this requirement, a UCEDD application demonstrate
genuine collaboration with these individuals, not simply
nominal representation.
Section 2 authorizes $17 million for each of FY2012 through
FY2016 to carry out this new program. The Committee intends
that such funding be used to supplement and not supplant
existing awards to UCEDDs under part 1 of subtitle D of title I
of the DD Act.
The second new program authorized under Part 2 (and
established in section 158 of the DD Act) requires the
Secretary to award multi-year grants to not more than four
UCEDDs to:
Collaborate with minority institutions to
provide services to individuals on the autism spectrum
who are from racial and ethnic minority populations
(and their families), and to conduct research and
education focused on racial and ethnic minorities; and
Build capacity of minority institutions to
apply to become UCEDDs.
Eligibility and application requirements for the capacity
building program are identical to those set forth for the ASD
initiative and technical assistance program. The Committee
intends that applications for this second new program must
similarly demonstrate that individuals on the autism spectrum
and their families had the opportunity to provide input on the
grant-funded activities provided by the UCEDDs and
collaborating minority institutions. In making grant awards,
however, the Secretary is required to give priority to those
applicants that have demonstrated collaboration with a minority
institution that provides services to individuals on the autism
spectrum and their families and is located in a state with one
or more underserved populations.
Section 2 authorizes $1 million for each of FY2012 through
FY2016 to carry out this new program. The Committee intends
that such funding be used to supplement and not supplant
existing awards to UCEDDs under part 1 of subtitle D of title I
of the DD Act.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT OF 2000
SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) * * *
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is
as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
* * * * * * *
Subtitle D--National Network of University Centers for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service
Part 1--General Grant Programs for University Centers of Excellence
Sec. 151. Grant authority.
* * * * * * *
Part 2--University Centers of Excellence Initiatives on Autism Spectrum
Disorders
Sec. 157. Autism spectrum disorders initiative grants and technical
assistance.
Sec. 158. Capacity building grants.
Sec. 159. Definitions.
* * * * * * *
TITLE I--PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
* * * * * * *
Subtitle D--National Network of University Centers for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service
PART 1--GENERAL GRANT PROGRAMS FOR UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
* * * * * * *
SEC. 152. GRANT AWARDS.
(a) Existing Centers.--
(1) In general.--In awarding and distributing grant
funds under section 151(a) for a fiscal year, the
Secretary, subject to the availability of
appropriations and the condition specified in
subsection (d), shall award and distribute grant funds
in equal amounts of $500,000 (adjusted in accordance
with subsection (b)), to each Center that existed
during the preceding fiscal year and that meets the
requirements of this [subtitle] part, prior to making
grants under subsection (c) or (d).
* * * * * * *
SEC. 153. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES.
(a) National Network of University Centers for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service.--
(1) * * *
(2) Core functions.--The core functions referred to
in paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
(D) Dissemination of information related to
activities undertaken to address the purpose of
this title, especially dissemination of
information that demonstrates that the network
authorized under this [subtitle] part is a
national and international resource that
includes specific substantive areas of
expertise that may be accessed and applied in
diverse settings and circumstances.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 154. APPLICATIONS.
(a) Applications for Core Center Grants.--
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
(3) Assurances.--The application shall be approved by
the Secretary only if the application contains or is
supported by reasonable assurances that the entity
designated as the Center will--
(A) * * *
(B) address the projected goals, and carry
out goal-related activities, based on data
driven strategic planning and in a manner
consistent with the objectives of this
[subtitle] part, that--
(i) * * *
* * * * * * *
(D) protect, consistent with the policy
specified in section 101(c) (relating to rights
of individuals with developmental
disabilities), the legal and human rights of
all individuals with developmental disabilities
(especially those individuals under State
guardianship) who are involved in activities
carried out under programs assisted under this
[subtitle] part;
* * * * * * *
(d) Federal Share.--
(1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of
administration or operation of a Center, or the cost of
carrying out a training initiative, supported by a
grant made under this [subtitle] part may not be more
than 75 percent of the necessary cost of such project,
as determined by the Secretary.
* * * * * * *
(3) Grant expenditures.--For the purpose of
determining the Federal share with respect to the
project, expenditures on that project by a political
subdivision of a State or by a public or private entity
shall, subject to such limitations and conditions as
the Secretary may by regulation prescribe under section
104(b), be considered to be expenditures made by a
Center under this [subtitle] part.
SEC. 156. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Authorization and Reservations.--
(1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this [subtitle] part (other
than section 153(c)(4)) $30,000,000 for fiscal year
2001 and such sums as may be necessary for each of
fiscal years 2002 through 2007.
* * * * * * *
(b) Limitation.--The Secretary may not use, for peer review
or other activities directly related to peer review conducted
under this [subtitle] part--
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
PART 2--UNIVERSITY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE INITIATIVES ON AUTISM SPECTRUM
DISORDERS
SEC. 157. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS INITIATIVE GRANTS AND TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE.
(a) Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award multiyear
grants for the purpose described in paragraph (2) to
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities Education, Research, and Service that are
funded under part 1 and engaged in the core functions
described in section 153(a)(2).
(2) Purpose.--The purpose described in this paragraph
is to provide individuals with interdisciplinary
training, continuing education, technical assistance,
and information for the purpose of improving services
rendered to children and adults on the autism spectrum,
and their families, to address unmet needs related to
autism spectrum disorder. For purposes of the previous
sentence, individuals shall include children and adults
on the autism spectrum, families of such children and
adults, health professionals (including allied health
professionals), and vocational training and educational
professionals.
(3) Application requirements.--A University Center
for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education,
Research, and Service that desires to receive a grant
under this section shall submit to the Secretary an
application--
(A) demonstrating that the Center has
capacity to--
(i) provide training and technical
assistance in evidence-based practices
to evaluate, and provide effective
interventions, services, treatments,
and supports to, children and adults on
the autism spectrum and their families;
(ii) provide individuals on the
autism spectrum, and the families of
such individuals, opportunities to
advise and direct activities under the
grant to ensure that an individual-
centered, and family-centered, approach
is used;
(iii) share and disseminate materials
and practices that are developed for,
and evaluated to be effective in, the
provision of training and technical
assistance; and
(iv) provide training, technical
assistance, interventions, services,
treatments, and supports under this
section statewide;
(B) providing assurances that the Center
will--
(i) provide trainees under this
section with an appropriate balance of
interdisciplinary didactic and
community-based experiences; and
(ii) provide to the Secretary, in the
manner prescribed by the Secretary,
data regarding the number of
individuals who have benefitted from,
and outcomes of, the provision of
training and technical assistance under
this section;
(C) providing assurances that training,
technical assistance, dissemination of
information, and services under this section
will--
(i) be consistent with the goals of
this Act, the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, the
Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act, and the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965;
(ii) supplement, and not supplant,
activities funded under this subtitle
(other than this section);
(iii) be planned and designed with
the participation of individuals on the
autism spectrum and the families of
such individuals; and
(iv) be conducted in coordination
with relevant State agencies,
institutions of higher education, and
service providers; and
(D) containing such other information and
assurances as the Secretary may require.
(4) Amount of grants.--The amount of a grant to a
University Center for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities Education, Research, and Service for a
fiscal year under this section shall be not less than
$250,000.
(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may reserve not more
than 2 percent of the amount appropriated to carry out this
section for a fiscal year to make a grant to a national
organization with demonstrated capacity for providing training
and technical assistance to--
(1) assist in national dissemination of specific
information, including evidence-based best practices,
from interdisciplinary training programs, and when
appropriate, other entities whose findings would inform
the work performed by University Centers for Excellence
in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and
Service awarded grants under this section;
(2) compile and disseminate strategies and materials
that prove to be effective in the provision of training
and technical assistance so that the entire network can
benefit from the models, materials, and practices
developed in individual centers;
(3) assist in the coordination of activities of
grantees under this section;
(4) develop a (or enhance an existing) Web portal
that will provide linkages to each of the individual
training initiatives and provide access to training
modules, promising training, and technical assistance
practices and other materials developed by grantees;
(5) serve as a research-based resource for Federal
and State policymakers on information concerning the
provision of training and technical assistance for the
assessment, and provision of supports and services for,
children and adults on the autism spectrum;
(6) convene experts from multiple interdisciplinary
training programs, individuals on the autism spectrum,
and the families of such individuals to discuss and
make recommendations with regard to training issues
related to assessment, interventions, services,
treatment, and supports for children and adults on the
autism spectrum; and
(7) undertake any other functions that the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this
section, there are authorized to be appropriated $17,000,000
for each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2016.
SEC. 158. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS.
(a) Grants.--The Secretary shall award multiyear grants to
not more than 4 University Centers for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service
described in paragraph (1) of section 157(a) to--
(1) collaborate with minority institutions to--
(A) provide services described in such
section to individuals on the autism spectrum
who are from racial and ethnic minority
populations and to their families; and
(B) conduct research and education focused on
racial and ethnic minority populations; and
(2) build capacity within such institutions to enable
such institutions to apply to become University Centers
for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education,
Research, and Service capable of providing such
services, research, and education.
(b) Applicable Provisions.--The provisions of paragraphs (2)
and (3) of section 157(a) shall apply with respect to grants
under this section to the same extent and in the same manner as
such provisions apply with respect to grants under section 157.
(c) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this section,
the Secretary shall give priority to applicants that
demonstrate collaboration with minority institutions that--
(1) have demonstrated capacity to meet the
requirements of this section and provide services to
individuals on the autism spectrum and their families;
or
(2) are located in a State with one or more
underserved populations.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this
section, there is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2016.
SEC. 159. DEFINITIONS.
In this part:
(1) The term ``interventions'' means educational
methods and positive behavioral support strategies
designed to improve or ameliorate symptoms associated
on the autism spectrum.
(2) The term ``minority institution'' has the meaning
given to such term in section 365 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965.
(3) The term ``services'' means services to assist
individuals on the autism spectrum to live more
independently in their communities.
(4) The term ``treatments'' means health services,
including mental health services, designed to improve
or ameliorate symptoms associated on the autism
spectrum.
* * * * * * *