§1140a. Grants authorized

(a) Competitive grants authorized

The Secretary may award grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, on a competitive basis, to institutions of higher education, of which at least two such grants shall be awarded to institutions that provide professional development and technical assistance in order for students with learning disabilities to receive a quality postsecondary education.

(b) Duration; activities

(1) Duration

Grants under this part shall be awarded for a period of 3 years.

(2) Authorized activities

Grants under this part shall be used to carry out one or more of the following activities:

(A) Teaching methods and strategies

The development of innovative, effective, and efficient teaching methods and strategies to provide faculty and administrators with the skills and supports necessary to teach students with disabilities. Such methods and strategies may include inservice training, professional development, customized and general technical assistance, workshops, summer institutes, distance learning, and training in the use of assistive and educational technology.

(B) Synthesizing research and information

Synthesizing research and other information related to the provision of postsecondary educational services to students with disabilities.

(C) Professional development and training sessions

Conducting professional development and training sessions for faculty and administrators from other institutions of higher education to enable the faculty and administrators to meet the postsecondary educational needs of students with disabilities.

(3) Mandatory evaluation and dissemination

Grants under this part shall be used for evaluation, and dissemination to other institutions of higher education, of the information obtained through the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).¹

(c) Considerations in making awards

In awarding grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under this section, the Secretary shall consider the following:

(1) Geographic distribution

Providing an equitable geographic distribution of such grants.

(2) Rural and urban areas

Distributing such grants to urban and rural areas.

(3) Range and type of institution

Ensuring that the activities to be assisted are developed for a range of types and sizes of institutions of higher education.

(4) Prior experience or exceptional programs

Institutions of higher education with demonstrated prior experience in, or exceptional programs for, meeting the postsecondary educational needs of students with disabilities.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title VII, §762, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title VII, §701, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1801 .)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 762 of Pub. L. 89–329 was classified to section 1132g–1 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–325.

Another prior section 762 of Pub. L. 89–329 was classified to section 1132d–1 of this title, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 96–374.

¹ So in original. Probably should refer to subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (2).