§4360. National study on the education of the deaf

(a) Conduct of study

(1) In general

The Secretary shall conduct a national study on the education of the deaf, to identify education-related barriers to successful postsecondary education experiences and employment for individuals who are deaf, and those education-related factors that contribute to successful postsecondary education experiences and employment for individuals who are deaf.

(2) Definition

In this section the term "deaf", when used with respect to an individual, means an individual with a hearing impairment, including an individual who is hard of hearing, an individual deafened later in life, and an individual who is profoundly deaf.

(b) Public input and consultation

(1) In general

In conducting such study, the Secretary shall obtain input from the public. To obtain such input, the Secretary shall-

(A) publish a notice with an opportunity for comment in the Federal Register;

(B) consult with individuals and organizations representing a wide range of perspectives on deafness-related issues, including organizations representing individuals who are deaf, parents of children who are deaf, educators, and researchers; and

(C) take such other action as the Secretary deems appropriate, which may include holding public meetings.

(2) Structured opportunities

The Secretary shall provide structured opportunities to receive and respond to the viewpoints of the individuals and organizations described in paragraph (1)(B).

(c) Report

The Secretary shall report to Congress not later than 18 months after October 7, 1998, regarding the results of the study. The report shall contain-

(1) recommendations, including recommendations for legislation, that the Secretary deems appropriate; and

(2) a detailed summary of the input received under subsection (b) of this section and the ways in which the report addresses such input.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1999 and 2000 to carry out the provisions of this section.

(Pub. L. 99–371, title II, §211, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title IX, §924, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1832 .)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 4360, Pub. L. 99–371, title II, §211, formerly title IV, §411, Aug. 4, 1986, 100 Stat. 794 ; renumbered title II, §211, and amended Pub. L. 102–421, title I, §§101(b)(5), (6), 140, 151(a)(4), Oct. 16, 1992, 106 Stat. 2151 , 2163, 2164; Pub. L. 103–73, title II, §204(i), Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 735 , authorized appropriations for this chapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–244, §3, title IX, §923, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1585 , 1832, effective Oct. 1, 1998. See section 4360a of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1001 of this title.