§2008t. Grants for expansion of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in rural areas

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Individual with a disability

The term "individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability (as defined in section 12102 of title 42).

(2) Individuals with disabilities

The term "individuals with disabilities" means more than 1 individual with a disability.

(b) Grants

The Secretary shall make grants to nonprofit organizations, or to a consortium of nonprofit organizations, to expand and enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in rural areas.

(c) Eligibility

To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a nonprofit organization or consortium of nonprofit organizations shall have-

(1) a significant focus on serving the needs of individuals with disabilities;

(2) demonstrated knowledge and expertise in-

(A) employment of individuals with disabilities; and

(B) advising private entities on accessibility issues involving individuals with disabilities;

(3) expertise in removing barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities, including access to transportation, assistive technology, and other accommodations; and

(4) existing relationships with national organizations focused primarily on the needs of rural areas.

(d) Uses

A grant received under this section may be used only to expand or enhance-

(1) employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in rural areas by developing national technical assistance and education resources to assist small businesses in a rural area to recruit, hire, accommodate, and employ individuals with disabilities; and

(2) self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for individuals with disabilities in a rural area.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §379F, as added Pub. L. 110–234, title VI, §6023, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1176 , and Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VI, §6023, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664 , 1937.)

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 enacted identical sections. Pub. L. 110–234 was repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Effective Date

Enactment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 8701 of this title.