national center for deaf-blind youths and adults

national center for deaf-blind youths and adults Sec. 305. (a) For the purpose of establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for construction, which shall remain available until expended, and such sums as may be necessary for operations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 1974, and June 30, 1975. (b) In order— (1) to demonstrate methods of (A) providing the specialized intensive services, and other services, needed to rehabilitate handicapped individuals who are both deaf and blind, and (B) training the professional and allied personnel needed adequately to staff facilities specifically designed to provide such services and training to such personnel who have been or will be working with deaf-blind individuals; (2) to conduct research in the problems of, and ways of meeting the problems of rehabilitating, deaf-blind individuals; and (3) to aid in the conduct of related activities which will expand or improve the sendees for or help improve public understanding of the problems of deaf-blind individuals; the Secretary, subject to the provisions of section 306, is authorized to enter into an agreement with any public or nonprofit agency or organization for payment by the United States of all or part of the costs of the establishment and operation, including construction and equipment, of a center for vocational rehabilitation of handicapped individuals who are both deaf and blind, which center shall be known as the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. (c) Any agency or organization desiring to enter into such agreement shall submit a proposal therefor at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as may he prescribed in regulations by the Secretary. In considering such proposals the Secretary shall give preference to proposals which (1) give promise of maximum effectiveness in the organization and operation of such Center, and (2) give promise of offering the most substantial skill, experience, and capability in providing a broad program of service, research, training, and related activities in the field of rehabilitation of deaf-blind individuals.