disability programs

disability programsSec. 579. (a) Of the funds appropriated by this Act under the heading “Economic Support Fund”, not less than $2,500,000 shall be made available for programs and activities to address the needs and protect the rights of people with disabilities in developing countries: Provided, That such funds shall be administered by the United States Agency for International Development (“USAID”) and the Department of State, and shall be available for grants to nongovernmental organizations that work on behalf of people with disabilities in such countries. (b) The Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator shall designate within their respective agencies an individual to serve as Disability “Advisor” or “Coordinator”, whose function it shall be to ensure that disability rights are addressed, where appropriate, in United States policies and programs.(c) Funds made available under subsection (a) may be made available for an international conference on the needs of people with disabilities, including disability rights, advocacy and access.(d) The Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the USAID Administrator shall seek to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are addressed, where appropriate, in democracy, human rights, and rule of law programs, projects and activities supported by the Department of State, Department of the Treasury, and USAID.(e) The USAID Administrator shall seek to ensure that programs, projects and activities administered by USAID comply fully with USAID’s “Policy Paper: Disability” issued on September 12, 1997: Provided, That not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act, USAID shall implement procedures to require that prospective grantees seeking funding from USAID specify, when relevant, how the proposed program, project or activity for which funding is being requested will include protecting the rights and addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.