Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 2.djvu/211

 PUBLIC LAW 105-220—AUG. 7, 1998 112 STAT. 1095 "Sec. 713. Authorized uses of funds. "Sec. 714. Authorization of appropriations. " PAR T C—CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING "Sec. 721. Program authorization. "Sec. 722. Grants to centers for independent living in States in which Federal funding exceeds State funding. "Sec. 723. Grants to centers for independent living in States in which State funding equals or exceeds Federal funding. "Sec. 724. Centers operated by State agencies. "Sec. 725. Standards and assurances for centers for independent living. "Sec. 726. Definitions. "Sec. 727. Authorization of appropriations. "CHAPTER 2—INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND "Sec. 751. Definition. "Sec. 752. Program of grants. "Sec. 753. Authorization of appropriations. " F INDINGS; PURPOSE; POLICY "SEC. 2. (a) FINDINGS. —Congress finds that— 29 USC 70i. "(1) millions of Americans have one or more physical or mental disabilities and the number of Americans with such disabilities is increasing; "(2) individuals with disabilities constitute one of the most disadvantaged groups in society; "(3) disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to— "(A) live independently; "(B) enjoy self-determination; "(C) make choices; "(D) contribute to society; "(E) pursue meaningful careers; and "(F) enjoy full inclusion and integration in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of American society; "(4) increased employment of individuals with disabilities can be achieved through implementation of statewide workforce investment systems under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 that provide meaningful and effective participation for individuals with disabilities in workforce investment activities and activities carried out under the vocational rehabilita- . tion program established under title I, and through the provision of independent living services, support services, and meaningful opportunities for employment in integrated work settings through the provision of reasonable accommodations; "(5) individuals with disabilities continually encounter various forms of discrimination in such critical areas as employ- ment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, communication, recreation, institutionalization, health services, voting, and public services; and "(6) the goals of the Nation properly include the goal of providing individuals with disabilities with the tools necessary to— "(A) make informed choices and decisions; and "(B) achieve equality of opportunity, full inclusion and integration in society, employment, independent living, and economic and social self-sufficiency, for such individuals. • "(b) PURPOSE. — The purposes of this Act are—

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