Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 5.djvu/899

 PUBLIC LAW 105-394—NOV. 13, 1998 112 STAT. 3657 section and may reserve such portion of the funds appropriated to carry out this section as the Committee determines to be necessary to provide the technical assistance. (e) DEFINITION. —In this section, the term "information technology" means any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information, including a computer, ancillary equipment, software, firmvrare and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources. SEC. 217. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 29 USC 3037. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title, and the provisions of section 203 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that relate to research described in section 203(b)(2)(A) of such Act, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2000. TITLE III—ALTERNATIVE FINANCING MECHANISMS SEC. 301. GENERAL AUTHORITY. 29 USC 3051. (a) IN GENERAL.— The Secretary shall av^ard grants to States to pay for the Federal share of the cost of the establishment and administration of, or the expansion and administration of, an alternative financing program featuring one or more alternative financing mechsinisms to allow individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates, and authorized representatives to purchase assistive technology devices and assistive technology services (referred to individually in this title as an "alternative financing mechanism"). (b) MECHANISMS. —The alternative financing mechanisms may include— (1) a low-interest loan fund; (2) an interest buy-down program; (3) a revolving loan fund; (4) a loan guarantee or insurance program; (5) a program operated by a partnership among private entities for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of assistive technology devices or assistive technology services; or (6) another mechanism that meets the requirements of this title and is approved by the Secretary. (c) REQUIREMENTS.— (1) PERIOD.— The Secretary may award grants under this title for periods of 1 year. (2) LIMITATION.—No State may receive more than one grant under this title. (d) FEDERAL SHARE.—The Federal share of the cost of the alternative financing program shall not be more than 50 percent. (e) CONSTRUCTION.— Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the authority of a State to establish an alternative financing program under title I. SEC. 302. AMOUNT OF GRANTS. 29 USC 3052. (a) IN GENERAL. —

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