Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 84 Part 1.djvu/234

 182

PUBLIC LAW 91-230-APR. 13, 1970

[84 STAT.

ill appropriate cases, consultation with parents or teachers of handicapped children at such regional centers), periodic rexamination and reevaluation of special educational programs, and other technical services. (b) I n determining whether to approve an application for a project under this section, the Commissioner shall consider the need for such a center in the region to be served by the applicant and the capability of the applicant to develop and apply, with the assistance of funds under this section, new methods, techniques, devices, or facilities relating to educational evaluation or education of handicapped children. CENTERS A N D SERVICES FOR D E A F - B L I N D C H I L D R E N

SEC. 622. (a) I t is the purpose of this section to provide, through a limited number of model centers for deaf-blind children, a program designed to develop and bring to bear upon such children, beginning as early as feasible in life, those specialized, intensive professional and allied services, methods, and aids that are found to be most effective to enable them to achieve their full potential for commmiication with, and adjustment to, the world around them, for useful and meaningful participation in society, and for self-fulfillment. (b) The Commissioner is authorized, upon such terms and conditions (subject to the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section) as he deems appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section, to make grants to or contracts with public or nonprofit private agencies, organizations, or institutions to pay all or part of the cost of establishment, including construction, which for the purposes of this section shall include the construction of residential facilities, and operation of centers for deaf-blind children, (c) I n determining whether to make a grant or contract under subsection (b), the Commissioner shall take into consideration the need for a center for deaf-blind children in the light of the general availability and quality of existing services for such children in the part of the country involved. (d)(1) A grant or contract pursuant to subsection (b) shall be made only if the Commissioner determines that there is satisfactory assurance that the center will provide such services as he has by regulation prescribed, including at least.— (A) comprehensive diagnostic and evaluative services for deafblind children; (B) a program for the adjustment, orientation, and education of deaf-blind children which integrates all the professional and allied services necessary therefor; and (C) effective consultative services for parents, teachers, and others who play a direct role in the lives of deaf-blind children to enable them to understand the special problems of such children and to assist in the process of their adjustment, orientation, and education. (2) Any such services may be provided to deaf-blind children (and, where applicable, other persons) regardless of whether they reside in the center, may be provided at some place other than the center, and may include the provision of transportation for any such children (including an attendant) and for parents.

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