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119th Congress

Title 29 — Labor

Part A · Chapter 16 — Vocational Rehabilitation and Other Rehabilitation Services

§ 720. Declaration of policy; authorization of appropriations

Statutory text

(a)

Findings; purpose; policy

(1)

Findings

Congress finds that—

(A)

work—

(i)

is a valued activity, both for individuals and society; and

(ii)

fulfills the need of an individual to be productive, promotes independence, enhances self-esteem, and allows for participation in the mainstream of life in the United States;

(B)

as a group, individuals with disabilities experience staggering levels of unemployment and poverty;

(C)

individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, have demonstrated their ability to achieve gainful employment in competitive integrated employment settings if appropriate services and supports are provided;

(D)

reasons for significant numbers of individuals with disabilities not working, or working at levels not commensurate with their abilities and capabilities, include—

(i)

discrimination;

(ii)

lack of accessible and available transportation;

(iii)

fear of losing health coverage under the Medicare and Medicaid programs carried out under titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq. and 1396 et seq.) or fear of losing private health insurance; and

(iv)

lack of education, training, and supports to meet job qualification standards necessary to secure, retain, regain, or advance in employment;

(E)

enforcement of subchapter V and of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) holds the promise of ending discrimination for individuals with disabilities;

(F)

the provision of workforce development activities and vocational rehabilitation services can enable individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, to pursue meaningful careers by securing gainful employment commensurate with their abilities and capabilities; and

(G)

linkages between the vocational rehabilitation programs established under this subchapter and other components of the statewide workforce development systems are critical to ensure effective and meaningful participation by individuals with disabilities in workforce development activities.

(2)

Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to assist States in operating statewide comprehensive, coordinated, effective, efficient, and accountable programs of vocational rehabilitation, each of which is—

(A)

an integral part of a statewide workforce development system; and

(B)

designed to assess, plan, develop, and provide vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, informed choice, and economic self-sufficiency, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment.

(3)

Policy

It is the policy of the United States that such a program shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the following principles:

(A)

Individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, are generally presumed to be capable of engaging in gainful employment and the provision of individualized vocational rehabilitation services can improve their ability to become gainfully employed.

(B)

Individuals with disabilities must be provided the opportunities to obtain competitive integrated employment.

(C)

Individuals who are applicants for such programs or eligible to participate in such programs must be active and full partners in the vocational rehabilitation process, making meaningful and informed choices—

(i)

during assessments for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs; and

(ii)

in the selection of employment outcomes for the individuals, services needed to achieve the outcomes, entities providing such services, and the methods used to secure such services.

(D)

Families and other natural supports can play important roles in the success of a vocational rehabilitation program, if the individual with a disability involved requests, desires, or needs such supports.

(E)

Vocational rehabilitation counselors that are trained and prepared in accordance with State policies and procedures as described in section 721(a)(7)(B) of this title (referred to individually in this subchapter as a “qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor”), other qualified rehabilitation personnel, and other qualified personnel should facilitate the accomplishment of the employment outcomes and objectives of an individual.

(F)

Individuals with disabilities and the individuals’ representatives are full partners in a vocational rehabilitation program and must be involved on a regular basis and in a meaningful manner with respect to policy development and implementation.

(G)

Accountability measures must facilitate the accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the program, including providing vocational rehabilitation services to, among others, individuals with the most significant disabilities.

(b)

Authorization of appropriations

(1)

In general

For the purpose of making grants to States under part B to assist States in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services provided in accordance with State plans under section 721 of this title, there are authorized to be appropriated $3,302,053,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2020, except that the amount to be appropriated for a fiscal year shall not be less than the amount of the appropriation under this paragraph for the immediately preceding fiscal year, increased by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index determined under subsection (c) for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(2)

Reference

The reference in paragraph (1) to grants to States under part B shall not be considered to refer to grants under section 732 of this title.

(c)

Consumer Price Index

(1)

Percentage change

No later than November 15 of each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1979), the Secretary of Labor shall publish in the Federal Register the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index published for October of the preceding fiscal year and October of the fiscal year in which such publication is made.

(2)

Application

(A)

Increase

If in any fiscal year the percentage change published under paragraph (1) indicates an increase in the Consumer Price Index, then the amount to be appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for the subsequent fiscal year shall be at least the amount appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for the fiscal year in which the publication is made under paragraph (1) increased by such percentage change.

(B)

No increase or decrease

If in any fiscal year the percentage change published under paragraph (1) does not indicate an increase in the Consumer Price Index, then the amount to be appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for the subsequent fiscal year shall be at least the amount appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for the fiscal year in which the publication is made under paragraph (1).

(3)

Definition

For purposes of this section, the term “Consumer Price Index” means the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(d)

Extension

(1)

In general

(A)

Authorization or duration of program

Unless the Congress in the regular session which ends prior to the beginning of the terminal fiscal year—

(i)

of the authorization of appropriations for the program authorized by the State grant program under part B of this subchapter; or

(ii)

of the duration of the program authorized by the State grant program under part B of this subchapter;

has passed legislation which would have the effect of extending the authorization or duration (as the case may be) of such program, such authorization or duration is automatically extended for 1 additional year for the program authorized by this subchapter.

(B)

Calculation

The amount authorized to be appropriated for the additional fiscal year described in subparagraph (A) shall be an amount equal to the amount appropriated for such program for fiscal year 2003, increased by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index determined under subsection (c) for the immediately preceding fiscal year, if the percentage change indicates an increase.

(2)

Construction

(A)

Passage of legislation

For the purposes of paragraph (1)(A), Congress shall not be deemed to have passed legislation unless such legislation becomes law.

(B)

Acts or determinations of Commissioner

In any case where the Commissioner is required under an applicable statute to carry out certain acts or make certain determinations which are necessary for the continuation of the program authorized by this subchapter, if such acts or determinations are required during the terminal year of such program, such acts and determinations shall be required during any fiscal year in which the extension described in that part of paragraph (1) that follows clause (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) is in effect.

Legislative history

Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.

  1. Rehabilitation Act of 1973

    Pub. L. 93–112 title I § 100 · 87 Stat. 355

    Enacted · 29 U.S.C. § 720

    Pub. L. 93–112, title I, § 100, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, § 404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1116

    Source evidence

    Code source credit
    Pub. L. 93–112, title I, § 100, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, § 404, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1116

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    Sec. 100. declaration of purpose; authorization of appropriations (a) The purpose of this title is to authorize grants to assist Federal grunts. States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. (b) (1) For the purpose of making grants to States mid er part B of this title to assist them in meeting costs of vocational rehabilitation services provided in accordance with State plans under section 101, there is authorized to be appropriated $650,000,000) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $680,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975. (2) For the purpose of carrying out part C of this title (relating to grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the cost of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps) and part D of this title (relating to the study of comprehensive service needs of individuals with the most severe handicaps), there is authorized to be appropriated $37,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1974, and $39,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and there is further authorized to be appropriated for such purposes for each such year such additional sums as the Congress may determine to be necessary. Of the sums appropriated under this paragraph for each such fiscal year, $1,000,000 in each such year shall be available only for the purpose of carrying out Fart D of this title.

  2. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Pub. L. 113–128 § 411(a)(1)(A) · 128 Stat. 1425

    Substituted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(a)(1)(C)

    Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(A), substituted “competitive integrated employment” for “integrated”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(A), substituted “competitive integrated employment” for “integrated”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking “integrated” and inserting “competitive integrated employment”;

  3. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Pub. L. 113–128 § 411(a)(1)(B) · 128 Stat. 1425

    Substituted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(a)(1)(D)(iii)

    Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(B), substituted “Medicare and Medicaid” for “medicare and medicaid”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(B), substituted “Medicare and Medicaid” for “medicare and medicaid”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) in subparagraph (D)(iii), by striking “medicare and medicaid” and inserting “Medicare and Medicaid”;

  4. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Pub. L. 113–128 § 411(a)(1)(C) · 128 Stat. 1425

    Substituted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(a)(1)(F)

    Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(C), substituted “development” for “investment”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(1)(F). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(C), substituted “development” for “investment”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (C) in subparagraph (F), by striking “investment” and inserting “development”; and

  5. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Pub. L. 113–128 § 411(a)(1)(D) · 128 Stat. 1425

    1. Substituted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(a)(1)(G)

      Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(D), substituted “workforce development systems” for “workforce investment systems”

    2. Substituted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(a)(1)(G)

      Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(D), substituted “workforce development activities” for “workforce investment activities”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(1)(G). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(D), substituted “workforce development systems” for “workforce investment systems” and “workforce development activities” for “workforce investment activities”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (D) in subparagraph (G)— (i) by striking “workforce investment systems” and inserting “workforce development systems”; and (ii) by striking “workforce investment activities” and inserting “workforce development activities”;

  6. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Pub. L. 113–128 § 411(a)(2)(A) · 128 Stat. 1425

    Substituted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(a)(2)(A)

    Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(2)(A), substituted “workforce development system” for “workforce investment system”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(2)(A), substituted “workforce development system” for “workforce investment system”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking “workforce investment system” and inserting “workforce development system”; and

  7. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Pub. L. 113–128 § 411(a)(2)(B) · 128 Stat. 1425

    Substituted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(a)(2)(B)

    Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(2)(B), substituted “informed choice, and economic self-sufficiency,” for “and informed choice,”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(2)(B), substituted “informed choice, and economic self-sufficiency,” for “and informed choice,”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking “and informed choice,” and inserting “informed choice, and economic self-sufficiency,”; and

  8. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Pub. L. 113–128 § 411(a)(3)(A) · 128 Stat. 1425

    Substituted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(a)(3)(B)

    Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(3)(A), substituted “competitive integrated employment” for “gainful employment in integrated settings”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(3)(A), substituted “competitive integrated employment” for “gainful employment in integrated settings”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking “gainful employment in integrated settings” and inserting “competitive integrated employment”; and

  9. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Pub. L. 113–128 § 411(a)(3)(B) · 128 Stat. 1425

    Inserted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(a)(3)(E)

    Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(3)(B), inserted “should” before “facilitate the accomplishment”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a)(3)(E). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(3)(B), inserted “should” before “facilitate the accomplishment”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) in subparagraph (E), by inserting “should” before “facilitate”.

  10. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Pub. L. 113–128 § 411(b) · 128 Stat. 1425

    Substituted · 29 U.S.C. § 720(b)(1)

    Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(b), substituted “$3,302,053,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2020” for “such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1999 through 2003”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(b), substituted “$3,302,053,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2020” for “such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1999 through 2003”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.— Section 100(b)(1) (29 U.S.C. 720(b)(1)) is amended by striking “such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1999 through 2003” and inserting “$3,302,053,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2020”.

11 of 11 references resolved to an enrolled provision

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(D)(iii), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Titles XVIII and XIX of the Act are classified generally to subchapters XVIII (§ 1395 et seq.) and XIX (§ 1396 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(E), is Pub. L. 101–336, , 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§ 12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 720, Pub. L. 93–112, title I, § 100, , 87 Stat. 363; Pub. L. 93–516, title I, § 102(a), , 88 Stat. 1618; Pub. L. 93–651, title I, § 102(a), , 89 Stat. 2–3; Pub. L. 94–230, §§ 2(a), 11(b)(2), (3), , 90 Stat. 211, 213; Pub. L. 95–602, title I, § 101(a), (b), , 92 Stat. 2955; Pub. L. 98–221, title I, § 111(a)–(d), , 98 Stat. 19; Pub. L. 99–506, title I, § 103(d)(2)(C), title II, § 201, , 100 Stat. 1810, 1813; Pub. L. 100–630, title II, § 202(a), , 102 Stat. 3304; Pub. L. 102–52, § 2(a), (b)(1), , 105 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 102–569, title I, § 121(a), (b), , 106 Stat. 4365, 4367, related to congressional findings, purpose, policy, authorization of appropriations, change in Consumer Price Index, and extension of program, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by Pub. L. 105–220.

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(A), substituted “competitive integrated employment” for “integrated”.

Subsec. (a)(1)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(B), substituted “Medicare and Medicaid” for “medicare and medicaid”.

Subsec. (a)(1)(F). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(C), substituted “development” for “investment”.

Subsec. (a)(1)(G). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(1)(D), substituted “workforce development systems” for “workforce investment systems” and “workforce development activities” for “workforce investment activities”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(2)(A), substituted “workforce development system” for “workforce investment system”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(2)(B), substituted “informed choice, and economic self-sufficiency,” for “and informed choice,”.

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(3)(A), substituted “competitive integrated employment” for “gainful employment in integrated settings”.

Subsec. (a)(3)(E). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(a)(3)(B), inserted “should” before “facilitate the accomplishment”.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–128, § 411(b), substituted “$3,302,053,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2020” for “such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1999 through 2003”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 113–128

Except as otherwise provided, definitions in section 3 of Pub. L. 113–128, which is classified to section 3102 of this title, apply to this section.

Credits

1998–2014 · 2 acts
  1. 1998Pub. L. 93–112, title I, § 100, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, § 404, , 112 Stat. 1116
  2. 2014amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, § 411, , 128 Stat. 1640.
Show as published

(Pub. L. 93–112, title I, § 100, as added Pub. L. 105–220, title IV, § 404, , 112 Stat. 1116; amended Pub. L. 113–128, title IV, § 411, , 128 Stat. 1640.)

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