2 - continue the cumbersome and obsolescent method We concur in the views expressed by HEW and, accordingly, urge enactment of S. 3368 rather than H. R. 8395. Enactment of S. 3368 would be in accord with the program of the President. Sincerely, Wilfred II. Rommel Assistant Director for Tis is in reply to your request for this Department's views on H.R. 8395, "The Rehabilitation Act of 1972," as passed by the House. The bill would amend the Vocational Rehabilitation Act to extend and revise the authorization of grants to States for vocational rehabilitation services to those with severe disabilities, and for other purposes. Section 403(c) of Title IV would authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct research, studies, investigations, demonstratious, with respect to architectural, transportation, and other barriers to reabilitation of the handicapped. Section 413(a) of Title IV of the bill would establish a National Commission ou Transportation and Housing consisting of the Secretary of Health, Educaton, and Welfare (or his designee) who shall be Chairman, and not more tan fifteen members appointed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welce without regard to civil service laws. In addition, the Secretaries of cusin; and Urban Development, Transportation, and Treasury would be mbers of the Commission. Vita respect to transportation, the Commission would (1) determine to what extent transportation barriers impede mobility of the handicapped and aged hakicapped, (2) consider how travel expenses in connection with transpor1 to and from work for the handicapped can be met or subsidized (when heit ry lo o need apec 1 equipment), (3) deterbin, done to elimantiniers end prevent incorporation in ayo, e sanded transit systems, and (4) prepare plans and proposals for sh further action as necessary to achieve the goals of adequate transportion and housing for the handicapped, including proposals for bringing to echer in cooperative effort, agencies, organizations, and groups already working towards such goals. 2 Inasmuch as H.R. 8395 concerns programs administered by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Department of Transportation defers to that Department as to the merits of the bill as a whole. However, the Department of Transportation does not believe it would be desirable to appoint a National Commission to deal with transportation for the elderly within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. The Department of Transportation has broad responsibility for transportation planning and supports a variety of research and demonstration projects which are designed to meet the specific transportation needs of older Americans. We believe that the continued close working relationship between the two Departments (rather than the appointment of a National Commission) is the preferred approach to seeking solutions to the particular transportation problems and needs of the elderly. The Office of Management and Budget advises that from the standpoint of the Administration's program there is no objection to the submission of this report to your Committee. Sincerely, With Lockin John W. Barnum 92D CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. 41 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES JANUARY 25, 1971 Mr. DOLE introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare A BILL To provide for the establishment, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, of a National Information and Resource Center for the Handicapped. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 That this Act may be cited as the "National Information and 4 Resource Center for the Handicapped Act". 5 SEC. 2. (a) There is hereby established, within the De6 partment of Health, Education, and Welfare, a National In7 formation and Resource Center for the Handicapped (here8 inafter referred to as the "Center"). 9 (b) The Center shall have a Director and such other 10 personnel as may be necessary to enable the Center to carry out its duties and functions under this Act. 2 1 SEC. 3. (a) It shall be the duty and function of the 2 Center to collect, review, organize, publish, and disseminate 3 (through publications, conferences, workshops or technical 4 consultation) information and data related to the particular 5 problems caused by handicapping conditions, including in6 formation describing measures which are or may be em7 ployed for meeting or overcoming such problems, with a 8 view to assisting individuals who are handicapped, and or 9 ganizations and persons interested in the welfare of the 10 handicapped, in meeting problems which are peculiar to, or 11 are made more difficult for, individuals who are handicapped. 12 It shall further be the duty and function of the Center to 13 cooperate with and assist other appropriate information 14 sources with a view to coordinating and promoting the 15 effective and economical provision to interested parties of 16 the information and data referred to in the preceding 17 sentence. 18 (b) The information and data with respect to which the 19 Center shall carry out its duties and functions under subsec20 tion (a) shall include (but not be limited to) information 21 and data with respect to the following ices; (1) medical and rehabilitation facilities and serv (2) day care and other programs for young children; |