TITLE VII -- COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING PART A--Comprehensive Services SEC. 701. PURPOSE. The purpose of this title is to authorize grants (supplementary to grants for vocational rehabilitation services under title I) to assist States in providing comprehensive services for independent living designed to meet the current and future needs of individuals whose disabilities are so severe that they do not presently have the potential for employment but may benefit from vocational rehabilitation services which will enable them to live and function independently. SEC. 702. ELIGIBILITY [702](a) Services may be provided under this title to any individual whose ability to engage or continue in employment, or whose ability to function independently in the family or community, is so limited by the severity of the disability that vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services that are appreciably more costly and that are of appreciably greater duration than those vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services required for the rehabilitation of an individual with handicaps are required to improve significantly either the ability to engage in employment or the ability to function independently in the family or community. Priority of services under this part shall be given to individuals not served by other provisions of this Act. [702](b) For purposes of this title, the term "comprehensive services for independent living" means any appropriate vocational rehabilitation service (as defined under title I of this Act) and any other service that will enhance the ability of an individual with handicaps to live independently and function within his family and community and, if appropriate, secure and maintain appropriate employment. Such services may include any of the following: counseling services, including psychological, psychotherapeutic, and related services; housing incidental to the purpose of this section (including appropriate accommodations to and modification of any space to serve individuals with handicaps); appropriate job placement services; transportation; attendant care; physical rehabilitation; therapeutic treatment; needed prostheses and other appliances and devices; health maintenance; recreational services, services for children of preschool age, including physical therapy, development of language and communication skills, and child development services; and appropriate preventive services to decrease the needs of individuals assisted under the program for similar services in the future. SEC. 703. ALLOTMENTS [703](a)(1) From sums made available for each fiscal year for the purposes of allotments under this part, each State whose comprehensive services plan has been approved under section 705 shall be entitled to an allotment of an amount bearing the same ratio to such sums as the population of the State bears to the population of all states. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the allotment to any State under the preceding sentence shall be not less than $200,000 or one-third of 1 percent of the sums made available for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made, whichever is greater, and the allotment of any State under this section for any fiscal year which is less than $200,000 or one-third of 1 percent of such sums shall be increased to the greater of the two amounts. [703-a](2) For the purposes of this subsection, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands shall not be considered as States and shall each be allotted not less than one-eighth of 1 percent of the amounts made available for purposes of this part for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made. [703](b) Amounts necessary to increase the allotments of States under paragraph (1) or to provide allotments under paragraph (2) shall be derived by proportionately reducing the allotments of the remaining States under paragraph (1), but with such adjustments as may be necessary to prevent the allotment of any such remaining States from being thereby reduced to less than the greater of $200,000 or one-third of 1 percent of the sums made available for purposes of this part for the fiscal year for which the allotment is made. [703](c) Whenever the Commissioner determines that any amount of an allotment to a State for any fiscal year will not be utilized by such State in carrying out the purposes of this title, the Commissioner shall make such amount available for carrying out the purposes of this section to one or more of the States which the Commissioner determines will be able to use additional amounts during such year for carrying out such purposes. Any amount made available to a State for any fiscal year pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, for the purposes of this section, be regarded as an increase in the State's allotment (as determined under the preceding provisions of this section) for such year. SEC. 704. PAYMENTS TO STATES FROM ALLOTMENTS [704](a) From each State's allotment for a fiscal year under section 703, the State shall be paid the Federal share of the expenditures incurred during such year under its State plan approved under section 705. Such payments may be made (after necessary adjustments on account of previously made overpayments or underpayments) in advance or by way of reimbursement and in such installments and on such conditions as the Commissioner may determine. [704](b)(1) The Federal share with respect to any State for any fiscal year shall be 90 percent of the expenditures incurred by the State during such year under its State plan approved under section 705. [704-b](2) The non-Federal share of the cost of any project assisted by an allotment under this part may be provided in kind. [704-b](3) For the purpose of determining the Federal share with respect to any State, expenditures by a political subdivision of such State shall, subject to regulations prescribed by the Commissioner, be regarded as expenditures by such State. SEC. 705. STATE PLANS [705](a) In order to be eligible for grants under this part, a State shall submit to the Commissioner a State plan for a three-year period for providing comprehensive services for independent living to individuals with severe handicaps and, upon request of the Commissioner, shall make such annual revisions in the plan as may be necessary. Each such plan shall-- [705-a](1) designate the designated State unit of such state as the agency to administer the programs funded under this part; [705-a](2) demonstrate that the State has studied and considered a wide variety of methods for providing comprehensive services to individuals with severe handicaps (such as regional and community centers, halfway houses, and patient-release programs) and that the State will provide, to the maximum extent feasible, meaningful alternatives to institutionalization; [705-a](3)(A) Describe the quality, scope, and extent of the comprehensive services for independent living to be provided to individuals with handicaps under this part, and specify the state's goals and plans with respect to the distribution of funds received under part B of this title; and [705-a-3](B) provide satisfactory assurances that facilities used in connection with the delivery of services assisted under this part and part B of this title will comply with the Act of August 12, 1968, commonly known as the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968; [705-a](4) provide assurances that [705-a-4](A) an individualized written rehabilitation program meeting the requirements of section 102 will be developed for each individual with handicaps eligible for independent living services under this part; [705-a-4](B) such services will be provided in accordance with such program; and [705-a-4](C) that such program will be coordinated with the individualized written rehabilitation program, rehabilitation plan, or education program for such individual required under section 102 of this Act, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, and sections 612 (4) and 614(a)(5) of the Education of the Handicapped Act respectively; [705-a](5) provide assurances that the State will consider recommendations of the State independent living council in determining how independent living services will be expanded or modified. [705-a](6) provide assurances that the State will conduct periodic reviews of the progress of individuals assisted under this title to determine whether services provided to such individuals should be continued, modified, or discontinued; [705-a](7) provide assurances that special efforts will be undertaken to provide technical assistance to urban and rural poverty areas with respect to the provision of comprehensive services for individuals with severe handicaps and describe such efforts; [705-a](8) provide assurances that individuals with handicaps shall have a substantial role in developing the State plan; [705-a](9) provide assurances that not less than 20 percent of the funds received by a State under this part shall be used to make grants to local public agencies and private nonprofit organizations for the conduct of independent living services except that the Commissioner may waive the requirement of this clause if the Commissioner determines, on the basis of evidence submitted by the State, that such State cannot feasibly use the funds required to be expended under this section for the purposes of this clause; and [705-a](10) contain such other information, and be submitted in such form and in accordance with such procedures, as the Commissioner may require. [705](b) As soon as practicable after receiving a State plan submitted under subsection (a), the Commissioner shall approve or disapprove such plan. The Commissioner shall approve any State plan which the commissioner determines meets the requirements and purposes of this section. The provisions of subsection (b), (c), and (d) of section 101 of this Act shall apply to any State plan submitted to the Commissioner pursuant to this section, except that for purposes of this section, all references in such subsections to the Secretary shall be deemed to be references to the Commissioner. SEC. 706. STATE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL [706](a) There shall be established in each State receiving assistance under this title a State Independent Living Council (hereafter in this section referred to as the 'Council'). The Council shall-- [706-a](1) provide guidance for the development and expansion of independent living programs and concepts on a statewide basis; [706-a](2) provide guidance to State agencies and to local planning and administrative entities assisted under this title; and [706-a](3) prepare and submit to the State agency designated under section 705(a)(1) a five-year plan addressing the long-term goals and recommendations for the need for independent living services and programs within the State. [706](b)(1) The Council shall be composed of representatives of the principal State agencies, local agencies, and nongovernmental agencies and groups concerned with services to individuals with handicaps under this title; individuals with handicaps and parents or guardians of individuals with handicaps; directors of independent living centers; representatives from private business employing or interested in employing individuals with handicaps; representatives of other appropriate organizations and other appropriate individuals. [706-b](2) A majority of the membership of the Council shall be individuals with handicaps and parents or guardians of individuals with handicaps. [706-b](3) The members of the Council shall be appointed by the director of the State agency designated under section 705(a)(1). [706](c) The chairperson of the Council shall be selected from among the membership and shall also serve as a member of any State advisory committee primarily concerned with the provision of rehabilitation services and any other appropriate State advisory committee concerned with services to individuals with handicaps. [706](d) Any State in which there is a council which substantially meets the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and has the authority or will, promptly after the date of enactment of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986, have the authority to carry out the functions prescribed in subsection (a) shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this section. PART B--Centers for Independent Living. SEC. 711. GRANT PROGRAM ESTABLISHED [711](a) The Commissioner may make grants to any designated State unit which administers the State plan under section 705 to provide for the establishment and operation of independent living centers, which shall be facilities offering the services described in subsection (c)(2). [711](b) No grant may be made under this section unless an application therefor has been submitted to and approved by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may not approve an application for a grant unless the application-- [711-b](1) contains assurances that the designated State unit will use funds provided by such grant in accordance with subsection (c); [711-b](2) contains such other information, and is submitted in such form and in accordance with such procedures, as the Commissioner may require; and [711-b](3) contains assurances that each center will have a board which is composed of a majority of individuals with handicaps.** [711](c) An application by a public or nonprofit agency or organization for such grant shall-- [711-c](1) provide assurances that individuals with handicaps will be substantially involved in policy direction and management of such center, and will be employed by such center; [711-c](2) contain assurances that the independent living center to be assisted by such grant shall offer individuals with handicaps a combination of independent living services, including as appropriate-- [711-c-2](A) intake counseling to determine the client's need for specific rehabilitation services; [711-c-2](B) referral and counseling services with respect to attendant care; [711-c-2](C) counseling and advocacy services with respect to legal and economic rights and benefits; [711-c-2](D) independent living skills, counseling, and training, including such programs as training in the maintenance of necessary equipment and in jobseeking skills, counseling on therapy needs and programs, and special programs for the blind and deaf; [711-c-2](E) housing, recreation, and transportation referral and assistance; [711-c-2](F) surveys, directories, and other activities to identify appropriate housing, recreational opportunities, and accessible transportation, and other support services; [711-c-2](G) health maintenance programs; [711-c-2](H) peer counseling; [711-c-2](I) community group living arrangements; [711-c-2](J) education and training necessary for living in the community and participating in community activities; [711-c-2](K) individual and group social and recreational services; [711-c-2](L) other programs designed to provide resources, training, counseling, services, or other assistance of substantial benefit in promoting the _____________________________ **This amendment shall take effect one year after the date of enactment of P.L. 99-506, the Rehabilitation Amendments of 1986. independence, productivity, and quality of life of individuals with handicaps; [711-c-2](M) attendant care and training or personnel to provide such care; and [711-c-2](N) such other services as may be necessary and not inconsistent with the provisions of this title; and [711-c](3) contain a description of an evaluation plan which at the end of each year of a funding cycle shall reflect at a minimum the following-- [711-c-3](A) the numbers and types of individuals with handicaps assisted; [711-c-3](B) the extent to which individuals with varying handicapping conditions were served; [711-c-3](C) the types of services provided; [711-c-3](D) the sources of funding; [711-c-3](E) the percentage of resources committed to each type of service provided; [711-c-3](F) how services provided contributed to the maintenance of or the increased independence of individuals with handicaps assisted; [711-c-3](G) the extent to which individuals with handicaps participate in management and decision making in the center; [711-c-3](H) the extent of capacity building activities including collaboration with other agencies and organizations; [711-c-3](I) the extent of catalytic activities to promote community awareness, involvement, and assistance; [711-c-3](J) the extent of outreach efforts and the impact of such efforts; and [711-c-3](K) a comparison, when appropriate, of prior year(s) activities with most recent year activities. [711-c](4) contain such other information, and be submitted in such form and in accordance with such procedures, as the Commissioner may require. [711](d) If, within three months after the date in each fiscal year on which the Commissioner begins to accept applications from designated State units under this section, a designated State unit in a State has not submitted such an application, the Commissioner may accept applications for grants under this section from local public agencies or private nonprofit organizations within such State. After the receipt of such applications, the Commissioner may make grants to such agencies or organizations for the purpose of establishing independent living centers to provide the services described in subsection (c)(2). [711](e)(1) The Commissioner shall, not later than February 1, 1985, develop and publish standards for evaluation consistent with the provisions in subparagraph (c)(3) to assist each independent living center receiving funding under this title to review and evaluate the operation of its center. Such standards shall be revised as necessary, subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection. [711-e](2) The Commissioner shall, under the authority specified in section 14 of this Act, conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Centers for Independent Living Grant Program, and submit a report no later than February 1, 1986, to Congress on the evaluation, including recommendations for the improvement and continuation of each grantee and for the support of new independent living centers. In conducting the comprehensive evaluation, the Commissioner shall apply standards for evaluation which are consistent with the standards required in paragraph (1). [711-e](3) In developing standards for evaluation to be used by the grantees, and in developing the standards for evaluation to be used in the comprehensive evaluation, the Commissioner shall obtain and consider recommendations for such standards from national organizations representing individuals with handicaps and independent living programs; and from independent living centers, professionals serving individuals with handicaps, and individuals, associations, and organizations engaged in research in independent living. [711-e](4) No standards may be established under this subsection unless the standards are approved by the National Council on Disability. The Council shall approve the standards within ninety days after receiving the standards. If the Secretary of Education has not received notification of approval or disapproval from the Council within the ninety days, the standards shall be deemed approved. A Council decision on such standards shall occur at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Council, and shall be the result of a simple majority of those present at the meeting. [711](f)(1) By July 1, 1988, the Commissioner shall publish in the Federal Register in final form indicators of what constitutes minimum compliance consistent with the evaluation standards published under subsection (e)(1). [711-f](2) Each grantee shall report to the Commissioner at the end of each project year the extent to which the grantee is in compliance with the evaluation standards, beginning with fiscal year 1989. [711-f](3) By the end of fiscal year 1991, the Commissioner shall have conducted on-site compliance reviews of at least one-third of the grantees receiving funding under this part in fiscal year 1987. The Commissioner shall conduct on-site compliance review of at least 15 percent of grantees annually in subsequent years. Selection of grantees for compliance reviews shall be on a random basis. The Commissioner shall use the indicators of the evaluation standards in determining compliance. At least one member of an on-site compliance review shall be a non-Federal employee with experience or expertise in the provision of independent living services. [711-f](4) Beginning with the annual report to Congress for fiscal year 1990 and in subsequent years, the Commissioner shall include an analysis of the extent to which grantees have complied with the evaluation standards. The Commissioner may identify individual grantees in the analysis. In addition, the Commissioner shall report the results of on-site compliance reviews, identifying individual grantees. [711](g)(1)(A) From sums appropriated for the purposes of this section for fiscal year 1990, an amount which is 90 percent of the amount appropriated for fiscal year 1989 shall be available only for grantees receiving assistance in fiscal year 1989. [711-g-1](B) The Secretary shall ensure that grants are made under subparagraph (A) only to Centers that meet the evaluation standards and shall make a determination concerning the termination, modification, or renewal of each grant on the basis of such evaluation. [711-g-1](C) A grant under subparagraph (A) may not be less than 80 percent or more than 100 percent of the grant to the Center for fiscal year 1989. The Commissioner shall determine the amount of each grant on the basis of-- [711-g-1-C](i) the capacity of the recipient to obtain local resources to pay the non-Federal share of the cost of the Center; and [711-g-1-C](ii) the economic conditions in the community to be served by the Center. [711-g](2) To the extent funds are available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall award grants to new Centers located in unserved geographic areas. Grants to new Centers shall be awarded on a competitive basis. [711-g](3) For fiscal year 1991 and for any subsequent fiscal year, new grant awards shall be made on a competitive basis and shall include consideration of past performance, where appropriate. [711-g](4)(A) Each grant recipient receiving assistance under this section in fiscal year 1986 shall continue to receive assistance through September 30, 1987, unless the Commissioner determines that the grant recipient is not in compliance with the provisions of the approved application of the grant recipient. [711-g-4](B) Grant recipients continuing to receive assistance on the basis of the review described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be evaluated by the Commissioner using standards described in subsections (e) and (f) of this section. Each such grant recipient shall continue to receive assistance for 3 years unless the Commissioner determines that the grantee is not substantially in compliance with such standards and with the provisions of the approved application of the grant recipient. [711](h) In approving applications under this section, the Commissioner shall give priority to geographic areas among the States which are currently underserved or not served by independent living centers. PART C--Independent Living Services for Older Blind Individuals. SEC. 721. SERVICE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED [721](a) The Commissioner may make grants to any designated State unit to provide independent living services to older blind individuals. Such services shall be designed to assist an older blind individual to adjust to blindness by becoming more able to care for individual needs. Such services may include-- [721-a](1) services to help correct blindness such as [721-a-1](A) outreach services, [721-a-1](B) visual screening, [721-a-1](C) surgical or therapeutic treatment to prevent, correct, or modify disabling eye conditions, and [721-a-1](D) hospitalization related to such services; [721-a](2) the provision of eyeglasses and other visual aids; [721-a](3) the provision of services and equipment to assist an older blind individual to become more mobile and more self-sufficient; [721-a](4) mobility training, Braille instruction, and other services and equipment to help an older blind individual adjust to blindness; [721-a](5) guide services, reader services, and transportation; and [721-a](6) any other appropriate services designed to assist a blind individual in coping with daily living activities, including supportive services or rehabilitation teaching services. [721](b) No grant may be made under this section unless an application therefor, containing such information as the Commissioner may require, has been submitted to and approved by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may not approve any application for a grant unless the application contains assurances that the designated State unit will seek to incorporate any new methods and approaches relating to the services described in subsection (a) into its State plan for independent living services under section 705 of this title. [721](c) Funds received under this section by any designated State unit may be used to make grants to public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations to-- [721-c](1) conduct activities which will improve or expand services for older blind individuals and help improve public understanding of the problems of such individuals; and [721-c](2) provide independent living services to older blind individuals in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a). [721](d) For purposes of this section, the term "older blind individual" means an individual aged fifty-five or older whose severe visual impairment makes gainful employment extremely difficult to attain but for whom independent living goals are feasible. PART D--General Provisions. SEC. 731. PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS [731](a) The Commissioner may make grants to States to establish systems to protect and advocate the rights of individuals with severe handicaps. In order to be eligible for a grant under this section, a State shall provide the Commissioner with assurances that any system established with grants made under this section shall have the authority to pursue legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to insure the protection of the rights of such individuals receiving services under this title within the State. A State must provide that such system will be independent of any designated State unit that provides services under this part to such individuals. [731](b) No grant may be made under this section unless an application therefor has been submitted to the Commissioner containing such information and in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the Commissioner may, by regulation, prescribe. SEC. 732. EMPLOYMENT OF HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS As a condition of providing assistance under this title, the Secretary shall require that each recipient of assistance take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with handicaps on the same terms and conditions required with respect to the employment of such individuals under the provisions of this Act which govern employment [732](1) by State rehabilitation agencies and rehabilitation facilities, and [732](2) under Federal contracts and subcontracts. PART E--Authorizations. SEC. 741. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS [741](a) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part A of this title $11,830,000 for fiscal year 1987, $12,310,000 for fiscal year 1988, $13,050,000 for fiscal year 1989, $13,860,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $14,428,000 for fiscal year 1991. [741](b) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part B of this title $24,320,000 for fiscal year 1987, $25,750,000 for fiscal year 1988, $27,300,000 for fiscal year 1989, $28,980,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $30,168,000 for fiscal year 1991. [741](c) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part C of this title $5,290,000 for fiscal year 1987, $5,600,000 for fiscal year 1988, $5,930,000 for fiscal year 1989, $6,300,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $6,558,000 for fiscal year 1991. [741](d)(1) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part D of this title such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991. [741-d](2) The provisions of section 1913 of title 18, United States Code, shall be applicable to all monies authorized under the provisions of this subsection. OTHER LAWS HELEN KELLER NATIONAL CENTER ACT SEC. 202. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS The Congress finds that-- [202](1) deaf-blindness is among the most severe of all forms of disabilities, and there is a great and continuing need for services and training to help deaf-blind individuals attain the highest possible level of development; [202](2) due to the rubella epidemic of the 1960's and recent advances in medical technology that have sustained the lives of many severely disabled individuals, including deaf-blind individuals, who might not otherwise have survived, the need for services for deaf-blind individuals is even more pressing now than in the past; [202](3) helping deaf-blind individuals to become self-sufficient, independent, and employable by providing the services and training necessary to accomplish that end will benefit the Nation, both economically and socially; [202](4) the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults is a vital national resource for meeting the needs of deaf-blind individuals and no State currently has the facilities or personnel to meet such needs; [202](5) the Federal Government has invested approximately $10,000,000 in capital, equipment, and operating funds for such Center since it was established; and [202](6) it is in the national interest to continue to provide support for the Center, and it is a proper function of the Federal Government to be the primary source of such support. SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE HELEN KELLER NATIONAL CENTER FOR DEAF-BLIND YOUTHS AND ADULTS; REPEAL OF PRIOR AUTHORIZATION [203](a) Section 313 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 777c) is repealed. [203](b) The Secretary of Education shall continue to administer and support the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults in the same manner as such Center was administered pursuant to section 313 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to the extent such manner of administration is not inconsistent with any purpose described in subsection (c) or any other requirement of this title. [203](c) The purposes of the Center are to-- [203-c](1) provide specialized intensive services, or any other services, at the Center or anywhere else in the United States, which are necessary to encourage the maximum personal development of any deaf-blind individual; [203-c](2) train professionals and allied personnel at the Center or anywhere else in the United States to provide services to deaf-blind individuals; and [203-c](3) conduct applied research, development programs, and demonstrations with respect to communication techniques, teaching methods, aids and devices, and delivery of services. SEC. 204. AUDIT; MONITORING AND EVALUATION [204](a) The books and accounts of the Center shall be audited annually by an independent auditor in the manner prescribed by the Secretary and a report on each such audit shall be submitted by the auditor to the Secretary at such time as the Secretary shall prescribe. [204](b)(1) The Secretary shall establish procedures for monitoring, on a regular basis, the services performed and the training conducted by the Center. [204-b](2) The Secretary shall, in addition to the regular monitoring required under paragraph (1), conduct an evaluation of the operation of the Center at the end of each fiscal year. A written report of such evaluation shall be submitted to the President, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of the Senate within one hundred and eighty days after the end of the fiscal year for which such evaluation was conducted. The first such report shall be submitted for fiscal year 1983. SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS [205](a) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this title such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1987 through 1991. Such sums shall remain available until expended. [205](b) Any appropriation Act containing any appropriation authorized by subsection (a) shall contain a statement of the specific amount being made available to the Center. SEC. 206. DEFINITIONS For purposes of this title-- [206](1) the terms "Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults" and "Center" mean the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, and its affiliated network, operated pursuant to section 313 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and continued under this title; [206](2) the term "deaf-blind individual" means any individual-- [206-2](A) who has a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses, or central acuity of 20/200 if there is a field defect such that the peripheral diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees, [206-2](B) who has a chronic hearing impairment so severe that most speech cannot be understood with optimum amplification, and [206-2](C) for whom the combination of the impairments described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) causes extreme difficulty in attaining independence in daily life activities, achieving psychosocial adjustment, or obtaining a vocation, and such term includes any other meaning the Secretary may prescribe by regulation; and [206-2](3) the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Education. SEC. 207. CONSTRUCTION OF ACT; EFFECT ON AGREEMENTS This title shall not be construed as modifying or affecting any agreement between the Department of Education or any other department or agency of the United States and the Industrial Home for the Blind, Incorporated, or any successor to or assignee of such corporation, with respect to the Center.