112 STAT. 1096 PUBLIC LAW 105-220—AUG. 7, 1998 Establishment. President. 29 USC 702. "(1) to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society, through— "(A) statewide workforce investment systems implemented in accordgmce with title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 that include, as integral components, comprehensive and coordinated state-of-the-art programs of vocational rehabilitation; "(B) independent living centers and services; "(C) research; "(D) training; "(E) demonstration projects; and "(F) the guarantee of equal opportunity; and "(2) to ensure that the Federal Government plays a leadership role in promoting the employment of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with significant disabilities, and in assisting States and providers of services in fulfilling the aspirations of such individuals with disabilities for meaningful and gainful employment and independent living. "(c) POLICY. —It is the policy of the United States that all programs, projects, and activities receiving assistance under this Act shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the principles of— "(1) respect for individual dignity, personal responsibility, self-determination, and pursuit of meaningful careers, based on informed choice, of individuals with disabilities; "(2) respect for the privacy, rights, and equal access (including the use of accessible form^ats), of the individuals; "(3) inclusion, integration, and full participation of the individuals; "(4) support for the involvement of an individual's representative if an individual with a disability reqaiests, desires, or needs such support; and "(5) support for individual and systemic advocacy and community involvement. "REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION "SEC. 3. (a) There is established in the Office of the Secretary a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be headed by a Commissioner (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the 'Commissioner') appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Except for titles IV and V and as otherwise specifically provided in this Act, such Administration shall be the principal agency, and the Commissioner shall be the principal officer, of such Department for carrying out this Act. The Commissioner shall be an individual with substeintial experience in rehabilitation and in rehabilitation program management. In the performance of the functions of the office, the Commissioner shall be directly responsible to the Secretary or to the Under Secretary or an appropriate Assistant Secretary of such Department, as designated by the Secretary. The functions of the Commissioner shall not be delegated to any officer not directly responsible, both with respect to program operation and administration, to the Commissioner. Any reference in this Act to duties to be carried out by the Commissioner shall be considered to be a reference to duties to be carried out by the Secretary acting through the Commissioner. In carrying out any of the functions of the office
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