112 STAT. 1118 PUBLIC LAW 105-220—AUG. 7, 1998 Deadline. Federal Register, publication. 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 101(a)(7)(B) (referred to individually in this title as a 'qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor'), other qualified rehabilitation personnel, and other qualified personnel 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 101, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1999 through 2003, 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 112. " (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
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