PUBLIC LAW 105-220—AUG. 7, 1998 112 STAT. 1177 including cooperative research with public or private agencies and organizations, designed to produce new scientific knowledge, and new or improved methods, equipment, and devices; and "(11) study new or emerging technologies, products, or environments, and the effectiveness and benefits of such technologies, products, or environments; "(ii) demonstrating and disseminating— "(I) innovative models for the delivery, to rural and urban areas, of cost-effective rehabilitation technology services that promote utilization of assistive technology devices; and "(II) other scientific research to assist in meeting the employment and independent living needs of individuals with significant disabilities; or "(iii) conducting research or demonstration activities that facilitate service delivery systems change by demonstrating, evaluating, documenting, and disseminating— "(I) consumer responsive and individual and family- centered innovative models for the delivery to both rural and urban areas, of innovative cost-effective rehabilitation technology services that promote utilization of rehabilitation technology; and "(II) other scientific research to assist in meeting the employment and independent living needs of, and addressing the barriers confronted by, individuals with disabilities, including individuals with significant disabilities. "(C) To the extent consistent with the nature and type of research or demonstration activities described in subparagraph (B), each Center established or supported through a grant made available upder this paragraph shall— "(i) cooperate with programs established under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 220i et seq.) and other regional and local programs to provide information to individuals with disabilities and the individuals' representatives to— "(I) increase awareness and understanding of how rehabilitation technology can address their needs; and "(II) increase awareness and understanding of the range of options, programs, services, and resources available, including financing options for the technology and services covered by the area of focus of the Center; "(ii) provide training opportunities to individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to become researchers of rehabilitation technology and practitioners of rehabilitation technology in conjunction with institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations; and "(iii) respond, through research or demonstration activities, to the needs of individuals with all types of disabilities who may benefit from the application of technology within the area of focus of the Center. "(D)(i) In establishing Centers to conduct the research or demonstration activities described in subparagraph (B)(iii), the Director may establish one Center in each of the following areas of focus: "(I) Early childhood services, including early intervention and family support.
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