,i #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ajjh ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,march #f1 #bjac ,mr4 ,hoyer 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,king of ,new ,york1 ,mr4 ,van ,hollen1 ,ms4 ,de,lauro1 ,mr4 ,kennedy1 ,mr4 ,scott of ,virginia1 ,ms4 ,lee of ,california1 ,mr4 ,carney1 ,ms4 ,norton1 ,ms4 ,bordallo1 ,mr4 ,cicilline1 ,mr4 ,langevin1 ,mr4 ,lewis1 ,mr4 ,carson of ,indiana1 ,mr4 ,lynch1 ,mr4 ,capuano1 ,mr4 ,danny ,k4 ,davis of ,illinois1 ,mr4 ,loebsack1 ,ms4 ,speier1 ,mr4 ,israel1 ,mr4 ,cohen1 ,ms4 ,hahn1 ,ms4 ,schwartz1 ,mr4 ,larson of ,connecticut1 ,mr4 ,young of ,alaska1 ,mrs4 ,carolyn ,b4 ,maloney of ,new ,york1 ,mr4 ,conyers1 ,ms4 ,shea-,porter1 ,ms4 ,edwards1 ,mr4 ,markey1 ,mr4 ,nadler1 ,mr4 ,keating1 ,mr4 ,doyle1 ,mr4 ,schneider1 ,ms4 ,wilson of ,florida1 ,mr4 ,lowenthal1 ,ms4 ,clarke1 ,ms4 ,bonamici1 ,mrs4 ,kirkpatrick1 ,mr4 ,rush1 ,ms4 ,brownley of ,california1 ,ms4 ,slaughter1 ,mr4 ,pocan1 and ,mr4 ,webster of ,florida7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,foreign ,affairs and ,energy and ,commerce1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to reauthorize the ,special ,olympics ,sport and ,empowerment ,act of #bjjd1 to provide assistance to ,best ,buddies to support the expansion and development of mentoring programs1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,eunice ,kennedy ,shriver ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,title ,i--,reauthorization of ,special ,olympics ,act ,sec4 #aja4 ,reauthorization4 ,title ,,ii--,best ,buddies ,sec4 #bja4 ,findings and purpose4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,assistance for ,best ,buddies4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,application and annual report4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,i ,reauthorization of ,special ,olympics ,act #aja4 ,reauthorization ,sections #b through #e of the ,special ,olympics ,sport and ,empowerment ,act of #bjjd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aejja note7 are amended to read as follows3 #b4 ,findings and purpose 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,special ,olympics creates the possibilities of a world where everybody matters1 everybody counts1 and every person contributes4 7#b7 ,the ,government and the people of the ,united ,states recognize the dignity and value the giftedness of children and adults with intellectual disabilities4 7#c7 ,the ,government and the people of the ,united ,states recognize that children and adults with intellectual disabilities experience significant health disparities1 including lack of access to primary care services and difficulties in accessing community-based prevention and treatment programs for chronic diseases4 7#d7 ,the ,government and the people of the ,united ,states are determined to end the isolation and stigmatization of people with intellectual disabilities1 and to ensure that such people are assured of equal opportunities for community participation1 access to appropriate health care1 and inclusive education1 and to experience life in a nondiscriminatory manner4 7#e7 ,for more than #dj years1 ,special ,olympics has encouraged skill development1 sharing1 courage1 and confidence through year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities4 7#f7 ,special ,olympics provides year-round sports training and competitive opportunities to more than #d1bjj1jjj athletes with intellectual disabilities in #cj individual and team sports and plans to expand the benefits of participation through sport to more than a million additional people with intellectual disabilities within the ,united ,states and worldwide over the next #e years4 7#g7 ,research shows that participation in activities involving both people with intellectual disabilities and people without disabilities results in more positive support for inclusion in society1 including in schools4 7#h7 ,special ,olympics has demonstrated its ability to provide a major positive effect on the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities1 improving their health and physical well-being1 building their confidence and self-esteem1 and giving them a voice to become active and productive members of their communities4 ,in the ,united ,states1 for example1 adults with intellectual disabilities who have participated in ,special ,olympics have a #ajj percent greater chance of being employed than adults with intellectual disabilities who have not4 7#i7 ,in society as a whole1 ,special ,olympics has become a vehicle and platform for reducing prejudice1 improving public health1 promoting inclusion efforts in schools and communities1 and encouraging society to value the contributions of all members4 7#aj7 ,the ,government of the ,united ,states enthusiastically supports the ,special ,olympics movement1 recognizes its importance in improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families1 and recognizes ,special ,olympics as a valued and important component of the global community4 7b7 ,purpose ,the purposes of this ,act are to-- 7#a7 provide support to ,special ,olympics to increase athlete participation in1 and public awareness about1 the ,special ,olympics movement1 including efforts to promote broader community inclusion2 7#b7 dispel negative stereotypes and establish positive attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities2 7#c7 build community engagement through sport and related activities2 and 7#d7 promote the extraordinary gifts and contributions of people with intellectual disabilities4 #c4 ,assistance for ,special ,olympics 7a7 ,education activities ,the ,secretary of ,education may award grants to1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with1 ,special ,olympics to carry out each of the following3 7#a7 ,activities to promote the expansion of ,special ,olympics1 including activities to increase the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities in athletics1 sports and recreation1 and other inclusive school and community activities with people without disabilities4 7#b7 ,the design and implementation of ,special ,olympics education programs1 including character education and volunteer programs that support the purposes of this ,act1 that can be integrated into classroom instruction and community settings1 and are consistent with academic content standards4 7b7 ,international activities ,the ,secretary of ,state1 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,state for ,educational and ,cultural ,affairs1 may award grants to1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with1 ,special ,olympics to carry out each of the following3 7#a7 ,activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in ,special ,olympics outside of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,activities to improve the awareness outside of the ,united ,states of the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities and the unique contributions that people with intellectual disabilities can make to society1 and to promote active support programs for sports programs for people with intellectual disabilities4 7c7 ,healthy athletes 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services may award grants to1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with1 ,special ,olympics for the implementation of on-site health assessments1 screening for health problems1 health education1 community-based prevention1 data collection1 and referrals to direct health care services4 7#b7 ,coordination ,activities under paragraph 7#a7 shall be coordinated with appropriate health care entities1 including private health care providers1 entities carrying out local1 ,state1 ,federal1 or international programs1 and the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services1 as applicable4 7d7 ,limitation ,amounts appropriated to carry out this section shall not be used for direct treatment of diseases1 medical conditions1 or mental health conditions4 ,nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to limit the use of non-,federal funds by ,special ,olympics4 #d4 ,application and annual report 7a7 ,application 7#a7 ,in general ,to be eligible for a grant1 contract1 or cooperative agreement under subsection 7a71 7b71 or 7c7 of section #c1 ,special ,olympics shall submit an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary of ,education1 ,secretary of ,state1 or ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 as applicable1 may require4 7#b7 ,content ,at a minimum1 an application under this subsection shall contain each of the following3 7,a7 ,activities ,a description of activities to be carried out with the grant1 contract1 or cooperative agreement4 7,b7 ,measurable goals ,a description of specific measurable annual benchmarks and long-term goals and objectives to be achieved through specified activities carried out with the grant1 contract1 or cooperative agreement1 which specified activities shall include1 at a minimum1 each of the following activities3 7i7 ,activities to increase the full participation of people with intellectual disabilities in athletics1 sports and recreation1 and other inclusive school and community activities with people without disabilities4 7ii7 ,education programs that dispel negative stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities4 7iii7 ,activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in ,special ,olympics outside of the ,united ,states and promote volunteerism on behalf of such activities4 7iv7 ,health-related activities as described in section #c7;c74 7b7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,in general ,as a condition on receipt of any funds for a program under subsection 7a71 7b71 or 7c7 of section #c1 ,special ,olympics shall agree to submit an annual report at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary of ,education1 ,secretary of ,state1 or ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 as applicable1 may require4 7#b7 ,content ,at a minimum1 each annual report under this subsection shall describe-- 7,a7 the degree to which progress has been made toward meeting the annual benchmarks and long-term goals and objectives described in the applications submitted under subsection 7a72 and 7,b7 demographic data about ,special ,olympics participants1 including the number of people with intellectual disabilities served in each program referred to in paragraph 7#a74 #e4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated-- 7#a7 for grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements under section #c7;a71 #i1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjad1 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the #d succeeding fiscal years2 7#b7 for grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements under section #c7;b71 #d1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjad1 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the #d succeeding fiscal years2 and 7#c7 for grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements under section #c7;c71 #h1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjad1 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the #d succeeding fiscal years4 4 ,,ii ,best ,buddies #bja4 ,findings and purpose 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,best ,buddies operates the first national social and recreational program in the ,united ,states for people with intellectual disabilities4 7#b7 ,best ,buddies is dedicated to helping people with intellectual disabilities become part of mainstream society4 7#c7 ,best ,buddies is determined to end social isolation for people with intellectual disabilities by promoting meaningful friendships between them and their typical peers in order to help increase the self-esteem1 confidence1 and abilities of people with and without intellectual disabilities4 7#d7 ,since #aihi1 ,best ,buddies has enhanced the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for #a-to-#a friendships and integrated employment4 7#e7 ,best ,buddies is an international organization spanning #a1ejj middle school1 high school1 and college campuses4 7#f7 ,best ,buddies implements programs that will positively impact more than #gjj1jjj individuals in #bjac4 7#g7 ,the ,best ,buddies ,middle ,schools program matches middle school students with intellectual disabilities with other middle school students and supports #a-to-#a friendships between them4 7#h7 ,the ,best ,buddies ,high ,schools program matches high school students with intellectual disabilities with other high school students and supports #a-to-#a friendships between them4 7#i7 ,the ,best ,buddies ,colleges program matches adults with intellectual disabilities with college students and creates #a-to-#a friendships between them4 7#aj7 ,the ,best ,buddies e-,buddies program supports e-mail friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities4 7#aa7 ,the ,best ,buddies ,citizens program pairs adults with intellectual disabilities in #a-to-#a friendships with other people in the corporate and civic communities4 7#ab7 ,the ,best ,buddies ,jobs program promotes the integration of people with intellectual disabilities into the community through supported employment4 7#ac7 ,the ,best ,buddies ,ambassadors program educates and empowers people with intellectual disabilities to be leaders and public speakers in their schools1 communities1 and workplaces4 ,best ,buddies ,ambassadors prepares people with intellectual disabilities to become active agents of change4 7#ad7 ,best ,buddies ,promoters empowers youth to become advocates for people with intellectual disabilities4 ,students who take part in ,best ,buddies ,promoters are introduced to the disability rights movement and the importance of inclusion through local awareness events4 7b7 ,purpose ,the purposes of this title are to-- 7#a7 provide support to ,best ,buddies to increase participation in and public awareness about ,best ,buddies programs that serve people with intellectual disabilities2 7#b7 dispel negative stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities2 and 7#c7 promote the extraordinary contributions of people with intellectual disabilities4 #bjb4 ,assistance for ,best ,buddies 7a7 ,education activities ,the ,secretary of ,education may award grants to1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with1 ,best ,buddies to carry out activities to promote the expansion of ,best ,buddies1 including activities to increase the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in social relationships and other aspects of community life1 including education and employment1 within the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,limitations ,amounts appropriated to carry out this title may not be used for direct treatment of diseases1 medical conditions1 or mental health conditions4 7c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this title shall be construed to limit the use of non-,federal funds by ,best ,buddies4 #bjc4 ,application and annual report 7a7 ,application 7#a7 ,in general ,to be eligible for a grant1 contract1 or cooperative agreement under section #bjb7;a71 ,best ,buddies shall submit an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary of ,education may require4 7#b7 ,content ,at a minimum1 an application under this subsection shall contain the following3 7,a7 ,a description of activities to be carried out under the grant1 contract1 or cooperative agreement4 7,b7 ,information on specific measurable goals and objectives to be achieved through activities carried out under the grant1 contract1 or cooperative agreement4 7b7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,in general ,as a condition of receipt of any funds under section #bjb7;a71 ,best ,buddies shall agree to submit an annual report at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary of ,education may require4 7#b7 ,content ,at a minimum1 each annual report under this subsection shall describe the degree to which progress has been made toward meeting the specific measurable goals and objectives described in the applications submitted under subsection 7a74 #bjd4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,education for grants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements under section #bjb7;a71 #d1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjad and such sums as may be necessary for each of the #d succeeding fiscal years4