(a) Conduct of study
(1) In general
The Secretary shall conduct a national study on the education of the deaf, to identify education-related barriers to successful postsecondary education experiences and employment for individuals who are deaf, and those education-related factors that contribute to successful postsecondary education experiences and employment for individuals who are deaf.
(2) Definition
In this section the term deaf, when used with respect to an individual, means an individual with a hearing impairment, including an individual who is hard of hearing, an individual deafened later in life, and an individual who is profoundly deaf.
(b) Public input and consultation
(1) In general In conducting such study, the Secretary shall obtain input from the public. To obtain such input, the Secretary shall
(A) publish a notice with an opportunity for comment in the Federal Register;
(B) consult with individuals and organizations representing a wide range of perspectives on deafness-related issues, including organizations representing individuals who are deaf, parents of children who are deaf, educators, and researchers; and
(C) take such other action as the Secretary deems appropriate, which may include holding public meetings.
(2) Structured opportunities
The Secretary shall provide structured opportunities to receive and respond to the viewpoints of the individuals and organizations described in paragraph (1)(B).
(c) Report The Secretary shall report to Congress not later than 18 months after October 7, 1998, regarding the results of the study. The report shall contain
(1) recommendations, including recommendations for legislation, that the Secretary deems appropriate; and
(2) a detailed summary of the input received under subsection (b) of this section and the ways in which the report addresses such input.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1999 and 2000 to carry out the provisions of this section.
