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Support for Families with Children with Disabilities Act of 1994

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10281-10283)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · May 23, 1994

Support for Families with Children with Disabilities Act of 1994 - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to add a new part I, Family Support, which may be cited as the Families of Children with Disabilities Support Act of 1994. Directs the Secretary of Education to make three-year grants to States for systems change and advocacy activities for statewide systems of support for families with children with disabilities. Sets forth priorities and application requirements. Requires States desiring such assistance to designate lead entities and establish State Family Support Policy Councils. Includes among authorized activities training and technical assistance, interagency coordination, local or regional councils, outreach, advocacy services, policy studies, hearings and forums, public awareness and education, needs assessment, program data, and pilot demonstration projects. Requires State strategic plans, progress criteria, and reports. Requires panels of experts to evaluate grant applications. Directs the Secretary to make grants to or contracts with appropriate public or private agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education, for: (1) providing technical assistance and information on statewide systems of family support; and (2) conducting a national evaluation of the program of grants to States. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review Federal programs with respect to their impact on such family support, consistent with specified policies; and (2) make grants or contracts for projects of national significance for developing national and State policies and practices for family-centered and family-directed systems of support for families of children with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA] · D–IA

Committees

  • Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
7 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10281-10283)

  2. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

  3. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6198-6199)

  4. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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