\ NEW NAME AND EXPANDED AUTHORITY FOR THE COMMITTEE 745 

 THE SECOND PANEL FOR THE HANDICAPPED 



A new and larger panel, including the assistance of several Federal 

 agency representatives, was established in 1977. Teague informed com- 

 mittee members in June: 



One-third of rhc proposed panelists served with distinction on the previous panel, 

 over one-half are handicapped individuals, and over one-half represent the professional 

 community serving the handicapped. 



When the panel made its report in March 1978, it pointed out the 

 piecemeal approach in existing research programs, the low level of 

 priority in Federal agencies, and the need for a lead agency to direct 

 the programs. The panel recommended that NASA be designated as 

 the lead agency to coordinate the use of science and technology to aid 

 the handicapped. The panel also recommended a Science and Tech- 

 nology Board for Handicapped Persons. Teague commented in re- 

 leasing the report: 



The Panel's work has pinpointed the issues and provided a framework for a 

 national program. It is now up to the Congress, the Administration and the American 

 people. 



The administration bucked the centralization of authority in 

 NASA. This did not fit in with the traditional concept of organization 

 which dictated that such programs should be located in HEW. With 

 the help of Roodzant and other staff assistance, the charter of NASA 

 was amended in 1978 and $3 million was added to the NASA bill for 

 bioengineering research for the handicapped. In 1978, Congress passed 

 legislation to establish a National Council on the Handicapped, which 

 was recommended by the committee's panel. A vastly increased re- 

 search program was also placed within HEW. The committee was 

 also instrumental in adding $2 million to the authorization for the 

 National Science Foundation to set up a handicapped-related research 

 program. 



On October 18, 1977, Teague announced a joint hearing on the 

 use of computers in aiding education for the handicapped. The hearing 

 involved the Science Committee Subcommittee on Domestic and Inter- 

 national Scientific Planning, Analysis and Cooperation (chaired by 

 Scheuer) and the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Select 

 Education (chaired by Representative John Brademas — Democrat of 

 Indiana). In announcing the hearings, Teague noted: 



The handicapped child faces great difficulties in pursuing his educational goals. 

 Recent advances in technology offer this child the chance to attain an appropriate 

 educational level. It is my hope that the development of computer technology in the 

 education of the handicapped will continue to expand educational experiences for the 

 handicapped child. 



