1.1.................... moves to amend H.F. No. 1857 as follows:
1.2Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

1.3    "Section 1. [268A.16] EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE
1.4DEAF, DEAFBLIND, OR HARD-OF-HEARING.
1.5    Subdivision 1. Deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing grants. The commissioner
1.6shall develop and implement a statewide grant program to provide long-term, supported
1.7employment services to persons who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing. Programs
1.8and services eligible for grants under this section, must:
1.9(1) assist persons who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing in obtaining and
1.10retaining employment;
1.11(2) provide services utilizing staff that are: fluent in all forms of manual
1.12communication including American Sign Language; knowledgeable of hearing loss and
1.13psycho-social implications; sensitive to cultural issues; and familiar with community
1.14services, communication strategies for people who are hard of hearing and that do not
1.15sign, and adaptive technology options;
1.16(3) provide specialized employment support services to individuals who have a
1.17combined hearing and vision loss that address their unique ongoing visual and auditory
1.18communication needs; and
1.19(4) involve clients in the planning, development, oversight, and delivery of support
1.20services.
1.21Priority for funding shall be given to organizations with experience in developing
1.22innovative employment support services for persons who are deaf, deafblind, and
1.23hard-of-hearing. Applicants for grants under this section must submit an evaluation
1.24protocol as part of the grant application.
1.25    Subd. 2. Employment services for transition-aged youth who are deaf,
1.26deafblind, and hard-of-hearing. (a) The commissioner shall develop a statewide grant
1.27program to provide school-based communication, access, and employment services for
2.1youth who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing. Programs and services under this
2.2subdivision are subject to the requirements of subdivision 1, clauses (2) and (3).
2.3(b) Services provided under this subdivision are subject to the requirements of
2.4subdivision 1, clauses (2) and (3) and must utilize staff experienced in serving transition
2.5aged youth.
2.6(c) Priority for funding shall be given to organizations with experience in providing
2.7innovative employment support services and readiness for postsecondary training for
2.8transition-aged youths who are deaf, deafblind and hard-of-hearing. Each applicant for
2.9funds under this section shall submit an evaluation protocol as part of the grant application.
2.10    Subd. 3. Limit on effective date. This section is only effective upon enactment of a
2.11direct appropriation for grants under this section."