(a) Conduct of study

(1) In general

The Secretary shall establish a commission on the education of the deaf (in this section referred to as the “commission”) to 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 commission shall obtain input from the public. To obtain such input, the commission 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 commission deems appropriate, which may include holding public meetings.

(2) Structured opportunities

The commission shall provide structured opportunities to receive and respond to the viewpoints of the individuals and organizations described in paragraph (1)(B).

(c) Report

The commission shall report to the Secretary and Congress not later than 18 months after August 14, 2008, regarding the results of the study. The report shall contain—

(1) recommendations relating to educated-related factors that contribute to successful postsecondary education experiences and employment for individuals who are deaf, including recommendations for legislation, that the commission deems appropriate; and

(2) a detailed summary of the input received under subsection (b) and the ways in which the report addresses such input.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2009 and 2010 to carry out the provisions of this section.