36-1944. Duties

The commission shall act as a bureau of information to the deaf and the hard of hearing, state agencies and institutions providing services to the deaf and the hard of hearing, local agencies of government and other public or private community agencies and programs. In this capacity, the commission shall:

1. Inform the deaf and the hard of hearing of the availability of the programs and activities of the commission and other services available for the deaf and the hard of hearing at all levels of government.

2. Develop and foster a framework for consultation and cooperation with the rehabilitation services bureau of the department of economic security and with all institutions represented on the commission.

3. Study issues relating to the deaf and the hard of hearing, review the administration and operation of the various programs for the deaf and the hard of hearing in this state and make recommendations concerning these problems and programs to the several agencies and institutions represented on the commission as it deems necessary.

4. Submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature concerning its findings and recommendations.

5. Review the problems of the deaf and the hard of hearing as they relate to the need for effective and appropriate auxiliary aids in public places.

6. Review and compile information on the development of acoustical technology for the hard of hearing and advocate the use of this technology if it deems appropriate.

7. Make recommendations to state agencies, political subdivisions and institutions on how to meet the needs of the hard of hearing.

8. Make recommendations to the legislature regarding statutory changes needed to implement a statewide newborn child hearing loss screening program.