(1) Advise and assist the Governor in developing policies designed to meet the needs of citizens with disabilities;

(2) Help coordinate state and private provider programs and activities relating to persons with disabilities;

(3) Cooperate with state agencies and private providers to assure that the services which the Governor and the General Assembly have authorized for persons with disabilities are, in fact, provided;

(4) Cooperate with and assist political subdivisions of the state and private providers in the development of local programs for persons with disabilities, including, but not limited to, coordination and community planning, information services, counseling services, dissemination of information, and volunteer activities;

(5) Stimulate community interest in the problems of persons with disabilities and promote public awareness of resources available for such persons;

(6) Refer persons seeking advice, assistance, and available services in connection with particular problems of persons with disabilities to the appropriate departments and agencies of the state and federal governments or to agencies providing services by contract with the governmental entities as well as other private providers;

(7) Consult and cooperate with universities, colleges, and educational institutions in the state for the development of courses of study for persons engaged in public and private programs for persons with disabilities;

(8) Make or cause to be made such studies of needs of persons with disabilities as may be appropriate;

(9) Serve as a clearinghouse for information relating to the needs of persons with disabilities;

(10) Sponsor conferences relating to problems of and services for persons with disabilities;

(11) Assist state and local governments in eliminating obstacles to dignity and achievement which persons with disabilities may face as a result of a government and society unaware of or insensitive to their needs;

(12) Examine federal, state, and local programs for persons with disabilities and provide assistance when greater coordination between federal, state, and local programs is needed; and

(13) Cooperate with the General Assembly and the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.