Sec. 7. The commission shall do the following:

(1) Advise the rehabilitation services bureau concerning the bureau's performance in the following areas:

(A) Eligibility and order of selection.

(B) Scope, extent, and effectiveness of services.

(C) Functions of state agencies in addition to vocational rehabilitation affecting individuals in achieving rehabilitation goals.

(2) Advise the division of disability and rehabilitative services and the rehabilitation services bureau concerning the state plan, applications, and the strategic plan.

(3) Review and analyze the effectiveness and consumer satisfaction with the functions of the agencies dealing with persons with disabilities and with vocational rehabilitation services.

(4) Prepare and submit an annual report to the governor and the rehabilitation services administration commissioner in accordance with federal requirements concerning:

(A) the status of vocational rehabilitation programs in Indiana; and

(B) recommendations concerning the implementation and progress toward advancing competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities as described in IC 22-9-11.

(5) Coordinate with other councils in Indiana.

(6) Advise and provide for coordination and working relationships between the state agency and the Independent Living Council and Independent Living centers.

(7) Develop a statewide plan to support the advancement of competitive integrated employment, including self-employment, as the first and preferred option when providing services to individuals with disabilities. The plan, at a minimum, must include the following:

(A) Identification of barriers to employment for individuals with disabilities.

(B) An analysis of federal, state, and local agency policies concerning the provision of services to individuals with disabilities, including the impact of those policies on opportunities for competitive integrated employment.

(C) Recommendations to advance competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities.

[Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 4-28-11-2.]

As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.4-1993, SEC.44; P.L.5-1993, SEC.57; P.L.141-2006, SEC.47; P.L.68-2017, SEC.3.