(A) The opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities council, in collaboration with the governor's office of workforce transformation, shall do all of the following:

(1) Examine all of the following related to the state vocational rehabilitation program:

(a) The process for determining eligibility, including the order of selection;

(b) The extent, scope, and effectiveness of services provided;

(c) The impact of state agency actions on the ability of individuals with disabilities to achieve employment outcomes through the program.

(2) Advise the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency regarding the examination described in division (A)(1) of this section;

(3) In partnership with the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency and as required by 34 C.F.R. 361.29(c), identify, develop, agree, and review state goals and priorities relating to the vocational rehabilitation services portion of the unified or combined state plan submitted in accordance with the "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014," 29 U.S.C. 3102;

(4) In partnership with the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency and as required by 34 C.F.R. 361.29(e), evaluate the effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation program and prepare and submit to the United States secretary of education an annual report on the progress made in improving the program's effectiveness as part of the unified or combined state plan;

(5) Advise the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency regarding vocational rehabilitation program activities;

(6) Assist the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency in the preparation of the vocational rehabilitation services portion of the unified or combined state plan, any amendments to the plan, and any reports, needs assessments, or evaluations required as part of the plan;

(7) To the extent feasible, evaluate the satisfaction that individuals with disabilities served by the vocational rehabilitation program have with and the effectiveness of the following:

(a) The duties performed or services provided by the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency;

(b) The vocational rehabilitation services provided by state agencies or other entities responsible for providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals under the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 701;

(c) The employment outcomes achieved under the vocational rehabilitation services program, including the availability of health and other employment benefits.

(8) Not later than ninety days after the end of each federal fiscal year, prepare and submit to the governor and the United States secretary of education a report concerning the status of vocational rehabilitation programs available within the state and make the report available to the public through appropriate means;

(9) Coordinate efforts with other entities to increase the number of individuals receiving vocational rehabilitation services, including the following: the Ohio statewide independent living council; the advisory panel established under section 3323.06 of the Revised Code; the Ohio developmental disabilities council created by section 5123.35 of the Revised Code; the entity serving as this state's state mental health planning council, as described in the "Public Health Services Act," 42 U.S.C. 300x-3; the governor's executive workforce board established by section 6301.04 of the Revised Code; and the entities performing activities under the "Assistive Technology Act of 1998," 29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.;

(10) Engage in efforts to improve coordination and establish relationships between the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency, the Ohio statewide independent living council, and the centers for independent living;

(11) Perform any other functions consistent with the purposes of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 701, and the duties of the council.

(B) The opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency shall assist the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities council in performing its duties and shall collaborate with the council in developing a resource plan in compliance with federal law.

Added by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, SB 144, §1, eff. 6/1/2018.

Related Legislative Provision: See 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, SB 144, §3.