2002 Minnesota Statutes

     16B.055 Lead agency. 

    Subdivision 1.    Governor's advisory council on 
 technology for people with disabilities.  The department of 
 administration shall serve as the lead agency to assist the 
 Minnesota governor's advisory council on technology for people 
 with disabilities in carrying out all responsibilities pursuant 
 to United States Code, title 29, section 2211 et seq., and any 
 other responsibilities related to that program. 

    Subd. 2.    Duties of council.  The council has the 
 following duties related to technology for people with 
 disabilities: 

    (1) to identify individuals with disabilities, including 
 individuals from underserved groups, who reside in the state and 
 conduct an ongoing evaluation of their needs for 
 technology-related assistance; 

    (2) to identify and coordinate state policies, resources, 
 and services relating to the provision of assistive technology 
 devices and assistive technology services to individuals with 
 disabilities, including entering into interagency agreements; 

    (3) to provide assistive technology devices and assistive 
 technology services to individuals with disabilities and payment 
 for the provision of assistive technology devices and assistive 
 technology services; 

    (4) to disseminate information relating to 
 technology-related assistance and sources of funding for 
 assistive technology devices and assistive technology services 
 to individuals with disabilities, the families or 
 representatives of individuals with disabilities, individuals 
 who work for public agencies, and private entities that have 
 contact with individuals with disabilities, including insurers, 
 employers, and other appropriate individuals; 

    (5) to provide training and technical assistance relating 
 to assistive technology devices and assistive technology 
 services to individuals with disabilities, the families or 
 representatives of individuals with disabilities, individuals 
 who work for public agencies, and private entities that have 
 contact with individuals with disabilities, including insurers, 
 employers, and other appropriate individuals; 

    (6) to conduct a public awareness program focusing on the 
 efficacy and availability of assistive technology devices and 
 assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities; 

    (7) to assist statewide and community-based organizations 
 or systems that provide assistive technology services to 
 individuals with disabilities; 

    (8) to support the establishment or continuation of 
 partnerships and cooperative initiatives between the public 
 sector and the private sector; 

    (9) to develop standards, or where appropriate, apply 
 existing standards to ensure the availability of qualified 
 personnel for assistive technology devices; 

    (10) to compile and evaluate appropriate data relating to 
 the program; and 

    (11) to establish procedures providing for the active 
 involvement of individuals with disabilities, the families or 
 representatives of the individuals, and other appropriate 
 individuals in the development and implementation of the 
 program, and for individuals with disabilities who use assistive 
 technology devices and assistive technology services, for their 
 active involvement, to the maximum extent appropriate in 
 decisions relating to the assistive technology devices and 
 assistive technology services. 

    Subd. 3.    Expiration.  Notwithstanding section 15.059, 
 the council expires June 30, 2003. 

    HIST: 1998 c 359 s 5; 1999 c 250 art 1 s 114; 2001 c 162 s 2