(1) Identifying and hearing the concerns of individuals with disabilities;

(2) Publicizing the needs and concerns of individuals with disabilities as they relate to the full achievement of economic, social, legal and political equity;

(3) Advising the Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on how state services for individuals with disabilities might be improved or better coordinated to meet the needs of the individuals with disabilities;

(4) Advising local government agencies on matters which affect individuals with disabilities;

(5) Submitting a report of commission activities and recommendations to the Governor at least annually, and to the Legislative Assembly at least biennially and nominating qualified individuals with disabilities for appointment to boards, commissions and policy level management and professional positions;

(6) Studying and reporting on state agency programs and budgets that affect individuals with disabilities;

(7) Informing individuals with disabilities where they may obtain assistance in rehabilitation and employment and about laws prohibiting discrimination in employment as a result of disability;

(8) Cooperating with and assisting other interest groups in rehabilitation and employment of individuals with disabilities and encouraging public and private employers to undertake affirmative action to assure equitable employment of individuals with disabilities;

(9) Giving impetus and assistance to local community committees and fostering a more equitable climate for rehabilitation and equitable employment of individuals with disabilities;

(10) Promoting a continuous program of information and education to employers and the general public so they are aware of and sensitive to the needs and desires of individuals with disabilities for equitable education and training that will assure individuals with disabilities of their full vocational potentials;

(11) Promoting a continuous information program for placement of individuals with disabilities in suitable employment; and

(12) Coordinating and executing programs of the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, if any, and participating with other groups in sponsoring suitable public recognition programs for individuals with disabilities. [1983 c.726 §5; 1989 c.47 §1; 1989 c.224 §19; 1989 c.470 §4; 1989 c.657 §3; 2005 c.663 §8]