(1) Establish and enforce such rules as may be necessary to:

(a) Carry out ORS 344.511 to 344.690 and 344.710 to 344.730; and

(b) Safeguard the confidential character of vocational rehabilitation information and records.

(2) Cooperate with public and private departments, agencies and institutions in:

(a) Providing for the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with occupational handicaps;

(b) Studying the problems involved therein; and

(c) Establishing, developing and providing, in conformity with ORS 344.511 to 344.690 and 344.710 to 344.730, such programs, facilities and services as may be necessary.

(3) Enter into reciprocal agreements with other states relative to the provision of vocational rehabilitation to residents of the states concerned.

(4) Conduct research and compile statistics relating to the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with occupational handicaps.

(5) Encourage and assist individuals with severe disabilities in the establishment, maintenance and conduct of appropriate home industries within their capacities and in the promotion of the sale and distribution of the products of such home industries. All funds collected or received from such activities shall be deposited in a permanent special fund in the State Treasury and shall be used for the operation of such home industries as determined by the department.

(6) For rehabilitation facilities:

(a) Establish, conduct and maintain facilities necessary for the sheltered employment of individuals with severe disabilities;

(b) Pay the individuals employed in the facilities suitable wages;

(c) Devise means for the sale and distribution of the products of the facilities;

(d) Devise a subsidy program, and include a plan for its funding in each biennial budget submitted to the Legislative Assembly; and

(e) Take such other action as may be necessary to ensure the successful operation of the facilities established.

(7) Deposit in the State Vocational Rehabilitation Account all funds collected or received from activities described in subsection (6) of this section, which shall be used for the operation of facilities necessary for the sheltered employment of individuals with severe disabilities as determined by the department.

(8) Take such other action as may be necessary to carry out ORS 344.511 to 344.690 and 344.710 to 344.730. [Amended by 1963 c.522 §2; 1965 c.100 §438; 1967 c.552 §3; 1969 c.597 §165; 1971 c.617 §1; 1989 c.224 §55; 1991 c.93 §5; 1991 c.122 §10; 2001 c.900 §57; 2005 c.755 §21; 2007 c.70 §109]