2016 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 26 - Human Services Code
Article 21 - Colorado Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
§ 26-21-106. Powers, functions, and duties of the commission - equipment distribution program

(1) The powers, functions, and duties of the commission include:

(a) Serving as a liaison between the deaf and hard of hearing community and the general assembly, governor, and Colorado departments and agencies;

(b) Serving as an informational resource to the state, the deaf and hard of hearing community, private agencies, and other entities;

(c) Serving as a referral agency for the deaf and hard of hearing community to the state agencies and institutions providing services to the community, local government agencies, private agencies, and other entities;

(d) Assessing how technology has affected the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community. The commission shall assess the type and amount of equipment needed by low-income deaf and hard of hearing persons.

(e) Assessing the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community and reporting annually to the governor and the general assembly, on or before September 1 of each year, any recommendations for legislation or administrative changes that may facilitate or streamline the provision of general government services to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (11), C.R.S., the commission's duty to report annually pursuant to this paragraph (e) does not expire. In preparing its annual report and recommendations, the commission shall consider the following:

(I) Whether any existing statutory or administrative provisions impede the ability of the commission to act as a statewide coordinating agency that advocates for deaf and hard of hearing citizens of Colorado;

(II) Any methods, programs, or policies that may improve communication accessibility and quality of existing services, promote or deliver necessary new services, and assist state agencies in the delivery of services to the deaf and hard of hearing;

(III) Any methods, programs, or policies that may make providing access to governmental services more efficient; and

(IV) Any methods, programs, or policies that may improve implementation of state policies affecting the deaf and hard of hearing community and their relationship with the general public, industry, health care, and educational institutions.

(2) The commission shall consider the findings of any study authorized under this section and may approve, disapprove, or amend the findings. Upon approval of the findings, the commission shall submit a report with recommendations including proposed legislation, if necessary, to the governor and to the general assembly. This report is exempt from section 24-1-136 (11), C.R.S., and may be combined with, or included as a part of, the annual report prepared under paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The commission shall establish a telecommunications equipment distribution program that is consistent with the findings of subsection (1) of this section to obtain and distribute interactive telecommunications equipment needed by deaf and hard of hearing persons.

(4) The commission, in collaboration with the judicial department, shall arrange for auxiliary services for the state court system, and establish, monitor, coordinate, and publish a list of available resources regarding communication accessibility for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(5) Arranging auxiliary services for the state court system includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Coordinating statewide and day-to-day scheduling of auxiliary services for the proceedings as defined by statute;

(b) Creating and managing a process by which requests from the state court system for auxiliary services may be filled;

(c) Identifying, coordinating, and placing the appropriate auxiliary services with all concerned parties;

(d) Coordinating the purchase, shipment, and receipt of assistive listening devices and systems pursuant to applicable state rules;

(e) Creating and managing efficient and consistent processes through which auxiliary service providers may submit required documentation and receive payment for services; and

(f) Communicating among auxiliary service users and providers and the state court system to resolve any issues that may arise.

(6) The commission shall establish and maintain an active outreach consultant for technical assistance to improve and ensure equivalent access to auxiliary services by critical state and local government agencies, private agencies, and other entities and to increase awareness of the programs for and rights of individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing from money appropriated by the general assembly from the Colorado telephone users with disabilities fund established pursuant to section 40-17-104, C.R.S.

(7) The outreach consultant for technical assistance shall perform the following duties:

(a) Respond to and assist individuals who have encountered barriers in obtaining accommodation and access in their efforts to receive necessary auxiliary services;

(b) Assist individuals in understanding and accessing auxiliary services that may be available to them;

(c) Consult with state agencies and private entities so that they are equipped to provide accommodations to deaf and hard of hearing individuals;

(d) Increase public awareness of the needs and issues facing deaf and hard of hearing individuals; and

(e) Develop and maintain a comprehensive resource directory of auxiliary services and programs that may be of use to deaf and hard of hearing citizens and to agencies that serve them.