2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 46:2111 — Bureau for handicapped persons

CHAPTER 27.  BUREAU FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS

§2111.  Findings; purpose

A.  The handicapped persons of this state are subject to architectural barrier, employment, transportation, and educational discrimination and have the right to lead financially independent and self-sufficient lives.  It is therefore the policy of this state to enable persons who are handicapped to achieve maximum personal independence, to become gainfully employed, and to otherwise enjoy and participate fully in society.  

B.  It is the public policy of this state to provide for the protection of the rights of and supportive services for persons with disabilities due to physical or mental handicapping conditions.  

C.  The purpose of this Chapter is to establish a bureau for handicapped persons within the office of human services in the Department of Social Services to carry out the duties and responsibilities described by this Chapter, which duties and responsibilities will broaden the scope of those formerly carried out by the Governor's Committee on Employment of Physically Handicapped.  

D.  It is the purpose of this Chapter to broaden the scope of the functions of the bureau for handicapped persons.  The legislature therefore declares that this law is enacted to create a bureau for handicapped persons to: (1) serve as the state clearinghouse for information concerning the needs, resources, and barriers of handicapped persons; (2) provide a direct line of communication between handicapped persons and the state; (3) establish a statewide system for the provision of interpreters for the deaf at public meetings; (4) advocate in behalf of the handicapped to ensure compliance of federal and state laws relative to handicapped persons; (5) establish a statewide program to facilitate job opportunities for handicapped persons; and (6) develop training activities to upgrade services being provided to handicapped persons.  

Added by Acts 1978, No. 155, §1.