2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 46:2114 — Functions of the bureau

§2114.  Functions of the bureau

A.  For purposes of this Chapter, all duties, functions, and responsibilities formerly exercised by the Governor's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped, shall be exercised by the bureau for handicapped and the personnel of the former Governor's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped presently employed by the state shall be within the bureau for handicapped persons.

B.  In addition to the provisions of Subsection A, the bureau for handicapped persons shall have the following duties, functions, and responsibilities:

(1)  The bureau shall serve as the state clearinghouse for information, to state agencies and the general public, concerning the needs, resources, and barriers of handicapped persons.  

(2)  The bureau shall provide a direct line of communication between handicapped persons, interested persons, and the state by utilization of a toll-free WATS line.  The toll-free number shall be publicized across the state as a means whereby anyone wishing information and/or services for a handicapped individual may receive said information and/or service.  

(3)  The bureau shall establish a statewide system of coordination for the provision of interpreters for the deaf, upon request, at public meetings.  For the purpose of this Paragraph, the bureau shall coordinate with existing registers of interpreters.  

(4)  The bureau shall advocate in behalf of the handicapped to ensure compliance of federal and state laws relative to handicapped persons.  This function shall be carried out by the advocate as prescribed in Section 2113 of this Chapter.  

(5)  The bureau shall formally expand statewide efforts to facilitate job opportunities for handicapped persons by:

(a)  Assisting in the establishment of mayors' offices for handicapped persons.  

(b)  Conducting promotional programs to educate the general public to the needs and resources of handicapped persons, and

(c)  Conducting conferences and/or workshops to educate employers, both public and private, to the following: (i) advantages of hiring the handicapped; (ii) federal laws pertaining to the employment, training, and advancement of handicapped employees; and (iii) federal tax incentive programs for hiring handicapped persons.  

Added by Acts 1978, No. 155, §1.