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<section number="2-433" name="Powers and duties of Commission" law="code" slug="sec-2-433" node_id="PTIITI17PULOLAPRGECOMA_SUBTITLE_2AD_DIV31COINDI_S2-433PODUCO">
  <level label="a">
    <text>The Commission shall have the power and duty to:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>Identify, analyze, and evaluate all programs and services in the County related specifically to the needs of citizens with disabilities, and to promote the development of other services when a need for such services is determined.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>Research, assemble, analyze, and disseminate pertinent data and educational materials relating to activities and programs which will assist in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities and in the elimination of discrimination on account of disability; and to institute and conduct educational and other programs, meetings, and conferences to promote equal rights and opportunities for all persons with disabilities. In performance of its duties, the Commission shall cooperate with interested citizens, community, business, professional, technical, educational, and civic organizations.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>Cooperate with the County Executive and all governmental agencies, and to refer to the County Executive and to the proper governmental agencies any matters already in the jurisdiction of their existing powers, with the intent that duplication of effort will be avoided.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="4">
      <text>Advise the County government on the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), monitor its implementation by the County, and serve as an ongoing liaison between individuals with disabilities in the County, or organizations representing individuals with disabilities, and County government.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="5">
      <text>Advise and counsel the residents of the County, the Council, the County Executive, and the various departments of the County, State, and Federal governments on matters involving the needs of persons with disabilities and on matters relating to discrimination on account of disability, and to recommend such procedures, programs, or legislation as it may deem necessary and proper to promote and insure equal rights and opportunities for all persons with disabilities.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="6">
      <text>Work to remove inequalities due to unmet needs or discrimination on the basis of disability in such areas as housing, recreation, employment, education, community services, and related matters.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="7">
      <text>Promote the development of an information and referral service for all services and programs for persons with disabilities.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="8">
      <text>Hold such public forums or hearings as are necessary and appropriate to carry out the powers and duties of the Commission.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
</section>
