In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Community rehabilitation program” means a work oriented place or facility operated on a nonprofit basis that is operated principally to provide: Suitable work, training, or retraining to individuals with disabilities who because of a disability cannot find gainful employment elsewhere; or Gainful employment to individuals with severe disabilities. “Individual with disabilities” means an individual who: Has a severe physical or mental disability that seriously limits his mobility, communication, work tolerance, work skills, and ability to care for and direct himself, and function generally; Can be expected to require multiple rehabilitation services over an extended period of time; and Whose disability is determined by an evaluation of rehabilitation potential to cause substantial functional limitation.

The Division of Rehabilitation Services of the State Department of Education shall administer this subtitle, and may adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement it.

The Division of Rehabilitation Services shall maintain a register of private nonprofit agencies or organizations it considers qualified to provide community rehabilitation program employment for individuals with disabilities. Before it registers any organization or agency, the Division of Rehabilitation Services shall inspect community rehabilitation programs to determine if: They are appropriate; The agency or organization is eligible to receive funds under this subtitle; and The programs meet the standards for community rehabilitation programs accepted by the Rehabilitation Services Administration of the federal Department of Education.

The Division of Rehabilitation Services may contract with any approved agency or organization to provide programs and services set forth in § 21-303(d) of this title to any individual with disabilities if the Division is satisfied that the individual: Is at least 17 years old; Cannot find employment in the open labor market; and May be expected to benefit from the programs and services set forth in § 21-303(d) of this title or that the individual’s best interests require this type of employment.