36-1944. Duties
The commission shall act as a bureau of information to the deaf, the hard of hearing and the deafblind, state agencies and institutions providing services to the deaf, the hard of hearing and the deafblind, local agencies of government and other public or private community agencies and programs. In this capacity, the commission shall:
1. Inform the deaf, the hard of hearing and the deafblind of the availability of the programs and activities of the commission and other services available for the deaf, the hard of hearing and the deafblind at all levels of government.
2. Develop and foster a framework for consultation and cooperation with the rehabilitation services bureau of the department of economic security and with all institutions represented on the commission.
3. Study issues relating to the deaf, the hard of hearing and the deafblind, review the administration and operation of the various programs for the deaf, the hard of hearing and the deafblind in this state and make recommendations concerning these problems and programs to the several agencies and institutions represented on the commission as it deems necessary.
4. Submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature concerning its findings and recommendations.
5. Review the problems of the deaf, the hard of hearing and the deafblind as they relate to the need for effective and appropriate auxiliary aids in public places.
6. Review and compile information on the development of acoustical technology for the hard of hearing and advocate the use of this technology if it deems appropriate.
7. Make recommendations to state agencies, political subdivisions and institutions on how to meet the needs of the deaf, the hard of hearing and the deafblind.
8. Make recommendations to the legislature regarding statutory changes needed:
(a) To develop and support statewide newborn child hearing loss screening programs.
(b) To develop and update assessment standards that optimize the language acquisition and literacy development of deaf and hard of hearing newborns, infants and children.