The deputy director of the Division of Workforce Services shall provide the rehabilitation services authorized by this subchapter to persons with physical or mental disabilities, including blind citizens and those who can benefit from independent living services, as determined by the Director of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services to be eligible therefor. In carrying out the purposes of this subchapter, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is authorized, among other things:
(1) To be the sole state agency to supervise and administer the rehabilitation services authorized by this subchapter except such part as may be administered by a local agency in a political subdivision of the state, in which case Arkansas Rehabilitation Services shall be the sole agency to supervise the local agency in the administration of that part;
(2) To enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to provide for the services authorized by this subchapter to residents of the state concerned;
(3) To conduct research and compile statistics relating to the provision of services or the need of services of individuals with a disability;
(4) To license a person with a visual impairment to operate vending stands under its supervision and control and subject to the terms and conditions in rules issued pursuant to § 20-79-204(b)(1) on:
(A) State property;
(B) County or municipal property;
(C) Federal property, pursuant to delegation of authority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act and any amendment thereto or any act of the United States Congress relating to this subject;
(D) Private property; and
(E) Subject to Acts 1945, No. 142, § 2 [superseded]; and
(5) To provide for the establishment, supervision, and control of suitable business enterprises to be operated by individuals with a severe disability, including persons with a visual impairment, where the operation will be improved through the management and supervision of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.