(a) The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services is authorized and directed to establish and maintain a program to be designated the “Virgin Islands Learning Center for the Blind and Physically Handicapped” (hereinafter referred to as the “Learning Center”). The purpose of the Learning Center shall be to provide educational, counseling, social and related services for blind and physically handicapped persons.
(b) The Learning Center shall provide a program of activities and services for blind and physically handicapped persons who are not served or who are unable to be served by existing programs within the specific responsibility of another department or agency of the Government of the Virgin Islands or specifically entrusted to such other agency by law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and in addition to such functions, duties and powers as may otherwise be prescribed by law to the Department, the Learning Center shall:
(1) provide instruction and educational services designed to meet the special needs of blind and physically handicapped persons;
(2) conduct a daily program of social and learning activities designed to enable blind and physically handicapped persons to achieve their full potential for communication with, and adjustment to, the world around them for useful and meaningful participation in society, and for self-fulfillment;
(3) provide counseling and referral services;
(4) provide facilities for daily social, learning and recreational activities;
(5) provide transportation and other supportive services as may be required to assist blind and physically handicapped persons in taking advantage of educational programs and opportunities offered by the Learning Center; and
(6) cooperate and coordinate with other agencies of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands in developing programs, services and activities related to the Learning Center's functions.
(c) The Learning Center shall be provided with such facilities, equipment and personnel as shall be necessary to the proper performance of the Learning Center's functions. Facilities for the Learning Center program shall be of sufficient number and so located as to be readily accessible to the blind and physically handicapped throughout the Territory. The Department may acquire adequate space for such facilities by renting, leasing or other available means.
(d) In addition to such funds as may be appropriated for the use of the Learning Center by the Legislature, the Department may accept gifts, bequests, devises, matching funds or other consideration for use in performing the work of the Learning Center.