Massachusetts § 187 - Duties and functions

§ 187. Duties and functions

Section 187. The office, in order to bring about full and equal participation in all aspects of life by all persons with disabilities in the commonwealth, shall strive for the advancement of legal rights and for the promotion of the maximum possible opportunities, supportive services, accommodations and accessibility, in a manner which fosters dignity and self-determination. The duties and functions of the office shall be:

(a) to identify, analyze, evaluate and monitor public policies, programs, services and regulations that affect or may affect persons with disabilities;

(b) to utilize a system of collection of information for the purpose of identifying inadequate or inaccessible programs and services, inadequate coordination of programs and services, unnecessary programs and services, and duplication of programs and services;

(c) to make recommendations and to provide comprehensive coordination and support to appropriate state agencies concerning public policies, programs, services and regulations as they affect or may affect persons with disabilities;

(d) to develop and promote information and referral services regarding programs, services, rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities;

(e) to identify and recommend to state and local agencies, departments and organizations appropriate sources of state and federal funds which are available for expanding or improving services and programs for persons with disabilities;

(f) to prepare and submit to the governor an annual report which shall be a public document; and which shall include the description, and evaluation of the activities of the office implementing the aforesaid duties and functions; the description, evaluation and analysis of public policies, programs, services and regulations that affect or may affect persons with disabilities; and recommendations for the development, coordination and improved responsiveness of such policies, programs, services and regulations.