Duties of DISID

(a)The DISID can accept grants, gifts, contributions and appropriations.

(b)The DISID shall conduct and provide for staff development, public education, and community awareness activities on the problems, needs, potentials, and rights of the individuals with disabilities through affirmative public education programs, including conferences, workshops and forums.

(c)The DISID shall serve as a central clearing house for public and private activities, which address the needs of persons with disabilities in Guam, review grant applications as related to the Division of Support Services for Individuals with Disabilities, proposed state plans and program descriptions in matters affecting persons with disabilities prior to submittal for the Governor's approval, and serve as a repository and disseminator of program information relating to persons with disabilities.

(d)The DISID shall review, assess and make recommendations addressing problems and needs and the availability of adequate services and resources for persons with disabilities in Guam through research and studies with regard to but not limited to employment, education, health, social services, recreation, civil rights, public facilities, housing, vocational training and rehabilitation, transportation and other matters pertinent to the well-being and independence of persons with disabilities, and to publicize the results thereof.

(e)The DISID shall compile and maintain a data base on the incidence of disabling conditions and number of persons with disabilities in Guam, and on resources allocated to address the needs of persons with disabilities. COL1/11/2022 CH. 41 VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

(f)The DISID shall develop short and long-term plans to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities through facilitating the coordination of services and programs in collaboration with other organizations and/or agencies, whether they are community, public and/or private.

(g)The DISID shall be the state agency to supervise and administer the vocational rehabilitation services authorized by this Chapter under the state plan formulated in conformance with the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act, as amended, except for that part, as may be administered by a local agency of a political subdivision in the State, and DISID shall be the agency to supervise the local agency in the administration of that part.

(h)The DISID shall submit a detailed report on its activities and responsibilities to the Governor and the Speaker of the Guam Legislature on January 1 of each year, and for the previous fiscal year, and publish its availability for review to the public.

(i)The DISID shall implement Quality Assurance Programs to assure compliance of all public and private entities consistent with applicable local and federal statutes pertaining to individuals with disabilities.

(j)The DISID shall be designated as the state agency to administer the state plan for vocational rehabilitation services and services for adults who are blind.

(k)The DISID shall implement, consistent with applicable local and federal statutes, a fair, timely and impartial grievance procedure to provide administrative due process and recourse for individuals aggrieved by any action or failure to act on the part of the department under this Act.

(l)Design and implement an information and referral system for easy accessibility for individuals with disabilities and others who may benefit from services of DISID and availability of other services.

(m)The DISID shall develop a Certification Program and fees pertaining thereto, pursuant to the Administrative Adjudication Law, to include certification levels, performance standards and training targets that will ensure government of Guam employees COL1/11/2022 CH. 41 VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION are capable of providing services to individuals with disabilities in a manner with respect and high regard. Such government of Guam employees shall include, but not be limited to, customer service personnel and uniformed personnel, as defined in 4 GCA § 8104(p). DISID is authorized to permit other government of Guam agencies and public and private educational institutions to provide training relative to providing services to individuals with disabilities; however, DISID shall certify the participants’ completion of such training activities.