49-9-5. Provision of services to persons with disabilities.

The agency shall provide the services authorized by this chapter to persons with disabilities determined to be eligible therefor; and, in carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the agency is authorized, among other things:

To cooperate with other departments, agencies, and institutions, both public and private, in providing the services authorized by this chapter to persons with disabilities; in studying the problems involved therein; and in establishing, developing, and providing, in conformity with the purposes of this chapter, such programs, facilities, and services as may be necessary or desirable;#

To enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to provide for the services authorized by this chapter to residents of the state concerned;#

To conduct research and compile statistics relating to the provision of services or the need of services by persons with disabilities;#

To license blind persons or other persons with disabilities to operate vending facilities under its supervision and control, subject to the terms and conditions provided in regulations, policies, and procedures issued pursuant to Code Section 49-9-3, on:#

1. (A)

   State property;#

2. (B)

   County or municipal property;#

3. (C)

   Federal property, pursuant to delegation of authority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 107(b), and any amendment thereto or any act of Congress relating to this subject; and#

4. (D)

   Private property; and#

To provide for the establishment, supervision, and control of suitable business enterprises to be operated by persons with disabilities.#