§ 28-16A-5. Powers and duties

A. The council shall: (1) provide statewide advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities; (2) develop and submit to the federal government the five-year plan for council activities and any amendments to the plan; (3) to the maximum extent feasible, review and comment on all state plans that relate to programs affecting persons with developmental disabilities; (4) submit to the secretary of the United States department of health and human services, through the office of the governor, periodic reports that the secretary may request; (5) advise the governor and the legislature about the needs of persons with developmental disabilities; (6) hold all council meetings with a video conference option; (7) carry out any other activities authorized or required by the provisions of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 1 ; and (8) oversee the office of the state special education ombud; B. The council is authorized to: (1) award grants and enter into contracts to carry out its duties; (2) seek funding from sources other than the state; (3) create and support regional county or local advisory councils; (4) provide training to persons with developmental disabilities, their families and providers of support and services through traineeships, sponsoring training opportunities and by other means determined appropriate by the council; and (5) promulgate rules in accordance with the State Rules Act to carry out the provisions of the Special Education Ombud Act.