Subchapter O. HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS

 Each Commonwealth department or agency receiving HEW funds either as a direct grant or as a subgrant will take the following steps, as necessary and appropriate:

   (1)  By August 3, 1977, survey programs and activities in existing facilities and determine which can be made accessible to handicapped persons without structural changes and implement the conclusions of that survey. The survey should be accomplished with full consideration to possible alternative methods which may achieve accessibility in accordance with 45 CFR 84.22(b).

   (2)  By September 3, 1977, designate at least one person to coordinate the compliance efforts of the department or agency.

   (3)  By September 3, 1977, establish a plan for initial and continuing steps to notify participants, beneficiaries, applicants and employes, including those with impaired vision or hearing, and unions or professional organizations, that the department or agency does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in violation of 29 U.S.C.A. §  794 and the regulations. The initial notification shall be accomplished by September 3, 1977, in accordance with 45 CFR 84.8.

   (4)  By September 3, 1977, adopt grievance procedures which provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging actions prohibited by the regulations in accordance with 45 CFR 84.7(b).

   (5)  By December 3, 1977, complete necessary transition plans outlining steps to be taken by the department or agency to make the structural changes as are necessary to comply with the regulations in accordance with 45 CFR 84.22(e).

   (6)  Based on the transition plan, provide a cost estimate of structural changes in a manner prescribed by the Budget Secretary.

   (7)  By June 3, 1978, complete a self-evaluation process to determine which of the department or agency policies and practices are in need of change to assure equal opportunity for the handicapped in accordance with 45 CFR 84.6(c).

 To assure coordination in complying with this subchapter by Commonwealth departments and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor, the following responsibilities have been assigned:

   (1)  The Office of the Budget shall have overall responsibility for insuring that necessary transition plans are developed and are made available for timely public inspection. The Budget Secretary shall:

     (i)   Coordinate and assist, as necessary, State department and agency liaison personnel to insure preparation of the Federally required transition plans within the specified time limits.

     (ii)   Receive a copy of all transition plans, with cost estimates for implementing each plan. A second copy of the transition plans shall be sent to the Governor’s Special Assistant for Human Services.

 State agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor shall provide proper access to meetings scheduled to discuss matters which may directly or indirectly affect handicapped individuals. The meetings shall be held in locations accessible, according to the provisions of Act 235 of 1965 as amended by Act 216 of 1974 and Act 176 of 1976, to handicapped individuals. This applies to meetings held under the Sunshine Act as well as to intra- and interagency meetings and discussions which may affect handicapped State employes.

   The provisions of this §  1.183 adopted by Executive Order No 1978-19, dated December 19, 1978, 9 Pa.B. 5, unless otherwise noted.