Subchapter GG. COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT
OF THE HANDICAPPED

 The following shall be the objectives of the Committee:

   (1)  To develop a better understanding by the handicapped of rehabilitation, training, and placement services available to them and to encourage them to use these services.

   (2)  To promote increased employment, on a year-round basis, of handicapped workers, as well as the retention and advancement of those already employed.

   (3)  To promote a better public appreciation of the outstanding performance of physically handicapped workers when properly placed.

 (a)  The Secretary of Labor and Industry shall be Chairperson of the Committee. The Chairperson shall appoint an Executive Secretary who shall report directly to the Chairperson.

 (b)  The balance of the membership shall be composed of representatives of agencies and organizations operating within this Commonwealth which are interested in any phase of service to the physically, mentally, or emotionally handicapped, such as governmental, business, labor, veterans, medical, health, welfare, educational, informational, fraternal, and religious groups, and also other individuals who are interested in the problems of the handicapped as well as handicapped individuals.

 The following shall be the functions of the Committee:

   (1)  To coordinate activities for promotion of employment of the handicapped at the State level. This will include serving as liaison between the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped and local committees across the State.

   (2)  To lend support to local committees on employment of the handicapped in initiating meetings and conferences designed to create greater awareness of the abilities of handicapped individuals and bring them together with employers.

   (3)  To serve as a resource to employers, labor unions, private social agencies, and handicapped individuals on legislation pertaining to the rights and responsibilities of all concerned in regard to employment and employment related factors such as accessibility.

   (4)  To serve as a resource to handicapped individuals in providing information on governmental services available to help them gain self-sufficiency through employment.

   (5)  Disseminate appropriate informational materials on various disabilities in order to create a better understanding of the disability and, through this understanding, a greater awareness of the abilities of persons with such handicaps.

   (6)  Sponsor appropriate contests among students that will give this important group a positive awareness of the handicapped.

 (a)  The Committee shall hold semiannual meetings in the spring and fall of each year for dissemination of information, exchange of ideas, and planning. Officers will be elected at the annual spring meeting.

 This order shall take effect immediately.