Section 9

to oversee the implementation of the national policy and national plan of action relating to persons with disabilities;

to make recommendations to the Government on all aspects of persons with disabilities including matters relating to the support, care, protection, rehabilitation, development and wellbeing of persons with disabilities;

to co-ordinate and monitor the implementation of the national policy and national plan of action relating to persons with disabilities with relevant ministries, government agencies, bodies or organizations and the private sector;

Act 685

to monitor and evaluate the impact of policies, programmes and activities designed to achieve full and effective participation of persons with disabilities and in doing so may enter into such arrangement with relevant ministries, government agencies, bodies or organizations and the private sector as it deems necessary;

to review the activities of all ministries, government agencies, bodies or organizations and the private sector that are involved in the implementation of the national policy and national plan of action relating to persons with disabilities;

to recommend to the Government changes to the existing law as well as to propose new law in order to secure full and effective participation in society of persons with disabilities, including to facilitate accessibility;

to develop programmes and strategies aiming at educating the society and to raise awareness throughout society, including at the family level, regarding persons with disabilities including their capabilities and contributions in order to promote positive perception and greater social awareness and to foster respect for the rights and dignity towards persons with disabilities;

to adopt effective and appropriate measures to promote recognition of the skills, merits and abilities of persons with disabilities, and of their contributions to the workplace and the labour market;

to foster at all levels of the education system, including in all children from an early age, an attitude of respect for the rights of persons with disabilities;

to advise the Government on the issues of disabilities including developments at the international level;

to collect and collate data and information, and undertake and promote research relating to persons with disabilities;

to promote the development of initial and continuing training for professionals and staff working in habilitation and rehabilitation services;

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to promote employment opportunities and career advancement for persons with disabilities in the labour market, as well as assistance in finding or obtaining employment on equal basis with persons without disabilities; and

to perform any other functions as directed by the Minister for the proper implementation of this Act.

The Council shall have all such powers as may be necessary for, or in connection with, or incidental to, the performance of its functions under this Act.

Council to be assisted by the Department