State Codes and Statutes
Statutes > Georgia > Title-30 > Chapter-1 > 30-1-5O.C.G.A. 30-1-5 (2010)
30-1-5. "Hearing impaired person" defined; Georgia Commission on Hearing Impaired and Deaf Persons
(a) For purposes of this Code section, the term "hearing impaired person" means any person who, absent the aid of a hearing device, has any degree of impairment in the ability to apprehend sound.
(b) (1) (A) There is created the Georgia Commission on Hearing Impaired and Deaf Persons, which shall consist of seven members. Five members shall be appointed by the Governor, one member shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Assignments, and one member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. At least two of the members shall be hearing impaired persons, and the remaining five members of the commission shall be selected from among parents of children who are hearing impaired persons, persons who are involved with hearing impaired persons or programs, and representatives of private providers of services to hearing impaired persons. Each commission member shall serve for a three-year term and until a successor is appointed and qualified. No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms. Any vacancy on the commission for any reason other than expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(B) The commission shall select one member as chairperson.
(C) The commission shall be attached to the Department of Human Services for administrative purposes only as provided by Code Section 50-4-3.
(2) Members of the commission shall serve as such without compensation.
(3) The commission shall serve as the principal agency of the state to advocate on behalf of hearing impaired persons by working to ensure those persons have equal access to the services, programs, and opportunities available to others.
(4) The commission shall:
(A) Assist hearing impaired persons and parents of hearing impaired persons who are students in advocating for equal access to services, programs, and opportunities;
(B) Advise the Governor, General Assembly, commissioner of human services, and commissioner of community health on the development of policies, programs, and services affecting hearing impaired persons and on the use of appropriate federal and state moneys for such purposes;
(C) Create a public awareness of the special needs and potential of hearing impaired persons;
(D) Provide the Governor, General Assembly, commissioner of human services, and commissioner of community health with a review of ongoing services, programs, and proposed legislation affecting hearing impaired persons;
(E) Advise the Governor, General Assembly, commissioner of human services, and commissioner of community health on statutes, rules, and policies necessary to ensure that hearing impaired persons have equal access to benefits and services provided to individuals in this state;
(F) Recommend to the Governor, General Assembly, commissioner of human services, and commissioner of community health legislation designed to improve the economic and social conditions of hearing impaired persons in this state;
(G) Propose solutions to problems of hearing impaired persons in the areas of education, employment, human rights, human services, health, housing, and other related programs;
(H) Work with other state and federal agencies and private organizations to promote economic development for hearing impaired persons; and
(I) Coordinate its efforts with other state and local agencies serving hearing impaired persons.
(5) The commission may appoint, subject to the availability of funds and approval of the Governor, an executive director who must be experienced in administrative activities and familiar with the problems and needs of hearing impaired persons. The commission may delegate to the executive director any powers and duties under this subsection that do not require commission approval. The executive director may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the commission. The executive director shall coordinate the provision of necessary support services to the commission with the Department of Human Services. Subject to availability of funds, the executive director may employ and direct staff necessary to carry out commission mandates, policies, activities, and objectives.
(6) The commission may contract in its own name. Contracts must be approved by a majority of the members of the commission and executed by the chairperson and the executive director. The commission may apply for, receive, and expend in its own name grants and gifts of money consistent with the powers and duties specified in this subsection.
(7) The commission may prepare and distribute periodic reports to the Governor, General Assembly, commissioner of human services, and commissioner of community health concerning the activities of the commission and the needs and concerns of hearing impaired persons.
