An executive secretary, and such other personnel as recommended by the executive committee shall be appointed by the State Superintendent of Education in the same manner as other state employees, subject to the provisions of the State Merit System. The salaries of the executive secretary and office personnel, the cost of materials, supplies, travel, awards, citations, and other expenses as may be deemed necessary for the purpose of promoting a program for the rehabilitation and employment of the handicapped in this state shall be paid from the funds provided for in Section 21-5-9, and funds appropriated by the Legislature and such federal money as may accrue through matching funds.