Subdivision 1.Definition.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given:

Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 252.33

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Majority: means with respect to an individual the period of time after the individual reaches the age of 18. See Minnesota Statutes 645.451
  • state: extends to and includes the District of Columbia and the several territories. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44

(a) “Client advisory committee” means a group of clients who represent client interests to supervisors and employers in vocational programs.

(b) “Consumer-controlled organization” means a self-advocacy organization which is controlled by a board having a majority of people with developmental disabilities.

Subd. 2.Committees developed.

The commissioner of employment and economic development, through the division of rehabilitation resources, shall contract with a consumer-controlled organization to develop client advisory committees in vocational settings in developmental achievement centers, and state hospitals, and to allocate resources and technical assistance to client advisory committees in rehabilitation facilities as defined in section 268A.01.

Subd. 3.Purposes.

A client advisory committee enables clients working in vocational settings to advocate for themselves with regard to matters of common interest. A client advisory committee may address any issue related to the vocational setting, including personnel policies, wages, hours of work, kinds of work, transportation to and from the workplace, and behavior problems. A client advisory committee may also meet to develop the skills and knowledge needed to represent fellow clients, such as decision-making skills, assertiveness, and awareness of public policies affecting people with developmental disabilities.

Subd. 4.Membership.

Members of a client advisory committee must be elected by clients who work at the vocational setting.