The Department of Health and Human Services may foster maximum independence of blind and visually impaired persons through the provision of in-home independent living, development of community-based support groups, and related services as it deems advisable. (1935, c. 53, s. 6; 1973, c. 476, s. 143; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a); 2000-121, s. 5.)