It is hereby declared to be the policy of this state that individuals with developmental disabilities shall have access to innovative technology solutions. Technology can ensure that people with developmental disabilities have increased opportunities to live, work, and thrive in their homes, communities, and places of employment through state of the art planning, innovative technology, and supports that focus on their talents, interests, and skills.

The departments of developmental disabilities, education, medicaid, aging, job and family services, mental health and addiction services, and transportation; the opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities agency; and each other state agency that provides technology services to individuals with developmental disabilities shall implement the policy of this state and ensure that it is followed whenever technology services are provided to individuals with developmental disabilities.

The department of developmental disabilities, in partnership with the office of innovateohio, shall coordinate the actions taken by state agencies to comply with the state’s policy. Agencies shall collaborate within their divisions and with each other to ensure that state programs, policies, procedures, and funding support the development of access to technology for individuals with developmental disabilities. State agencies shall share information with the department, and the department shall track progress toward full implementation of the policy. The department, in coordination with the technology first task force established under section 5123.026 of Revised Code, shall compile data and annually submit to the governor and lieutenant governor a report on implementation of the policy.

The department and state agencies may adopt rules to implement the state’s policy.