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For the purposes of this article, “California Competitive Integrated Employment Blueprint” or “Blueprint” is the plan developed through the partnership of the State Department of Education, the Department of Rehabilitation, the State Department of Developmental Services, and stakeholders, under the leadership of the California Health and Human Services Agency, to increase opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities, or both, to prepare for, and participate in, competitive integrated employment.4557.
(a) There is hereby established within the State Council on Developmental Disabilities the office of the Competitive Integrated Employment Ombudsperson.(b) The executive director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities shall appoint an individual to serve as the Competitive Integrated Employment Ombudsperson who is qualified, by training and experience, to perform the duties of the office.
(c) The Competitive Integrated Employment Ombudsperson shall have all of the following duties:
(1) Serve as a resource regarding the rights and services available under the California Competitive Integrated Employment
Blueprint.
(2) Provide information and support in navigating and understanding the process, goals, and objectives of the Blueprint, and be the designated contact person for questions and inquiries regarding the Blueprint.
(3) Provide information, communication, problem solving suggestions, appeal resolution, and related services in resolving conflicts concerning Blueprint issues, and educate Californians on the available options for resolving these disputes.
(4) Work neutrally with all parties to help ensure that the Blueprint functions equitably as intended.
(5) Identify any patterns of complaints that emerge regarding the implementation of the Blueprint, and recommend strategies for improvement.
(6) Assist and advise the State Department of Education, the Department of Rehabilitation, and the State Department of Developmental Services in creating public information programs that educate Californians about the Blueprint and the ombudsperson’s duties regarding the Blueprint.
(7) Serve as a resource for referrals to other available programs and services that align with the goals and objectives of the Blueprint.
(d) All communications received by the Competitive Integrated Employment Ombudsperson in the course of his or her duties are confidential.
(e) The Competitive Integrated Employment Ombudsperson shall submit an annual report to the Governor, the Director of Developmental Services, and the Employment First Committee of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities that includes all of the
following:
(1) A summary of the services provided by the ombudsperson during the prior year.
(2) An evaluation of the progress made implementing the Blueprint.
(3) A numerical breakdown and analysis of complaints received regarding the implementation of the Blueprint and their resolutions.
(4) Recommendations concerning implementation of the Blueprint.