C.R.S. § 8-84-302: Duties of the department.

(1) Pursuant to its statutory authority and available appropriations, the department shall:

(a) Review and make recommendations for amendments, if necessary, to Colorado's combined plan for execution of workforce development activities developed in accordance with the federal "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act", Pub.L. 113-128, as amended, to ensure that persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities are supported in achieving employment;

(b) Develop practices that reflect a presumption that all persons with disabilities are capable of working in competitive integrated employment if they choose to do so, and ensure that options for competitive integrated employment with appropriate supports are explored before consideration of segregated activities;

(c) Promote youth transitions that focus on public-private collaboration, and employer engagement that emphasizes free-market solutions;

(d) Provide department input and assistance to the employment first advisory partnership described in section 8-84-303 in carrying out its duties; and

(e) Present the reports and recommendations of the employment first advisory partnership to the department's legislative committee of reference pursuant to section 8-84-303 (7).