Founding Statute
The Minnesota Council on Disability was created by Minnesota Statutes – 256.482 Council on Disability in 1973.
Statutory Responsibilities
General Duties, MS 256.482, Subd. 5, Sections (1), (2), (4), (6) and (7), describes the powers and duties of the Council on Disability to include: advise state elected officials, state agencies and the public on matters pertaining to public policy and programs, services, and facilities for persons who have a disability in Minnesota.
Access Code Development, MS 16B.61, Subd. 5, Section e, the commissioner of the department of administration, state building codes division is required to consult with the council on disability before any rules are proposed for adoption for current disability access requirements.
Building Code Access Appeals, MS 16B.67, the council on disability may appeal any final decision of any municipality as to the application of the code to the commissioner of administration.
State Agency Reasonable Accommodation Plan, MS 43A.191, agency affirmative action programs require the council on disability to serve in an advisory role for the department of employee relations in providing assistance with the state agency reasonable accommodation plan.
Disability Parking Certificate Restriction, 169.345, subdiv. 3, the commissioner of the department of public safety shall not issue more than three replacement certificates within any six year period without the approval of the council on disability.
Special Vehicle Variance, MS 174.30, Subd. 2, Section (c), the commissioner of the department of transportation shall consult with the council on disability before making a variance from the operating standard for special transportation services.
WC Home Modifications, MS 176.137, Subd. 4, Section 1, the council on disability advises the workers’ compensation division of the department of labor and industry and the workers’ compensation court of appeals as to the necessity and extent of any alteration or remodeling of an existing residence or the building or purchase of a new or different residence which is proposed by a licensed architect.
Access Review Board, MS 471.471, the council on disability has membership on the Access Review Board and advises on the installation of stairway chairlifts in buildings that could not otherwise be made more accessible.
Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee, MS 473.386, Subd. 2, section e, the council has membership on the transportation accessibility advisory committee of the metropolitan council.
Library Access Grants, MS 134.45, Subd. 2, the commissioner of the department of children, families and learning, in consultation with the council on disability may approve or disapprove access grants to public libraries for removal of architectural barriers.
School Access Improvements, MS 123B.58, the commissioner of the department of children, families & learning will consult with the council on disability when developing criteria to determine the cost-effectiveness of removing barriers in older buildings.
School Access Grants, MS 123B.69, the commissioner of the department of children, families & learning, in consultation with the council on disability, shall review applications for access grants.
Children’s Development Plan, MS 145.951, the commissioner of health may in consultation with the director of the council on disability develop an implementation plan for the establishment of a statewide program to assist families in developing the full potential of their children.
Licensing Criteria, MS 148C.11, the council on disability advises on the development of special licensing criteria for issuance of a license to alcohol and drug counselors who practice with a member of the disability population.
Roundabout Design, 2010 Ch. 351 Sec. 68, the commissioner of transportation shall consult with the Minnesota State Council on Disability in developing the specifications or standards of the design of roundabouts.
Disability Plates, MS 168.021, the commissioner of the Department of Public Safety shall not issue more than one disability parking plate to any owner unless approved by the Minnesota State Council on Disability.
Minnesota Council on Transportation Access, MS 174.285, the Minnesota State Council on Disability holds one of the thirteen seats on the Minnesota Council on Transportation Access charged with making recommendations to improve the coordination, availability, accessibility, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and safety of transportation services provided to the transit public.
Examination of New Voting System, MS 206.57, the secretary of state shall consult with the Minnesota State Council on Disability at least once every other year, between 2009-2016, on the accessibility of voting equipment in townships.
Report Regarding Services for People with Disabilities, MS 256.4825, the Minnesota State Council on Disability, in collaboration with others, shall issue an annual report on the existing state policies and goals for programs serving people with disabilities.
Appeals, MS 326B.139, the Council on Disability may appeal the ruling of a commissioner as to the application of the building code in accordance with chapter 14.
Non-emergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee, MS 473.386, the MN State Council on Disability will hold a seat on the Non-emergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee charged with submitting a report to the commissioner of human services on improvements to the non-emergency medical transportation system.