Section 1.181. Immediate steps

Each Commonwealth department or agency receiving HEW funds either as a direct grant or as a subgrant will take the following steps, as necessary and appropriate:

(1) By August 3, 1977, survey programs and activities in existing facilities and determine which can be made accessible to handicapped persons without structural changes and implement the conclusions of that survey. The survey should be accomplished with full consideration to possible alternative methods which may achieve accessibility in accordance with 45 CFR 84.22(b).

(2) By September 3, 1977, designate at least one person to coordinate the compliance efforts of the department or agency.

(3) By September 3, 1977, establish a plan for initial and continuing steps to notify participants, beneficiaries, applicants and employes, including those with impaired vision or hearing, and unions or professional organizations, that the department or agency does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in violation of 29 U.S.C.A. § 794 and the regulations. The initial notification shall be accomplished by September 3, 1977, in accordance with 45 CFR 84.8.

(4) By September 3, 1977, adopt grievance procedures which provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging actions prohibited by the regulations in accordance with 45 CFR 84.7(b).

(5) By December 3, 1977, complete necessary transition plans outlining steps to be taken by the department or agency to make the structural changes as are necessary to comply with the regulations in accordance with 45 CFR 84.22(e).

(6) Based on the transition plan, provide a cost estimate of structural changes in a manner prescribed by the Budget Secretary.

(7) By June 3, 1978, complete a self-evaluation process to determine which of the department or agency policies and practices are in need of change to assure equal opportunity for the handicapped in accordance with 45 CFR 84.6(c).

(8) In every step of the above processes, interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, shall be actively involved, either as members of planning committees or as consultants to such committees.