(a)
(1)The department may cooperate with other departments, agencies, and institutions, both public and private, in providing the services authorized by this division to individuals with disabilities, in studying the problems involved therein, and in establishing, developing, and providing, in conformity with the purposes of this division, such programs, facilities, and services as may be necessary or desirable.
(2)
Cooperation may include contracts and cost-sharing agreements, to the extent permitted by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112), as amended, and the implementing federal regulations.
(3)
Within the scope of the federal Rehabilitation Act, through cooperative agreements with other public agencies, the department shall maximize the resources of each agency to better mutually serve individuals with disabilities through enhanced services. To provide these services, within the provisions of federal law, the department and other agencies shall share facilities, utilize existing eligibility and assessment information, participate in cross-training for agencies participating in cooperative programs, and engage in other cooperative activities to reduce duplication of services and to provide a new enhanced pattern of services for individuals with disabilities.
(b)
The department may cooperate with the State Department of Education and with the state public postsecondary education system to provide instruction, individual counseling and guidance, and related rehabilitation services for eligible students with disabilities.
(c)
The department may cooperate with school districts, with public secondary schools, and with the state public postsecondary education system to employ personnel to assist in the vocational orientation of students with disabilities.