Section 1461 - Legislative findings(a) Acknowledgment.--The General Assembly acknowledges the lack of coordination of services for the handicapped in this Commonwealth and supports the concept of a State Commission for the Handicapped to coordinate service delivery and to increase access to services for all handicapped citizens. The development of such a concept currently is under legislative study.(b) Immediate need.--Notwithstanding the support of a State Commission for the Handicapped, the General Assembly finds an immediate need to create an Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to address the specific needs of this population because:(1) Public services to deaf persons, such as medical services, mental health services, social services, welfare services, employment services, legal services, etc., are often inaccessible, fragmented and of poor quality due to communication barriers.(2) These problems can be addressed by providing a special focus on services for the deaf and hard of hearing by implementing and coordinating communication assistance, training, information and referral services for those with hearing handicaps and for those who provide services to the hard of hearing.(3) It has been estimated that approximately 82,000 deaf and 244,000 hard of hearing persons reside in Pennsylvania. Since 1971, 22 states have legislatively established a commission, office, council or board for the deaf and hard of hearing.(c) Intent.--It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Advisory Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing established pursuant hereto become integral units of the State Commission for the Handicapped when such commission is established by the General Assembly.1986, Dec. 16, P.L. 1621, No. 184, § 1, effective in 90 days. Amended 1997, June 25, P.L. 334, No. 37, § 1, effective in 60 days.