Workshops for blind and visually handicapped persons

The department of human services may also, whenever it deems proper, aid blind and visually handicapped persons and others, who, in the opinion of the department, will be benefited by the experience, to become self-supporting by employing them in workshops or in their own homes at such compensation as the department may determine their services shall warrant and by furnishing them with materials, machinery, necessary supervision, and other help and facilities. No person so employed shall be deemed an employee of the State or of the department within the meaning of this or any other chapter, or any act; provided that persons employed in such workshops shall come under and be entitled to all the benefits of chapter 386 relating to workers' compensation, the cost of which shall be borne by the state insurance fund; provided further that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the persons so employed from being considered employees of the State or of the department for purposes of part VI, chapter 88, if they would be considered employees under Title II of the federal Social Security Act, as amended.