Services for Persons with Physical and Mental Disabilities

The DARS Division for Rehabilitation Services is designated as the state's principal authority on the vocational rehabilitation of Texans with disabilities, except persons with visual impairments and the legally blind. The Division's main purpose is to assist people with disabilities to participate in their communities by achieving employment of choice, living as independently as possible and accessing high quality services. We provide a broad array of services through the following programs:

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, a state-federal partnership since 1929, helps people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep jobs. Work related services are individualized and may include counseling, training, medical treatment, assistive devices, job placement assistance, and other services. Eligibility criteria for this program include: the presence of a physical or mental disability that results in a substantial impediment to employment, whether the individual is employable after receiving services, and whether services are required to achieve employment outcomes. Our Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps Texans with disabilities prepare for, find and keep employment. This program also helps students with disabilities plan the jump from school to work. Please see our Vocational Rehabilitation Guide to Applicants to learn about the process of applying for VR services.

Transition Planning. DRS VR counselors provide consultative and technical assistance to public school personnel in planning the move from school to work for students with disabilities. DRS Regional Transition Specialists assist VR counselors in coordination with schools, independent school districts, and regional Educational Service Centers.

Supported Employment serves consumers of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program who need on-going support to maintain competitive employment. Counselors ensure that consumers in this program have the opportunity and support necessary to work in their communities.

The Independent Living (IL) Services And Centers concentrate on self-sufficiency and quality of life, even if work potential is limited. Independent Living Centers and Services promote self-sufficiency despite significant disability - providing people with disabilities with improved mobility, communication, personal adjustment and self-direction. Independent Living Centers are operated by and for people with disabilities throughout the state to provide assistance through peer counseling, information and referral, advocacy support and other measures that encourage people to make their own decisions.

The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services program help persons with spinal cord and brain injuries receive intensive therapies to increase independence. Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services helps Texans with traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries receive intensive therapies to increase independence. Created by the 72nd Legislature, a percentage of court costs collected misdemeanor and felony convictions goes into a special fund to pay for these services.

The DRS Rehabilitation Technology Resource Center helps keep track of new equipment and engineering services designed to help people with disabilities be more independent.