Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services
DARS News
Gov. Perry Appoints Three to Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed three members to the Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2015. The council assists the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services commissioner in developing rules and policies for the agency. | More on Governor's appointments to DARS Council.
Health & Human Services Report Released on Agency Consolidation
The passage of House Bill 2292 in 2003 established a clear directive to transform the delivery of health and human services in Texas. Benefits of Consolidation, Four-Year Report, developed by the HHS agencies, highlights the many successes in improving services to clients, as well as administrative and support functions. | Read HHS Consolidation Report in PDF.
Help and Information for Digital TV Transition
Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD) is assisting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing learn more about the transition to digital television. To learn more about digital television and how to get and install a converter box, visit the CSD-DTV Help Center at dtv.c-s-d.org
DARS Division of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Notice of Public Hearing
ECI is soliciting public comments on proposed amendments to Title 40, Texas Administrative Code Part 2, Chapter 108, Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services and proposed revisions to the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Division of Early Childhood Intervention Standards Manual for Contracted Programs. The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services is providing an opportunity to comment from March 20, 2009 until May 19, 2009. | More on DARS Division of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Notice of Public Hearing
ECI Policy Manual Revisions for Review and Comment
The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Division of Early Childhood Intervention is soliciting feedback on proposed amendments to Title 40, Texas Administrative Code Part 2, Chapter 108, Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services and proposed revisions to the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Division of Early Childhood Intervention Standards Manual for Contracted Programs. The proposed revisions to Title 40, Texas Administrative Code Part 2, Chapter 108, Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services is published in the March 20, 2009, issue of the Texas Register. The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services is providing an opportunity to comment from March 20, 2009 until May 19, 2009. | More on ECI Policy Manual Revisions for Review and Comment
DARS Annual Application for Federal Funds for Early Childhood Intervention Services
The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Division for Early Childhood Intervention, is soliciting comments related to its annual application for federal funds for early childhood intervention services. DARS will be requesting funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C for federal fiscal year 2009. The annual funding application will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education , Office of Special Education Programs on May 18, 2009. The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Division for Early Childhood Intervention is providing an opportunity to comment on the application from March 6, 2009 until May 5, 2009. | More on Annual Application for Federal Funds for ECI
Report from ECI Stakeholder Workgroup
On December 3 and 4th DARS engaged stakeholders to explore options and make recommendations for narrowing eligibility for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services. | More on ECI Stakeholder Workgroup Report
DARS Overview
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, or DARS, administers programs that ensure Texas is a state where people with disabilities, and children who have developmental delays, enjoy the same opportunities as other Texans to live independent and productive lives.
The department has four divisions:
- Rehabilitation Services
- Blind Services
- Early Childhood Intervention Services
- Disability Determination Services
Through these divisions, DARS administers programs that help Texans with disabilities find jobs through vocational rehabilitation, ensure that Texans with disabilities live independently in their communities, and assist families in helping their children under age 3 with disabilities and delays in development reach their full potential.
It is a fundamental value of DARS to listen, to learn, and to be responsive to our stakeholders and our consumers in an ongoing effort to make programs and services even better. If you have suggestions or comments, please call the DARS Inquiries Unit at 1-800-628-5115, or email DARS.Inquiries@dars.state.tx.us