Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services
DARS News
Debra Wanser to Serve as DARS Commissioner
Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Tom Suehs announced that Debra Wanser will serve as Commissioner for the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. | More on DARS Commissioner Debra Wanser.
Hurricane Preparation for People with Disabilities
June 1st through November 30th is hurricane season. Texans with disabilities should begin preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters that may strike with very little warning. | More on disaster preparation tips for people with disabilities.
HHSC Seeks Input Before Recommending Changes to Required Reports
HHSC has reviewed statutorily required reports for health and human services agencies and developed a draft list of reports to be recommended for deletion or modification. | More on HHS statutorily required reports request for comment.
An Analysis of Needs and Service Planning in the Texas Early Childhood Intervention Program
As part of the evaluation of ECI, DARS contracted with SRI international to assess the apparent gap between the services that children and families need compared to current service levels. The results of this analysis are available in an Executive Summary and a Complete Report.
HHS Strategic Plan for 2011-15 Available
The Health and Human Services System has released its Strategic Plan for the years 2011-2015. This Strategic Plan assesses the economic, demographic, and legislative environment in which the five state agencies within the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system will operate during the plan period. The plan focuses on current and planned actions the agencies are undertaking to address the major challenges associated with significant population growth, the recent recession, and increasing caseloads. | HHS 2011-2015 Strategic Plan.
Draft of HHS Strategic Plan for 2011-15 Online
A draft of the Health and Human Services System Strategic Plan 2011-15 is now available. Written comments on the draft will be accepted through 5 p.m., Friday, May 21. | Draft Health and Human Services System Strategic Plan 2011-15.
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
You can report suspected waste, fraud or abuse in health and human services programs to the HHSC Office of Inspector General online or by calling 800-436-6184. You may also make a report to the Texas State Auditor's Office by calling 800-TX-AUDIT.
