Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services
DARS News
Evaluation of Early Childhood Intervention Services
DARS is evaluating its Early Childhood Intervention Services program. The goal of this evaluation is to develop recommendations for a sustainable ECI program that can effectively serve children and families. | Read more about the ECI evaluation.
New Centers for Independent Living Planned in Collin, Galveston, and Tom Green Counties
DARS has selected three non-profit organizations to open new centers for independent living, expanding the availability of services for people who have disabilities. Centers for Independent Living provide comprehensive services to help people who have disabilities live as independently as possible in the community. | Read more about the new centers.
Survey on H1N1 Preparations for People With Disabilities
The Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities invites you to take a five to seven minute online survey called, "H1N1, Texans with Disabilities Prepare for Pandemic Influenza." | Click to be directed to the Governor’s Committee's survey.
Two New Providers Selected for Autism Services
DARS has selected two new providers under a program to serve Texas children with autism spectrum disorder. The selection of these two new providers represents an expansion of services for children ages 3 through 8. | More about new Autism services providers.
People With Disabilities Should Prepare for Hurricane Season
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 People With Disabilities Should Prepare for Hurricane Season.
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.
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
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.
