Commissioner
November 18, 2004
Dear Consumer:
This is to follow up on the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) public meeting focusing on issues relative to services for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind which was held on October 23 at CrissColeRehabilitationCenter in Austin. We thank you for taking the time to attend this important meeting and for presenting your comments which are most helpful in our efforts to make changes and improvements to DARS programs and services, which involves the Division for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS), the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Division for Blind Services (DBS) and the Division of Early Childhood Intervention (DECI). As we pointed out, the consolidation of agencies is not just about consolidation—it is also about service improvements, innovative approaches to services, and consumer satisfaction.
From the comments by you and other individuals attending the meeting we are aware that there is a priority need for improved specialized services for the deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind populations. A combination of staff training and knowledge, along with experience and good program offerings are evidently very important for all DARS divisions.Effective communication in the preferred mode of each consumer receiving services is also a priority; high quality interpreter services, CART services and assistive devices are recognized needs.Further, we recognize the need to give focus to developing and advocatingforaccessible resources and services for the benefit of the populations we serve.DARS is committed to better meeting such needs.
In order to address the need for changes, DARS has initiated a Service Improvement Charter project to focus on the development and improvement of services. This project includes components of program analysis across divisions to determine availability of programs, outcomes, community relations, and to determine the current condition of services. We are using this information to design a model program through the optimization of resources and expertise found across DARS divisions and among our community partners.
As you are aware, the merger of DHHS and DRS is a possibility. This is a move which will allow for use of vocational rehabilitation funds for improving services, for generating additional skilled professionals, and for additional services for the deaf and hard of hearing population.
A major concern that arose in the public meeting was in regard to the possibility of DHHS experiencing further loss of identity and visibility in the communities. It is the intention of DARS that DHHS will maintain the same profile and influence within the communities and the nation that it has held in years past. The functions of DHHS have not changed, and the changes taking place are positive ones that will result in more and better services.
A second major concern that arose in the meeting is that as a result of HB 2292, there is no longer a DHHS board overseeing the needs of the deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind populations. It might be possible to have one or more persons on the soon to be created DARS Advisory Council that are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind, or has knowledge of deafness and deafblindness. Individuals wanting to serve on the Advisory Council should contact the Governor’s Office to express an interest in serving. The Governor’s office appoints this nine member board.
A long list of other issues, concerns and priorities resulted from the meeting. Each item is being assessed and reviewed as we work to incorporate as many of these ideas as possible into improving our services based on available funding and staff. The number one priority is to obtain the funding necessary to expand/enhance current services and to serve those who may have received limited services or no services.
The Division for Rehabilitation Services (DRS), acknowledges the concerns and complaints expressed at the public meeting and in correspondence received at the central office. We want you to know that DRS is taking this feedback very seriously, and we commit to improving services to the deaf and hard of hearing populations.
The Division for Blind Services (DBS) also wants to assure the deafblind community that their needs, concerns and comments will be represented and addressed in the Services Improvement Charter mentioned earlier, with DBS Deafblind Specialist representation on the workgroup, as well as a solicitation of consumer input on all significant aspects of program development and improvement. In order to promote better services, DBS Deafblind Services staff is traveling regionally to provide training on deafblindness. DBS will continue to support the Usher Syndrome Support Group, as well as their Service Support Provider Project. This project should assist people who are deafblind with issues of transportation and accessibility. Some deafblind consumers were able to participate in the leadership training offered by DHHS earlier this year.
In closing DARS would like to encourage you and other community members to remain active with us in our efforts for continuous program improvement and development of deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind services. We welcome on-going input from you and community members to ensure that we are addressing the needs in the community and taking advantage of all program development opportunities. We need everyone’s involvement and support to assure we are able to establish ourselves as a model state program for deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind services.
Again, thank you for your time and participation in this public meeting and for your enthusiasm and effort for the provision of quality services for deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind Texans.
Sincerely,
David W. Myers
Assistant Commissioner
Division for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Terry Smith
Assistant Commissioner
Division for Rehabilitation Services