DEPARTMENT OF ASSISTIVE & REHABILITATIVE SERVICES (DARS) OVERVIEW

ETIQUETTE It is ok to ask an individual about his/her disability - especially if it is visible – when you are trying to help him/her Examples of visible disabilities – wheelchair, walker, missing limb, cane, service dog, etc. Examples of invisible disabilities – learning disability, mental illness, closed head injury

ETIQUETTE – con’t Basic Fears – Not sure how to work with those with disabilities – Treat them as you would anyone else People First Language Person who is Deaf Person with diabetes Person who is mobility-impaired Person with visual or low vision impairment Ask individual what works best for him/her Do not assume/paternalistic attitude Remember – they are human beings, just like we are

What If…???? Someone does not self-disclose? Definition of self-disclosure – The act of making something known (Webster’s Dictionary) Associated feelings – Embarrassment Stigma of disability Fear Vulnerability Lack of acceptance of the disability

Techniques – How to Gently “Probe” - Ask before you help Don’t make assumptions Respond graciously to requests It is appropriate to ask questions based on observations Difficulty reading paperwork Someone expresses his/her feelings of sadness, depression Difficulty understanding verbal instructions Difficulty in moving around, such as lifting, bending, stooping, walking, etc.

Key Facts – Gently Probing: Does not violate HIPPA Does not discriminate Etiquette – You are allowed to ask someone about his/her obvious or hidden disability when you are trying to provide assistance

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Definition – one must have a physical and/or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, talking, seeing, learning.

ADA Four Titles – Title I – Employment Title II – State and Local Government Title III – Public Accommodations Title IV – Telecommunications How does this impact the workforce centers?

What do we – Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)- do? We help individuals with disabilities get and keep jobs and lead more independent lives We help businesses find qualified job applicants to meet their business needs

DARS Programs Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Youth Transition Services Age 10- 24 for Blind/Visually Impaired Age 16 – 24 for other disabilities Adult Vocational Rehabilitation Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (CRS) Independent Living (IL) Business Enterprises of Texas (BET) Blind Childrens Program (BCP)

DARS Mission Statement To work in partnership with Texans with disabilities to assist them in achieving their goals of employment, living independently and eliminating barriers to communication and community access

DARS- Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Criteria - Must have a physical, mental or visual impairment which creates an impediment to employment Loss of employment Interferes with preparation for employment Prevents obtaining/maintaining employment Requires special assistance in performing the essential job duties Largest DARS program

Purpose – Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services EMPLOYMENT

PROCESS - VR Eligibility determined – not entitlement program Select realistic vocational goal based on skills, interests, and ability to perform essential job functions Services are required to obtain/maintain employment

INDIVIDUAL PLAN FOR EMPLOYMENT (IPE) VR Develop plan of action together Planning and Assessing - Skills, Interests, Abilities, Capabilities, local Labor Market Demands Work objective Services needed to obtain/maintain chosen vocational goal

SERVICES AVAILABLE - VR EACH INDIVIDUAL IS UNIQUE… BASED ON YOUR TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS, SCHOOLING, TRAINING, DISABILITY, ETC. Counseling and Guidance Job Readiness Training Accommodations needed for the job Technical assistance to local employers Specialized Job Placement Job Coaching Vocational Training Academic Training On The Job Training Orientation & Mobility (cane travel training)

Counseling and Guidance DARS Liaison Counselors are assigned at each workforce center Working together with the local Workforce Centers Job clubs Job fairs Work In Texas program for job leads Child Care Youth programs Training programs

SUCCESSFUL CLOSURE - VR Obtained employment in the field agreed upon Received substantial services Worked for at least 90 days As of July 31, 2015 – DARS office in Metroplex area successfully closed 3,383 people as gainfully employed

Refer to DARS Each workforce center has an assigned DARS Liaison Counselor When in doubt, 1) speak with DARS Liaison Counselor 2) refer to DARS Every DARS office has a “Counselor On Duty” (COD) who is available to talk to individuals interested in services

Resources DARS Counselors – can provide sensitivity training 211 Assistive technology – local workforce centers Videophone for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Zoomtext/Magic (software program for those with limited vision) Closed Circuit Television (CCT) for those with limited vision Headsets One sided keyboard for those with limited dexterity Track ball for computer for those with limited dexterity

CONTACT INFORMATION DARS Locator - http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ WEB ADDRESS: www.dars.state.tx.us

Q & A Session Presented by DARS DRS – Anne Hoscheit, Area Manager, Fort Worth South Field Office DBS – Elizabeth El Aiady, VR Supervisor, Fort Worth Field Headquarters 2400 Circle Drive, Suite 210 Fort Worth, Texas 76119 817-759-3500