1. DEPARTMENT OF ASSISTIVE & REHABILITATIVE SERVICES (DARS)
OVERVIEW

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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?

9. 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

10. DARS Programs Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Youth Transition Services
Age 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. Purpose – Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services
EMPLOYMENT

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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)

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. CONTACT INFORMATION
DARS Locator -
WEB ADDRESS:

22. 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