DHHS Specialist Program
This DHHS program outreaches statewide to provide specialized services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as to assist agencies and other service providers to serve these consumers. The program, which operates through contracts with local/regional service providers, offers services in each of the eleven Health and Human Services regions of the state. The DHHS Specialists team with DRS Counselors and other DARS agency staff to ensure that quality services are provided to the targeted population. Twenty-two regionally-based specialists assist consumers in getting the services they need from state and local governments, service organizations, employers and other private entities while advocating within the community to remove communication barriers so as to render more access to the targeted groups The program also addresses attitudinal and cultural barriers affecting the populations which may hinder successful service delivery; provides information and ref
erral services; and may provide training geared toward the consumers acquiring a better understanding of the laws which support and protect them. Training is also available for consumers and their service providers which can include, but is not limited to, training for: sensitivity issues, communication issues and technology awareness.
Deafness Resource Specialists (Deafness RS) have the knowledge-base and communication ability to work with persons who are deaf, hard of hearing and late-deafened in the areas of advocacy, self-empowerment and sensitivity training, as well as with Federal and State mandates on equal access to services, including education and employment. In many instances, specialists work as liaisons between consumers and service providers on the provision of appropriate services.
Hearing Loss Resource Specialists (Hearing Loss RS) direct their service focus on the communication and coping needs of the hard of hearing population. This may include sensitivity training, communication strategies and assistive technology as it applies in the workplace, home and beyond, and leading to more independence and self-sufficiency. The specialists may help locate referral resources, provide hearing loss awareness training and may provide sensitivity training in the community.
To obtain contact information for your local Deafness and/or Hearing Loss Resource Specialists, click on this link and then “mouse over” your region of the state: http://www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/specialists.shtml
Doug H. Dittfurth
Outreach Development Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of the
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services/
Division for Rehabilitation Services
PO Box 12904 – Austin, TX 78711
4900 N Lamar Blvd, 2-172 – Austin, TX 78751
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