Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Evaluation
Watch Video Log Introduction – The History and Future of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in Texas
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Background
What is the Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS)?
The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) DHHS works in partnership with people who are deaf or hard of hearing to eliminate societal and communication barriers and promote equal access. DHHS helps people of all ages who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in society and reach their full potential.
For more information, visit the DHHS webpage. http://www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/index.shtml
DHHS Evaluation Overview
A Sunset Commission management action directs DARS to determine whether the services currently provided through DHHS could be better provided through the Centers for Independent Living (CILs). DARS is completing the DHHS evaluation as a component of the Independent Living (IL) Outsourcing Project.
Through a competitive procurement process, DARS contracted with independent consultant, Public Consulting Group, Inc. (PCG), to evaluate whether DHHS services could be better provided through CILs and whether CILs have the capacity to provide these services. As part of the evaluation process, CILs interested in providing DHHS services completed an assessment to measure their ability to provide services. In addition, PCG and DARS partnered to hold public meetings in Fort Worth, Midland, and San Antonio to receive public input on the evaluation.
The results of PCG’s evaluation were issued on April 28, 2016, in a final report titled Texas Evaluation of Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Outsourcing to Centers for Independent Living.
The report is posted in the Information and Resources section below and includes a final chapter on the evaluation of whether DHHS services could be better provided by the CILs, as well as their capacity to provide these services.
DARS will perform additional evaluation activities before consulting with HHSC on how to report the results of the DHHS evaluation prior to August 31, 2016.
DHHS News
DARS Stakeholder Relations periodically sends out messages about upcoming meetings, events, and information of general interest to our stakeholders around the state. If you would like to add your contact information to the DARS Stakeholder Relations distribution list, please send an email to Cassie Fisher at [email protected]
Information and Resources
Learn more about DHHS services and the DHHS evaluation by viewing the resources below.
Frequently Asked Questions – Coming Soon
PCG Evaluation Report – Project consultant PCG’s final report, including a final chapter on the evaluation of DHHS services. Accessible version forthcoming. http://www.dars.state.tx.us/services/PCG-CIL-DARS_FINAL_REPORT.pdf
Questions
Submit questions about the DHHS evaluation by email or VLOG to [email protected]. Frequently asked questions may be included in the Information and Resources section, above, as information becomes available.
For general questions, compliments, or complaints, please contact DARS Inquiries by phone at 1-800-628-5115 or email [email protected].
IL Outsourcing Home – http://www.dars.state.tx.us/services/outsourcing.shtml
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