The Commission's
main purpose is to assist people with disabilities to participate
in their communities by achieving employment of choice, living
as independently as possible and accessing high quality services
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) a state federal
partnership since 1929, helps people with disabilities prepare
for, find and keep jobs. Work related services are individualized
and may include counseling, training, medical treatment, assistive
devices, job placement assistance, and other services. Eligibility
criteria for this program include: the presence of a physical
or mental disability that results in a substantial impediment
to employment, whether the individual is employable after
receiving services, and whether services are required to achieve
employment outcomes.
Supported Employment serves
clients of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program who need
on-going support to maintain competitive employment. Counselors
ensure that clients in this program have the opportunity and
support necessary to work in their communities.
Transition Planning. TRC
VR counselors provide consultative and technical assistance
to public school personnel in planning the move from school
to work for students with disabilities. TRC Regional Transition
Specialists assist VR counselors in coordination with schools,
independent school districts, and regional Educational Service
Centers.
Independent Living Centers and Services
promotes self-sufficiency despite significant disability
- providing people with disabilities with improved mobility,
communication, personal adjustment and self-direction.
Independent Living Centers
are operated by and for people with disabilities throughout
the state to provide assistance through peer counseling, information
and referral, advocacy support and other measures that encourage
people to make their own decisions.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services
helps Texans with traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries
receive intensive therapies to increase independence. Created
by the 72nd Legislature, a percentage of court costs collected
misdemeanor and felony convictions goes into a special fund
to pay for these services.
Disability Determination Services,
funded entirely through the Social Security Administration,
establishes eligibility for Texans with severe disabilities
who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance and/or
Supplemental Security Income. Texans with disabilities apply
for benefits at their local Social Security Office and their
applications are forwarded to DDS for determination.
The Texas Council for Developmental
Disabilities was established to promote the development
of a family centered, comprehensive system of services, support
and other assistance designed to achieve independence, productivity,
integration and inclusion into the community for individuals
with development disabilities. TRC has been designated by
the Governor to provide administrative support to the council
consistent with federal law.
Open Records The Texas Public
Information Act (Government Code, Chapter 552) makes most
of the information in the possession of a governmental body
available to the public. "Public Information" or
"open records" refers to information collected,
assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body during
the conduct of business.
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