Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services 4800 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas 78756 Inquiries Line 800.628.5115 Email DARS.Inquiries@dars.state.tx.us www.dars.state.tx.us SERVICES FOR VETERANS As a veteran with a disability, you are a proud Texan who has served your country with dignity and courage. The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services is an equal opportunity employer and services provider. DEPARTMENT OF ASSISTIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
SERVICES FOR VETERANS As a veteran with a disability, you are a proud Texan who has served your country with dignity and courage. However, sometimes you may need a hand to help you get back on your feet, find a job, or to live independently. The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is a state agency that provides services for Texans with disabilities. Veterans can find help learning new job skills, building confidence to live independently with a disability, and preparing for full participation in society. Read the program descriptions that follow. If you want to know more about these programs and to find out if you might be qualified to participate, please call the DARS Inquiries line at 1-800-628-5115. More information about each program is also available on the internet at www.dars.state.tx.us.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) Vocational Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. The DARS VR program works in partnership with the Veterans Affairs Department s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services. If you have disabilities from your time in service, you may receive assistance to help you return to the workforce. Some services may be provided by the VA, while others may be provided by DARS VR program. What services are available in the VR program? The services you may receive are determined after you and your VR counselor discuss the options and alternatives that are best suited for your needs, abilities, and interests. You will receive counseling and guidance to help plan your vocational goals and adjust to the working world. You may receive training to learn job skills in a trade school, college, university, on the job, or at home. Some people in the VR program receive assistive devices such as hearing aids or medical treatment to address impediments to employment. What are the eligibility requirements? To participate in VR services, you must have a physical or mental disability which poses a barrier to obtaining or maintaining employment. You must be able to get or keep a job after receiving services, and DARS VR services must be required in order to help you prepare for, get, or keep a job.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (CRS) Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services helps veterans (and others) who have experienced a traumatic brain injury or a traumatic spinal cord injury. If you have either of these type of injuries and have difficulties that interfere with daily life, consider the CRS program. What services are available in the CRS program? Depending on what you need, the CRS program may pay for one or all of these treatments: In-patient Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation A team of medical experts provides you with hospital-based therapy, medical care, and other help. Outpatient Services Experts help you increase your ability to do daily activities that were affected by your injury. Post-Acute Traumatic Brain Injury Services These services help you deal with mental or thought processes like forgetfulness or difficulties in solving problems. Sometimes there is a waiting list for the CRS program. Your name may be put on a waiting list once you are accepted into the program. What are the eligibility requirements? In order to receive services, your injuries must have significantly affected your ability to perform daily activities. You must also have lived in Texas for at least six months or have a primary caregiver who has lived in Texas for at least six months, be medically stable enough to participate in rehabilitation activities, and agree to participate in the services offered by the DARS CRS program.
Independent Living Services (ILS) and Centers for Independent Living (CIL) Independent Living Services programs provide services to veterans (and others) who, because of a significant disability, are having difficulty functioning independently in their home, family, or community. Simply put, ILS provides people with significant disabilities with the resources and skills they need to be able to do it themselves. What services are available in ILS programs? You and your ILS counselor will work together to identify what strategies and services are needed to help you improve your functioning in your home, family, or community. Depending on your individual needs, ILS may purchase home and vehicle modifications; hearing aids, communication boards, and computers; assistive devices such as artificial limbs, braces, wheelchairs; and other devices that help you live independently. ILS may also pay for training and tutorial services, adult basic education, and transportation and interpreter services. For individuals who are blind, services focus on adjustment to vision loss, learning alternative ways to perform daily living tasks, and how to live life in the community consistent with your goals.
Centers for Independent Living (CIL) As part of the Independent Living program at DARS, CILs are operated by and for people with disabilities throughout the state. The CILs enhance independence for persons with significant disabilities by removing barriers to independence. Typical CIL services include peer counseling, independent living skills training to learn alternative ways to perform tasks, information and referral to locate resources and services in the community; advocacy support to make the community more accessible or help individuals access services and benefits, and other measures that encourage people to make their own decisions. Your ILS counselor may recommend this option as part of the Independent Living program. What are the eligibility requirements? To be eligible for DARS Independent Living programs, you must have a significant disability that results in a substantial impediment to your ability to function independently in your home, family, or community. There must also be a reasonable expectation that ILS assistance will give you the ability to function more independently.
Medicaid Buy-In Program (MBI) Medicaid Buy-In Program through Employment & Disability Connections helps employed people with disabilities receive affordable health coverage. What is available in the Medicaid Buy-In Program? Affordable health insurance for people with disabilities who are concerned that they might lose their health coverage when their income level exceeds Medicaid eligibility limits. Medicaid Buy-In provides access to the same services available to adult Medicaid recipients including office visits, hospital stays, X-rays, vision services, hearing services and prescriptions, and allows your income to continue climbing above the usual limits. What are the eligibility requirements? You must have a disability or be age 65 or older, living on your own (not in a care facility or nursing home), making at least $1,090* after taxes every three months (periods ending March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, and Dec. 31), and less than $2,257* after taxes each month. Your resources must add up to no more than $5,000. (*This amount changes annually.)
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services appreciates your service to our country. Now it is our turn to help you pursue your goals of employment and independent living.