What is Regional Specialist?
17 08 2007Grant discussed about Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS - It used to be called TCDHH) under Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) — they have several programs such as STAP, Interpreter Certification (BEI), referral program, much more! Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program also work closely with DHHS.
And of course, Regional Specialist program (RS) is one of the newest concepts that I know of. They successfully launched RS program more than five years ago with one specialist and it grew over 18 specialists (click here to view list or map) all over Texas today.
These information from DHHS website:
Deafness Resource Specialists (DRS) 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 appropriate service provision.
Hearing Loss Resource Specialists (HLRS) typically focus their services on sensitivity training, communication strategies and assistive technology for the workplace, home and beyond for more independence and self-sufficiency. Specialists help locate resources when working with people who are hard of hearing or who have an acquired loss of hearing.
The reason he bring it up because he discovered that many people never knew RS have been around for some time now. Unfortunately. If you find any information that I may not explain clearly or old information, please leave me the comment.
Again, this is for State of Texas residents only but if you know anybody that live here, please do let them know. Thanks so much!
Note: This is unofficial information - Grant did his best to explain how this program works and he doesn’t work for DARS/DHHS/DRS.
Grant W Laird Jr
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com
Hi, Grant,
I was glad to hear that Texas has regional specialists, cuz I used to work with North Carolina’s RS years years ago. You are right about taking advantage of their services. I really enjoyed their services in NC. They are worth taken advantaged!
deafk
HI Grant!
Glad that you took action by explaining to audience out there via vlogger. Just let you know that we have 15 Deafness Resource Specialists and also 7 Hearing Loss Resource Specialists in the State of Texas. DARS-DHHS will add 4 more HLRS this coming Jan. 2008. I believe that there are over 10,000 clients that have been served by specialists.
Two cents worth!
Kent Kennedy
hey grant i came check out your blog often.. umm i am not fully deaf i am hard of hearing… i can hear your voice.. and thought maybe u wanna turn off the mike lol.. smile not trying to be rude since this is for deaf poeple..