Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities Program
A Medicaid-waiver program, administered by the Department of Human Services, specializing in the needs of individuals with dual-sensory impairment and developmental disabilities. Volunteers of America Texas provides deaf-blind services in Houston as well as Dallas-Fort Worth, but the organization's largest program is in the Austin area.
The program serves individuals with diverse needs and alternative modes of communicating. The goal is to enable consumers to achieve their potential and to live in their community as fully as possible. Services range from "in-home" supports to 24-hour residential care. The staff receives specialized training in critical areas such as behavior and communication. The program utilizes a philosophical approach that is tolerant and non-invasive.
Services offered include:
- Occupational and physical therapies
- Orientation and mobility
- Dietary
- Speech/hearing/language
- Behavior/communication
- Nursing
- Case management
- Health monitored by nurses
- Life skills training
- Community access
- Some funding for adaptive aids and equipment
Eligibility for the program requires diagnosis of deaf-blindness with developmental disabilities. For further information, contact the Texas Department of Aging & Disablility Services (DADS) at 512-908-9435 or visit their web site at www.dads.state.tx.us or you may contact Volunteers of America Texas at kmontalbano@voatx.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|