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Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) of the
DHHS Specialist Program This DHHS program outreaches statewide to provide
specialized services to individuals who are deaf or hard of
hearing, as well as assisting agencies and other service
providers to serve these consumers. The program, which
operates through contracts with local/regional service
providers, offers services in each of the 11 Health and
Human Services regions of the state. The DHHS Specialists
team with DRS Counselors and other DARS agency staff to
ensure quality services are available to the targeted
population. Twenty-two regionally-based specialists assist
consumers in getting the services they need from state and
local government, service organizations, employers and
private entities while advocating within the communities to
remove communication barriers to render more access to the
targeted groups The program also addresses attitudinal and
cultural barriers affecting the populations which may hinder
successful service delivery; provides information and
referral services; and may provide training geared toward
the consumers acquiring a better understanding of the laws
which support and protect them. Program services are
available at no cost and include, but are not limited to
training on: sensitivity, communication issues and
technology awareness. 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 following contact serves the counties listed: Ellis, Erath, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise.
Karen Moulder; Hearing Loss Resource Specialist; Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
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