- This information was last updated on 10 December 2006
- Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
- P.O. Box 12904, Austin, Texas 78711
- 512-407-3250 [Voice]
- 512-407-3251 [TTY]
- 512-541-9316 [Fax]
Available Through the Texas DHHS
TCDHH is now the Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) not DARS (although they are a component of DARS). Also, TRC is now known as the Department for Rehabilitation Services or DRS.
Where possible, we have provided a downloadable copy of the necessary form in .pdf format. Viewing these forms requires Adobe(R) Acrobat(R). If you do not have this, you can download the free Adobe(R) Acrobat(R) Reader.
Tuition Exemption
The statutes of the State of Texas prescribe certain cases in which students can be exempted from tuition and/or certain fees. A deaf person who is a resident is entitled to exemption from the payment of tuition fees at any institution of higher education utilizing public funds (Texas Education Code Section 54.205). To qualify for this exemption, you will need:
- Certification that he is a "deaf person" as defined in Subsection (a) of this section by the Texas Department for Rehabilitation Services, or Texas Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, in a written statement, which certification is considered conclusive;
- A written statement of purpose from the person that indicates the certificate or degree program to be pursued or the professional enhancement from the course of study for that certificate or degree program;
- A high school diploma or its equivalent;
- A letter of recommendation from the principal of the high school attended by the deaf or blind individual, a public official, or some other responsible person who knows the deaf or blind individual and is willing to serve as a reference; and
- Proof that he meets all other entrance requirements of the institution.
DHHS gave us a few more details about this program. They said they look at the form your audiologist fills out for a Pure Tone Average (PTA) of 55dB or worse in the best ear (unaided or not turned on by a CI), then the form is signed and sent back to you. If the PTA is less than 55dB, have your physician or ENT (must be a MD) sign the section on the form which states that you are "deaf" and a "visual learner". Once you have a signed form in hand, take it to the financial aid office at any publicly funded institution of higher learning (not private or religious schools). Anyone having problems after this should contact the DHHS office. This waver does not help pay for books or other equipment. The Texas Department for Rehabilitation Services will sometimes pay for hearing aids, books, etc. needed to successfully complete college.
Someone who has made use of this service tells us that they were able to attend night school with this waver. They said that books were not covered, but parking was.
Here is a link to the application form on their web site, or you can download the form from us in .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format.
Safety Communication Sticker
This
vehicle sticker indicates the driver of the vehicle is deaf or hearing impaired
but it is no longer available.
The program is being replaced with a Visor Card Program (one for persons who are deaf and another for persons who are hard of hearing). The visor card can be shown if pulled over for some reason and will give tips to how best to communicate with the individual. We do not have a roll-out date for the new program as of yet.
Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) - Voucher for Telecommunications Equipment (TTY, VCO, amplified phone, etc)
DHHS determines eligibility, and then issues a voucher to cover the cost of the equipment. A vendor of telecommunications equipment will exchange the voucher for the equipment specified on the voucher. The equipment becomes the property of the individual, who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. You can get one voucher every 5 years, unless your disability changes and your equipment needs change accordingly. To qualify you must:
- have a hearing or speech impairment
- be a resident of Texas
- be able to read/use the equipment
- have use of a telephone line in the home
DHHS gave us a few more details about this program:
The program is for any one with any kind of disability which prevents them from using a standard telephone. they may experience an impairment of mobility, cognitive, hearing, speech, etc. There are no financial / income guidelines. You do not have to send in a copy of your audiogram. There is no cut off for how much hearing loss you must have to qualify, only a signature from your hearing professional certifying that you need special telephone equipment. You can get any kind of telephone equipment you need for your individual needs. You will be sent a voucher or coupon worth the value of this type of equipment along with a list of registered vendors in the state who can exchange the voucher for equipment. You choose which brand of telephone you want, with what kinds of features, etc. You can request special attachments, also, such as a patch cord for a cochlear implant, headset or neckloop which plugs directly into a special amplified telephone. Not all vendors carry all products, you may have to shop around a bit. You also are entitled to get some kind of alerting device with this voucher to let you know the telephone is ringing.
The state program allows:
- $170.00 for an amplified phone
- $419.00 for VCO equipment
- $419.00 for TTY
- $887.00 for TTY with LVD
Here is a link to the application form on their web site, or you can download the form from us in .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format. Application for Voucher in .pdf Format
| At the August 19, 2000 Commission meeting, the Texas
Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing approved a voucher for the
following device and value: VIDEO CALL KIT WITH SOFTWARE $900 Justification provided was: This video conferencing equipment will allow individuals to have face-to-face video telephone conversations. This will allow people to make video calls to the Video Relay Service at Relay Texas, beginning September 1, 2000, as well as to other people who have video conferencing equipment. The process involves software that includes a window within the computer screen and a video camera mounted above the computer, and transmits through the internet or an ISDN line. This equipment would especially benefit individuals whose preferred mode of communication is visual. Due to the technological specifications needed in order to reduce the "jerky" movements of an individual using sign language, there are very few companies that provide the video conferencing kit and software that meets this specific need. Many companies provide kits and software, which advertise capabilities for up to 30 frames per second (fps). However, most of this type of video conferencing equipment does not provide for a constant fps broadcast. Without constant fps, a signing individual can still appear to have "jerky" movements. The Commission is only aware of two kits that would benefit individuals who sign. In September, it is anticipated that an additional kit and software will be available by one company that will provide video telephone capability through a regular telephone line. The cost is expected to be the $900. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- For those of you who are not familiar with this type of equipment, this is for use with a personal computer. The customer who wants this type of equipment MUST BE AWARE that they must have a computer for it to work (with at least 233 MHZ). This is not a VCR or a camcorder. This is equipment that is made to work with a computer, which will then be used as a "video phone", for lack of a better word. The package would consist of software, a camera for the PC, and an enhanced card. At the present time we are not aware of any video programs that work with a Mac, though there might be one or two out there somewhere. Becky Compton Executive Director Note from Listen-Up: EnVision Video Conferencing is the program that is now available through STAP. |
