About the DARS Commissioner

DARS Commissioner Debra Wanser

Debra Wanser was appointed DARS commissioner in June 2011. For the previous four years, Ms. Wanser was the DARS deputy commissioner. Ms. Wanser is a registered nurse and has more than 32 years of healthcare administration experience. Before coming to DARS, she was assistant commissioner for adult protective services at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and associate commissioner for family health with the Texas Department of Health. She has a master’s degree from the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs as well as degrees from St. Edward’s University and Oklahoma State University School of Nursing.

Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council

House Bill 2292 of the 78th Texas Legislature, which created the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, establishes that an Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council will assist the agency in developing rules and policies. The council will be made up of nine members appointed by the governor with the consent of the Texas Senate. To be eligible for appointment to the council, a person must have knowledge in programs and issues related to early childhood intervention services, services for people with disabilities or services for people who are blind, deaf or hard of hearing. For more information about the application process, please visit the governor's Internet site.