Public Hearing and Opportunity for Public Comment on ECI Rules

The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is holding a public hearing and soliciting public comments on proposed amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Part 2, Title 40, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services,:
Chapter 101, Administrative Rules and Procedures; and
Chapter 108, Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services.

Proposed Rule Amendment

The 40 TAC Chapter 101 Administrative Rules and Procedures rulemaking proposes amendments and a new rule to comply with guidance received by DARS from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), concerning the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C, State Application and Assurances.

The 40 TAC Chapter 108 Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services rulemaking proposes to amend and move programmatic requirements from the definitions rule to programmatic rules; correct terminology; clarify requirements related to eligible for auditory or visual impairments; and correct citations.

Copies of the proposed rules may be obtained from the DARS website at http://www.dars.state.tx.us/announcements/ECI-Proposed-Rule-Revisions.docx or by contacting the DARS Division for Early Childhood Intervention Services at (512) 424-6754. The proposed rule revisions were published in the Texas Register at www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/ on September 7, 2012.

Public Hearing

DARS will hold a public hearing on the proposed rulemaking on October 29, 2012, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., at the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, 4800 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78756.

The hearing is structured to receive oral or written comments by interested persons. Individuals may present oral statements when called upon in order of registration. Open discussion will not be permitted during the hearing. However, DARS staff will be available to discuss the proposal 30 minutes prior to the hearing.

For persons with disabilities requesting accommodations, please contact DARS Inquiries at 1-800-628-5115 TDD/TTY 1-866-581-9328. Requests should be made as far in advance as possible.

Public Comment

Written comments may also be submitted to Rules Coordinator, Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, 4800 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78756 or electronically to DARSRules@dars.state.tx.us. The comment period closes at 5:00 p.m. on November 6, 2012.