Services for Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing -- Upcoming Events

The DARS, Division for Rehabilitative Services, Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) works in partnership with people who are deaf or hard of hearing to eliminate societal and communication barriers to improve equal access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. DHHS advocates for people of all ages who are deaf or hard of hearing to enable them to express their freedoms, participate in society to their individual potential, and reduce their isolation regardless of location, socioeconomic status, or degree of disability.

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Dear Community Partner:

As always, we continue to update you about issues and meetings that may be of interest to you.

DARS Inquiries TTY Line to be Shut Down on May 1, 2013

Dear Stakeholders,

Changes in technology require changes in communication methods. Text telephone, or TTY, is a technology that has become obsolete thanks to advances in Internet communications, videophones, and relay services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. The DARS TTY line will be turned off on May 1, 2013.

DARS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services support this action. The reasons for the TTY line being shut down include:

• Many in the deaf and hard of hearing community consider TTY outdated and rely on other electronic and telephone technology to communicate.

• TTY equipment replacement and repair is costly and difficult to locate.

• The call volume on the TTY line has dropped significantly to the point where only misdialed calls are received on this line.

• Other health and human service agencies have shut down their TTY lines and utilize Texas Relay Services to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing people in the state.

DARS is reaching out to Texans who are deaf and hard of hearing to notify them about this action and we ask that our stakeholders help us circulate this information.

We will continue to provide updates and reminders about the TTY line shutdown as the date approaches. The TTY number will be removed from DARS publications and Web site throughout the coming months in preparation for the shutdown. Reminders will also be posted on the DARS Facebook page.

People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired should use the relay service provider of their choice to contact the DARS Inquiries Line. Texas offers Relay Texas which can be reached by dialing toll-free 7-1-1 or 1-800-RELAY TX (1-800-735-2989).

If you have questions, you may contact the DARS Inquiries Line at 1-800-628-5115 or email DARS.Inquiries@dars.state.tx.us.

Thank you for your participation in DARS' commitment to serving Texans with disabilities.

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Order here The DHHS "I LOVE YOU" License Plate is now available for ordering!

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Upcoming DHHS Event