About DARS
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, or DARS, administers programs that ensure Texas is a state where people with disabilities, and children who have developmental delays, enjoy the same opportunities as other Texans to live independent and productive lives.
DARS has four divisions, each with its own programs:
- Rehabilitation Services
- Blind Services
- Early Childhood Intervention Services
- Disability Determination Services
DARS administers programs that help Texans with disabilities find jobs through vocational rehabilitation, ensure that Texans with disabilities live independently in their communities, and assist families in helping their children under age 3 with disabilities and delays in development to reach their full potential.
It is a fundamental value of DARS to listen, to learn, and to be responsive to our stakeholders and our consumers in an ongoing effort to make programs and services even better. If you have suggestions or comments, please call the DARS Inquiries Unit at 1-800-628-5115, or email DARS.Inquiries@dars.state.tx.us
Download a brochure about DARS “Partnerships for Independence” (PDF 3.75MB)
Accessible (text only) brochure of “Partnerships for Independence” (DOC 15.2 KB)
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 (DARS 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.
More Information About DARS
Executive Staff A list of the DARS executive leadership team including the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioners.
Organizational Chart The organizational and operational structure of DARS.
DARS Office Locations Locate the closest DARS office near you.
- Blind Services (DBS) Offices
- Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Programs
- Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Offices
Consumer Success Stories Read about consumers who have received services through DARS programs and how their lives have been changed.
Contact Us Call, write, email, or fax the Department to learn about programs, services, and how to file a complaint.
You can report suspected waste, fraud or abuse in health and human services programs to the HHSC Office of Inspector General online or by calling 800-436-6184. You may also make a report to the Texas State Auditor's Office by calling 800-TX-AUDIT.
