The department must create programs and services for individuals who are deaf-blind with multiple disabilities, and the executive commissioner must make regulations to run them.
Sec. 22.036. PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF-BLIND WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES AND THEIR PARENTS. (a) The department shall establish programs to serve individuals who are deaf-blind with multiple disabilities by helping them attain self-sufficiency and independent living. (b) The department shall establish a program of parental counseling for the parents of individuals who are deaf-blind with multiple disabilities. The counseling program may be provided on an individual or group basis and must include programs, activities, and services necessary to foster greater understanding and to improve relationships among professionals, parents, and individuals who are deaf-blind with multiple disabilities. (c) The department shall establish a summer outdoor training program for individuals who are deaf-blind with multiple disabilities. The outdoor training program must be designed to help meet the unique needs of individuals who are deaf-blind with multiple disabilities for the purpose of broadening their educational experiences and improving their ability to function more independently. (d) The executive commissioner shall establish regulations for implementing and administering the programs. (e) The department may contract for services or goods with private or public entities for purposes of this section. (f) From information collected from the programs, the department shall determine the need for related future services and the most efficient and effective method of delivering the future services. Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 619, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1505, Sec. 1.05, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 4.034, eff. April 2, 2015.