Revision 14-1; Effective September 22, 2014

Outdoor Camping Experience

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is mandated by the Human Resource Code, Chapter 22, Section 22.036 (c), to fund outdoor camping for individuals who are deafblind. These individuals would otherwise be unable to participate in summer camps. DADS procures a vendor through an invitation to bid process. The vendor enters into a contract for one year with three additional one-year terms. The vendor agrees to provide:

• a five-day summer camp for up to 80 people who are deafblind with multiple disabilities;
• eligibility determination of campers;
• two licensed registered nurses;
• a 1:2 staff-individual ratio;
• arrangements and payment for transportation;
• room and board;
• two qualified deafblind specialist providers who are present for consultation and training with service providers; and
• camping activities, including at a minimum:
  • swimming,
  • water sports,
  • horseback riding,
  • arts and crafts, and
  • nature studies.

Annual Family Training and Conference

DADS is mandated in the Human Resource Code, Chapter 22, Section 22.036 (b), to fund training for families of individuals who are deafblind with multiple disabilities. This training encourages parents to network with each other. It also presents educational subjects relating to deafblindness. Deafblind individuals are given an opportunity for socialization outside of educational and adaptive behavior training. This training is coordinated with the Deaf Blind Multi-handicapped Association of Texas. It is also coordinated with the Helen Keller National Center, Texas School for the Blind, Texas Deaf Blind Project and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. DADS procures a vendor through an invitation for bid process. The vendor enters into a contract for one year with three additional one-year terms. The vendor agrees to provide:

• facilities for a three-day conference, including:
  • air conditioned cabins (or hotel rooms) to accommodate at least 230 participants and staff;
  • a camp accessible to individuals who are deafblind and to people who have severe disabilities;
  • a dining room that can accommodate at least 230 participants and staff;
  • a meeting room that can comfortably accommodate at least 125 people for two days of training sessions; and
  • an infirmary with an exam area and sick bay.
• the following activities at a level appropriate for individuals who are deafblind with multiple disabilities, and their siblings:
  • an accessible swimming pool and/or challenge course, as needed;
  • arts and crafts;
  • nature education; and
  • sports and games; and
• staff, to include:
  • an on-site camp director;
  • a licensed registered nurse;
  • a child care coordinator;
  • lifeguards;
  • direct care staff (1:2 ratio); and
  • interpreters (Spanish and Sign Language).