Each year, hundreds of Texas families turn to Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) for information and support for their children who are blind or visually impaired. A blind children's specialist from the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program (BCVDDP) works with each child and family to create a service plan tailored to the child's needs and circumstances. It’s a flexible document that will develop along with the child.
How Do I know if my Child is Eligible?
Children between the ages of birth and 22 years who live in Texas and have vision impairment may be eligible for services. See the information below to apply for services.
What Services Can my Child Receive?
The program offers services tailored to each child and family's needs and circumstances. BCVDDP can:
- Help children develop the confidence and competence needed to be an active part of their community
- Provide support and training to parents and caretakers so they understand their rights and responsibilities throughout the educational process
- Assist children and their families in the vocational discovery and development process
- Provide training to increase children independence and ability to participate in vocational related activities
- Provide information about additional resources
By working with the entire family, HHS can help children develop the concepts and skills needed to realize their full potential.
What Services can my Child Who is Deafblind Receive?
BCVDDP has deafblind specialists who work statewide with families and children who are deafblind. Deafblind specialists collaborate with families and the child’s blind children’s specialist to develop an individualized family service plan that meets the unique needs of a child with a combined vision and hearing loss. Some services BCVDDP deafblind specialists offer are:
- Specialized consultation and planning services based on the current needs of the child
- Effective strategies to support children with combined vision and hearing loss
- Technical assistance
- Recommendation of resources
- Deafblind communication information
- Collaboration with deafblind community partners to provide resources and trainings to children and their families
Where Can I Apply for Services?
You can:
- Email the Blind Children’s Program at BlindChildrensProgram@hhs.texas.gov
- Call the HHS Office of the Ombudsman
- 877-787-8999, select a language, and then select Option 3.
- Submit your request online
- You also can contact a local office to learn more.
Local Offices
Abilene
325-795-5845
4601 South First, Suite M
Abilene, TX 79605-1463
P.O. Box 521
MC: 6846
Abilene, TX 79604-0521
Amarillo
806-351-3881
28 Western Plaza Drive
MC: 0052
Amarillo, TX 79109
Austin
512-416-5263
6400 East Highway 290
Building 100, Ste 101
MC: 0228
Austin TX 78723
Beaumont
409-730-1098
3105 Executive Blvd.
MC: 0291
Beaumont, TX 77708
Bryan College Station
979-776-7497
3000 East Villa Maria Road
MC: 7331
Bryan, TX 77803
Corpus Christi
361-878-7707
4410 Dillon Lane
MC: 0734
Corpus Christi, TX 78415
Dallas
214-239-6249
5455 Blair Road
MC: 0882
Dallas, TX 75231
El Paso
915-834-7078
401 E. Franklin Ave., Ste. #240
MC: 6900
El Paso, TX 79901
Houston
713-696-3666
5425 Polk Street
MC: 1756
Houston, TX 77023
Laredo
956-764-6284
1500 N. Arkansas
MC: 2031
Laredo, TX 78043
Lubbock
806-783-6630
6302 Iola St.
MC:2171
Lubbock, TX 79424
Odessa
432-334-5624
3016 Kermit Highway
MC: 2503
Odessa, TX 79764-7307
San Angelo
325-659-7604
622 South Oakes, Ste. E
MC: 2777
San Angelo, TX 76903-7013
San Antonio
210-871-6406
11307 Roszell
MC: 2794
San Antonio, TX 78217
Tyler
903-595-4218
3303 Mineola Highway
MC: 3137
Tyler, TX 75702
Waco
254-750-9623
801 Austin Ave.
MC: 6820
Waco, TX 76701-1937
Wichita Falls
940-720-8405
1328 Oakhurst Drive
MC: 3323
Wichita Falls, TX 76302
What Are My Child’s Rights?
Texas Health and Human Services is committed to providing services to our applicants and clients in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner. This obligation to comply with federal and state laws and regulations extends to service contractors, as well as any other agency, institution, or organization participating in a health and human services program by contract or other arrangements.
The Civil Rights Office has the responsibility to:
- Investigate claims of discrimination
- Conduct new, periodic, and special compliance reviews of offices, programs, and contractors
- Provide training and guidance
- Take other appropriate steps to ensure that programs and services do not discriminate.
For more information, visit the Civil Rights Office website.