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?
If your child has both vision and hearing loss, your child and your family may get:
- Technical assistance and consultation services
- Resources on educational intervener trainings
- Information on deafblindness, including effective strategies to support children with combined hearing and vision loss
- Information and support in finding local, state and national resources
Where Can I Apply for Services?
You can:
- Email the Blind Children’s Program at BlindChildrensProgram@hhsc.state.tx.us
- 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
7701 Metropolis Drive
Building 12, Ste. 100
MC: 0172
Austin TX 78744
Beaumont
409-730-1098
3105 Executive Blvd.
MC: 0291
Beaumont, TX 77708
Bryan College Station
979-776-7492
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
214-638-7575
1545 W Mockingbird Lane
MC: 0889
Dallas, TX 75235
Irving
972-721-6580
440 S. Nursery Road
MC: 1469
Irving, TX 75060
El Paso
915-834-7072
401 E. Franklin Ave., Ste. #240
MC: 6900
El Paso, TX 79901
Fort Worth
817-535-3893
4733 E. Lancaster Ave.
MC: 1469
Fort Worth, TX 76103
Harlingen
956-365-0129
3625 W. Business 83
MC: 1606
Harlingen, TX 78552
Houston
713-696-3669
1459 E 45th St.
MC: 1737
Houston, TX 77022
Laredo
956-764-6284
1500 N. Arkansas
MC: 2031
Laredo, TX 78043
Lubbock
806-783-6630
6302 Iola St.
MC:2171
Lubbock, TX 79424
McAllen
956-971-1281
4501 West Business 83
MC: 2222
McAllen, TX 78501
Odessa
432-334-5624
3016 Kermit Highway
MC: 2503
Odessa, TX 79764-7307
San Angelo
325-659-7653
622 South Oakes, Ste. D
MC: 6979
San Angelo, TX 76903-7013
San Antonio
210-619-8147
11307 Roszell
MC: 2794
San Antonio, TX 78217
Southeast Houston
713-948-7965
10060 Fuqua
MC: 6949
Houston, TX 77089-1337
Tyler
903-595-4841
3303 Mineola Highway
Tyler, TX 75702
Victoria
361-574-7342
2306 Leary Lane
MC: 3192
Victoria, TX 77901
Waco
254-750-9623
801 Austin Ave., #710
MC: 6820
Waco, TX 76701-1937
Wichita Falls
940-720-8446
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.